A/N: Faithful was written right around two years ago and there are eight.
It takes place fifteen years into the future of 2001.so 2016. This means
Dawn is all grown up, and Faith has just been released from jail. This
story will eventually be a Faith/Angel story.but it doesn't quite start out
that way.
I'm rating the whole series as rated R, but some parts are more R than others.lol. I'll warn you ahead of time. As always, these characters belong to Joss Whedon and all the fine folks who bring us Angel.
If you want to put this story on your website, please email me and let me know. I never say no, but I want to know who's supporting my work. Thanks!
*~*~*
He moved from his desk to the coffee pot. It always amused her when he drank coffee. It amused her whenever she saw him eat or drink anything that wasn't blood.
Angel poured himself a cup of coffee and then went back to his desk. Faith couldn't see him after he sat down. She didn't have a desk, but whenever she was working she would lay out everything she needed on the floor of the lobby and lay down. She was comfortable in her little space on the floor.
"Augh. Get a desk already, huh?"
Faith smiled as she looked over her shoulder to Cordelia.
"Hey C, what's up?"
"Well not you. Why do you insist on working on the floor?"
Faith rolled over and sat up. "Comfort?"
Cordelia rolled her eyes and looked up when Angel stood. "Hey Angel, what's new? Any new cases?"
"Nope. It's actually pretty slow. Too slow." He walked around the divide that separated the lobby from their work area and leaned against it. "How about you? Any visions you're holding out on?"
Cordelia smiled. "Nope."
Faith rolled back around and took this opportunity to gaze at Angel. He hadn't aged physically in the fifteen years that separated her from now to the rogue slayer she once was. But mentally, emotionally, he was a changed man.
She remembered Angel the way he used to be. Broody. Distant. Oftentimes seeming uncomfortable with his human friends. Unforgiving of himself when his demon got the better of him. She wasn't used to this smiling, easy, laid back Angel that she saw now. Time did wonders for a person's view of life.
Angel glanced at Faith. He was aware she was staring at him. He couldn't help feeling pleased. She really had matured into a very fine looking woman. Her time in prison only seemed to define her more. Her long dark hair swept over her shoulder and her brown eyes were so intense, he could wonder at her expressions forever. Her frame was long and sleek, and the way she carried herself let him know that she wasn't aware of how beautiful she really was. Once she was mindful of things like that, but now, now she didn't seem to have a clue.
Cordelia looked at the two of them. They were now staring at each other, and seemed to not know they were doing it. Just to see what would happen, Cordelia inched backwards to leave the room. She wondered if they'd even notice her leaving. They just kept staring at each other. Cordelia turned to leave and involuntarily shouted when she tripped over the chair she forgot was there. She caught herself on the chair but she had interrupted the moment.
Angel and Faith both were at her side, helping her. Cordelia shrugged them off, embarrassed about her accident.
"I'm fine, I'm fine, just go back to what you were doing." Red-faced, Cordelia left the room.
Faith and Angel looked at each other and then looked away.
"Well, I better get to work."
"Yeah. Me too."
**~**
"Sugar, you're gonna have to do much better than that, if you want to get ahead in this town."
Faith looked up from the ground. She had been fighting a small gang of vampires, but the last one had nearly gotten the better of her, but she was able to dust him before he got her. Barely.
Faith got up and walked toward the strangely familiar voice, but couldn't see the face, due to the shadows she hid in.
Faith stopped a good distance from the woman.
"Who are you?"
"Don't tell me you don't remember and old friend?" The voice said, sweet with insincerity as she stepped into the light. Lilah.
Faith looked, shocked, but on guard as she looked at the woman. She hadn't changed much. In fact, she had barely aged at all. Angel had said Lilah had disappeared. Looks like she's been found.
"Happy to see me?" She smiled and vamped.
Faith wasn't surprised.
"Yes, very. I'll finally be able to see that you find your way home. Hell."
"Now, now. Don't be so sure that you would be doing the right thing. Hell is just the beginning of all that is Wolfram and Hart. Go ahead and stake me, I'll be back. I've been staked before." She smiled. "My contract isn't up until the Senior Partners say so. Regardless of what you want or do."
Faith just stared at her.
"Faith, come on. Surely we can be civil. We were once on the same side."
"Once. Never again."
"Shame."
"Not really, I happen to like who I am now."
Lilah looked her up and down. Her entire demeanor spoke of sex. Her ever look, her ever move reeked with it. It seems the change had brought the seduction out in Lilah.
"I can see why."
"Look, we gonna do this or not, because if not, I have plenty of things I'd rather be doing."
"Oh? Like what?"
"Lilah!"
Lilah looked over Faith's shoulder and saw Angel. She smiled, her vampire face still in plain view.
"Angel, love. How delightful to see you."
"You may not think so in a moment." He moved into a fighting stance. Faith followed his lead.
Lilah's tongue shot out to wet her lips.
"We'll talk later, Faith. I'll be watching you."
Lilah turned and ran, quickly. Angel and Faith both started after her, but after she turned a corner, she was gone.
Angel looked at Faith.
"What were you two talking about?"
"She's a crazy bitch like she's always been. Did you know she was a vampire?"
"Not 'til now."
"The things you miss when you're in prison."
Angel smiled a little and put his stake away. Faith looked around one more time for Lilah and then put hers away as well. She looked at Angel, realizing suddenly how alone they were.
"So."
"Yeah."
Angel looked around at anything but Faith. He wished he wasn't so nervous around her.
Faith looked at Angel and then laughed.
Angel's head shot to her and he frowned. "What's so funny?"
"Us." She continued to laugh.
"Us?"
"Yeah. Geez, Angel, since when did we get so nervous around each other?" Faith smiled an easy smile at him.
Angel chuckled. "I'm sorry."
"Don 't worry about it. You want to grab a bite to eat?" Faith smiled. "I mean, at a restaurant."
"I know what you meant." He smiled and they started walking towards a close restaurant.
**~**
Wesley rummaged through the mail and frowned when he saw a large manila envelope poking out among the bills and junk mail. Wesley walked to his desk and sat down. He put the mail on the desk and opened the large envelope, sliding pictures out of it. A note fell out as well.
"Want to see what she's up to when you aren't watching her?" Wesley read aloud. He frowned and looked at the pictures. Faith and Lilah. Talking. Alone. Fear started to knot up his stomach. Could he have been wrong? Could he have been a bit hasty to forgive her?
Wesley got up and went to the door.
"Cordelia?"
She looked up from her desk.
"Yeah?"
**~**
Cordelia watched Faith carry her laundry up the stairs and waited until she heard the door close to Faith's room before jumping up and sneaking up the stairs. She kneeled down very softly and started to peek into the keyhole of Faith's room. She watched Faith fold her laundry quickly.
Cordelia frowned. This was boring for a surveillance job. She thought it was going to be more exciting than this!
//No, I'm stuck watching Faith fold her sheer panties.hey, those are cute, maybe I should go shopping.// Her thoughts were interrupted as she saw Faith heading toward the door. //Shit!//
Cordelia scrambled up, trying to be quiet and took off down the hall, but only got a few steps before she heard the doorknob turn. Cordelia leaned up against the wall and quickly started to inspect her fingernails, acting as inconspicuous as she could muster. She was an actress right?
"C, if you want to watch me fold my clothes, just knock next time, ok?" Faith shook her head and went back into her room, closing the door. Cordelia groaned and went downstairs to tell Wesley about her failure.
**~**
Faith smiled when Angel knocked and then poked his head in her room.
"Hi, Angel."
"Uh, hi." He smiled and opened the door a little more. "Can I come in?"
"Yeah, come in." She uncurled her long legs and let them fall over the side of the bed. "What brings you here?"
"You."
Faith looked surprised, but pleased. "Ok, I'll bite.what about me?"
"You'll bite? Isn't that my job?"
Faith giggled a little. "No actually it's my job to make sure you don't."
"Oh yeah, right. Forgot." He gave her a goofy smile and she melted. The more of his smiles he gave her the more she seemed to crave.
Angel smiled. She was looking at him like he was some sort of god or something. He could get used to this.
"I wondered if you'd like to," he cleared his throat and shoved his hands into his pockets, "if you'd want to, go to dinner with me."
Faith's eyebrows rose.
"I mean, like as in a date. A real date." Angel looked down at the points of his shined shoes and then looked back up at her. She was smiling. That was always a good sign.
"I would love to." Faith stood up. "When?"
"Well, I was thinking, unless we had an incoming, maybe tonight?" He looked so unsure Faith wanted to just devour him right there on the spot.
"Tonight then."
Angel smiled. "Really? I mean.yeah.great. Tonight." Angel backed out of the room, closing the door. He smiled and nearly ran down the stairs. "LINDSEY!"
Faith peeked out the door and grinned.
**~**
"Would you hold still, Angel? Christ!" Lindsey nearly growled at him. "How do you expect me to tie this tie for you if you don't hold still?"
"I'm sorry, I'm just nervous."
"There. Done."
Angel looked down at himself. The suit had a flattering cut, and he looked at Lindsey, expectantly. "So.how do I look."
"Prince Charming, watch out." Lindsey said dryly.
Angel shoved him gently, playfully and Lindsey smiled. Angel heard the clicking of heels on the stairs and froze. He looked at Lindsey who was looking over Angel's shoulder slack jawed in appreciation.
Angel turned and swallowed at the sight before him. Faith stopped at the bottom stair and Angel took in the sight from the legs up. Her shapely legs were clad in sheer black hose that disappeared under a short black dress that hugged her thighs, bunched up slightly around her tiny waist and curved up and around the bottom half of her breasts. He could see the top half of her breasts poking out above the bodice of the dress, tan skin that showed no signs of imperfection. The straps to the dress curved over her collarbone and circled around her fine, slim neck. Her hair was piled on top of her head, a few curls escaping to frame her carefully made up face.
Faith smiled as she took the opportunity to take in Angel. He was wearing black as usual, but a finely tailored suit that showed off his muscled legs and slim waist replaced Angel's slacks and button up shirts. His white shirt covered by a black vest and a well knotted tie. A matching double- breasted jacket hung over his arm, waiting to be worn. Faith could feel her heart rate speed up.
"You look."
"Wow."
"Yeah." Angel smiled.
Faith moved toward him with easy strides, stopping near him. Lindsey was still staring.
"Careful, Lindsey. You're staring at me in front of my date."
Lindsey's eyes left her quickly. He busied himself with looking at something, anything else.
Angel smiled and offered Faith his arm. She took it. Together they walked out of the hotel.
**~**
All night they had acted like school kids with crushes. Faith couldn't understand it. She had never acted like this around a guy. If she saw a guy she wanted, she'd take him. Never would she smile up at him and bat her lashes and then try to act like she hadn't just done that.
They walked into the deserted hotel and Angel dropped his arm from around her waist. He actually seemed more nervous here than he had out there.
"Angel?"
"Hm?" He was looking at her. Well, sort of. His eyes were actually dancing around looking at various things, once in a while hitting on her.
"I want you."
That got his eyes to focus. And widen.
"What?"
"I didn't stutter." She moved toward him, her look very much like a predator to its prey. Angel moved back, his nervousness not letting his mind clear enough to function properly. He stopped when he tripped over a plush chair and ended up lying across it. But that didn't stop Faith.
One knee came up and was placed in between his, letting him catch a glimpse of something purely Faith. His eyes shot up to hers a moment before her body was pressed against his, length to length, and her lips descended on his. His eyes closed and her lips stifled his groan as his arms came around her and crushed her to him, making her knee rub him, exciting him more, making shivers play up and down his spine.
Faith's mouth worked against his, the softness making his body quiver. Another groan escaped him when he felt her tongue slide free from her mouth and into his. He rolled her onto the ground, covering her with his large body.
Faith felt like the world had fallen away from her and the only thing keeping her real was the man she was trying to devour. Everything revolved around this man. Everything. She could see the years upon years she had silently spent wondering what this moment would be like. Now she had him in her arms, kissing her, touching her, pressing against her. She thought she might die of want if she didn't take him soon.
It was then that Angel shot off of her like she was covered in holy water.
Faith lay on the floor panting, looking up at him in confusion.
Angel stood far away from her, but his eyes couldn't leave her.
"Angel?"
"I.can't."
And with that his long strides carried him out of the room, leaving Faith sitting on the floor, at a loss.
**~**
Cordelia jumped and scowled at Faith's back when she slammed the cabinet.
"I don't think that was quite off the hinges yet. Slam it again."
Faith looked at Cordelia. "Sorry."
"What's with you?"
Faith opened her mouth to speak when Angel walked into the kitchen. He took one look at Faith and then looked away, going to the fridge.
"Nothing. Nothing at all."
Faith grabbed her orange juice and left the kitchen. Angel's shoulder's slumped.
Cordelia rolled her eyes.
**~**
"Want to explain this?"
Wesley tossed the papers down in front of Faith, who was sitting on her bed.
Faith picked up the pictures and looked through them with little emotion.
"Not my best side."
"Indeed. So what's your angle, Faith? Still working for Wolfram and Hart?"
Faith's eyes shot to Wesley, her head twisting to meet his eyes.
"Is that what you think?"
"Isn't that the truth?"
"Wesley, I." Faith stopped. She swallowed back her comment. "I knew it wouldn't last long."
"What?"
"Your trust."
"You never had my trust. Just my patience. Now that is wearing thin."
Faith got up and started to pack.
"Yeah, well, consider me gone."
"Good."
Wesley got up and left.
Faith continued to pack in a hurried frenzy. Clothes were thrown out of closets and drawers and stuffed into cases and bags. Tears wet her face.
**~**
Cordelia and Lindsey kept their eyes to their work when they heard Faith come down the stairs. Faith looked at the both of them, hurt in her eyes. After everything, now they were going to act like she wasn't even there.
Wesley came to the door of his office and folded his arms across his chest. Faith nodded slowly and looked down, heading for the door.
"Hey guys, what's up?" Angel strolled into the lobby but stopped short when he saw Faith with all of her bags. She didn't even stop walking.
Angel trotted to her and stood in her way.
"Hey? Where you going?" Angel looked at the others. Cordelia and Lindsey were still trying to avoid them being there and Wesley was holding his gaze, staring a hole into Faith's back. She could feel it. Angel's eyes narrowed.
"What's going on here?"
Faith looked up at him, anger in her eyes, but he could see she had been crying.
"I'm leaving. Get out of my way."
"Faith. We can work this out. We need to talk."
"Angel, fuck off, ok? This isn't about you for once." She shouldered him aside and threw open the door, making Angel scramble to get away from the sun.
"Stop her!" He looked at his crew. No one moved. "Cordelia? Wesley? Lindsey?" Silence.
Angel looked toward where Faith was walking. Helpless.
**~**
Patrol sucked tonight. Not only was she trying to find the vampires, but also she was trying to hide from Angel. She didn't want to talk to him right now.
She just didn't understand. She knew about his soul and all, but she didn't understand why his soul was in danger. It would only be in danger if he were in love with her. If he was in love with her, surely he wouldn't have ran clear across the room and baled on her like that while she was in a very awkward and vulnerable moment. She knew he knew her well enough to know she hated being vulnerable, because of shit like that. Knowing that, he still left her there. Alone.
She should just get used to alone. It looked to her like alone was about to become a way of life.
She was so deep into her thoughts she didn't see Lilah until she jumped down out of the tree in front of her. Faith raised her stake and got into a fighting stance.
"Hello, Faith."
"What the hell do you want?"
"You. You're working for the wrong side. We wouldn't throw you out on a weekly basis."
Faith narrowed her eyes. Lilah slinked up to Faith, pressing herself against the stunned slayer. Lilah leaned over putting her crimson lips beside Faith's ear and whispered softly to her.
"As a matter of fact, you can stay with me if you need a place to stay."
Faith smiled, some of the old Faith coming back to her as she swung Lilah around to press her up against the tree with her body. Very suggestively, Faith leaned over and whispered into Lilah's ear as she nearly purred.
"Get bent you twisted bitch."
She pulled back with an exaggeratedly sweet smile. Lilah's eyes narrowed and she took a swing at Faith.
**~**
Wesley smiled, proudly. He had been worried that Faith was going to take that plunge. He looked at Lindsey and Cordelia.
"Now."
The three of them sprung from behind the bushes they were hiding and took off in a dead sprint to Faith. They had to stay so far from Faith, so that Lilah couldn't sense them that it was going to take a moment to get to her. Wesley was so glad this plan to bring out Lilah worked. Lilah had been their main obstacle for so long, that Wesley leaped at the opportunity to finish her off.
Just as the trio was nearing Faith and Lilah they were jumped by a group of six of Lilah's goons.
Faith saw the three coming and she nearly cried in relief. Lilah wasn't so tough that she couldn't handle her, but just knowing they had her back was enough for her. Faith started to fight with renewed vigor. But hearing Cordelia's shout of pain was enough to distract her and allow Lilah to knock her back on her back.
Cordelia shouted when a vampire caught her by surprise with a quick jab to the ribs. Thankfully she didn't hear any cracking but she definitely felt pain. She was thrown down and she spared a look at Faith, only to find her on her back, Lilah poised to bite. It was clear that Faith was dazed.
"NO!" Angel came from nowhere tackling Lilah off of Faith. They rolled and Lilah ended up on top. She ground her hips into his to distract him while she punched him in the face.
"Hello, Angel."
Angel struggled and flipped them so that he was on top and he gripped her throat with one hand while he went for his stake. She easily knocked the stake out of his hand and punched the inside of his elbow, making him lose his balance and let go of her. She scrambled up from under him and took off for a run.
Angel vamped out, his demon pissed that she was able to get away so easily. Without thinking he leaped up and sprinted towards her catching her and knocking her over easily. He flipped her over and sank his teeth into her. Lilah's face showed surprise and pain moments before Angel's weight left her. She looked around dazedly and spotted Faith subduing Angel. She heard Faith calling his name to get his attention and then saw that Angel's face morphed back into his human guise. Undistracted, Faith grabbed her stake. Lilah's eyes widened and she turned around to scramble up but felt the sharp pain of a stake piercing her heart from the back. Then she felt nothing.
**~**
"You used her," he accused.
"It was necessary to draw Lilah out."
"It wasn't necessary. You could have told her your plan." Angel glared at Wesley. Faith sat there watching them both intently. Lindsey and Cordelia had made themselves scarce as soon as Angel's anger was apparent.
"The hotel was bugged. I wanted Lilah to think we didn't trust her. I wanted Lilah to come to her."
"What made you think she would?"
Wesley took out the pictures of Lilah and Faith and handed them to him.
"It's not how it looks. I came moments later."
"That's not the point, Angel. I wanted Lilah to think that I believed that Faith was betraying us."
Angel shook his head. "Did you even care how she would feel? Believing that her family had deserted her.again?"
Faith looked at Angel sharply. Family.
Wesley looked down. "I'm sorry. Perhaps I was a little out of line."
Angel just grunted and clasped Wesley on the back, making Wesley look up at him. "Happens to the best of us."
**~**
"Did you really mean what you said?" Faith looked at Angel. They were sitting across the table from each other, her with coffee, him with blood.
"Yes."
"Why did you leave me the other night? I would have understood if you'd have just talked to me."
"Because I'm a stupid male. No matter how old I get, I still react like I'm 20 from time to time."
Faith smiled.
Angel reached over and put his hand over hers. She looked him in the eyes.
"We'll figure this out. It'll happen. Maybe we should just be careful for now."
"Careful."
Angel nodded.
"So.you still upset with me."
Faith smiled.
"Baby, we're five by five."
I'm rating the whole series as rated R, but some parts are more R than others.lol. I'll warn you ahead of time. As always, these characters belong to Joss Whedon and all the fine folks who bring us Angel.
If you want to put this story on your website, please email me and let me know. I never say no, but I want to know who's supporting my work. Thanks!
*~*~*
He moved from his desk to the coffee pot. It always amused her when he drank coffee. It amused her whenever she saw him eat or drink anything that wasn't blood.
Angel poured himself a cup of coffee and then went back to his desk. Faith couldn't see him after he sat down. She didn't have a desk, but whenever she was working she would lay out everything she needed on the floor of the lobby and lay down. She was comfortable in her little space on the floor.
"Augh. Get a desk already, huh?"
Faith smiled as she looked over her shoulder to Cordelia.
"Hey C, what's up?"
"Well not you. Why do you insist on working on the floor?"
Faith rolled over and sat up. "Comfort?"
Cordelia rolled her eyes and looked up when Angel stood. "Hey Angel, what's new? Any new cases?"
"Nope. It's actually pretty slow. Too slow." He walked around the divide that separated the lobby from their work area and leaned against it. "How about you? Any visions you're holding out on?"
Cordelia smiled. "Nope."
Faith rolled back around and took this opportunity to gaze at Angel. He hadn't aged physically in the fifteen years that separated her from now to the rogue slayer she once was. But mentally, emotionally, he was a changed man.
She remembered Angel the way he used to be. Broody. Distant. Oftentimes seeming uncomfortable with his human friends. Unforgiving of himself when his demon got the better of him. She wasn't used to this smiling, easy, laid back Angel that she saw now. Time did wonders for a person's view of life.
Angel glanced at Faith. He was aware she was staring at him. He couldn't help feeling pleased. She really had matured into a very fine looking woman. Her time in prison only seemed to define her more. Her long dark hair swept over her shoulder and her brown eyes were so intense, he could wonder at her expressions forever. Her frame was long and sleek, and the way she carried herself let him know that she wasn't aware of how beautiful she really was. Once she was mindful of things like that, but now, now she didn't seem to have a clue.
Cordelia looked at the two of them. They were now staring at each other, and seemed to not know they were doing it. Just to see what would happen, Cordelia inched backwards to leave the room. She wondered if they'd even notice her leaving. They just kept staring at each other. Cordelia turned to leave and involuntarily shouted when she tripped over the chair she forgot was there. She caught herself on the chair but she had interrupted the moment.
Angel and Faith both were at her side, helping her. Cordelia shrugged them off, embarrassed about her accident.
"I'm fine, I'm fine, just go back to what you were doing." Red-faced, Cordelia left the room.
Faith and Angel looked at each other and then looked away.
"Well, I better get to work."
"Yeah. Me too."
**~**
"Sugar, you're gonna have to do much better than that, if you want to get ahead in this town."
Faith looked up from the ground. She had been fighting a small gang of vampires, but the last one had nearly gotten the better of her, but she was able to dust him before he got her. Barely.
Faith got up and walked toward the strangely familiar voice, but couldn't see the face, due to the shadows she hid in.
Faith stopped a good distance from the woman.
"Who are you?"
"Don't tell me you don't remember and old friend?" The voice said, sweet with insincerity as she stepped into the light. Lilah.
Faith looked, shocked, but on guard as she looked at the woman. She hadn't changed much. In fact, she had barely aged at all. Angel had said Lilah had disappeared. Looks like she's been found.
"Happy to see me?" She smiled and vamped.
Faith wasn't surprised.
"Yes, very. I'll finally be able to see that you find your way home. Hell."
"Now, now. Don't be so sure that you would be doing the right thing. Hell is just the beginning of all that is Wolfram and Hart. Go ahead and stake me, I'll be back. I've been staked before." She smiled. "My contract isn't up until the Senior Partners say so. Regardless of what you want or do."
Faith just stared at her.
"Faith, come on. Surely we can be civil. We were once on the same side."
"Once. Never again."
"Shame."
"Not really, I happen to like who I am now."
Lilah looked her up and down. Her entire demeanor spoke of sex. Her ever look, her ever move reeked with it. It seems the change had brought the seduction out in Lilah.
"I can see why."
"Look, we gonna do this or not, because if not, I have plenty of things I'd rather be doing."
"Oh? Like what?"
"Lilah!"
Lilah looked over Faith's shoulder and saw Angel. She smiled, her vampire face still in plain view.
"Angel, love. How delightful to see you."
"You may not think so in a moment." He moved into a fighting stance. Faith followed his lead.
Lilah's tongue shot out to wet her lips.
"We'll talk later, Faith. I'll be watching you."
Lilah turned and ran, quickly. Angel and Faith both started after her, but after she turned a corner, she was gone.
Angel looked at Faith.
"What were you two talking about?"
"She's a crazy bitch like she's always been. Did you know she was a vampire?"
"Not 'til now."
"The things you miss when you're in prison."
Angel smiled a little and put his stake away. Faith looked around one more time for Lilah and then put hers away as well. She looked at Angel, realizing suddenly how alone they were.
"So."
"Yeah."
Angel looked around at anything but Faith. He wished he wasn't so nervous around her.
Faith looked at Angel and then laughed.
Angel's head shot to her and he frowned. "What's so funny?"
"Us." She continued to laugh.
"Us?"
"Yeah. Geez, Angel, since when did we get so nervous around each other?" Faith smiled an easy smile at him.
Angel chuckled. "I'm sorry."
"Don 't worry about it. You want to grab a bite to eat?" Faith smiled. "I mean, at a restaurant."
"I know what you meant." He smiled and they started walking towards a close restaurant.
**~**
Wesley rummaged through the mail and frowned when he saw a large manila envelope poking out among the bills and junk mail. Wesley walked to his desk and sat down. He put the mail on the desk and opened the large envelope, sliding pictures out of it. A note fell out as well.
"Want to see what she's up to when you aren't watching her?" Wesley read aloud. He frowned and looked at the pictures. Faith and Lilah. Talking. Alone. Fear started to knot up his stomach. Could he have been wrong? Could he have been a bit hasty to forgive her?
Wesley got up and went to the door.
"Cordelia?"
She looked up from her desk.
"Yeah?"
**~**
Cordelia watched Faith carry her laundry up the stairs and waited until she heard the door close to Faith's room before jumping up and sneaking up the stairs. She kneeled down very softly and started to peek into the keyhole of Faith's room. She watched Faith fold her laundry quickly.
Cordelia frowned. This was boring for a surveillance job. She thought it was going to be more exciting than this!
//No, I'm stuck watching Faith fold her sheer panties.hey, those are cute, maybe I should go shopping.// Her thoughts were interrupted as she saw Faith heading toward the door. //Shit!//
Cordelia scrambled up, trying to be quiet and took off down the hall, but only got a few steps before she heard the doorknob turn. Cordelia leaned up against the wall and quickly started to inspect her fingernails, acting as inconspicuous as she could muster. She was an actress right?
"C, if you want to watch me fold my clothes, just knock next time, ok?" Faith shook her head and went back into her room, closing the door. Cordelia groaned and went downstairs to tell Wesley about her failure.
**~**
Faith smiled when Angel knocked and then poked his head in her room.
"Hi, Angel."
"Uh, hi." He smiled and opened the door a little more. "Can I come in?"
"Yeah, come in." She uncurled her long legs and let them fall over the side of the bed. "What brings you here?"
"You."
Faith looked surprised, but pleased. "Ok, I'll bite.what about me?"
"You'll bite? Isn't that my job?"
Faith giggled a little. "No actually it's my job to make sure you don't."
"Oh yeah, right. Forgot." He gave her a goofy smile and she melted. The more of his smiles he gave her the more she seemed to crave.
Angel smiled. She was looking at him like he was some sort of god or something. He could get used to this.
"I wondered if you'd like to," he cleared his throat and shoved his hands into his pockets, "if you'd want to, go to dinner with me."
Faith's eyebrows rose.
"I mean, like as in a date. A real date." Angel looked down at the points of his shined shoes and then looked back up at her. She was smiling. That was always a good sign.
"I would love to." Faith stood up. "When?"
"Well, I was thinking, unless we had an incoming, maybe tonight?" He looked so unsure Faith wanted to just devour him right there on the spot.
"Tonight then."
Angel smiled. "Really? I mean.yeah.great. Tonight." Angel backed out of the room, closing the door. He smiled and nearly ran down the stairs. "LINDSEY!"
Faith peeked out the door and grinned.
**~**
"Would you hold still, Angel? Christ!" Lindsey nearly growled at him. "How do you expect me to tie this tie for you if you don't hold still?"
"I'm sorry, I'm just nervous."
"There. Done."
Angel looked down at himself. The suit had a flattering cut, and he looked at Lindsey, expectantly. "So.how do I look."
"Prince Charming, watch out." Lindsey said dryly.
Angel shoved him gently, playfully and Lindsey smiled. Angel heard the clicking of heels on the stairs and froze. He looked at Lindsey who was looking over Angel's shoulder slack jawed in appreciation.
Angel turned and swallowed at the sight before him. Faith stopped at the bottom stair and Angel took in the sight from the legs up. Her shapely legs were clad in sheer black hose that disappeared under a short black dress that hugged her thighs, bunched up slightly around her tiny waist and curved up and around the bottom half of her breasts. He could see the top half of her breasts poking out above the bodice of the dress, tan skin that showed no signs of imperfection. The straps to the dress curved over her collarbone and circled around her fine, slim neck. Her hair was piled on top of her head, a few curls escaping to frame her carefully made up face.
Faith smiled as she took the opportunity to take in Angel. He was wearing black as usual, but a finely tailored suit that showed off his muscled legs and slim waist replaced Angel's slacks and button up shirts. His white shirt covered by a black vest and a well knotted tie. A matching double- breasted jacket hung over his arm, waiting to be worn. Faith could feel her heart rate speed up.
"You look."
"Wow."
"Yeah." Angel smiled.
Faith moved toward him with easy strides, stopping near him. Lindsey was still staring.
"Careful, Lindsey. You're staring at me in front of my date."
Lindsey's eyes left her quickly. He busied himself with looking at something, anything else.
Angel smiled and offered Faith his arm. She took it. Together they walked out of the hotel.
**~**
All night they had acted like school kids with crushes. Faith couldn't understand it. She had never acted like this around a guy. If she saw a guy she wanted, she'd take him. Never would she smile up at him and bat her lashes and then try to act like she hadn't just done that.
They walked into the deserted hotel and Angel dropped his arm from around her waist. He actually seemed more nervous here than he had out there.
"Angel?"
"Hm?" He was looking at her. Well, sort of. His eyes were actually dancing around looking at various things, once in a while hitting on her.
"I want you."
That got his eyes to focus. And widen.
"What?"
"I didn't stutter." She moved toward him, her look very much like a predator to its prey. Angel moved back, his nervousness not letting his mind clear enough to function properly. He stopped when he tripped over a plush chair and ended up lying across it. But that didn't stop Faith.
One knee came up and was placed in between his, letting him catch a glimpse of something purely Faith. His eyes shot up to hers a moment before her body was pressed against his, length to length, and her lips descended on his. His eyes closed and her lips stifled his groan as his arms came around her and crushed her to him, making her knee rub him, exciting him more, making shivers play up and down his spine.
Faith's mouth worked against his, the softness making his body quiver. Another groan escaped him when he felt her tongue slide free from her mouth and into his. He rolled her onto the ground, covering her with his large body.
Faith felt like the world had fallen away from her and the only thing keeping her real was the man she was trying to devour. Everything revolved around this man. Everything. She could see the years upon years she had silently spent wondering what this moment would be like. Now she had him in her arms, kissing her, touching her, pressing against her. She thought she might die of want if she didn't take him soon.
It was then that Angel shot off of her like she was covered in holy water.
Faith lay on the floor panting, looking up at him in confusion.
Angel stood far away from her, but his eyes couldn't leave her.
"Angel?"
"I.can't."
And with that his long strides carried him out of the room, leaving Faith sitting on the floor, at a loss.
**~**
Cordelia jumped and scowled at Faith's back when she slammed the cabinet.
"I don't think that was quite off the hinges yet. Slam it again."
Faith looked at Cordelia. "Sorry."
"What's with you?"
Faith opened her mouth to speak when Angel walked into the kitchen. He took one look at Faith and then looked away, going to the fridge.
"Nothing. Nothing at all."
Faith grabbed her orange juice and left the kitchen. Angel's shoulder's slumped.
Cordelia rolled her eyes.
**~**
"Want to explain this?"
Wesley tossed the papers down in front of Faith, who was sitting on her bed.
Faith picked up the pictures and looked through them with little emotion.
"Not my best side."
"Indeed. So what's your angle, Faith? Still working for Wolfram and Hart?"
Faith's eyes shot to Wesley, her head twisting to meet his eyes.
"Is that what you think?"
"Isn't that the truth?"
"Wesley, I." Faith stopped. She swallowed back her comment. "I knew it wouldn't last long."
"What?"
"Your trust."
"You never had my trust. Just my patience. Now that is wearing thin."
Faith got up and started to pack.
"Yeah, well, consider me gone."
"Good."
Wesley got up and left.
Faith continued to pack in a hurried frenzy. Clothes were thrown out of closets and drawers and stuffed into cases and bags. Tears wet her face.
**~**
Cordelia and Lindsey kept their eyes to their work when they heard Faith come down the stairs. Faith looked at the both of them, hurt in her eyes. After everything, now they were going to act like she wasn't even there.
Wesley came to the door of his office and folded his arms across his chest. Faith nodded slowly and looked down, heading for the door.
"Hey guys, what's up?" Angel strolled into the lobby but stopped short when he saw Faith with all of her bags. She didn't even stop walking.
Angel trotted to her and stood in her way.
"Hey? Where you going?" Angel looked at the others. Cordelia and Lindsey were still trying to avoid them being there and Wesley was holding his gaze, staring a hole into Faith's back. She could feel it. Angel's eyes narrowed.
"What's going on here?"
Faith looked up at him, anger in her eyes, but he could see she had been crying.
"I'm leaving. Get out of my way."
"Faith. We can work this out. We need to talk."
"Angel, fuck off, ok? This isn't about you for once." She shouldered him aside and threw open the door, making Angel scramble to get away from the sun.
"Stop her!" He looked at his crew. No one moved. "Cordelia? Wesley? Lindsey?" Silence.
Angel looked toward where Faith was walking. Helpless.
**~**
Patrol sucked tonight. Not only was she trying to find the vampires, but also she was trying to hide from Angel. She didn't want to talk to him right now.
She just didn't understand. She knew about his soul and all, but she didn't understand why his soul was in danger. It would only be in danger if he were in love with her. If he was in love with her, surely he wouldn't have ran clear across the room and baled on her like that while she was in a very awkward and vulnerable moment. She knew he knew her well enough to know she hated being vulnerable, because of shit like that. Knowing that, he still left her there. Alone.
She should just get used to alone. It looked to her like alone was about to become a way of life.
She was so deep into her thoughts she didn't see Lilah until she jumped down out of the tree in front of her. Faith raised her stake and got into a fighting stance.
"Hello, Faith."
"What the hell do you want?"
"You. You're working for the wrong side. We wouldn't throw you out on a weekly basis."
Faith narrowed her eyes. Lilah slinked up to Faith, pressing herself against the stunned slayer. Lilah leaned over putting her crimson lips beside Faith's ear and whispered softly to her.
"As a matter of fact, you can stay with me if you need a place to stay."
Faith smiled, some of the old Faith coming back to her as she swung Lilah around to press her up against the tree with her body. Very suggestively, Faith leaned over and whispered into Lilah's ear as she nearly purred.
"Get bent you twisted bitch."
She pulled back with an exaggeratedly sweet smile. Lilah's eyes narrowed and she took a swing at Faith.
**~**
Wesley smiled, proudly. He had been worried that Faith was going to take that plunge. He looked at Lindsey and Cordelia.
"Now."
The three of them sprung from behind the bushes they were hiding and took off in a dead sprint to Faith. They had to stay so far from Faith, so that Lilah couldn't sense them that it was going to take a moment to get to her. Wesley was so glad this plan to bring out Lilah worked. Lilah had been their main obstacle for so long, that Wesley leaped at the opportunity to finish her off.
Just as the trio was nearing Faith and Lilah they were jumped by a group of six of Lilah's goons.
Faith saw the three coming and she nearly cried in relief. Lilah wasn't so tough that she couldn't handle her, but just knowing they had her back was enough for her. Faith started to fight with renewed vigor. But hearing Cordelia's shout of pain was enough to distract her and allow Lilah to knock her back on her back.
Cordelia shouted when a vampire caught her by surprise with a quick jab to the ribs. Thankfully she didn't hear any cracking but she definitely felt pain. She was thrown down and she spared a look at Faith, only to find her on her back, Lilah poised to bite. It was clear that Faith was dazed.
"NO!" Angel came from nowhere tackling Lilah off of Faith. They rolled and Lilah ended up on top. She ground her hips into his to distract him while she punched him in the face.
"Hello, Angel."
Angel struggled and flipped them so that he was on top and he gripped her throat with one hand while he went for his stake. She easily knocked the stake out of his hand and punched the inside of his elbow, making him lose his balance and let go of her. She scrambled up from under him and took off for a run.
Angel vamped out, his demon pissed that she was able to get away so easily. Without thinking he leaped up and sprinted towards her catching her and knocking her over easily. He flipped her over and sank his teeth into her. Lilah's face showed surprise and pain moments before Angel's weight left her. She looked around dazedly and spotted Faith subduing Angel. She heard Faith calling his name to get his attention and then saw that Angel's face morphed back into his human guise. Undistracted, Faith grabbed her stake. Lilah's eyes widened and she turned around to scramble up but felt the sharp pain of a stake piercing her heart from the back. Then she felt nothing.
**~**
"You used her," he accused.
"It was necessary to draw Lilah out."
"It wasn't necessary. You could have told her your plan." Angel glared at Wesley. Faith sat there watching them both intently. Lindsey and Cordelia had made themselves scarce as soon as Angel's anger was apparent.
"The hotel was bugged. I wanted Lilah to think we didn't trust her. I wanted Lilah to come to her."
"What made you think she would?"
Wesley took out the pictures of Lilah and Faith and handed them to him.
"It's not how it looks. I came moments later."
"That's not the point, Angel. I wanted Lilah to think that I believed that Faith was betraying us."
Angel shook his head. "Did you even care how she would feel? Believing that her family had deserted her.again?"
Faith looked at Angel sharply. Family.
Wesley looked down. "I'm sorry. Perhaps I was a little out of line."
Angel just grunted and clasped Wesley on the back, making Wesley look up at him. "Happens to the best of us."
**~**
"Did you really mean what you said?" Faith looked at Angel. They were sitting across the table from each other, her with coffee, him with blood.
"Yes."
"Why did you leave me the other night? I would have understood if you'd have just talked to me."
"Because I'm a stupid male. No matter how old I get, I still react like I'm 20 from time to time."
Faith smiled.
Angel reached over and put his hand over hers. She looked him in the eyes.
"We'll figure this out. It'll happen. Maybe we should just be careful for now."
"Careful."
Angel nodded.
"So.you still upset with me."
Faith smiled.
"Baby, we're five by five."