-One year ago -
Buffy's back fell down against the sheets, her breathing sperratic and uncontrolled. She let out gaspy breaths for a few minutes until her breathing was back to normal and her tight grip on the sheets started to loosen. Beads of sweat were on her body and she felt hands that weren't her own move across her bare body. The brunette's hair was on her chest, and the lipstick kisses were still a deep red on Buffy's neck. Her breathing was havy with heaves and sighs.
"Faith..." Buffy whispered.
"Buffy?" Faith whispered.
"Why does it never get old?" Buffy said breathily.
"Sex?" Faith snickered.
"Just... Being with you." Buffy's chest was rising and falling with every breath.
"I... Dunno, B... Everything I do with you is amazing." Faith sighed, pressing her her head against Buffy's chest. She was laying on top of Buffy, her body pressed into Buffy's.
"Faith... Here." Buffy reached onto the bedside table and handed Faith a box. Faith took the boss and rolled over, heaving as the covers ruffled with her movement. She opened the box and saw a beautiful knife inside.
"Oh... Wow, Buffy, it's..." Faith said, turning the knife over in her hands, "I love it."
Buffy rolled onto her side and kissed Faith slightly.
"I don't have time for looking, though." Faith said as she put the knife on the bedside table.
"Why's that?" Buffy snuggled into Faith's arms and pressed her forehead against Faith's.
"I need time for you." Faith lower her lips and met Buffy's.
- Present -
Faith picked up the knife Buffy gave her from the dresser in Giles' guest room.
"I was holding this when I passed out." Faith said as she shut and locked the door, "I kept it with me because it reminded me of better times."
Buffy took Faith's hand and brought her to sit on the bed next to Buffy.
"I had another dream. One where I wake up and see you there. You forgive me and things go back to those better times... Then I wake up and realize that there's no way, I mean, I hurt you so badly, Buffy... All I can do is forgive you and leave."
"Faith... I forgive you."
Faith looked up and her eyes locked with Buffy's. An unspoken conversation of how sorry they were and how they were the one to blame streamed between their eyes while few tears fell. Buffy reached forward and took Faith's hand. Not a word passed their lips. Tears welled up, but niether one of them wanted to cry. They both wanted to look strong for the other one. They didn't move at all. Buffy and Faith both tried multiple times to say what they were thinking, but no words came to mind.
The moment was interrupted when frantic knocking came at the door.
"Buffy!" Willow yelled through the door, "Faith and Riley are gone!"
"Faith is right here, Will." Buffy said as she got up to open the door.
"...What are you guys doing?" Willow asked curiously.
"Just talking" Buffy replied after she opened the door, "Where's Riley?"
"I got an e-mail from him explaining that he's being relocated to L.A. There's been an uptick in demon activity... He told me he likely won't see you again. I think he means..." Willow said.
"I know what he means." Buffy said.
Faith hugged Buffy from behind and Willow hugged her from the front in a double embrace. Buffy put her head on her best friend's shoulder, but not a single tear fell. Buffy felt extremely close to Willow as of recently. Seeing that they have even more in common than before. She was interested in being closer to her than she ever was in their normal capacity. Willow understood how Buffy felt more than anyone else. Buffy also felt Faith's hands hold her waist, reminding her that the love of her life was standing directly behind her.
She had feelings for Riley, but he was more of a friend than a boyfriend. Every guy she slept with was an attempt to get away from Faith. They were only together about 6 months, but they were almost inseperable. Every minute they weren't around anyone they knew, they were in each other's arms, kissing, holding hands, talking, dancing, grinding and biting. No matter what, they spent every spare minute they could holding hands on top of that hill in the park. Even on patrols, they'd find themselves wanting to go on one long patrol together instead of two seperate short patrols. They weren't always patroling, though.
After a few minutes, Willow left and the door was shut once again. Faith's arms were around Buffy's waist and her chin rested on Buffy's shoulder. Buffy wanted to push her away and tell her to let her be, but she liked having Faith hold her. She felt invincible when Faith had her.
"Never let me go." Buffy said to Faith.
"Never, B." Faith said, "Never."
"Faith... You always told me what to do... Ordered me around that one time... What do I do now?" Buffy smelled Faith's hair, serving as a reminder of what she did before.
"Buffy... Ordering you around, it was just a game." Faith said.
"It would be nice right now if someone just told me what to do like that." Buffy said staring at the door.
"I don't know what to do, B... I'm just happy you're in my arms... We have until tonight to do whatever we want." Faith resisted the urge to kiss Buffy's neck.
Buffy spun around and kissed Faith lightly. Except Faith wasn't kissing back.
"Kiss me." Buffy said.
"Riley just left, Buffy... If I kiss you, I'm consenting."
"Consent, Fay. I need you."
"Do you need me, or just anyone?" Faith was serious.
She wanted Buffy to want her because of who she was, not to have someone to be with.
"Faith. I loved you... How could you think I'd want anyone else? You're alive... I still love you. I never got you out of my mind no matter who I slept with."
Faith cut Buffy off by putting her finger over her lips. She waited until Buffy fell silent, then removed her finger and tilted her head to kiss Buffy gently.
"Happy?" Faith said softly after breaking the kiss, but still lingering close to the younger girl's face.
"Faith. Why do we only have until tonight?" Buffy asked.
"The cops are looking for me... I have to do what's right and turn myself in..." Faith said, "Wow, didn't think I'd say that in a million years. Guess you rubbed off on me, B. For the better or worse, still not sure."
"Are you okay, Fay?" Buffy asked.
"5 by 5 now that you're in my arms."
"Don't leave. We'll hide you! Anything, I swear! Please... don't leave!" Buffy begged.
"I wish I could, but that would put you in danger." Faith lovingly kissed Buffy's forehead.
"I'm always in danger."
"Buffy, I killed someone. I can't just run away."
"Unfortunately, Faith's correct, Buffy. Although there are some details you both are missing from this puzzle." a British voice stated from the doorway.
