Copyright Disclaimer : Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Willow, Tara, Xander, Giles and all other characters who have appeared in the syndicated series Buffy The Vampire Slayer, together with the names, titles and back story are the sole copyright property of Joss Wheldon, Fox and Mutant Enemy. No copyright infringement was intended in the writing of this fan fiction. All other characters, the story idea and the story itself are the sole property of the authors. This story cannot be sold or used for profit in any way. Please contact the authors for permission to reproduce this story on any other fan fiction site.

Paring : Willow / Tara - Buffy / Other - Set in Season Seven, but as you will see quickly veers away from the events presented. The First is still the big bad, there is a gaggle of SIT's in town but something very different is about to happen…

Rating : M Contains scenes of violence, sexuality and nudity

Shades Of Grey : Part Eleven.

"Did you hear something?" Willow questioned rather breathlessly looking to the hallway as her concentration was pulled rather unwontedly away from the hands that were massaging across her stomach.

"I wasn't actually listening." Tara replied honestly drawing her hands back to her own body.

"Oh no baby, I didn't mean to interrupt." Willow looked back. "Just you know with all that is going on." She listened and didn't hear anything. "No screaming, it must have just been someone snoring or something." She tilted up to Tara. "Where were we?"

"Let me go check." Tara flipped back the light cover that was over them and swung her bare legs out of the bed.

"Baby I'm sure its fine." Willow objected softly.

"It caught your attention which means it will worry you." Tara shook her head and hurried naked to the door, pulling the robe off the hook on it she slid it onto her body.

"But if it is something." Willow pushed up following her.

"If it's something, I can deal." Tara turned and looked at the redhead.

"I love you." Willow grinned proudly.

Tara eased out into the hallway and took a few hesitant steps down towards the other rooms coming to a gentle stop, a slow smile crossed her face as she tuned in to the noise and the obvious cause. Turning she tiptoed back down the hall going into there room and easing the door closed. Shrugging off her robe she hung it back on the door.

"You're smiling, everything must be okay." Willow watched her come back in.

"It is." Tara crept back to the bed and eased between the sheets.

"What was it?" Willow snuggled close to her immediately.

"Buffy." Tara replied drawing her fingers up through red hair as Willow settled on her shoulder.

"Buffy?" Willow questioned immediately. "Is she okay?"

"I think so." Tara nodded trying not to smirk.

"I see that." Willow leaned over a bit reaching up to tap her lip. "What's going on?"

"Trust me, I think her and Owl are fine." Tara remained tight-lipped.

"Her and Owl?" Willow raised an eyebrow. "But if it was a good thing and not a bad thing then it sounded like someone..." Her eyes went wider. "Are you saying?" She couldn't even say it.

"They could just be playing monopoly." Tara offered an innocent answer.

"We don't own monopoly." Willow shook her head.

"Maybe Owl brought it with her?" Tara chuckled.

"What did you hear!" Willow pressed her for information.

"Willow!" Tara chided her softly. "Personal time is personal." She tapped her lover's nose lightly.

"So you confirm you heard personal time." Willow grinned. "Personal time between Buffy and Owl."

"If you are that interested go 'check for danger'." Tara giggled glancing at the door.

"Doesn't that border on creep factor?" Willow bit her lip. "I mean I don't really want to hear Buffy..." She though about it and then firmly shook her head. "No, I don't want to hear that."

"Are you sure?" Tara teased tickling her lover's ear lightly.

"Oh course I don't." Willow shook her head. "I just can't believe... she's... with a girl."

"Why?" Tara asked innocently. "Is there a homophobic Willow in there trying to get out."

"No!" She shook her head. "Just, you know Buffy. She likes the stick."

"There could be stick." Tara teased even more, winking with a broad grin.

"Oh yes, I can see Owl with the stick." Willow grinned laughing.

"Have you been having naughty other women thoughts Ms. Rosenberg?" Tara giggled.

"Never. Just thinking about you and..." She giggled back.

"Me and..." Tara leaned in and rubbed noses with the redhead.

"Mmmm me." Willow tilted her head bringing her lips to Tara's.

"Good." Tara pressed into their kiss.

Willow found all other thoughts floating away as her lips played over those of the blonde's, every ounce of her attention on the soft skin and breath that poured out over her face.

"How are you feeling?" Tara asked breaking the kiss but not pulling away.

"Like I want to make love to you until the dawn." Willow whispered tracing her fingers over Tara's collarbone.

"Really." Tara felt a shiver race up her spine.

"Every night." The redhead nodded.

"Even when I'm old and grey and can't find my slippers?" Tara beamed.

"Especially then." Willow leaned kissing between her breasts.

"Or when the children have had us up on the hour every hour wanting feedings or diaper changes." Tara's blue eyes dipped closed under the kisses.

"It will have to be a quickie so we don't miss the next feeding, but yes." Willow kissed over the top of her right breast.

"What about when its Christmas morning we've just got all the presents in the right place, I've got out of my Santa suit and you've taken off your Rudolf head, it's four thirty and you know the children will be bouncing on our bed at five." Tara reached up stroking Willow's shoulder.

"Mmmm just enough time." Willow kissed in a circle around her nipple.

"What about when our youngest moves out, leaving us alone in the house together for the first time in twenty five years?" Tara moaned softly as her nipple reacted almost instantly to the kisses close by.

"Champagne, chocolate covered strawberries and naked on the living room floor."
Willow finally placed a kiss over the hard flesh.

"Mmmmmmm ohhh Willow." Tara curled the fingers of her other hand into red hair making sure that her lover didn't stray far from excited flesh.

"Every time I can I want to make love to you." Willow wound her tongue around the stiff nipple.

"And I want you too and to make love to you as soon as I get the strength again." She smiled her eyes still closed.

"Are you too tired?" Willow checked softly as she kissed where she was teasing.

"No, no." Tara shook her head. "I want you to make love to me baby." She added softly.

"Mmmm good." Willow ran her lip along the nipple she teased closing her eyes as she memorized the texture and taste of Tara's skin.

"I love you Willow." Tara breathed out, arching her back slightly.

"Mmmm I love you." Willow closed her lips and suckled teasing.

"Still my breast girl." Tara stroked red hair.

"My favourite breasts." Willow leaned back a little and looked at where she was kissing before she began licking and sucking more.

"So should I keep the tan up?" Tara stroked red hair over and over.

"Mmmm yes please." Willow groaned kissing and licking every inch of Tara's right breast before she sighed and moved to the other one.

"I'm going to have to remember we're not in our little love apartment anymore." The blonde reminded herself.

"You can blame it on Buffy." Willow shifted so that her licking and sucking of Tara's sun kissed skin reached more area.

"I'm not so much thinking blame, I'm thinking noise level." Tara admitted.

"I meant noise." Willow giggled as she kissed between the two rich swells.

"Oh." Tara giggled. "Sorry not thinking, blood else where."

"Where baby?" Willow teased leaning back up to kiss her lips lightly.

"You know where." Tara blushed.

"To your fingers." Willow brought one up and kissed the tips.

"No." Tara shook her head tracing her fingertip around the lips that kissed it.

"Oh to your arms." Willow leaned in a bit kissing her forearm and then her elbow.

"Not so much." Tara breathed a little faster.

"Your shoulders?" Willow questioned kissing each of them.

"A little lower baby."

"Tummy?" Willow teased bringing her fingers down to twirl around Tara's belly button.

"Closer." Tara breathed in the muscles in her stomach fluttering.

"Oh I know your thighs?" Willow purposely shifted her hand sliding down over Tara's hips and skirting around on her right thigh.

"There's possibly still some in there." Tara felt her body tremble.

"But not the most of it?" Willow checked sliding it up the inside but stopping a few inches away from where she knew Tara wanted her fingers.

"No, most of it is where you have caused it to be." Tara blinked her blue eyes open and smirked at her lover.

"Me?" Willow faked innocence. "What have I done?" She slowly dragged one finger up and slid it through neatly kept hair to wind in a slow circle without any pressure.

"Willow." Tara shook her head. "You turned a shy, scared, stuttering witch into… Mmmmmm." She had to stop to moan in pleasure. "Into what I am now, your sensual, sexual, incredibly turned on lover."

"How turned on?" Willow felt her body shivering as the words flowed through caressing her. She slid her finger down carving out the slight indentation that promised so much waiting beyond.

"Find out baby." Tara urged her. "Please."

Willow took the immediate cue and pushed in through swollen outer lips, groaning as she was engulfed by the hidden pool within and drawn deeper.

"Yes." Tara closed her eyes again in pure pleasure, her hips rising up off the bed slightly.

Slowly Willow slid her finger all the way forward until it threatened to slide out and then slid it all the way back circling.

"Oh Willow." Tara breathed out. "That turned on." She felt her body shiver.

"Goddess baby I will never be ready for just how good you feel." Willow ran her fingers back and forth, carving out the hard rise of Tara's centre before she eased down and slipped inside just a bit.

"Oh you may." Tara purred. "In a hundred years or so."

"Never." Willow twirled inside playing with flexing warm muscles.

"Ohhhh Willow." Tara's hips pushed higher before she slid her leg to the side more, giving her lover more room and easier access. Willow gladly took the invitation pressing in deeper in a slow thrust before she pulled out. "Oh Willow, you've... I'm so close." Tara bit her lip slightly recognizing her body fast reaction to Willow's touches.

"And if I touch here?" Willow brought her thumb around pressing against Tara's centre.

Tara's hips bucked up, before the witch thought to control the wave of pleasure, a hard low groan escaping from her open mouth.

"I know my baby likes that." Willow pressed in while her finger twirled inside.

"You know my body so well." Tara agreed her breath shortening into soft pants. "I really am yours."

"Just as I'm yours." The redhead vowed swirling her thumb to match the motion inside.

Tara felt her hips take on a familiar comfortable flex her light pants becoming a little louder and faster.

"Just like that baby." Willow soothed dipping her lips to lick and suck at her nipple.

"How do you... every time..." Tara breathed out feeling her body warming through.

"Because I love you." Willow whispered between licks, she kept the movements of her hand constant and steady.

"Still." Tara breathed her hips flicking higher.

"Always." Willow breathed speeding up the movement now wanting Tara to know just how constant her love had been.

"Oh yes." Tara breathed more than happy at both the sentiment and the movement, her body picking up the tempo easily.

Willow busied her lips again, sucking and nibbling as her thumb swirled faster and she slipped in a second finger. Tara's body relaxed willing to accept more from her lover, but closing tightly around the new offering though covering it quickly with thick warm arousal. A deep groan came instantly as Willow moved in faster, wanting to draw out more and more of the wet response.

Tara felt her body eagerly providing the lubrication her lover sought. Her muscles flexed and spasmed slightly around Willow's fingers, coating them over and over as her excitement grew.

"Yes baby yes." Willow encouraged the changes in Tara's body as she flicked her thumb stroking her fingers in and out. Bright blue eyes flared open and looked at Willow.

"Baby I'm going to... oh sweet mother earth..." Tara's hips bucked a little erratically.

Willow closed her lips again, sucking hard as she sped up her hand trying to keep up a rhythm as Tara's body rocked beneath her.

"Oh Willow, Oh Willow, oh Willow." Tara's mantra like moan grew in volume as she raced higher towards release, her inner muscles tightening trying to pull the redhead in deeper.

Willow groaned with her, flicking her tongue inside her mouth over just the tip of Tara's nipples. She let the blonde's body grip and flex around her fingers, pressing them in deep ad leaving them there.

Tara's muscles flexed and then locked around the redhead's fingers when they adjusted to the sudden stillness, gripping tightly as the whole of Tara's body tensed and tremored. Willow waited until she felt spasms beginning inside before she swirled her thumb, riding the hood of flesh over Tara's centre.

"Benevolent Goddess!" Tara suddenly screamed loudly as a hard orgasm rocked her body and soul.

"Oh baby." Willow whimpered tipping her head up to watch her lover as the hard release struck through her and arched her up off the bed.

"Oh Willow, Willow, Willow." Tara panted feeling her spasming body release wave after wave of thick hot honey over her lover's fingers.

"Yes Tara, yes." Willow urged her moving to stroke in and out again through tight muscles.

"Oh Goddess baby, please don't... Don't stop." Tara's body began a second much faster rock and buck off the bed.

"I won't, I don't want to." The redhead soothed her moving with her.

"Don't Goddess don't ever stop touching me." Tara panted.

"Never, I could never do that." Willow locked her wrist and pressed faster.

"Don't baby, ever." Tara shook her head feeling her inner muscles tensing all over again.

"Never." Willow groaned again feeling the way Tara's body gripped her, pulling and pushing her.

Tara wrapped her arm loosely around Willow's head while the fingers of her other hand balled up into the sheet covering the mattress. Willow leaned into her, her hot breath panting over Tara's skin as she pulled out and then boldly pushed in with three fingers bunched together.

"Yes Goddess yes." Tara tipped her head back pushing her hips clear of the mattress, her stomach muscles fluttering and tensing her thigh muscles locking and trembling slightly. The movement didn't get her free from Willow's fingers completely as they slipped in and out of her body. "Willow." Tara's eyes flared wider as she called to her lover, her body loosing a little of its tenseness just so that it could fall into a fast erotic rhythm.

"Yessss." Willow moaned as their bodies slowed to a slow long thrust.

Tara's eyes dipped closed again briefly as she felt every inch of Willow's slow push into her body flattening her hips slightly to change the angle of entry Tara hinted that Willow might want to explore her surroundings more. Th blond witch knew that she was in Willow's hands now, in all ways and that probably one touch of her most sensitive areas would reduce her once more into orgasmic bliss.

Willow let her lover move and settle before she twirled her fingers inside, switching the angle of her wrist so her fingers pressed downward against the blonde's movement.

"Mmmmmm." Tara whimpered in pleasure slightly as Willow made subtle changes.

"Come on top baby." Willow moved slightly urging the blonde around and over her leg.

"On top?" Tara checked that the redhead had uttered the soft words and that she hadn't just made them up in her own bliss filled heady brain.

"On top." Willow instructed again wanting Tara to follow without having to move her hand. Willingly the blonde began the soft transition executing a gentle shift and then settling in her new position over the redhead. "There you go." Willow braced her leg up, rocking her body so that Tara slid against her thigh. Slowly now she pulled her fingers back, making it so that the blonde's open body rested tightly against her skin.

Tara again whimpered in total pleasure as she felt them settle together tight and hot.

"Sweet goddess angel." Tara felt her hip flex pressing her a little down Willow's thigh.

"Mmmm you feel so good." Willow leaned into the bed feeling the hot flush soaking into her skin.

Tara breathed out quickly and then pressed her back upright, tipping her head back and letting her long hair trail down over her back. Reaching her hand behind her she lightly held Willow's other leg and began sliding up and down Willow's thigh. Willow's hands came up as she did, cupping around the blonde's breasts. Catching her bottom lip between her teeth Tara moaned as she felt Willow's hands her nipples hardening more straining to the touch. Willow sprayed each thumb over the hard fleshy tips. Tara's long erotic rhythm was interrupted with a hard buck as she felt the move of Willow's thumbs, the move releasing a wave of arousal between her body and Willow's thigh.

"That's my baby." Willow urged her more brushing her thumbs again.

"Willow you're amazing." Tara breathed out in hard pants.

"No, I just selfishly want to feel you, sliding against me." Willow moaned.

Shifting a little in her position Tara felt her knee nudge up in between her lover's legs as her thigh riding sped up a little.

"Tara!" Willow jolted with the contact, her overly aroused body arching. "Ooh Willow baby." Willow's heat and desire suddenly warmed the skin of Tara's knee, deliberately now she rocked her knee in place as she moved filling her own bodies demands. "Yessss baby." She found her focus on Tara split as her own body was filled with rocked desire as her flush aroused skin was rubbed against Tara's knee.

"Mmmmm Willow." Tara's eyes closed again as she swapped hands, bracing her weight back with one hand on the mattress behind her, the other one sliding up Willow's lowered thigh her own body still gripping and sliding over the redhead's other leg.

Willow forced her eyes open to watch the sensual sight before her.

Aware that her back was tightly arched and her neck tipped back and more than aware of the bounce of her breasts as she rode Willow's leg Tara let herself feel the incredible sexual power between her and Willow. The thoughts caused another soft flood out over the redhead's thigh as she nudged her knee up tighter and moved faster.

"Goddess Tara, Tara." Willow whimpered as her hips started to shiver the muscles of her thigh flexing and releasing against Tara's body. She couldn't believe the jolt of pleasure that was steaming through her body, she felt herself pushed up onto her shoulder blades as she tried to ride the crest of it.

"SWEET WILLOW." Tara gasped as her body jumped from sensual riding to shuddering shaking climax her hand gripping Willow's thigh and the mattress cover as she trembled against her lover's leg breathing out in long staggered breaths. "Oh Willow, Willow." She moaned through the panting.

Willow made the ride harder and harder as her own body flexed and bounced around. She'd lost her voice, reduced to a number of grunts and loud moans, as she didn't feel the orgasming ebbing.

Tara was lost in blissful oblivion as her body danced and rolled in continuous release, held there by the sent and sounds from Willow's climax and the overwhelming high of soul filled love.

Willow wasn't sure when they had started to slow and Tara had tipped forward resting on top of her. What she was first aware of was their breaths, panting together as they tried to catch up with themselves.

"Oh Goddess baby." Tara's damp head rested panting on Willow's chest, her words barely audible.

"I love you." Willow tried to get the words out evenly as she pressed her lips to Tara's hair.

"Tell me I don't have to move." Tara heard the heavy tiredness in her voice. As she let her longer legs slide down the bed rest her body more or less fully onto Willow and the mattress beneath her.

"Don't move." Willow hugged her shaking arm around Tara's back.

Tara lifted a shaky hand and cupped it round one of Willow's small but perfect breasts tipping her head to the side letting her eyes drift close.

"I love you." She kissed the skin beside her mouth.

Willow felt a minor surge of pleasure drive her eyes closed as she settled in with Tara.

"I love you too." She whispered feeling sleep creeping up to take her exhausted and fulfilled body.

-x-

Faith was busy rushing through her fourth bowl of cereal when she saw Willow and Tara come strolling in giggling.

"Hey." She grinned at them widely.

"Good morning Faith." Tara held onto Willow's hand swinging it lightly.

"You sure that's not a great morning?' Faith continued to grin.

"Yes, it is." Willow agreed with her rather caught up in the blonde as she kissed her hand then wandered over to make them toast.

"You want juice sweetie?" Tara bustled over to the fridge humming.

"We all know Willow." Faith grinned putting more cereal in her bowl to use up the milk. "It's... oh goddess oh goddess oh goddess great." She imitated sniggering as she picked up her bowl moving to the living room.

Willow stood there with her jaw hanging open as she stared at Faith's back and it took all of Tara's strength not to drop the juice bottle in her hand as she turned and looked at Willow.

"Though my question is, who is the Goddess Piper?" Faith's head stuck back into to look in the kitchen, her natural desire to see the effect of her teasing making her return necessary.

"Some one want me?" Without thinking twice or hearing all of the conversation, Owl opened the door and walked into the kitchen carrying up a small pile of towels.

It was Faith's turn to nearly drop the bowl as she came around the corner fully. She appraised the way that Tara's cheeks went even redder.

"Yeah Piper, just wondering how you did last night with the ribs? Did Buffy look after you?" Faith smirked.

"Much better, they're..." The potential stopped. "Am I missing something?" She asked glancing between Faith, Willow and Tara.

"No, seems you didn't miss a thing." Faith moved over and patted her on the back congratulating her secretly. "Did she girls?"

"No, nothing." Willow gulped.

"I have to bring these up to the bathroom, the others were all wet when Buffy wanted a shower." Owl moved several steps closer to the door of the kitchen.

"I can just imagine how wet." Faith moved over to put her bowl in the sink.

"Well I'm glad everyone's bright and happy this morning." Owl gave a slightly uneven smile as she went to leave the room. "Does anyone need anything from the bathroom before Buffy hogs it for a while?" She checked.

"No, no were fine." Willow shook her head. "Have fun, don't worry about us."

"Well I'm just doing a little research you know but okay, you have fun too." Owl nodded awkwardly and slipped out.

"Holy shit, B's muff diving." Faith couldn't help but laughing.

"Shut up." Willow swung her hand smacking Faith in the arm. "Not one word." She warned.

"Willow is right Faith." Tara looked at the other Slayer. "We don't know that." She tried an uneven frown.

"Please I know I heard hot lovin and if it wasn't you and Red, then it has to be the Goddess Piper." Faith clapped her hands together.

"It could have been my Goddess and Buffy just saying Piper to stop the poor thing hurting herself." Tara offered lamely.

"Or your Goddess my Piperesous." Willow tried to help. "It means wow in Latin." She tried to lie to Faith.

"So you two are trying to convince me it was you and the hot lovin not Owl and B?" Faith gave them an unconvinced look.

"Why would it be Owl and Buffy?" Tara offered the question with a shrug.

"Um hello talk drink of dyke goodness and B who can't keep from twitching in her pants every time Owl walks into a room?" Faith informed them. "This is like my thing to notice."

"Who's noticing what?" Dawn breezed into the room.

"That Faith needs new pants." Willow blurted out the first thing in her head. "We thought maybe shopping."

"Do you wear anything other than leather?" Dawn asked sounding truly shocked as she looked at the dark haired Slayer.

"What's wrong with leather?" Faith dusted off her calf.

"We're going to try her in jeans." Willow continued. "Do you need anything new?"

"Are you sure you should go out? Did Buffy say you could, I mean she likes to know who comes and goes and when." Dawn looked a little uncertain.

"We're going to finish breakfast then see what she says." Willow nodded. "Right Tara, Faith?"

"Whatever you say Red." Faith shook her head and moved to the living room.

"Yes, yes shopping." Tara nodded.

"So was my room okay for you two?" Dawn asked stealing some toast.

"It was perfect." Willow couldn't help but smile. "Were you okay in the spare?"

"Yeah, slept like a log." Dawn nodded. "You slept okay?" She checked.

"Wonderful." Willow looked to Tara and smiled broader and Tara blushed slightly turning to get the juice poured before the teenager could notice.

-x-

Buffy paused at the door to her room rubbing the towel into her wet hair. She didn't know why suddenly she felt this pressure on top of her. When they'd awoke this morning things had gone on like normal, they'd untangled and Owl had volunteered to get her some towels, then she'd been in the shower. Now though, she wasn't even sure if Owl was still in her room and if so she wasn't sure what they were going to say to one another. The pleasure of the night before was still making her feel wobbly on her feet and she wasn't sure if the feeling made her feel better or more off centre. Deciding she had no choice she pushed open the door and walked in and closed it behind her.

"Hey there B." It came therefore as a total surprise to see the dark haired Slayer lying full out on the bed, her head propped up on the pillows.

"Faith." Buffy did a double take. "What's wrong?" She assumed that must be the reason she was here.

"Nothing I don't think." Faith looked left and right and then at the Slayer and shook her head.

"Good." Buffy nodded moving to the dresser to brush out her hair. "So why are you up here?" She asked the obvious question.

"I just you know was feeling kinda nostalgic for the big house." The dark Slayer shrugged.

"Okay." Buffy sat down and brushed her hair.

"Wanted to you know, see if I could help myself by you know surrounding myself with the kinds of smells and things I got used to." Faith braced her hands together behind her head.

"Faith you weren't here that long." Buffy shook her head.

"No, but you know there are things a girl misses." Faith smirked.

"Like?" Buffy watched her.

"Oh, you know, bartering." Faith offered.

"Bartering?" Buffy stopped. "For what and why?"

"Oh you know your bag of chips for an hour in my cell." Faith winked.

"I know that somewhere in there is one of your depraved sexual prison references Faith but I'm not seeing your point." Buffy shook her head.

"I wanna know what the deal was." Faith bounced to sit up.

"What deal?" Buffy looked at her more confused.

"The deal between you and Birdy." Faith's smile was almost predatory.

"I have no idea what you're talking about." Buffy stood up. "And if you don't mind I want to get dressed."

"Okay." Faith pushed up. "Though B hey it's cool with me okay?" She pointed out. "Birdy's a cute kid." She crossed to the door in four long strides.

"Who the hell is Birdy and why do I care if you think whatever is cool?" Buffy glared at her.

"Birdy, Owl, poor beat up little potential with the nice bike." Faith clarified.

"Owl who is not a kid as she's almost as old as you." Buffy pointed out. "And I still have no idea what you're talking about."

"Fair enough B." Faith shifted her weight from one hip to the other. "Shame really 'cause I thought for once you might have you know, lived a little." She held the door open.

"Get out Faith." Buffy barked at her.

"Hey don't rip a girls head off B." Faith paused and turned frowning. "You could do worse, she's got balls and skills from what I hear."

"And you just felt the need to come up here and what? Give me your seal of approval, try to edge a little superiority on me?" She accused totally thrown off by how first Faith seemed to know and secondly why the dark Slayer was even bothering to try to be nice.

"You know what fine." Faith shook her head. "I thought for once I might come up here and actually find you smiling, having had someone treat you right for a change." She frowned harder. "But you're still the same stuck up tight ass, even if Piper gave you the ride of your life." The dark Slayer spat out the words harshly stalking out of the door and slamming it hard.

Buffy sat down on the bed putting her head in her hands, she had no idea what had just happened.

"Great can I grab a show..." Piper's voice drifted off as she opened the door and stepped in, the last thing she'd expected was to find Buffy sitting on the bed looking, well like she'd just found the First in her top drawer. "Buffy?" She said in a whisper.

"Owl... yes I'm done with the shower." Buffy didn't turn around trying to compose herself.

"Buffy what's wrong, what..." She glanced behind her at the hall. "Did something happen?" She checked. "Has the shield not worked." She frowned more. "God tell me the First hasn't..." She crossed over and knelt by the bed putting her hands on Buffy's knees without thinking. "Did it hurt you?"

"No, it wasn't the First." Buffy shook her head taking a deep breath. "It was Faith."

"Faith hurt you?" Owl frowned harder.

"She was just being Faith it's fine." Buffy shook her head. "She found out, she must have heard." She looked at the bed and then at Owl.

"Last night?" Owl checked she'd picked up the right vibe.

"Yeah." The Slayer breathed out. "She was making these gross prison references and then when I wouldn't tell her about it got all huffy like I'd done something wrong for not rising to her teasing."

"Want me to go tell her to piss of and that it has nothing to do with her what you do or who you do it with?" Owl offered instantly.

"She's not worth it, she'll just shoot her mouth off more." Buffy shook her head.

"Last night was supposed to make you feel good Buffy, not worse." Owl rubbed her thumb in place on Buffy's thigh.

"It did, I do." Buffy looked up into the potential's eyes. "Do you?"

"Do I?" It was Piper's turn to be a little thrown by a question.

"Do you feel better this morning?" Buffy qualified.

"I did." Owl nodded.

"But not now?" The Slayer blinked.

"Well not if Faith has taken a bazooka to my balloon of happiness no." Owl scowled.

"No, I'm not letting Faith drag me down." Buffy shook her head and rather quickly leaned forward and kissed Owl firmly on the lips. "Last night was amazing."

"It was very, very cool." Piper nodded and pushed up slightly pushing Buffy back towards the mattress, not hard, just exploring if there would be resistance. Buffy felt herself fall back not wanting or able to resist. "I woke up this morning wanting you." Owl admitted beginning to cover Buffy's throat with hot fast kisses.

"Mmmm I want you too." Buffy admitted the ache in her body.

"I was going to come into the shower, but you locked the door." Piper revealed her foiled plan.

"I couldn't be sure it would be you coming in to join me." Buffy laughed remembering how she had hesitating between locking and not locking.

"Well I'm." Owl's eyes flicked to the door. "I'm heading to the shower now." She arched an eyebrow.

"Let's go." Buffy pushed up on her shoulder's urging her to lead the way.

"Sure?" Piper pushed back and grabbed a towel from the chair crossing quickly to the door.

"Yes." Buffy moved over kissing her and then heading for the door. "Screw faith, she's not ruining my mood."

"Oh no, no screwing her, I got you first." Piper grabbed her hand and pulled her off to the bathroom.

-x-

Faith paced back and forth by the curb on the road. This was officially not Summers territory, this was just the street and she was as far away from Summers territory as she could be. She took a hard long draw on her cigarette glaring at the house.

Why had she even bothered? Why the hell was she even here about to go in a blaze of glory next to tight ass Buffy? Here she was trying to find a little benevolent happiness for B and her newfound sexual expression and as usually she got beat down again.

"If the world is ending I should be out partying not taking your shit!" She barked at the house pacing over to lean against the mailbox. "Not taking your shit for sure, taking way too much of it already." She agreed with herself.

"Then why don't you leave?" A male voice from Faith's past asked from directly behind her.

"Hello." Faith turned flicking away the smoke expecting a fight but finding herself face to face with the Mayor. "You're so dead." She pointed out her jaw open.

"Well yes, as blunt and as accurate as ever." He smiled charmingly.

"You're not real. You're that bastard First thing." Faith backed up a bit.

"Faith please." The mayor frowned. "I might not be the person I was, but to tell me I'm not real is a little unnecessarily unkind."

"Sorry." Faith didn't know why she found herself apologizing.

"It's alright, I'm guessing that things aren't that fun in there." He glanced at the house

"No." Faith shook her head. "Look why are you here?"

"Why do you doubt it's because I took the opportunity I could to come and see you?" He smiled at her.

"Because you never lied and that would be a lie. You always had things on the go." Faith pointed out. "Lots of things."

"You know you shouldn't be here don't you." The mayor took a slight step forward, but for some reason didn't actually seem to come any closer than the sidewalk at the front of the house near the mailbox.

"I'm a slayer, I have to be here." She said defiantly standing her ground on the last square of the Summers front walk.

"But you're in danger here, I don't like the thought of that." He shook his head.

"I'm in danger everywhere." Faith cocked her head to one side. "Come on Mr. Mayor, where's my apocalyptic message."

"I just want you to think about leaving Faith, what's going to happen when Buffy is faced with tough choices? Who's going to be the one she sacrifices?" The Mayor stated.

"She's not going to sacrifice anyone. B doesn't work like that." Faith shook her head.

"She won't have faced anything like this before." He pointed out quickly.

"No one has, doesn't mean we're not going to win." Faith smiled.

"But it does mean no one knows how she will act, you're not exactly her favourite person." He countered accurately.

"Hey I never know how I'm going to act so whatever." Faith shrugged.

"But she's their leader, what are you? You're the dispensable slayer that's what." He shook his head sadly adjusting the handkerchief in his blazer pocket.

"I'm a slayer, Buffy is not the only one." Faith pointed out. "You told me that, remember?"

"You are, but you are not their slayer." He nodded back to the house.

"I'm my own slayer." She glanced back. "So come on why are you here?" She egged him on. "You've always got some apocalyptic message for everyone else."

"You don't need speeches Faith you never have." The mayor shook his head.

"No, I don't need anything." The dark slayer confirmed.

"You need to leave." The mayor contradicted.

"And go where?" Faith questioned.

"Away, until this is over." He replied.

"Over? If Buffy wins then there might be a good over, if the First wins it's game over." She reached into her pocket playing with her lighter.

"No one know what the first plans to do with the world Faith, not Buffy nor her ineffective friends and watcher." He offered her a alternative view.

"What do all evils want? Control, power, destruction." Faith pointed out.

"But who knows what role you could fulfil within that?" The mayor's eyes sparkled.

"I know the deal Wilky, the First needs me dead to end the line. There's no place for me on your side." She shook her head.

"But just think Faith, think of the good times we had. Think of all the plans and dreams I know live inside you." He tried again.

"What to go to Disneyland?" Faith actually smiled softly.

"To live outside the restraints of this 'civilized' life." The mayor shook his head.

"Maybe I love this civilized life." Faith heard herself and laughed. "Look this isn't working, you're not going to get me to off myself or kill the others."

"You're not as much fun to play with as you used to be Faith?" The mayor shook his head. "Where's that fire I saw in you, nurtured and loved?"

"I found a way to use it rather than let it eat me alive." She countered.

"It really was a pleasure knowing you Faith." He bowed his head to her slightly.

"Other than the killing and murder, yeah it was cool." Faith admitted hearing her voice go softer.

"But some people deserve to die Faith." The mayor pointed out rationally.

"What was it you used to say?" Faith looked at him. "It was on that plaque that you stuck up right where everyone would have to see it when they came to work every day downstairs." She looked at him seeing nothing. "You know... while the righteous sleep the wicked will find their rest, is that it?"

"You think to much these days Faith, I would concentrate on just surviving." With that the First disappeared.

"Well that pissed you off didn't it." Faith looked around seeing nothing left at all to indicate her visitor was there.

-x-

"I can't deal." Buffy stood beside the phone shaking her head.

"Deal?" Willow questioned with a spoon twirling around in her yogurt.

"With twelve more." She turned and leaned her butt on the table edge. "Where am I going to put them, how am I going to keep them safe?"

"Oh, oh I know." Willow put her hand up. "Tara and I think we worked something out."

"Yeah sorry will I didn't mean that like no one was helping or anything, the shield is just great, well no more than great it's just I mean dealing with the new ones is just added hassle." She apologized looking over at her.

"No, helping more." Willow put her yogurt down and moved over. "Remember Mrs. Scary belly totem." She plucked the wooden statue that was on the side table that she knew Buffy hated. "We were talking, we think we can use it to channel a portable shield. One that we only need to recharge every twenty six hours."

"Please Will no torturing me with grotesque furniture and ornaments." Buffy frowned not really listening.

"Hello slayer girl, ears open zippy lip." Willow moved over. "We make a portable shield, like a cell phone accept it only gets one call and that's no First allowed."

"To keep the person carrying it free from first interruptions?" Buffy wasn't sure she was getting the point

"Or a whole apartment like Xander's." Willow grinned.

"But Will I don't want to have to split you and Tara up just to power out some mystical shields." Buffy shook her head.

"Buffy did you listen to anything I just said?" Willow blinked at her curiously.

"You guys think you can make a portable shield so that we can at least let some of us live something resembling normal lives at Xander's." Buffy paraphrased what she understood.

"Yep that only needs to have its battery changed once every twenty six hours." Willow smiled. "See I knew half your brain was listening."

"But wouldn't one of you need to be where it is?" Buffy frowned.

"Nope, not if it works." Willow tilted her head. "We think it'll work."

"So wait… are you suggesting that we can just put the new SIT's at Xander's, maybe convince say him and Anya to stay there with them and then put this mystical guard over them?" Buffy caught on.

"They'd have to be careful. No incense or other barrier spells could be cast. But we should be able to make it stable." Willow nodded. "Whatcha think? Worth a shot?"

"Of course it is, oh Will." Buffy hurried to the redhead and hugged her. "Wait." She pulled back. "They probably need someone who can take care of themselves there too. I don't want Anya or Xander hurt."

"Faith will kill you if you put her there." Willow laughed. "What about Kennedy? She would be so excited if you gave her some responsibility."

"I'm not sure Kennedy is a wise choice Will." Buffy shook her head thinking of the stupid move that she had pulled leaving Willow alone to be attacked. "There's always Owl I guess." She added frowning.

"No, Buffy she's learned her lesson." Willow saw the flicker. "And Owl isn't healed, she needs to be here. Anyone injured should be." She tried to cover before she said too much.

"She says she's okay, she wants to come out with the others tonight." Buffy shook her head still looking unhappy. "But I really don't know if Kennedy..."

"Can't we at least draw the bloody curtains." Spike grumbled loudly as he crossed through the room having to avoid pools of sunshine that streamed in from the clear windows.

"Spike, we could have brought your blood downstairs." Willow scowled at him.

"Yean well maybe I wanted the walk." He replied sharply. "Maybe I wanted to burn off a little energy that's been building up since walking in here last night to sounds of you and your little witch practicing the art of making babies." Willow stared at him horrified. "Not that I'm saying it didn't help me drop off to sleep." He added grinning, pleased to see the effect he had.

"I'm going to work on the shield." Willow clutched the totem and scowled at him.

"See ya red, I think your little witch needs a hand." He winked salaciously and ginned at Buffy.

Buffy waited until Willow had left before she turned her attention to him.

"If you ever pull that again." She glared at Spike. "I'll do more than leave the curtains open."

"What? Hey it was almost a compliment. It's been a while since I had anyone who could make me scream like that." Spike objected to the admonishment.

"You're sick." Buffy shook her head and moved towards the kitchen.

"What?" Spike hurried after her. "Just 'cause I rib a friend about her and her girlfriend having sex I'm sick?" He demanded.

"You're sick because you probably lurked outside their door..." She grimaced. "Enjoying it."

"Like you probably had your ear to their wall." He countered bitterly.

"I did not." Buffy snapped at him. "I don't need to steal my pleasure from other people."

"Oh no, I forgot you've got a new sex toy to abuse." Spike snarled.

Buffy felt the rage well up inside her fast and hard but she looked at him, feeling her hand curl into a fist before she made herself relax.

"Abuse is your specialty, not mine." She let out a slow breath.

"I bet she doesn't make you feel like I did." Spike pushed close to her, so close that his hair brushed on her forehead

"That's none of your business." Buffy looked into his light translucent eyes.

"What the hell do you think you are doing?" Almost from out of no where it seemed, the tall figure of Owl was suddenly between Buffy and the vampire, pushing both hands up to his chest to force him back.

"And here she is." Spike snarled as he bounced off the fridge. "Running to the rescue of the one who doesn't need it, running like a puppy dog."

"I'd come running to any woman who's faced in a one to one with you." Owl snapped her eyes cold.

"Especially the one you're shagging." Spike stood up to her.

Owl threw a quick unsure glance in the blonde slayer's direction before looking back at the vampire.

"No, especially one that you're not." She growled.

"I could drink you dry little girl, I've killed slayers before what do you think it would take to kill you?" Spike snarled the comment obviously hitting a nerve.

"More balls than you'll ever have." Owl bit right back

"Bring it on." Spike reached up and poked her.

"You're..." Owl bounced lightly on the balls of her feet, but before continuing her angry retort she glanced at Buffy, dark eyes meeting hazel ones just briefly. She turned back to Spike. "You're so not worth bruising my knuckles on." She shook her head and turned away from him.

"Oh right, trying to impress the lady." Spike barked out a laugh. "Beautiful."

"Go downstairs Spike." Buffy snapped at him.

"Go downstairs now Spike." The echoing voice came from the doorway, in which stood Tara.

Spike looked between them all sticking out his tongue to poke on his closed lower lip. His eyes fell briefly on Buffy and then Owl, staying the longest on Tara as he saw power brewing in the witch's blue eyes.

"Don't forget to video the fun for me." He grabbed his blood off the counter and moved to the basement.

"I'll go check my bike." Owl pushed off to the back door.

"Owl..." Buffy objected very lightly.

"It… it rained last night, she can be grumpy when she gets wet." The tall SIT didn't stop on her way out of the door.

"Everything okay?" Tara asked watching the door close behind her.

"Did you talk to Willow?" Buffy nodded rather unconvincingly. "She had some idea to use the ugly preggers totem."

"The portable shield, yes, we think its possible." She nodded. "What happened here?" She asked not willing to pass on the topic so easily.

"Spike was, he was being Spike and Owl stepped in and then you came in." Buffy summed up. "How powerful will it be?"

"Were working on making it as powerful as it can be. Willow wanted to work possibly to make it a hybrid version of this one, so that as well as mystical it has some physical barrier properties too." Tara explained as from the yard there came the sound of clattering tools and a sharp curse from Owl.

"To keep the SIT's in place?" Buffy's head shot up as she looked out to the source of the curse.

Out in the yard Owl was on her knees beside her bike her head resting forward on the broad leather seat, her arm wrapped tightly around her injured ribs.

"Not so much to keep them in place, but to keep things from getting to them." Tara looked over to the window.

"Great anything will help." Buffy moved towards the door not really listening as she pulled it open and moved outside. "Piper, you need pills." She offered softly moving over to bend down with her.

"I'm okay." Piper pushed back and staggered to her feet, cursing when she had to bend forward to retrieve a fallen spanner from the path.

"You're not okay." Buffy shook her head reaching out to take the wrench from her. "You need to rest." For a moment Owl held on to the metal handle, her eyes cast down, before slowly looking up meeting hazel ones. "Please." Buffy asked her softly.

"I should buy a tarp for her." Owl relinquished the tool slowly.

"I can get you one. I can get you anything she needs." Buffy offered.

"I'll go and get out of peoples way then." With her head slightly down Owl turned to walk back up the path to the door.

"Owl that's not what I meant." Buffy objected.

"No, but its what some people think." Owl walked the short distance to the house.

"No one thinks that, well other than Spike but don't tell me you're counting his opinion?" Buffy tried a half smile.

"I don't count anything to do with Spike." She shook her head. "Oh no, that's not true. I count the many reasons I have to stake him every time I meet him."

"He's jealous." The Slayer whispered.

"He has nothing to be jealous of." Owl shook her head.

"He does." Buffy shook her head back. "I trust you, I don't trust him."

"Thank you." Piper smiled. "So where are my painkillers?" She added rubbing her ribs.

"Come on." Buffy moved after her. "Let's get you settled then I'll take care of your baby." She put her hand gently on Piper's back urging her inside.

-x-

Buffy wasn't surprised to find Tara still in the kitchen once she'd gotten Owl settled upstairs.

"Hey." She moved to the fridge noticing the distracted way Tara was washing the same cup over and over.

"Hey." Tara broke from her repetitive motion and looked up.

"I have to go get a tarp for Owl's bike, is there anything else we need picked up that you know of?" Buffy chugged a small bottle of juice.

"No I don't think so, is she okay?" Tara asked putting the cup down.

"In pain." Buffy shook her head. "I managed to get her to take something and lie down." She frowned. "You know how bad broken ribs are."

"Yes, yes I do." Blonde hair dropped forward briefly.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean it that way." Buffy frowned more as she saw the flash of memory.

"No, I know." Tara shook her head and looked up.

"I think most of the shops are empty, can I steal you some apology flowers?" Buffy put forward.

"There really is no need." Tara shook her head again. "Maybe some for Faith might help." She added softly.

"God, I don't know why her and I can't have a civil conversation." Buffy sat down sighing.

"I really don't think she want to cause trouble earlier." Tara spoke up for the other Slayer softly.

"No she did, she heard something last night." Buffy played with the label on the bottle.

"You and Owl." Tara nodded softly.

"I guess everyone heard." She laughed nervously.

"I doubt it, Willow and I only heard because it happened when we were… recovering from, well you know and Faith was awake on guard." Tara explained.

"I'm not sure Faith's intentions were as valiant as you think they were." Buffy shook her head to the past comment.

"I actually think she was happy for you." Tara offered.

"Happy?" Buffy's eyes went wide.

"Buffy, I heard you in the shower this morning. You were singing." She smiled softly.

"I know, I was... am happy." Buffy nodded. "But Faith wouldn't be happy for me, she'd just see it as another way to give me flack."

"Why?" Tara frowned as she asked the short question.

"Because that's all she ever does." Buffy stated immediately.

"It's all she used to do maybe, can't she have changed?" Tara began folding the dishtowel.

"I don't know." Buffy shook her head.

"Easier not to think she might have isn't it?" Tara offered and wasn't surprised when Buffy didn't really comment looking down into her juice. "I'm sorry." Tara apologised softly. "I had no right to say that."

"No, you're right." Buffy shook her head. "I just... I look at her and I can't not see who she was."

"I understand that." Tara nodded.

"All she's ever done was to hurt me." Buffy held blue eyes.

"But maybe this time she's here to save the world." Tara reached out and put her hand on Buffy's

"I guess I owe her an apology." Buffy swallowed.

"Maybe just a word." Tara squeezed her hand.

"Do you know anything we can do for Piper? To help her heal, just to make her more comfortable." Buffy changed to topic of conversation.

"Is she in a lot of pain?" Tara asked softly.

"Sometimes, sometimes she's being a hard ass and won't show it." Buffy admitted.

"Buffy." Tara pulled her hand back and reached up to put another two cups away.

"I'm not being nosey, but, how was last night?"

"It was nice, more than nice." Buffy looked down but she felt her face pulling into a smile. "It was like you said, like living without the pressure."

"And Owl?" Tara nodded and smiled.

"She seemed happy." Buffy nodded. "Maybe too much activity for her ribs." She admitted softly.

"In that case I'm sure I could rustle up something to ease the pain." Tara smiled more.

"Tara, thanks." Buffy looked at her seriously. "For understanding, not freaking out... not... you know."

"Buffy..." Tara moved closer coming down to the Slayer's ear level. "I was away from Willow for eleven months, it's a very long time to be alone." She whispered.

"Were you?" Buffy felt herself gulping at the idea.

"Alone?" Tara asked shaking her head slightly. "Not exactly." She admitted keeping the Slayer's eyes.

"Not exactly?" Buffy held the intense look.

"Not exactly." Tara said again with a nod.

Her first reaction was judgment of course, how could Tara have been with anyone? But then reality settled in, Tara had left and Willow, had in her world just let her go to find a way through the magic that had hurt her so much. Add to that the fact that she'd watched Willow, even with the redhead thinking Tara was dead, starting to gravitate towards Kennedy. Yes, eleven months was along time.

"You and her weren't serious?" She checked.

"No." Tara shook her head. "We only ever kissed once." She explained. "But she made me feel, she made me alive again."

"I'm glad." Buffy reached out and put her hand over Tara's. "I'm super glad you're back with Will but you know, you don't deserve to ever be alone."

"Thank you, neither do you." Tara nodded with the words seeing that Buffy did understand.

"Do you need anything to help Owl? Ingredients?" Buffy checked.

"No it's just a simple incantation, it might make her sleepy." Tara replied.

"Sleepy is great." Buffy nodded. "I'll go get a tarp and some Flower's for Faith."

She looked to the door.

"Perfect, take care." Tara underlined softly. She watched the blonde Slayer pull on a light jacket and tuck her stake away before she went outside.

"Where's she going?" Faith appeared in the dining room doorway the moment Buffy was out of sight.

"To get something for the bike." Tara replied glancing at the dark haired Slayer.

"Is she okay?" Faith checked trying not to sound too interested.

"I think so, she's worried about everything." Tara blinked slowly.

"If she's fine I won't follow her for backup." Faith moved through to loop around to the back door.

"I think perhaps you staying here with the troops might be the best thing." Tara watched her.

"That transmissions going to need to be flushed and reset, the bolts are bent." Faith commented blandly.

"You know about bikes?" Tara pushed up and moved towards Faith.

"A bit." Faith shrugged. "Enough to know that one needs some work, she must have hit the pipes off the curb too. They'll need to be fixed."

"I don't think there are any mechanics left in Sunnydale." Tara frowned.

"If I had some tools and the parts I could do it." Faith shrugged again moving to the fridge. "My cousin used to have an old Harley, we worked on it one summer."

"Well there are lots of tools in the basement." Tara pointed out. "And if you could take a look at her, would you know what parts she needed?"

"Yeah." Faith popped open a mountain dew. "You looking to restore one?"

"It would be nice if we could get her back to scratch for Owl." Tara reasoned.

"Get me the parts and I can see what I can do." Faith nodded. "Though I'm not sure Buffy would be happy to see me fucking around with her girl's bike." She laughed harshly. "Probably think I'm wiring it to blow up or something."

"Would you be?" Tara asked bluntly.

"I got nothing against her." The dark Slayer shook her head.

"Owl or Buffy?" Tara challenged.

"Either of them." Faith eyed her. "What the hell did I do to you this morning? I was only joking earlier, getting a blush out of Red."

"Nothing Faith." Tara shook her head. "I'm just trying to work out why you are here."

"I'm here because I'm a slayer." Faith gave the simple answer.

"Ready to fight and die beside Buffy?" Tara asked bluntly.

"Fuck that, we're going to kick this things ass." Faith growled.

"Why?" Tara paused. "Why do you approach everything aggressively Faith?"

"Because that's how I survive." Faith bit back.

"But we're not a threat to you Faith." Tara pointed out.

"Aren't you?" Faith countered.

"Why would we be?" Tara asked back.

"Because it's the same score it's always been, you don't know the deal okay you weren't here." Faith dismissed her slightly. "Look get the parts I'll work on it, better than listening to the SIT's bitching."

"Faith, why won't you let anyone in?" Tara asked frowning softly.

"You think there's anything there anyone is interested in?' Faith turned back at her.

"Friendship Faith, there's nothing wrong with it." The blonde explained trying to back down a bit hoping Faith would do the same.

"Look Blondie I know you had a really shit go okay, maybe as shit as mine but you beat the odds, you got Willow and the whole sewn up future. Run with it, go for it with all you got." Faith shook her head. "People like me don't make good friends."

"At least one of us could die facing this Faith, nothing about the future is sewn up." Tara shook her head.

"Yeah, and I know I'm going to be the head of the line when it comes kamikaze time." Faith informed her.

"Why would you be?" Tara frowned, that plan of action made no sense to her. If anything they had to focus on keeping Faith and the other SIT's alive to keep the First from getting what it wanted.

"I'm disposable. When push comes to shove and Buffy needs to herd some of us off as bait I know my name will be first off her lips." Faith thought back to her conversation with the major. "Can't say I blame her, she might not hate the next slayer that's called."

"How can someone who appears as confident and as strong as you, be so insecure." Tara shook her head sadly.

"Don't shrink my ass." Faith snarled at her. "Look do you want me to work on the bike or not?"

"Your choice Faith, isn't that the kind of thing one does for friends?" Tara challenged not reacting directly to the intimidating tone in the Slayer's voice.

"You think we're friends?" Faith looked at her, the tone in her voice slipped away, as she looked more confused or surprised.

"Why not?" Tara shrugged her voice even.

"You don't know me." Faith gave her the obvious reason.

"Do I need to?" Tara asked. "Isn't that something we can work on."

"Don't you think knowing me would be part of the whole friendship thing?" Faith leaned against the wall.

"We have time right now." Tara pointed out.

"Why waste your time when you could be up with Red?" Faith didn't give in.

"Because maybe I want to know you." Tara didn't either.

"Then fine, go ahead." Faith moved over defiantly and sat down. "Go on Friend." She put heavy emphasis on the word.

"Coffee?" Tara offered.

"Sure. Black." Faith nodded.

"There are cookies in the jar." Tara pushed up to make the drinks.

Faith hesitated for a moment before she got up picking up the jar and moving back with it, she took off the lid and gulped one down. Tara was quick to make the drinks bringing them over and putting them down gently.

"So it must be hard being here." Tara asked picking out a cookie.

"Makes me miss prison." Faith laughed tightly.

"I bet there pretty similar, right now at any rate with so many women in a small place." Tara nodded.

"Almost as much sex." Faith couldn't help but grin.

"Sorry about the noise." She apologized as she blushed slightly.

"Helped me sleep actually." Faith laughed. "You get used to background noise, it gets so quiet here at night."

"Are you sure, I mean I can do something about the noise." Tara offered.

"No, really." Faith shook her head. "There was thirty five on my cell block. It was noisy."

"You know you can do whatever you want or need to do here don't you?" Tara said softly glancing up at the Slayer.

"What do you mean?" Faith questioned blinking.

"You know what I mean Faith, Willow and I talked about you, about your needs."

"Wait, I so must be getting this wrong." Faith shook her head clearing it. "You and Willow talking about my 'needs'?"

"Willow and I were talking about you, about who you were, what you were like."

Tara explained.

"Sorry, for a second there is sounded like you were offering to buy me a vibrator or have a threesome." Faith laughed and took another cookie.

"No thank you to the threesome." Tara blushed. "I have one of the other though." She smiled coyly.

"Watch out for the shy blonde." Faith grinned. "And don't worry I packed my own." She winked.

"I'm not exactly shy anymore." Tara chuckled and shook her head and picked up another cookie.

"Not from what I heard." Faith teased her.

"Willow just touches me like no one else." Tara explained thinking back to the wonderful night they had shared.

"You're lucky." The dark Slayer admitted.

"Yes, I am." Tara nodded. "Have you ever been lucky?"

"So what did you and Red figure out I need?" Faith asked at the same time.

"Space, activity and sex." Tara chuckled as she answered and heard Faith evading her question.

"Desperately lacking, the bike will keep me busy and everyone has left town so unless I start lining up SIT's..." She gave a firm headshake.

"Willow didn't mention that you leant our way." Tara politely phrased with a smile.

"Blondie, I was your way long before Willow knew there was a way." Faith grinned.

"Really." Tara smirked. "I wish I'd known."

"Why?" Faith took another cookie and dipped it in her coffee.

"Just because." Tara replied. "So you wouldn't consider it with any of the SIT's?"

"This may surprise you but I think most of them are virgins and one thing I've learned about virgins they are emotionally not worth the fun of popping." Faith was bluntly honest. "One night turns into weeks of mess."

"I'm glad you hadn't passed that information on to Willow." Tara laughed softly.

"That's different, I'm talking fun sex you two are forever sex." Faith contradicted.

"That obvious are we?" Tara laughed easing back in her chair.

"Um yeah." Faith laughed. "I can't imagine being where you two are."

"There's no reason you can't be." Tara shook her head.

"My past is a little more speckled than yours." Faith shrugged.

"Past has nothing to do with it." Tara shook her head again.

"It's not just that, who do you know who would put up with my shit?" Faith gulped the cooling coffee.

"Oh I don't know, you have charm that almost balances it." Tara grinned as she appraised the dark Slayer. She might not have known Faith before, but it was obvious from taking with her now there was more of a balance inside her.

"Watch it Missy, I know you're taken so no flirting." Faith teased.

"This is cycling back to the threesome or the vibrator conversation." Tara laughed a little harder

"A girl can hope." Faith gave her a toothy grin.

"See is friendship really that bad?" Tara asked stealing another cookie.

"Don't push your luck." Faith wagged a cookie at her. "I'm just here for the chocolate chips."

"Yeah okay." Tara nodded pushing up. "Go look at the bike, I'll make you another coffee… Friend." She put the emphasis Faith had put on the word earlier but smiled as she turned to put the kettle back on.

-x-