See disclaimers from section one
Also sorry I didn't number the last post, but it was five. On to the
fic....
Saving Faith
Faith woke up just before sunrise the next morning and once again she and Willow had barely shifted their respective positions. She felt pretty good knowing that she, at least, Willow on her side when it came to the Scoobies. But she knew that reconciliation would have to wait for another day. For now, she had to turn herself into the authorities and finish out her time. It wasn't her favorite choice, but she had seen it through. She owed that much to Buffy and the rest
for all the harm she had done to them.
As she lay there with Willow snuggled up to she felt a harmony with the world that she hadn't ever felt. She had always been separate and apart, never included in with the rest of the world. A loner was what she always figured she would be. But now she had Angel and the gang looking out for her. It was strange to be cared about and not just discarded. It made her stomach feel warm.
Maybe she did have a reason to live, not just in jail, but on the outside as well. She had things to look forward to and people that actually cared about her. They wanted her to come back to them when she could. A small smile played across her lips as she watched sun
peek out over the horizon.
She slowly extracted herself from the redhead's grasp and padded into the bathroom. And that is when Willow decided to wake up. She had felt movement and heard scuffling. Her green eyes popped open anticipating a danger attached to what she had heard. She scanned
the room and only found the closed door of the bathroom and heard the shower running.
Pulling herself out from under the covers she wiggled her toes before placing them on the cold floor. She thought a repeat of Faith in a towel from the night before would not be a good thing so she went to clean up in her own room. She could see Faith at breakfast and ask her if she wanted to come to Sunnydale with her to help in the fight against the first.
Of course, Faith would be a powerhouse when mixed with Buffy and Spike, but Willow also wanted Faith in Sunnydale for more personal reasons. The slayer seemed to truly understand her and want her friendship. She hadn't felt a connection like that since Tara.
Albeit, not really a sexual thing more a kinship for souls that have been lost and are slowly being found.
After cleaning up she followed her nose to the delicious smell in the kitchen to find Fred making omelets and French toast. "Hey, Willow, you want me to whip something up for you?"
"I don't think I really have time, I need to get back home. They've all probably torn each other apart by now." She didn't really believe that, but it felt good to pretend she was still vital to the
Scoobies. She hadn't really felt vital to anything in a long time.
"You cannot go back to Sunny D without something in your stomach, Red, said Faith, ruffling the witch's hair. "I won't have it, besides B would kick my ass. Well, if she could anyway." This last bit came out with a self- confident smirk reminiscent of her high school days. "Fred would you mind whippin' some of that southern style goodness up for me, too. I really need to get on the road."
Willow furrowed her brow with confusion. "Where are you going Faith?"
Timidly Faith spoke, "Well, the original plan was to go back to prison, but what good can I do there. So I thought I might ride back with you. Maybe give the First a taste of the Chosen Two." As she finished the sentence she couldn't help but see the mile size grin on
Willow's face.
"That's great! I was going to ask you, but then I thought, you would probably just laugh at me. Maybe even say that we could handle it and you were heading for Bermuda or someplace exotic. Don't go to Bora Bora though, I hear the wildlife can really tear into your vacation. Anyway, so I wanted to ask, but I didn't know how. So now, I am glad and shutting up." Willow made this statement all without once inhaling.
"So, buddy, what time do we blow this place? I am getting kind of ancy, " said Faith rolling her shoulders to loosen them. "I need to kill something soon."
"Well, we can leave after breakfast. We should pack while Fred cooks. Is that good with you Fred?"
"Y'all go on, I can handle this."
They had said their farewells to the gang and were heading out to Sunnydale. Thus far, they really hadn't had a lot of conversation. Both of them were content with the silence and figured talking would come naturally.
There was thing that was playing in the back of Willow's mind and she really wanted to ask Faith. But she hadn't figured out how. She had been stealing glances at the slayer trying to gauge her openness to sharing anything more.
Faith had let Willow stare her up as long as she could. "Spit it out, Red. I know you gotta something working in that brain of yours." She looked Willow in the eyes to stress her words. "Anything you ask me, you don't have to be afraid. I may not answer, but I
won't get pissed either. So spill it!"
"Well, we have gotten to know a lot about each other in the past few days and I couldn't help but notice that you made a couple of allusions to your sexuality. If it isn't to personal could you tell
what that was about?"
"I hadn't thought you had caught that. Huh, okay, well, I wanted to make you more comfortable talking to me about y'know, you and Tara. So I thought if I maybe gave a little about myself it would make it easier."
"So what does that mean? Are bi, gay, what?!"
"I don't really like labels, Red. If I did have to choose I would probably be a five on the Kinsey scale."
"Oh, for some reason that surprises me. You were all with the guys and woo hoo sex in high school. How long have you known?"
"Oh, that, well, I guess I got a clue after I came to Sunnydale. Even though I came off as this big know it all sex freak, I really hadn't had a lot of experience. I wanted you guys to think I was
interesting so I am embellished a bit with the who slut thing."
"Fine, but what about Xander?"
"Oh, he just happened to be in the right place at the right time. It could have been anyone, guy or girl."
"But what made you know?"
"B. She is what prompted my sexual awakening I guess. I think it was probably more of a slayer connection than anything else, but I got this feeling around her. You know that good low down tickle. But I never had the guts to say anything. And I was jealous of Angel, too.
So that didn't help."
"Do you still get that tickle thingy when you think of her?"
"I did for awhile after I went to jail. I used to keep a picture of her in my cell my redemption was for her. Then about six months in, I realized that it all had to be for me. I couldn't do it for anyone
else or it wouldn't stick, y'know." Faith's voice went lower emphasizing the seriousness of what she was saying. "And pretty soon, I just stopped looking at her picture all the time. She became
someone I cared about, but not who I wanted to be with. I hadn't found that person yet. She was a good catalyst for coming out to myself, but not for a relationship. Besides, B only likes bad boys
and I am not one of those anymore."
"Especially since you don't have a penis," responded Willow without thinking.
"Who says I don't, Red," replied Faith giving Willow a raised eyebrow.
"Oh, look Faith, the Welcome to Sunnydale sign, we are home. Good old hellmouth!"
"Do they know I am coming, Willow?"
"Yeah, the Scoobies know you are going to be with me. And don't worry they aren't out for blood either. Like I said we have all done some things we aren't proud of in the past year. So they aren't
looking to keep blaming you for your mistakes."
Conversation dulled as the turned onto Revello Drive. Faith hadn't felt this nervous since going to her first foster home. Doing jail time was nothing compared to what was behind the door at Buffy's house. And it was just waiting for her.
They got out of the car and grabbed their stuff. Going up the walk they saw the front door open and a tall, gawky girl come running toward Faith.
"Faith, oh my God! It's really you. It's so cool you are here." Faith could barely breath as Dawn had her in a vise grip. "Hey Dawnie, it's good to see you, too. Jesus, you've grown like three
feet since I saw you."
"Yup, taller than Buffy. Not as strong, but taller counts for something."
They made their way into the Summers' home to find dozens of girls lying around reading, watching TV, or staring absently into space. "These are the potentials. Hey guys, this is Faith, the
other slayer."
"Hey, everyone, don't like get up or anything. So have any of you seen B? I mean Buffy?"
"Right behind you, F," Buffy's toning menacing. Faith didn't know if she should turn around or just run. "Hey Buffy." She rotated on her heels to face the smaller girl. She tried to make her tone as flat as possible.
"God, Faith, you look like I am going to pummel you on the spot," said Buffy laughing. "I just wanted to see if you still had it in you to take me down a notch. Huh, happy to see you know how to keep your cool now." As she said this she moved closer into Faith's space. "Okay, now Faith I want to give you a hug so be prepared. I am so happy you are here."
Buffy's arms wrapped around her and she thought maybe she had entered a surreal film that wasn't really attached to her life. She whispered into Buffy's ear, "Why are you being so nice to me."
Buffy whispered back, "I died. That can go a long way in forgiving anything, so I trust you, don't give me a reason not to."
"I won't." Faith made this last statement aloud. Xander came around the corner almost knocking her over. "Zoinks! Faith I almost took you out there."
"Hey Xander, I wanted to say from the start how sorry I am," Faith said emphatically.
"I know and there will be no groveling. Everyone makes mistakes. Even pious people like me. So bygones and let's kick some First ass!" Xander had truly been addressing his comments to Anya, but you wouldn't have known because he was staring at Faith.
Just as Willow was about to ask Faith to come up and put her stuff away Kennedy came through the front door. Upon seeing Willow she threw her arms around the witch. "I have missed you so much, Will. God, it is good to have you back." Kennedy moved to kiss the witch
and Willow subtly moved out of her grasp.
"It's good to see you, too, Kennedy." The potential felt stunned to be brushed off. And as she followed Willow's eye line she realized the root of her problem. That Faith chick is going down, she thought.
"So, Faith, since we are all reunion cozy, I want to show you your humble quarters for your stay at command central."
"Okay, Red." Kennedy glared at the slayer as she picked up her bag and began following Willow up the stairs. "Are you sure there is still room for me, seems like there are a lot of girls and really no space."
"Sure, Faith, you are going to bunk with me. There will be women littering the floor, but isn't that like a wet dream for you or something."
"Red, do you kiss your mother with that mouth? Besides they are all jailbait. And I should know I'm an escaped convict!"
They reached the top of the stairs just as Kennedy had reached the limit of her patience.
"What do you mean she is "bunking" with you? I sleep with you, Willow. That's my place!" She yelled this from the foot of the stairs. Everyone in the room tried to act like nothing was happening.
"We'll talk about it later, Kennedy." Willow now kept her tone flat.
Kennedy ascended the stairs and grabbed Willow's bicep. "We will talk about it now!"
Before Willow had a chance to respond Faith had disengaged the potentials arm from Willow by grabbing her wrist and wrenching around to her back. She was holding the arm aloft behind the girl to keep control.
"Don't you ever touch her that way again. Or I will hurt you so bad you will pray for death."
Kennedy spoke through clenched teeth, "Will, you wouldn't do this if I were Tara. I don't mean anything to you."
That broke something inside the witch. She came down two stairs to face the potential.
"You're right, I wouldn't do anything to Tara. But she isn't here is she? And did you ever once in the time you have known me ask about her. Oh wait! Other than when you were pushing me into kissing you. I guess you thought if you pushed long enough I would forget about a woman I loved with all my heart."
"No, I didn't think that, I, I."
"That's right Kennedy you didn't think. You just wanted! And my bad for just letting it happen. I wanted everything to go back to normal so bad. Buffy and Xander seemed to want me with you and I just gave in. I just gave in. But I won't ever let go of Tara. Not for you
or anyone else. So be apart of the fight, but you are not a part of me."
With that said, Faith let the broken girl go. She made her way down the stairs and as she passed Buffy the older slayer said to her, "And if you ever touch her that way again, what Faith did will be nothing compared to what I can do to you."
The younger slayer and the witch proceeded to Willow's room to square their things away. Willow had felt something stir inside of her when
Faith defended her. It was kind of her and not something she had to do. She hadn't done it to show her power or strut; she truly wanted to protect Willow. And that felt good.
Faith's mind was going a mile a minute as she raced through what had happened in the past half hour. She felt like she was protecting the witch's virtue or something. Or at least her right to her memories. Faith had felt something more developing in her heart toward Willow. She didn't know exactly what to do about it, but she did no it somewhat resembled her old good, low down tickle.
TBC
Also sorry I didn't number the last post, but it was five. On to the
fic....
Saving Faith
Faith woke up just before sunrise the next morning and once again she and Willow had barely shifted their respective positions. She felt pretty good knowing that she, at least, Willow on her side when it came to the Scoobies. But she knew that reconciliation would have to wait for another day. For now, she had to turn herself into the authorities and finish out her time. It wasn't her favorite choice, but she had seen it through. She owed that much to Buffy and the rest
for all the harm she had done to them.
As she lay there with Willow snuggled up to she felt a harmony with the world that she hadn't ever felt. She had always been separate and apart, never included in with the rest of the world. A loner was what she always figured she would be. But now she had Angel and the gang looking out for her. It was strange to be cared about and not just discarded. It made her stomach feel warm.
Maybe she did have a reason to live, not just in jail, but on the outside as well. She had things to look forward to and people that actually cared about her. They wanted her to come back to them when she could. A small smile played across her lips as she watched sun
peek out over the horizon.
She slowly extracted herself from the redhead's grasp and padded into the bathroom. And that is when Willow decided to wake up. She had felt movement and heard scuffling. Her green eyes popped open anticipating a danger attached to what she had heard. She scanned
the room and only found the closed door of the bathroom and heard the shower running.
Pulling herself out from under the covers she wiggled her toes before placing them on the cold floor. She thought a repeat of Faith in a towel from the night before would not be a good thing so she went to clean up in her own room. She could see Faith at breakfast and ask her if she wanted to come to Sunnydale with her to help in the fight against the first.
Of course, Faith would be a powerhouse when mixed with Buffy and Spike, but Willow also wanted Faith in Sunnydale for more personal reasons. The slayer seemed to truly understand her and want her friendship. She hadn't felt a connection like that since Tara.
Albeit, not really a sexual thing more a kinship for souls that have been lost and are slowly being found.
After cleaning up she followed her nose to the delicious smell in the kitchen to find Fred making omelets and French toast. "Hey, Willow, you want me to whip something up for you?"
"I don't think I really have time, I need to get back home. They've all probably torn each other apart by now." She didn't really believe that, but it felt good to pretend she was still vital to the
Scoobies. She hadn't really felt vital to anything in a long time.
"You cannot go back to Sunny D without something in your stomach, Red, said Faith, ruffling the witch's hair. "I won't have it, besides B would kick my ass. Well, if she could anyway." This last bit came out with a self- confident smirk reminiscent of her high school days. "Fred would you mind whippin' some of that southern style goodness up for me, too. I really need to get on the road."
Willow furrowed her brow with confusion. "Where are you going Faith?"
Timidly Faith spoke, "Well, the original plan was to go back to prison, but what good can I do there. So I thought I might ride back with you. Maybe give the First a taste of the Chosen Two." As she finished the sentence she couldn't help but see the mile size grin on
Willow's face.
"That's great! I was going to ask you, but then I thought, you would probably just laugh at me. Maybe even say that we could handle it and you were heading for Bermuda or someplace exotic. Don't go to Bora Bora though, I hear the wildlife can really tear into your vacation. Anyway, so I wanted to ask, but I didn't know how. So now, I am glad and shutting up." Willow made this statement all without once inhaling.
"So, buddy, what time do we blow this place? I am getting kind of ancy, " said Faith rolling her shoulders to loosen them. "I need to kill something soon."
"Well, we can leave after breakfast. We should pack while Fred cooks. Is that good with you Fred?"
"Y'all go on, I can handle this."
They had said their farewells to the gang and were heading out to Sunnydale. Thus far, they really hadn't had a lot of conversation. Both of them were content with the silence and figured talking would come naturally.
There was thing that was playing in the back of Willow's mind and she really wanted to ask Faith. But she hadn't figured out how. She had been stealing glances at the slayer trying to gauge her openness to sharing anything more.
Faith had let Willow stare her up as long as she could. "Spit it out, Red. I know you gotta something working in that brain of yours." She looked Willow in the eyes to stress her words. "Anything you ask me, you don't have to be afraid. I may not answer, but I
won't get pissed either. So spill it!"
"Well, we have gotten to know a lot about each other in the past few days and I couldn't help but notice that you made a couple of allusions to your sexuality. If it isn't to personal could you tell
what that was about?"
"I hadn't thought you had caught that. Huh, okay, well, I wanted to make you more comfortable talking to me about y'know, you and Tara. So I thought if I maybe gave a little about myself it would make it easier."
"So what does that mean? Are bi, gay, what?!"
"I don't really like labels, Red. If I did have to choose I would probably be a five on the Kinsey scale."
"Oh, for some reason that surprises me. You were all with the guys and woo hoo sex in high school. How long have you known?"
"Oh, that, well, I guess I got a clue after I came to Sunnydale. Even though I came off as this big know it all sex freak, I really hadn't had a lot of experience. I wanted you guys to think I was
interesting so I am embellished a bit with the who slut thing."
"Fine, but what about Xander?"
"Oh, he just happened to be in the right place at the right time. It could have been anyone, guy or girl."
"But what made you know?"
"B. She is what prompted my sexual awakening I guess. I think it was probably more of a slayer connection than anything else, but I got this feeling around her. You know that good low down tickle. But I never had the guts to say anything. And I was jealous of Angel, too.
So that didn't help."
"Do you still get that tickle thingy when you think of her?"
"I did for awhile after I went to jail. I used to keep a picture of her in my cell my redemption was for her. Then about six months in, I realized that it all had to be for me. I couldn't do it for anyone
else or it wouldn't stick, y'know." Faith's voice went lower emphasizing the seriousness of what she was saying. "And pretty soon, I just stopped looking at her picture all the time. She became
someone I cared about, but not who I wanted to be with. I hadn't found that person yet. She was a good catalyst for coming out to myself, but not for a relationship. Besides, B only likes bad boys
and I am not one of those anymore."
"Especially since you don't have a penis," responded Willow without thinking.
"Who says I don't, Red," replied Faith giving Willow a raised eyebrow.
"Oh, look Faith, the Welcome to Sunnydale sign, we are home. Good old hellmouth!"
"Do they know I am coming, Willow?"
"Yeah, the Scoobies know you are going to be with me. And don't worry they aren't out for blood either. Like I said we have all done some things we aren't proud of in the past year. So they aren't
looking to keep blaming you for your mistakes."
Conversation dulled as the turned onto Revello Drive. Faith hadn't felt this nervous since going to her first foster home. Doing jail time was nothing compared to what was behind the door at Buffy's house. And it was just waiting for her.
They got out of the car and grabbed their stuff. Going up the walk they saw the front door open and a tall, gawky girl come running toward Faith.
"Faith, oh my God! It's really you. It's so cool you are here." Faith could barely breath as Dawn had her in a vise grip. "Hey Dawnie, it's good to see you, too. Jesus, you've grown like three
feet since I saw you."
"Yup, taller than Buffy. Not as strong, but taller counts for something."
They made their way into the Summers' home to find dozens of girls lying around reading, watching TV, or staring absently into space. "These are the potentials. Hey guys, this is Faith, the
other slayer."
"Hey, everyone, don't like get up or anything. So have any of you seen B? I mean Buffy?"
"Right behind you, F," Buffy's toning menacing. Faith didn't know if she should turn around or just run. "Hey Buffy." She rotated on her heels to face the smaller girl. She tried to make her tone as flat as possible.
"God, Faith, you look like I am going to pummel you on the spot," said Buffy laughing. "I just wanted to see if you still had it in you to take me down a notch. Huh, happy to see you know how to keep your cool now." As she said this she moved closer into Faith's space. "Okay, now Faith I want to give you a hug so be prepared. I am so happy you are here."
Buffy's arms wrapped around her and she thought maybe she had entered a surreal film that wasn't really attached to her life. She whispered into Buffy's ear, "Why are you being so nice to me."
Buffy whispered back, "I died. That can go a long way in forgiving anything, so I trust you, don't give me a reason not to."
"I won't." Faith made this last statement aloud. Xander came around the corner almost knocking her over. "Zoinks! Faith I almost took you out there."
"Hey Xander, I wanted to say from the start how sorry I am," Faith said emphatically.
"I know and there will be no groveling. Everyone makes mistakes. Even pious people like me. So bygones and let's kick some First ass!" Xander had truly been addressing his comments to Anya, but you wouldn't have known because he was staring at Faith.
Just as Willow was about to ask Faith to come up and put her stuff away Kennedy came through the front door. Upon seeing Willow she threw her arms around the witch. "I have missed you so much, Will. God, it is good to have you back." Kennedy moved to kiss the witch
and Willow subtly moved out of her grasp.
"It's good to see you, too, Kennedy." The potential felt stunned to be brushed off. And as she followed Willow's eye line she realized the root of her problem. That Faith chick is going down, she thought.
"So, Faith, since we are all reunion cozy, I want to show you your humble quarters for your stay at command central."
"Okay, Red." Kennedy glared at the slayer as she picked up her bag and began following Willow up the stairs. "Are you sure there is still room for me, seems like there are a lot of girls and really no space."
"Sure, Faith, you are going to bunk with me. There will be women littering the floor, but isn't that like a wet dream for you or something."
"Red, do you kiss your mother with that mouth? Besides they are all jailbait. And I should know I'm an escaped convict!"
They reached the top of the stairs just as Kennedy had reached the limit of her patience.
"What do you mean she is "bunking" with you? I sleep with you, Willow. That's my place!" She yelled this from the foot of the stairs. Everyone in the room tried to act like nothing was happening.
"We'll talk about it later, Kennedy." Willow now kept her tone flat.
Kennedy ascended the stairs and grabbed Willow's bicep. "We will talk about it now!"
Before Willow had a chance to respond Faith had disengaged the potentials arm from Willow by grabbing her wrist and wrenching around to her back. She was holding the arm aloft behind the girl to keep control.
"Don't you ever touch her that way again. Or I will hurt you so bad you will pray for death."
Kennedy spoke through clenched teeth, "Will, you wouldn't do this if I were Tara. I don't mean anything to you."
That broke something inside the witch. She came down two stairs to face the potential.
"You're right, I wouldn't do anything to Tara. But she isn't here is she? And did you ever once in the time you have known me ask about her. Oh wait! Other than when you were pushing me into kissing you. I guess you thought if you pushed long enough I would forget about a woman I loved with all my heart."
"No, I didn't think that, I, I."
"That's right Kennedy you didn't think. You just wanted! And my bad for just letting it happen. I wanted everything to go back to normal so bad. Buffy and Xander seemed to want me with you and I just gave in. I just gave in. But I won't ever let go of Tara. Not for you
or anyone else. So be apart of the fight, but you are not a part of me."
With that said, Faith let the broken girl go. She made her way down the stairs and as she passed Buffy the older slayer said to her, "And if you ever touch her that way again, what Faith did will be nothing compared to what I can do to you."
The younger slayer and the witch proceeded to Willow's room to square their things away. Willow had felt something stir inside of her when
Faith defended her. It was kind of her and not something she had to do. She hadn't done it to show her power or strut; she truly wanted to protect Willow. And that felt good.
Faith's mind was going a mile a minute as she raced through what had happened in the past half hour. She felt like she was protecting the witch's virtue or something. Or at least her right to her memories. Faith had felt something more developing in her heart toward Willow. She didn't know exactly what to do about it, but she did no it somewhat resembled her old good, low down tickle.
TBC