Disclaimer: Thanks, Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy, Inc. for the characters I like to play with so much.
Author's Note: Thanks again for kind reviews I have been getting . ya'll been really patient, and this story is gonna go a bit long. But I hope if you stick with it, it'll be worth it to you. Thanks to one reviewer for letting me know I got Jenny Calendar's name wrong. I posted corrected text with the correct name( teach me not to check, eh?). And thanks to all for the helpful suggestions. Ok, time for another part of our story.
Summer of faith
Chapter 6
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Faith:
I am sooo jazzed. Wait 'til B sees this. Yah! Man, I can hardly wait to show her. Funny, that fight we had seems to have done some good things. I dunno…I feel more comfortable around B now. Not so… tragicky all the time. Like I have to walk on eggshells or something. We really seem to be syncing . That little dark cloud she carries around with her sometimes lets some sunshine through now, and she smiles a lot more now. And if I touch her or something, she doesn't like get all stiff. Which is good for me, 'cause if I had my way I would be touchin' lil Ms. Cheerleader a whole lot more…c'mon, Faith, cool it. Ya know that aint her thing. But it is better being around her. Ahhh… but Faith is gonna rock her world tonight. No, not that way. Get your mind outta the gutter. I mean this…is totally cool. Faith, sometimes girl, you rock!
Buffy:
I am off work(thank you for little favors, God!) and waitin' for Faith. We are gonna hook up and do a little patrolling. Then, we'll do something else. I dunno, I guess that fight we had really opened my eyes. I was so in my little tragic world of poor me, that I almost shut out Faith entirely. I hadn't realized how I was using her, and I am so glad that things are rollin' along a bit differently. We talk more now, not just about what has happened , but more like what we want to do in the future. It is kinda neat to have someone I can talk to about maybe things I want to do. And I'm beginning to see I am gonna have to go home . I don't know when yet, but I can see I can't run away anymore, that I'm gonna have to face up to what I have done, or at least my responsibilities for it. And, Faith is nudging me this way. And the cool thing is? She said when I am ready, she will go with me. I can't believe I'm so lucky to have her for a friend.
Here she is. And oh boy. She has that " Faith rules" walk going . She has this cute little swagger she does when she is like happy with herself. And she is swaggering to big time.(chuckle).I'm liking her a whole lot more. And in some ways, that is confusing me. I mean…. It's hard to explain. But , well, I got this big hole where Angel used to be. I mean, after all that has happened, I have had this big empty inside. But slowly I find that Faith is filling it, bit by bit. And not like she is trying, she just sometimes does such incredibly sweet things. Like, a couple days back, I was having a bad day at work. The boss was all yelling and hard ass, the customers all mean, and stuff. She had dropped in to grab a coke, she said, and to say Hi. But I didn't have any time to chat with her. So, a little later, I go where she was, and here, in the water glass, she has put a yellow rose for me. Just sitting there. I can't tell you how that brightened my day. And sometimes after work, she like can see I have had a really bad one. So, she like whips out a box of Red Vines for me. She knows I love 'em. Or sometimes she does nothing more but put an arm around me, or hold my hand when I am feeling blue about home or something. And then, just so I don't get too comfortable, she will do something to piss me off. Some dumb thing that just makes me boil. But, she puts on that cute flirty smirk of hers, and I just can't stay mad at her. So I start to laugh. And she laughs. And it is all cool again. What? What? Why is she waving her hand in my face?
Faith(jumping around a bit): B. B. Wake UP B. Earth to B.
Buffy(blushing a little): Sorry, got lost in my head
Faith: No kidding, B? Couldn't a told that(smirking)
Buffy: Ok, ok Ms. Smartass. What's up? You're all Top Dawgy. What's the deal?
Faith: Top Dawgy?(chuckles) you are so cute, B., when you reinvent English
Buffy(growling a little): Are you gonna tell me what you are so happy about, or are we gonna sit here making fun of my grammar?
Faith: c'mon, I'll show ya
And she grabs my hand, and starts pulling me along. And she is doing this little happy dance thing. Wow, it must be something
And it was.
Cause I turn the corner…and there is a motorcycle. And I am like…whoa, where did this come from?
Buffy: Whoa…where did this come from?
Faith(a little shyly): Like my bike?
Buffy: YOUR Bike? Where'd ya get it?
Faith(a little defensive): I didn't steal it or nothin'
I walk over, and put a hand on her shoulder
Buffy: I didn't say you stole it, Faith. I just wanted to know where you got it?
Faith: It really IS mine ( she pulls something from her jacket)
I look at it, and it is the pink slip, signed over to Faith DeMarco.
Buffy: Faith, honey, I believe you. I just was curious.
Faith: 'k. Well, you remember that little princess I saved from the vamps awhile back?
Buffy: The night I found out there was another slayer?(grins)
Faith(grins): Yeah, Ms. Smarty. Anyway, turns out she is the girlfriend of one of the owners of The Hungry Heart
Buffy(blushing, remembering her night at the hungry heart): Yeah?
Faith: Well, she told her girlfriend, who looked me up to see if it were true. When I said ya, I saved her from " the muggers", she was all like grateful and stuff. She offered me like money, but I said No, no big. Just happy to help. But seems she also is into bikes. And this little beauty is like a 'second' bike for her. So, she gave it to me. I tried to turn it down, but she said she would be upset if I didn't take it. And ya know me, B. I never upset the women(by the end of the story, Faith is laughing).Finally, slaying PAYS!!!
Buffy(grinning big time): That's so cool for you, Faith
Faith: for US, B.
Am I blushing?
Buffy: Us?
She turns to me, and gives me this look. Like, who else? Ya know, dead serious like
Faith: Who else would I motor around on my bike with but my Best Bud?
Ok, yeah, I am really blushing
Faith: See? I even got you a helmet
It is like one of those visor helmets, with a hole in back for my hair. And it has a big "B" on it. I am so…so...damn
Faith: Hey, B. c'mon , this is happy stuff. No waterworks
And she is like, right in front of me, brushing away my tears.
Buffy(smiling): No, silly, it's just good tears. I'm really touched you would think of me that way
So, why do I have this overwhelming desire to grab her and kiss her? BUFFY? What. Is. with. you. girl?
Faith: So, whaddya say, B? You , me, the highway? Take a little ride with me?
Why am I feeling shy all of a sudden?
Buffy: I dunno, Faith. We should pa…..
Faith: Awww , C'mon B. We patrol every night. I don't think the vamps are gonna take over L.A. in one night… do you?
Buffy: I dunno…
Faith:
So, what is with her? I am not going to bite her. So why won't she go riding with me? Geeze
Faith: Ok, B. Maybe it was a dumb idea. But I am gonna go anyway. Too bad , though. Ya won't get to wear your helmet(I pick it up and grin).
So, I am getting on the bike, making ready to take off…and I feel the seat bounce, and a pair of arms around my waist. Heh, get 'em every time
Buffy: Ok, let ride
And she like has her head on my shoulder…whoa, girl, that is so…dangerous, distracting the driver. Heh.
So, we are toolin' along on the bike, and she is really, really holdin' on to me. I mean, there is not room for a gum wrapper between us. And I can feel her warm little body back there, and she is like turning me into one big hormone. I mean, does she KNOW what she does to me, and is torturing me for fun? Or, is she unconscious? Hmmm… not complaining, though… uh- uh.
Buffy: Where we going Faith?
Faith: Here, there….you'll see
Buffy(a little growly) : Tell me, Faith
And she starts to tickle me
Faith: HEY. No tickling the driver, you'll get us killed
And I am laughing. And she is poking me
Faith: Stop it , B. Right now!
Buffy: 'k
And she starts pinching me, and giggling
Faith: Dammit B, I am gonna run us off the road if you don't quit it
Buffy: 'K, ok
And she stops…but then lays her head on my back
Ok, she's torturing me.
So, we hit Muhlholland Drive. And I get my revenge. Taking the curves a little fast, she's bouncing around in back. But instead of complaining, she is making a game out of it, goin'' " YAAAH" or " Wheeeee" on the curves. I am so liking this. She is like so happy, just being relaxed and not all worried. It is great to see her this way. So, we are up in the hills, and it is getting towards sunset, and I am looking out for this little turnout I was told about. And she is hanging on, and humming some little tune into my ear, and I am like…oh, wow, I thought I was jazzed when I got this bike, but this is so much better… and I see it finally…and head for the turnout.
Buffy:
So, she is turning off the road at this little place, and I am wondering where we are. But I don't really care, because it has been great. I don't remember having so much fun in so long. Just feeling free, no worries, no stressing. Just riding free.
Faith: We're here
Buffy: And where is here?
Faith : Here (gesturing around)
Buffy: And that is….
And I look around, and I kinda just go " oh"
Cause I swear this is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. I can see the city, and the ocean, and the sun is setting. And the sky looks like it is on fire, with reds and gold and orange and purple. And I just kinda stand there, awestruck.
Faith:
So, I am watching her, watching the light and colors play on her face. And I am chuckling to myself, cause she has this little "o" her lips are making. And that sunset is the second most beautiful thing I have ever seen, cause her standing there, with the light and all, just blows me away. She is a goddess, I swear. Her gold hair swept behind her, her face all calm and beautiful, her eyes just wide in wonder. And she doesn't even realize it.
And she turns to me, and has this kinda soft look in her eyes. and I must have lost my mind then, cause I did something so totally stupid
I walked over to her, and took her in my arms, and kissed her.
Buffy:
Oh my god she is kissing me!!
And…it isn't a bad thing, or weird thing!
And…I just don't know what kinda thing it is
And I kinda gently disengage her. And she looks at my face, and sees the confusion. And her eyes go wide, and she backs off
Faith: Oh...oh my god, B. I am sorry… I … I don't know what came over me . I am so …
And it looks like she is gonna bolt, or something. So I grab her hand
Buffy: No, Faith… no… it wasn't a bad thing…or anything…it was …kinda nice… But I just don't know…
And we kinda stand there…and are feeling a bit silly and awkward. And I look at her; she is looking at the ground, and looks so sad. So, I walk over to her and put my arm around her . I lift her chin
Buffy: Hey, hey…no sad stuff. It wasn't bad. We just kinda got caught up in the beauty of the moment.
And I see in her eyes a little sadness, a little gratefulness, and …disappointment? And I see her withdrawing a little, and I am feeling a bit sad
Buffy: Hey, no...don't Faith. Tell me...what is it?
But its too late, she's back behind her wall.
Faith: Hey, B. It is nothing. Just like you said. We got kinda carried away with the scenery and all(she grins)
But I know something happened, and clueless me I missed it, big time.
So, we stand there for awhile, but the beauty seems to have lost some of its sweetness. And as darkness fell, the lights of the city came on; they looked like little diamonds, decorating the scene. But it felt …awkward now.
Faith: I guess we better head back. Getting late, be harder on those roads in the dark.
Buffy: Yeah, guess you're right.
So we take one last look at the city, then hop on the bike, and take off.
Faith:
Oh damn me to hell, what was I thinking? God, Faith. You blew it so big this time. What is she gonna think? Is she gonna get all nervy and weird around me now? It is already getting weird. I only brought her up here to see this spot, cause I had been told it was real pretty at sunset. And what? I can't keep control? I go and kiss her. And she gets an all confused to hell look. And then we both have a case of the awkwards. And she tries to come over and comfort me. Geeze, does this girl get any sweeter? But, it is the " caught up in the beauty" remark that kinda puts a little knife in Faithy's heart. Geeze. Are you really so blind, B? Can't you see I have it bad for you? That I would worship at your feet if you only showed me a little back? Damn, damn, and… oh hell. Why am I getting upset with her? It's not her fault, its mine. I ruined the day.
Damn.
So, anyway, I make an excuse it is getting late, so we get on the bike and head back
And the ride back is quiet… a little too quiet. And there is definitely a space between us now. And I can't help it. I am thinking about that kiss. How soft her lips were. How they had a hint of honey to their taste. And …how she didn't push me away. Didn't really kiss me back, but just kinda stood there. And… I just can't get it. She wasn't repulsed, she wasn't angry, just…oh… oh… what if she is like…oh…like… she is as confused as I am? Not sure how she feels about it all? Oh, Faith, you are stupid. She … doesn't get it , because it is totally new to her. She can't sort it out. Well, Faithy, my dear, I think you are just gonna have to be a bit more understanding, and give her some time to figure it out for herself. Ok, big risk. She might decide it is too weird, and bolt. But, on the other hand, she might decide she thinks it is just fine. Man…why isn't this stuff ever EASY??????????? Just play it cool, let her have what space she needs.
Buffy:
And it is really quiet riding back. She is kinda in her own world, and I am in mine. And I can't help thinking about that kiss. It came from nowhere…No, Buffy, be honest. You have sensed Faith has a bit more interest in you than just as a friend. And you have to admit, sometimes that thought isn't at all icky… rather nice. OH GOD, WHAT AM I THINKING? All of this is just too confusing…but that kiss… her lips are so incredibly soft, and sweet… like berries. And so tender…not forceful, but almost like a caress…oh… this is so making me crazy. I just don't understand this one bit. I gotta think about this, and think hard. So, I gotta play it cool. Too many things can get screwed up here. Too many hearts broken. Damn…isn't this stuff ever EASY?????????????? Just be cool , Buffy. Don't get strange now.
So, we arrive back at my building. And she stops, and I get off. And I rub her back, and say
Buffy: That was nice. Thank you
Faith: No Big, B. Glad you liked it( small little smile)
And she is sitting there, looking a little lost. Like she doesn't know what to say. So, I walk towards her.
Faith:
And she is walking towards me. Did I forget something? And then…
Damn her, she gets me AGAIN!!! I can't believe what this girl can do to me
Cause she walks over to me, and puts her hand on my cheek
And she says to me
Buffy: Faith, honey, it was good, all good. Every second of it
And then the blow-em-away
She leans in, and gives me a kiss… soft, short and sweet
Buffy:
I can't believe I just did that. But, I saw her looking so lost. I wanted her to feel better.
And she takes off, waving
And I stand there, lost in my thoughts
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TBC
Ok, I know some of you might say "Foul" cause this chapter has similarities to another F/B story I wrote. But there are differences, and important ones to my mind. As to who is in control( most of the time) and where it is going to lead. But, if you want to bring out the tomatoes, go ahead . =)