A/N: Thanks for the reviews, everyone! They make me write a lot faster and I really do appreciate them! I hope you continue to review and like my fic. Heeeeere's chapter ten!
Chapter Ten: A Little Initiative
Why does time seem to go by so quickly when you are having a good fun? That is what Buffy would have asked herself if she were not in the middle of a fight at the moment. Well actually she was just standing on the sidelines with a little smirk on her face. It was Faith who was doing all of the work. Point however is that an entire week had gone by in the blink of an eye, and here they were still together and not getting on each others' nerves. Really it was like some kind of record; they should be in the books.
After talking to Angel and seeing what he thought of the moving idea since he'd be footing the bill, they gathered up their things and rented Cordelia's old apartment. Dennis the ghost was still around and seemingly happy to have friends of the comatose brunette near him once again. The first few days had been odd but now the blonde was used to finding her clothes folded or dishes put away. It was like having a super cool maid that you didn't have to pay!
The only thing that still surprised her was the fact that Dawn had elected not to join them. She remained at the Hyperion with everyone else, and the Slayer felt a small tad of jealously over that. They were sisters, and although they didn't always get along it just seemed right for them to shack up together. Especially what with their mom being dead and all. But she tried not to fret that much. The teenager did have more people to talk to at the hotel, more people her age who probably 'got' her. Besides Willow was there to make sure everything would be alright.
The witch and her girlfriend were better but not fixed. She wasn't hanging out with Fred that much anymore, but the tension was still around. It just appeared that now that the thrill of danger was gone, they were left with only each other. They both had habits and vices that the other didn't know about, not to mention secrets. Willow knew she cared about Kennedy very much, but apart of her wondered if that were truly enough. That 'thing' was missing. That thing that brought the fire that Buffy used to go on about. At the time it hadn't made sense but now it was crystal clear.
As for the others well; when Xander wasn't hanging around or kidding around with the former Potentials, he was visiting Cordy in the hospital. He felt that if he talked to her enough, perhaps even made her angry enough she'd wake up just to have the chance to call him something mean. It was futile of course but that tiny pang of guilt just wouldn't let him rest.
All those over twenty five hadn't changed; meaning Giles and Wesley were still British, Wood was still charming and Angel was still grr. Even Gunn was still street smart and cool.
Snapping back to the matter at hand, the former Sunnydale resident twirled her stake in her hand and watched the lone female vampire as she stumbled into a wall by a large dumpster. The alley was dimly lit by the hovering full moon and dank, with several crates tossed here and there. A kick to her mid-section sent her tumbling to the ground; her three friends already long dusted. A smarter person would have ran away after seeing their demise, but there was always that one that thought they would get lucky. And not just end up really dead.
The immortal lunged at her attacker, delivering a right hook across her cheek. She tried to pounce but found herself sailing through the air again, crashing hard into a box that some homeless person might have used as a home. She was kicked in the stomach and then jerked onto her back before being stabbed in the heart. As she exploded into a dark cloud of dust, Faith smirked over to her fellow Slayer.
"Thanks for not helpin', B." She stood and stuck her stake back into her jacket pocket.
"Like you didn't have it totally under control." The blonde snorted playfully. "Besides, I was enjoyin' watching you move."
"You wanna see me move, Blondie? Lift the panty ban." Stretching, she strolled over and glanced around.
"All in good time." Her partner giggled, hooking their arms together. "C'mon let's go get something to eat. I know you're probably starvin' right about now..."
"I could eat."
"Yeah, and that didn't sound the least bit sexual."
"Now who's mind is in the gutter?"
"Not me. I-I'm the good one."
Laughing, the Bostonian gave her a jerk as they started down the block. It had been an entire week since their first date. Since Principal Wood returned and used his perceptive intellect to make sure they were both on the same wave length. Things were good for lack of a better word. During the day Faith would let Buffy drag her to this store or that flea market, buying ridiculously cute things for their new apartment. She wondered if Angel really didn't mind paying for the furniture, but she suspected he was enjoying the same thing that she was. Happy Buffy.
Happy Buffy was unlike any Buffy she had ever encountered before. She smiled for no reason and whined a whole lot less. Spent most of her time reading fashion magazines or stuffing her face with sugary treats. Anyone who knew her could tell that heavy weight had been lifted off her shoulders, and really it affected all of their moods. They weren't singin' in the rain or shit like that, but their glasses definitely had a bit of rose tint to them.
"I saw this amazin' hat rack at the Pottery Barn."
"We don't wear hats."
"So? We-we could put scarves on it. Scarves are nice, they keep your neck warm."
"I don't wear scarves."
Scrunching up her nose, the blonde smirked and took her partner's arm, slinging it over her shoulder. "What about when we have guests over and they wear scarves, but don't have a place to put them?"
"All this crap you keep gettin' for the place; does that mean we're gonna stay in L.A.?" Faith inquired with a raised brow.
A shrug. "Maybe. I dunno. I think I have a problem."
"Ya think?" The ex-con chuckled. "We really do need to decide somethin' though eventually, B. I kinda wanna see the world."
"Me too." A sigh. "But...the hat rack. Pretty. And shiny."
Snorting, the brunette steered them towards the nearest diner and through the door. Once inside, she broke away with a yawn. "Aight order me somethin' good but no stupid salads. I'm gonna hit the head, I gotta pee like a race horse."
Buffy stepped up to the counter. "Thanks for the imagery." Smiling at the wink she received, she read over the menu and bit her bottom lip.
"May I take your order?" Asked the young clerk.
She nodded. "Yeah okay um, can I have two of your house specials but one with no pickles and one with extra tomatoes. Oh and a side of apple pie with whip cream on top." A beat. "Do you have any non-fat yogurt?"
"Mighty big meal for such a little person." Came a voice behind her.
Turning slowly, she blinked and actually gulped, surprised. "Riley."
And there he stood still impossibly tall; Riley Finn. Dressed in jeans and a simple t-shirt, he smiled and shoved his hands into his pockets. "Hey Buffy. Didn't expect to see you here, though we do tend to meet in fast food places."
"I um...food." Frowning, she continued. "What are you doing here? I thought you and Sam were goin' to shoot demons in the Amazon or something."
He grinned. "We did and the mission went really well. Actually this is just a stop over, we're heading to Peru in the morning but Sam wanted to visit her family just in case something bad happened." He watched her pay for the food. "I heard about Sunnydale."
Wetting her lips, the petite female stepped to the side to let someone else order. "Right...right. It was trippy but the day was saved."
"That's good. I'm glad that you are okay."
"Thanks."
A moment of silence passed and then he was speaking again. "So...where is everyone else? Did they make it?"
She smiled. "Yeah actually, well we lost a few but most of us did. Willow, Xander, Dawn and Giles are all fine and staying with friends."
He meet her gaze. "Are you still with...him?"
"Him? Oh, Spike? No no that...no." She laughed nervously. "That ended a long time ago and he died helping us destroy The First. And-and I wasn't really with him. It's-we were complicated" A pause. "I'm seeing someone else now, and I'm really happy."
"That's great Buffy." He replied sincerely. "If anyone deserves to be happy it's you. If you don't mind my askin', what's his name?"
"Beefstick?" Of course Faith picked the perfect time to come back from the restroom. "Yo, ain't this a small world."
The former farm boy blinked. "You. But-I thought..." He glanced to the older Slayer for answers.
She was wishing the floor would open up and swallow her down. "Riley, you remember Faith." Sure he did; they'd slept together once upon a time. "Um, she also helped us with the trouble in Sunnydale. She's like totally reformed now."
The Bostonian smirked and gave him a nod. "Yup." Highly amused, she slipped her left arm around the other girl's waist, hooking her slender fingers through the loops of her jeans. "So what brings ya to the city of angels?"
"Visting the in-laws." A brow arched as he watched their interactions. "Then heading back to work."
"Wicked." A beat. "We're sorta playin' around too til the princess here decides where she wants to go."
Rubbing her cheek, the Californian looked between the two of them and snickered to herself. It figured that Faith would try to mark her territory in a way, it was just like her to say back off man, she's mine. Resting her head to her shoulder, she gazed up at her ex with big green eyes. "Earlier when you asked to know his name; the guy I'm seein'? It's...Faith. I'm with Faith now."
"Really?" He inquired, completely stunned by the admission. "That's...wow. I mean from what you told me about her and what she did, and then you being you...I don't think wow is a strong enough word. Are you sure this isn't some kinda spell like the whole marryin' Spike thing?"
"Hey!" The younger of the three snapped, frowning. "Wait, you were gonna marry Spike?"
"No it's not a spell." Buffy said quickly. "I-I know I said a lot of things when-when she showed up again, and they were true. But...well people change, Riley. I'm not the same person you knew..."
That was an understatement. "I get that but...wow. I guess never saw you as the type to date a girl. Especially not her."
Why did everyone keep saying that? "Look I know Faith isn't-well she isn't..." Trailing off, she frowned. "Faith is a good person and that's what I need in my life right now. She was there for me when-when everything else was falling apart. And I'm tired of people looking at me like I'm crazy! I'm not crazy."
The brunette felt her lips curving up into a smile. She'd never get tired of the other girl taking up for her. "I know the drill college boy. Ya just wanna check in and see if she's blah blah blah; I get it. I'm the big bad and you wanna make sure Goldilocks hasn't been eaten by the three bears." A pause. "She hasn't. Not yet anyway..."
He cleared his throat. "Well that's...nice. It was nice to see you again, Buffy. I'm glad you're 'up' instead of down this time around."
"Likewise." She offered up a small grin. "Stay safe."
"You too." He replied, wanting to say more but knowing it wasn't his place.
Grabbing up their bags, Faith gave him a wink and took the other Slayer's hand, pulling her from the restaurant. After a few yards had been covered, she snorted. "Wonder who's gonna be the next person to make sure I don't have ya doin' crack or workin' the strip?"
The blonde chuckled, lacing their fingers together. "Well you can't really blame them. You went all hatchetey murdery once upon time and that kinda thing tends to stick with people. But who cares what he thinks? Everyone who matters is okay with it and that is all that...well matters."
"Thanks for stickin' up for me."
"Of course. Like I'd let someone bad mouth my girlfriend."
"So...it's official now?"
"Hm. I guess it is. That's okay...right?"
"Five by five."
"Thanks for the ride, Xander!" The horn beeped twice and Buffy waved before heading inside. She stretched and yawned, covering her mouth before rubbing her eyes. As usual she had went by the hotel to check on Dawn and make sure she was behaving. And as usual Giles had cornered her in the hallway to ask what her plans were concerning the former Potentials. In truth she wasn't sure, exactly. She knew some training place or whatever was a good idea, but really she just wanted him to do all the ground work and she'd just sign her name later on. It didn't help that a simple locater spell Willow performed found so many new Slayers, the map had burst into flames. The hotel was already old, burning it down would have been easy.
Glancing to the empty space that was just made for a hat rack, she snickered and strolled more into the room. A lamp near the window was on but that was it, however she could hear the thump of the new stereo in the bedroom letting her know Faith was more or less inside. Smiling and kicking off her pretty shoes, she padded back and opened the door to find the brunette on the floor doing sit ups to the beat of Depeche Mode's I Am You.
"Hey."
"Sup?"
"Bored?"
"Horny."
"Ahh." Laughing, the blonde threw herself onto the bed and stared at the ceiling. "Maybe you should listen to somethin' else then. Like that Kids Bop album or somethin'."
Faith snorted and stood, crawling into her normal spot beside her partner. "Like that would change anythin'."
The Californian shrugged all nonchalant. "Well music has been known to affect ones mood. I just think listenin' to say A Whole New World might get rid of your...itch." A beat. "Or I could take pity on you and show you my totally awesome rack."
"I've seen ya rack before..." The other female mused. "Durin' the whole body swap shit. First thing I did as Buffy was strip naked and check out my new ride."
A smirk. "Hehe not surprised. I'm very cute. I was too freaked out, not to mention locked in a van to even think about looking under my clothes."
"Yeah well, I totally touched myself. Several times." She laughed as a tiny fist hit her arm with serious power. "Ow, B. Keep this up and I'm gonna call the cops on you."
"Yeah right. The cops are the man and you do not like 'the man'."
"The old me didn't like 'the man'. The new me is a model citizen."
"Didn't you steal a salted pretzel from that vendor guy the other day?"
"His fault. He turned his back, yo."
"Criminal."
"Prom queen."
"Delinquent."
"Cheerleader."
Ten Minutes Later...
"Oh god, yeah right there! Oh god, harder! Harder! Don't stop, oooh!" A pause. "Noo, why did you stop? I wasn't done."
The Bostonian cracked her knuckles loudly. "Dude, I'm not gonna scratch your frickin' back all night long." She flopped onto her back, running a hand through her hair. "Use that thing in the bathroom that feels like frickin' sand paper."
Pouting and whimpering like a sad puppy, the elder Slayer wiggled and tried to reach the itch herself. When that didn't work, she growled and pounced on her girlfriend, straddling her. "Pleeeeeeease! I-I'll totally leave you alone if-if you do it one more time. It's driving me insane!"
"Nope." The ex con replied, arching a brow. "You sure you wanna be on me like this?"
Buffy bit her bottom lip, trying to answer that question in her mind. She felt...well she felt kinda giddy for some reason and she couldn't explain why. The most logical reason would be she was happy but after living on a Hellmouth for several years, she tended to look at the weird side of things. A spell? Maybe Willow was messin' with some magics that suddenly made her want some serious kissage.
Or maybe it was just because Faith was so gorgeous. Even just lying there in her boy shorts and tank top, brown eyes flashing with that predatory look, she looked like she should be a model or something. And then she was giggling at the thought of the former criminal strutting down the run way like Naomi Campbell. And besides she'd never needed a reason to make out with any of her other significant others. Also what better way to celebrate giving their 'thing' a title than with a little...unnh.
Snapping back to attention, she cleared her throat. "Well I-I mean we can...ya know. Um...uh...stuff. Se-second base kinda stuff. If you...want."
The brunette had learned by now that Buffy moved to the beat of her own drums and all that kinda shit that basically meant she was different. One minute her back was itching and the next she wanted to fool around; did other people switch gears so quick? Deciding that she didn't care because she was about to explode from no sex, she smoothed her hands under the other female's white blouse, pushing it up until it was off and being tossed to the floor. She wasn't surprised to discover that she was one of those chicks that wore Victoria Secret undies just to hang out with friends.
Smirking, she sat up and touched the blonde's face, feeling her soft peach skin. Wrapping her hand around the back of her neck, she pulled her lover closer and kissed her. Their lips instantly parted, their tongues snaking out to caress and wrap around each other in a sensual dance, eager to taste one another. It was slow at first, but then suddenly escalated into hot and needy. Her hands inched up her chest and squeezed her bra covered breasts, feeling their weight and shape.
Buffy's head was spinning, her flesh warming up like she was caught in the middle of a summer heat wave. She moaned against the younger girl's mouth and reached behind her own back, unclasping the sexy garment. It slipped off her arms without much trouble, and then she realized with crystal clarity that she was very topless for the first time with...Faith. It made her nervous but also free, like they had finally come full circle if that made any sense at all.
Ducking her head with flushed cheeks, she touched her swollen lips and sighed. The former fugitive watched her intensely, silently asking if she wanted to stop. But she didn't want too; well she did but just not right at this second. Smiling lightly, Buffy took her girlfriend's hands and put them to her naked skin, closing her eyes. She just needed...something.
The Boston girl licked her pouty lips and swallowed hard, trying to keep up her normal bravado. Not braggin' but she'd been on both sides of the fence, was a stranger to neither but this was far out. This was like a dream. Checking herself, she licked a wet stripe on the silky flesh before her, from collar bone to shoulder. Her tongue traced down the valley between the blonde's bust, daring to circle each nipple afterwards. She felt the shudder that ripped through the smaller woman and smirked, sucking and nibbling, trying her best to leave a mark somewhere, anywhere. To her amusement one bloomed right above the pebble hard bud, and would surely be seen if she wore a low enough shirt.
Just as fingers entwined in her dark locks, a loud thump sounded outside of the room. Buffy jerked. "What was that?"
"It was probably just Dennis." Faith murmured as she continued to nip at her skin.
"Do you think he's watching us?" She gasped, grabbing the pillow and wedging it in-between them.
"Who cares, B. Ain't like he can get off on it. He has no dick to rub."
"True...I guess."
Though now the mood was broken. Thanks a lot, Dennis.
"Sides, I kinda like the idea of an audience." The younger Slayer teased with a wink.
Smirking, the former Sunnydale resident chuckled. "You would..." She looked down and blinked. "You gave me a hickey!"
A grin. "Duh. Did you expect anythin' other than a brandin'?"
No. "Um...th-this was...nice. We should do it uh...again. Sometime."
The brunette laughed, but nodded. "Aight. Uh B, you don't gotta be all squeamish and ya don't gotta ask permission. Next time ya want me, just take me. I'm down."
"Noted." The only question was however, was she down yet?