Shared Destiny
Author: Norwalker
Part 7 of ?
Summary: Faith asks, in Enemies, " Everybody asks why can't you be more like Buffy. But does anyone ask why Buffy can't be more like me?" So, what if , after season 3, Buffy became more like Faith?
Rating/ Category: Rated R Romance/Angst
Spoilers: Possible season 3 and after spoilers.
Time Line: Departs after season 3
Disclaimer: Joss Whedon , Mutant Enemy and Fox own them.
Warnings: Dark fiction. Character Death happens, please be aware of this. Strong language, sexual situations between members of the same sex. Violence. Possible racial/ethnic slurs that the author in no way supports or shares.
There wasn't much in the way of conversation on the way back to Sunnydale. Giles, Angel, Faith and Buffy each seemed to be lost in their own thoughts.
Everybody seemed to have their own issues about returning there. Everybody, in varying degrees of acceptance, knew they had to return and deal with this newest menace. There really wasn't any question of that. But for each the 'homecoming' had an element of pain which slashed any fond memories to pieces.
For Giles it was the fact that even though they'd found Buffy, somewhat barely in time to keep her from killing herself, the woman in the back seat of the Belvedere next to Faith was hardly the Buffy he remembered. Her appearance, her behavior, her attitude had all taken a radical 180, leaving someone almost foreign to him. But what was worse was what she'd lost. She'd fairly well given up on being anything like her old self; the sweet, generous, sometime aggravatingly self-involved and slightly clueless young woman who led with her heart. Who gave so much, sometimes less than willingly, but always with the same quiet determination that she could really make a difference. Who had hope for something better.
The way she was now, bitter, cynical, hard edged and sharp, tore him to pieces inside. He didn't show it, but he grieved for the old Buffy. He knew she would change when she grew older; that was an inevitable part of growing up. But at least, she would retain some of her old qualities. Not like she was now. Not like this.
Then there was the fact that for the longest time, he'd been at loose ends. Without the council, or high school, he'd been drifting along for over two years. Without Buffy, his slayer(and so much more), he'd been without a purpose, or so he felt. Until the Magic Box had come up for sale( due to the death of the previous owner… don't ask, you don't want to know), he'd been ready to return to England. Once Buffy was out, and on her feet again, he'd planned on returning home, making a life for himself there. But, getting the Magic Box had given him a reason to stay, to be close to Buffy once she was out, in case she needed him. That'd pretty much gone up in smoke when she ran away again, with Faith, to dodge the law.
And beneath it all was the guilt he felt. He'd let down his slayer, his… oh, hell, might as well face it, Rupert, closest you're ever going to get… his daughter. He should've somehow found a way to get the charges against Buffy dropped. But they'd been so ridiculous, so obviously a fiction, he'd believed she would walk out of court a free woman. Stupid him. Never trust the legal system. He should be well aware of that, he thought to himself. But he'd believed in justice. Hah!
For Angel, the homecoming was bittersweet. It was in Sunnydale he'd fallen in love. Probably for the first time( and possibly the last time) in his life. With a girl 224 years younger than he was. That still is just too strange to contemplate. He'd had Darla, but that was more lust and a shared love of torture and pain. Dru had been merely an exercise in artistically cruel side, turning a devout and innocent girl into an insane, soulless killer. No one else had even made an impression on him. Not until Buffy. He'd been cursed by the Gypsies, carried his soul for nearly 100 years of torment, when he was approached by Whistler. He didn't even understand why. But it became clear when he saw Buffy.
From the first second he laid eyes on her, he knew she was special. She was a blonde, hazel eyed young girl who chewed gum, who did the pep squad and cheerleading thing, and whose main goal in life was to shop, have fun, and not worry about tomorrow. So it seemed to the casual observer. But he saw her differently. He saw that underneath the cover, she had that something that cried out to those around her to see her as she really was. A caring, generous soul who led with her heart, often to her own pain. When she was called, when her destiny was thrust upon her, she did what she had to do, putting her life on the line to protect the innocent and those she loved. It was this willingness, this sacrifice that made him yearn to protect her, that finally made him love her, like he'd never loved before, or since.
He was blinded by love, and it wasn't until he lost and regained his soul, and spent 100 years in hell, that he finally saw what he had to do. He thought he could give her what she needed, but in the end he realized that was just a fool's dream. He could never give her the life she deserved. Strangely, it'd been Mayor Wilkins that had driven the point home. He'd never age, he'd remain the same, but she would age, give up her life to be with him. Never have children, or the other things in life she might want, because she was with him. He couldn't do that with her, and he finally broke up with her. To give her the opportunity at a somewhat normal life. The breakup had been hard and bitter for both of them. But he had the most to lose; he knew he couldn't ever love anyone like he loved her, nor could he ever find even a measure of happiness with any human. Along with the repentance he had to pay for the century and a half of killing, he had this burden to bear. He wondered sometimes how much one soul could take.
Faith's return to Sunnydale was unambiguous. She hated the idea of it. Sunnyhell, as she aptly named it, held no fond memories for her. She'd come there, running from Kakistos, trying to make a place for herself as the slayer. The slayer, that's a joke, she thinks to herself. There already was a slayer in Sunnydale. Probably the most unique, and , though she would admit this to NO ONE EVER, probably the greatest slayer that ever was. She'd tried to like "B", as she called her in her fashion, but it just hadn't worked. They were too different, and Faith came out feeling like the poor red-headed stepchild. "B" had it all, and Faith had to take the scraps. Everybody loved "B". Ms. Goody-good, Girl Scout cheerleader. Faith, in a word, was jealous of her. Everybody expected her to be a Buffy clone, a tight-assed eat your veggies and be a good girl type who never ever had sex, drank, or smoked a ciggy. I guess I was supposed to be some kinda nun/ slayer combo, she thought, chuckling at the image of her in a nun's habit brandishing a stake. It just wasn't fair. Why the hell couldn't she be more like me? I mean, I was pretty cool, pretty hot, and damned sight less uptight than she was. I was strong, I got the job done, and then some. But no, it was " Be Buffy, Be Buffy , Be Buffy!" Well, fuck me dead. Being Buffy hadn't worked out so well for B, now had it? Strange how, when it was all over, B became more like me. Tough, cynical, a hard ass ya just don't screw with.
Yet… I swear I'll never cop to it, but I miss her. I mean, the old Buffy. Yeah, kinda sick, huh? Me, missing lil miss tight ass stuck up cheerleader? But, I do. Cuz, underneath it, she was … sweet. I mean, she really cared. Ok, I was total didn't get that back in Sunnyhell. I thought she was just some rich-bitch stuck up who was lording it over me. But, I …god, this is so weird… I see now that she really had this … caring thing about her. She loved her friends, her mom(God, poor Joyce. Dying like that. Not fair. She treated me decent, even when I so didn't deserve it).She even cared about me, trying to get me to turn myself around on my little spiral down into hell. Yeah, I was a dope, no kidding. I bought the mayor's line, and got what I deserved. Well, ok, 3 year coma? Maybe that wasn't entirely deserved. But then…there are some people who I'd taken care of, aint gonna be waking up ever again. Maybe I deserved harsher. God, I shoulda just let them take me. Never should let B bust me out. I think I fucked us both over with that one. Playing the " coulda, shoulda" game aint gonna help now though. So, what will?
I dunno. But I think maybe I gotta save her back. People think you don't think when you're in a coma, but they're wrong. Not, like, you think like I'm thinking now. But you think through dreams. Those three years zoned out kinda made me review my life in Technicolor, and I kind realized I didn't want to go where I'd been heading. I needed to build my life back, make it mean something. B did that for me, even if that wasn't what she was going for that night on the roof. Now it's my turn, I gotta save her back. I came to Sunnyhell, I fucked up, went evil, and nearly destroyed everything that's important. Including her. Now I gotta get off my ass and bring ' her ' back. Somehow.
Buffy stared out the window of the Belvedere, each passing mile bringing her back to the place she'd thought she'd never see again. Sunnydale, California. Home of UC Sunnydale, and the hellmouth. This had been her home for 3 years. She and her mom had moved there after …well, she got expelled from Hemery High in Los Angeles. I shoulda gotten the clue right then that this slaying gig wasn't gonna work out for me, Buffy thinks scornfully. But instead of quitting, like anyone with a brain woulda done, I kept at it, til they went and threw me into prison. Yup, they surely taught me the error of my ways, gotta give 'em that. Save the world, go to jail. Yup, great way to pay back an innocent girl, huh?
Deep down, under all the 'righteous anger' Buffy didn't feel 'innocent'. She felt guilty as hell. Giles, the scoobies, her mom… all went around saying she was innocent. But Buffy knew better. She'd set Faith up. Maybe not deliberately, but she was guilty nonetheless. After all, hadn't she thrown Alan Finch down to be killed that night in the alley? She coulda stopped Faith, if she'd really wanted to. But had she really wanted to? Or did she want Faith to do it, to make her guilty, to get her out of her way. She'd been jealous of Faith all along, hadn't she? Faith had been taking over her town, her life, her friends… god, even her mom! So, what better way than this? Get Faith in a murder rap… bye, bye baby. But that wasn't true, was it? She didn't want Faith to kill that man, had she? Faith was outta control, drunk on her power. She'd killed before even checking to see if it was a vamp. Buffy wasn't at fault, was she, really?( But you sure were ready to let Faith take it in the ass, weren't you, Buffy? You pushed her to own up to it, didn't you? What about you? Why didn't you own up to your role in it? Faith called it when she said you were equally responsible, didn't she? But you NEVER ADMITTED THAT, DID YOU? DID YOU?). And you were so shocked when Faith went over and joined the mayor's team. Hell, why shouldn't she? With 'friends' like you? When she shot Angel with that " Killer of the dead" poison, who decided Faith had to pay? The others? Nope…you did, didn't you? You were bound and determined to kill her, bring her to Angel to drink. Yet, when she spoiled your plans, you offered yourself up( cuz it was the only thing left to do, not out of some noble purpose, don't even try to excuse yourself that way, bitch), and strangely, you lived. So, Faith's blood on your hands wasn't required, was it? You didn't have to do what you did. So, why did you? Why did you try to kill her? For Angel's sake…bogus! Cuz she was evil? … double bogus. You did it because you wanted to hurt her. You wanted to make her pay. She found out what a phony you were, what kind of scummy little bitch you were, and you couldn't take it, could you? She didn't want you, didn't need you. Did she Buffy? She turned her back on you, scorned you! How dare she? She had to pay for you're sins, didn't she Buffy? She had to pay with her life!
So, you went to prison. You howled that you were innocent, you were acting in self defense, that you didn't deserve this. And you were right. You didn't deserve what you got. You shoulda been there for the rest of your sad, stupid life, Buffy summers. You should've been killed for what you did. Everybody thought Faith was the evil one, but it was you, wasn't it Buffy? You were the evil slayer, the rogue slayer. You manipulated her into a trap, and manipulated everybody's opinion of her. You made it so she had no choice but to do what she did. You got them all to hate her, but they should've been hating you. HATING YOU!!!
Like you hate yourself.
Willow feels good.
She hasn't felt this good in like…never. Ok, that's a little bit of an exaggeration, but she definitely felt… good.
It wasn't only that the headaches were gone. Thank goodness for that. They'd been like someone hammering on her head with a 20 pound sledgehammer, to borrow an expression from Xander. Those had been so bad sometimes she'd been forced to stay in bed, she just couldn't function. With them gone, she was free.
There was more. Her power seemed to be increased, more focused. Like, she'd suddenly ascended to another level of magic. In some part of her mind, she wondered if that wasn't exactly what happened. If somehow, the pain she'd gone through had been because she was moving up to another level of magic. Maybe it was the price one paid, after a certain plateau had been reached. She wasn't sure, but she knew that her powers seemed to have multiplied. Her focus seemed better, and her spells became much more effective. She could definitely feel the surge of power through her when casting, and it gave her an incredible rush.
With the new power came a price, however. Tara seemed to be… afraid…hesitant…she wasn't sure. But she reacted negatively to Willow's new ability. That's what Willow perceived, anyway. It wasn't in anything she said, really, or how she particularly acted around Willow, but there was … something there that bothered Will. It was a combination of things. She seemed almost ready to say something, then would bite her tongue. Or, she'd beg off when Willow would want to try a complex spell. The look in her eyes sometimes when she thought Willow wasn't watching… it was almost like regret and … fear? Doesn't she know I'd never hurt her? Willow thought. Willow felt a little resentful, as if Tara were trying to hold her back, keep her from exploring her new found abilities. It angered her to think Tara would presume that just because Willow had advanced somewhat quickly, she would use due care in using magic. Sometimes she treats me like a child, Willow thought, as if I weren't mature enough to understand the risks. I'm not a fool, I'm careful. Well, fine. If she wants to be that way, fine. I can do this on my own, I don't need her to help me anyway.
What bothered her most, however, were the dreams. She'd dream she was in a dark place, confining and cold. She could see in the dark, but it was all hazy, unclear. There was a figure, darker than the darkness itself. It seemed to swallow light, creating the darkness around itself. It didn't speak, but Willow could 'hear' it, as if it were speaking in her mind. Telling her things, secret things, dark things. It seemed to know what she felt, what she thought, and would play on that knowledge. It warned of Buffy and Faith returning, and how Faith had changed Buffy. How Buffy was no longer her friend. That she couldn't trust either of them. How they would betray her, and sacrifice her… she must be aware, and prepare for this. That she, Willow, was the true force, the true power in Sunnydale, and the Chosen two were jealous of her. She must resist them, but not overtly. She must fight them if necessary, be willing to destroy them.
Willow didn't like this voice, these things it was telling her. She fought against it, resisted its influence. But it came back, night after night, whispering in her mind, telling her of what she was destined for. It worked on her resistance, warning her of dire consequences if the slayers had their way. It played on her fears and insecurities, on her weaknesses and her own darkness. Slowly, over time, she felt her will to disbelieve, to resist, crumble. She began to listen, hesitantly at first, then with more and more conviction. She soon became convinced that these were her own opinions, based upon what she knew to be true. She came to believe that Buffy and Faith were allied against her, would try to stop her from achieving her true potential. She wondered how she ever could have considered Buffy a friend. She obviously was out to get her from the first, to keep her down, in her place as a 'sidekick' to the slayer. She'd been a fool, but her eyes were open now.
She knew the Slayers were strong. Fighting them openly would be a mistake. She had to be careful, subtle in her approach. She had to convince them she was on 'their' side(whatever that meant), and to lull them into a sense of false security. When all was right, when it was time, she would deal with them.
She paused in her contemplations. Tara might be a problem. She might band with the Slayers to stop her. After all, it was clear now to Willow that Tara wasn't concerned with her safety, or welfare in concerns with her magic use. She was jealous. Jealous that Willow was a much more able and powerful witch. It's too bad, really, because she loved Tara. Tara should know that Willow wouldn't ever use her power but to do good. But she must have been corrupted by the Chosen two… something else to hold against them. She would watch Tara. If she moved against her, she wouldn't harm her. But she would put her out of the way. It was for her own good. Once the slayers were taken care of, she would see that Willow had been right. It would all be good again.
They were coming, she could sense it. They should've been smart, stayed away from Sunnydale. But they chose to come back, and that was their mistake. She would bide her time, make her plans, and strike when the time was right.
For now, she had to prepare for their welcome home.
It was late in the evening when the '67 Belvedere pulled into Sunnydale.
They'd been driving since sundown, and everybody was ready to call an end to their little road adventure. Giles was at the wheel, having taken over for Angel a while back. The four of them had barely spoken a dozen sentences to each other on the trip, and everybody was moody and definitely cranky.
Buffy and Faith were particularly itching to get out of the car. Keeping two slayers cooped up for hours in a car is not the best idea. They hadn't been all that eager to be back in Sunnydale to begin with, and the forced inactivity was telling on their nerves. Both wanted to get out , stretch, maybe walk about a bit. See what was what. Also, they needed to find a place to stay while in Sunnydale, and it wasn't going to be easy this late. To top it all off, Giles wasn't headed for the downtown section of Sunnydale, but towards the residential district. What the hell was he thinking, anyway?
" Uh…Giles?" Buffy finally spoke up." Where are you going? Faith and I need someplace to crash tonight, and there are no motels in this part of town."
" I've already arranged accommodations for you and Faith, Buffy" Giles said, quietly." I don't think it best you live in those ratty downtown motels. I think you'll find these rooms more to your liking".
" Well, gee, that's nice of ya, G." Faith says, a little sardonically, " but I don't remember there being any motels in this part of town".
"I've arranged for something, don't worry" Giles says
" Pretty sure of yourself, weren't you Giles?" Buffy says, " what if we hadn't come?"
Giles doesn't reply. He merely shrugs and continues to drive. Buffy looks around, and notices this neighborhood is awfully familiar… it's very close to where she used to live. Well, no big, she thinks to herself, were just passing through here. Giles makes a left, then a right, and they're on Revello Drive. Buffy holds her breath. It's been a long time since she's been back on this street, and it has lots of memories, good and bad, for her. She knows by the direction they're heading, they'll be passing her old house, and she turns her head so she can skip seeing the house. Right now, it'd be too painful to look at.
So, she was quite shocked when Giles turned into the driveway of 1630 Revello drive, and pulled up to a stop.
"What the hell, Giles? What're we doing here?" Buffy steams," If this is some kinda joke, it's so not funny!"
"It's no joke, Buffy." Giles says from the front seat, " this is where you'll be staying".
Buffy sits silently in her seat, words failing her. Her emotions are all over the place, and she can't quite absorb what's going on. When she finally speaks up, her voice is a bit raspy.
"Giles, I don't know what's your deal, but I can't stay here. This… isn't my home anymore. I told you that, didn't I?" Buffy says, her voice thick with emotion.
"I have to disagree with you, Buffy" Giles says , turning around," This is your home. Or your house, anyway. I arranged to buy it back from the state. Got it a good price, really. Seems property prices in Sunnydale are depressed, for some reason".
" Wonder why that'd be?" Faith says, grinning." Gee, who wouldn't want to live on a hellmouth? Hot and cold running demons, all the vampires you can eat, strange deaths occurring daily. Sounds like home to me".
" Giles, I'm sorry. I can't do this. I can't live here. I know you meant well, but I … just can't." Buffy says, clearly upset, " please take me downtown, so I can get a room".
" Buffy, be reasonable…" Angel says, a bit irritated by the whole thing.
" Look, I told you both. I'm only here because Faith is here, and I won't let her do it alone. This is my last gig as a slayer, and I'm not staying in Sunnydale after. I didn't want this, and I'm sorry you spent your money. But I can't live here. Now, are you taking me downtown, or not?" Buffy says, her voice a bit strained.
"C'mon, B, be reasonable. I lived down in those crappy places. This is a whole lot better" Faith says, not wanting to live in another crappy hole if she can help it.
" Fine. YOU live here, but I can't." Buffy says, jumping out of the car." Give me the key so I can get my stuff, ok?".
"Buffy, you're being foolish" Giles says.
" Fine, I'm being foolish. But give me the key. Or do I tear open the trunk?" Buffy says, her tone saying she's not kidding.
" Give her the key, Giles. If she wants to be a moron, let her" Angel says, really cranky now. It's been hard dealing with her ever since they found her. His patience, little of it as there is, is gone.
Giles reluctantly hands over the key. Buffy pops the trunk, and grabs out her bag. She closes it and tosses the keys back to Giles. She turns and starts to walk back towards town.
"Maybe I should just drive her" Giles says, puzzled at Buffy's reaction.
" No, Giles. She's being a brat. She's been a brat since L.A. If she's so determined to get a room in one of those motels, let her walk." Angel says. He's still not used to the way Buffy's been acting. She's been cold and distant, not like herself at all. He figures she needs time to cool off, and the walk will help her do that.
" You two geniuses never fail to surprise me" Faith says, hopping out of the car. "Gimme the keys, I need my stuff".
" You too, Faith? What's going on?" Angel asks," Don't tell me your nostalgic for those dumps".
" No, Fang, I'm not. But maybe if you'd thought this out, the both of you, you'd realize that this house probably has some really bad mojo for her. She probably can't deal right now with it." Faith sighs, "I really kinda like you both, and normally you're ok. But you both were a pair of dicks on this one". She grabs the key, grabs her bag out of the trunk, and tosses the keys to Angel." But what can I expect? You're guys, and you just don't get it". She takes her bag, and walks off in the direction of Buffy.
Angel and Giles look at each other, and shrug. It carries the universal meaning of all men who just don't get it:
"Women!"
Faith catches up to Buffy after about a block. She falls in line next to her, not saying anything.
Buffy glances at her, and then continues to walk. She doesn't say anything, but keeps heading for the Downtown section of Sunnydale. Faith, in the meantime, is burning to say something, but doesn't want to start trouble. So, she walks with Buffy, matching her pace. Finally Buffy, the silence frustrating her, stops. She puts out an arm, and Faith runs right into it.
" Ok, Faith. What's the deal. You don't have to be here. So, why are you?" She asks, her voice a bit irritated.
" Dunno, B. Maybe wanted to ask, Overreact much?" Faith says, acidly, " kinda threw a fit back there, didn't ya?".
" Thought I was clear on that, Faith. Don't want to be there. No one said YOU couldn't live there. I just can't" Buffy says, annoyed.
" Yeah, I'm gonna live in that place by myself, while you're holed up in some cockroach infested room downtown. Yeah, that's so gonna happen" Faith says, also annoyed.
" Whatever, Faith. You're choice. Be a moron if you want" Buffy says, starting to walk away.
Faith closes her eyes, a hard little grin on her face. She starts nodding her head, as if deciding ' ok, done being nice here'. She catches up to Buffy, and stands in front of her, stopping her. Buffy glares at her.
" Ok, B. I've had it. What's your deal?" Faith says, her tone clearly saying that she's done playing around," You're acting like a brat, and I wanna know why."
" Get outta my way, Faith. I'm tired, and I don't wanna deal with you right now" Buffy says. She makes to push Faith, but Faith catches her hand.
" Don't think so, B. I've tried 'giving you space' for forever. And you don't change. You don't talk to me, tell me what's burning your butt." Faith says, firmly," I've tried understanding what's goin on in there" she reaches out and taps Buffy's forehead. She continues, " but it's all a mystery to me. I'm tired of this game. What's buggin' you?".
" Right now, you're buggin me, Faith" Buffy scowls at her." Get you're ass outta my way, or I'm gonna toss it outta my way".
" Like to see you try, B" Faith mocks her," I'm shakin, can't ya see?" Faith smirks at her.
Without warning, Buffy grabs Faith, and flips her on her butt. Faith, not to be outdone, does a leg sweep and all of a sudden Buffy finds herself on her butt, staring at Faith.
" Well, that was pointless, B" Faith grins, " Whatcha gonna do now?"
Buffy gets up, pissed off. She runs towards Faith, ready to jump on her. Faith just uses her momentum and flips Buffy over herself , so Buffy finds herself on her back, staring up at a grinning Faith.
" I'm waiting, B. When ya gonna kick my ass, huh?" Faith says, amused by Buffy now. Buffy, not amused, grabs Faith by her shoulders, and tosses her over herself. Faith is now on her back, looking up. Buffy jumps to her feet, grabs her bag and starts off. Faith flings herself up, and is running after her.
"Oh, no you don't, B" Faith says. She grabs at Buffy's shoulder, to turn her around. But Buffy grabs her arm, bringing her over her shoulder, landing on the sidewalk. Faith groans. That really hurt! Now she's starting to get pissed.
Buffy starts to walk off, but Faith gets up and tackles her from behind, bringing her to her knees on the sidewalk.
"Dammit Faith, just leave me alone!" Buffy yells at her. She grabs her bag, swings it around and hits Faith square in the chest with it, knocking her back a bit. Buffy starts to get up, but Faith isn't near done. Her foot shoots out, landing square on Buffy's butt. It sends her flying face first into the grass. She just lies there for a moment, seemingly stunned.
Faith walks over to her, standing next to her. She looks down at the prone Buffy, her face grim.
" Had enough yet, B?" Faith says reaching down to give her a hand up. Mistake.
Buffy jumps up onto her feet. Her face is mottled and red with anger. She starts in on Faith, punching and kicking. Faith, taken unaware, takes a few blows before she can defend herself. Buffy is fighting like a madwoman, her anger out of control. Faith keeps a cool head, and starts blocking Buffy's blows. She starts to return the kicks and punches, and the fight is on.
Both slayers have a hard time landing any blows, once both are really into the fight. They are closely matched. Faith has a little reach on Buffy, and is a little stronger than her smaller counterpart. But Buffy is better trained, and is faster. Both instinctually can determine the other's move, so it almost becomes a stalemate between them. Buffy, punch, blocked. Faith, kick, blocked. Buffy tosses Faith over her shoulder, Faith does a roll and lands on her feet. Faith roundhouse kicks Buffy, but it's blocked and Buffy pushes her off. It seems to go on for hours, but it's really only minutes. Finally, Faith grabs Buffy's head, gives her a head butt, that stuns her, then sweep kicks her legs from under her, bringing her down on the grass. She straddles Buffy, holding her arms down. Buffy struggles to get free, but Faith holds her down.
" Stop it, B. It's over." Faith says, holding her down. Buffy suddenly stops struggling, and goes limp. The fight is gone out of her. She gives up, lying quietly.
"Ok, B" Faith gets up, holding out her hand. But she's on guard in case Buffy decides to pull any more tricks. Buffy grabs her hand, but just to heave herself up. She stands quietly, her head hanging down. She can't, won't look at Faith.
" Ok, B, talk to me" Faith says, gently. She can see Buffy is done. She's not going to resist anymore. She stands quietly, waiting for Buffy to speak.
Buffy doesn't say anything at first, however. She just stands there. Faith hears a small, almost imperceptible choking sound come out of Buffy, as if the very words were sticking in her throat. Buffy looks at Faith, her expression guilt-ridden. Her eyes are wide, but clear, no tears. She stands, gripping and ungripping her fists. She looks down, unable to speak.
"B, please, you can tell me anything" Faith says, trying to encourage her to speak. Sensing Buffy needs to get this out, this secret she's been hiding away so long.
"You're going to hate me Faith, I know it" Buffy whispers, almost too quietly to be heard. She seems to shrink down into herself.
" Buffy" Faith says, using Buffy's full name, something she rarely does except to get her attention," how can I hate you any more than you hate yourself right now?" Faith says, gleaning that from the way Buffy is acting," you're punishing yourself over something. At least let me know what it's about."
"I… I can't , Faith. I … just can't" Buffy says, wanting desperately to unload. But she can't handle the possible consequences.
"B" Faith says," If you don't tell me, then I might as well leave now" Buffy looks up, horrified. Faith continues," I can only think that you feel you can't trust me enough to tell me. That means secrets, and I won't, I can't be with you if we're going to have secrets. I've been lied to too many times, by people I cared about to take it anymore. So there's your choice, B. Tell me what this is about, or…." Faith watches Buffy for a reaction. She's hoping her gambit works( be embarrassing if she had to eat her words in three seconds. Leaving Buffy is not even on the table for her).
The gambit works. Buffy is cornered. No matter what she does, she feels she's going to lose Faith. Her only hope is that Faith will somehow understand, or forgive her. She starts speaking.
" It's… my fault Faith. All of it. I could have stopped it. Everything would've been different if I'd only stopped it" Buffy says, her voice strained.
" I don't understand, B. What do you mean?" Faith asks, puzzled by Buffy's enigmatic statement." Stopped what?"
" His … death… Alan … Alan Finch's death. I could've stopped it, but I didn't" Buffy says.
"B, that…happened too fast" Faith says, remembering the night all too well," no one could've stopped it. I was outta control, I …" Faith stops, the memory too painful to continue.
" That's just it, Faith. Remember what was going on? I grabbed him, threw him over to you to stake. But I felt a pulse… knew he was human… but it happened so fast I couldn't stop myself from throwing him… but I knew…and I had a split second to stop you… I could've … I should've bumped you…even a little would've saved him." Buffy gets out, her mouth is dry, her voice cracking. She can feel her eyes stinging with tears but she holds them back," I … didn't… and he died. It all fell apart after that. I hesitated Faith. I didn't… I should've… but I didn't. I stopped. I wish I could just say I was in shock…instead of calling out, I should have rammed you…why didn't I?… I've thought this over and over again…and I don't know. But what if I … wanted to hurt you, Faith? I was so jealous of you. You came in, my friends loved you, my mom loved you, and everybody loved Faith. You got to be whatever you wanted. I had to be the 'good' one. The responsible one. But you could just…do whatever, and everyone said " Oh, that's just Faith". No expectations, Faith, no disappointments. But if I messed up, well it was a major disaster. I resented it, Faith. I really resented it" Buffy's words are flowing out easier now, but it's not easier on her. She's wiping at her eyes, hating the tears forming there. She doesn't want to blubber. She doesn't want sympathy." So, what if in that second, that brief second, I rebelled, Faith? What if I saw a chance to hurt you, really hurt you? Punish you for being you? What if I stopped not because I was shocked, but because I wanted you to suffer? I did it, Faith. I murdered him, to hurt you. Don't you see that? I could've stopped it, but I didn't. I might as well have staked him, because I didn't stop you. All the rest, all of it, is because of that. You wouldn't have gone over the edge, and joined the mayor. We wouldn't have fought on that rooftop that night. I wouldn't have stabbed you, put you in a coma. I wouldn't have gone to prison. We wouldn't have lost 3 years of our lives, our lives wouldn't be so fucked up, except for me. How can I … live with that? How can you even stand to look at me?"
Faith stands looking at Buffy, her mouth agape. She's not entirely sure whether she wants to hit her, kiss her, hug her, or throw her off the closest cliff. She's heard some convoluted reasoning in her time to justify some awful stuff. But this is the first time she's ever seen someone twist things so thoroughly to blame themselves for something they had no control over. She looks at Buffy, standing there like a lost child, her head down, her fists gripped tightly, and her cynical heart, the one that she's worked on for years to harden, turns to marshmallow. She can't believe that this girl has carried around this guilt for years, based upon such…let's face it, flimsy logic. Faith is no psychologist, but she can see Buffy has such issues with self worth, that any little thing that goes wrong, she blames herself for. She saw it all too often before… well, before Faith went all off the deep end. But it's pretty obvious to Faith that Buffy dove off the deep end right after her. Faith realizes she has issues with feeling loved and accepted. She knows she probably needs help, but she's dealing with it better now. Buffy, on the other hand, is so far out there, Faith is worried if she can find help. Buffy is so wrapped up in her perceived destiny, of saving the world, that losing someone she cares about is like a hammer blow to the head. That's why the 'new' persona. She can't deal with the loss anymore. Too much, too soon, feeling like it was her fault. My coma, getting sent to prison, her mom dying while Buffy is in prison. Losing the house to the state. Oh yeah, Buffy told her all about it. But she's carrying this huge load of guilt around, and that leads to the anger she's feeling. Then it hits Faith like lightening. My god, she's become me. She's blaming herself for everything that's happened to her, just like I blamed myself for everything that happened to me. I know I fucked up good in Sunnyhell. I had so much anger and resentment going, I was out of control. But what happened before Sunnyhell wasn't all my fault. Any more than Alan Finch's death is B's fault.
Buffy stands looking at Faith, waiting for it. Waiting for her to go to hell, she never wants to see her again, how could she screw up her life so badly? She expects Faith to hit her, or kick her, or worse, just walk away from her. What she doesn't expect, what blows her away, is what Faith does. She comes over to Buffy, and puts her arms around her, pulling her close. Buffy stiffens, not knowing what to expect. Faith merely kisses her forehead, and holds her. Buffy, confused but grateful, melts into Faith's arms.
" You don't hate me?" Buffy asks, her voice small.. like a little girl.
" No, B. I don't hate ya" Faith says, holding her," though, I gotta say you've been pretty damned stupid " Buffy stiffens in Faith's arms. Faith continues, " don't get all pissy with me. You know you've been dumb, if you think about it, B." Faith says, chiding her, " There are things I don't like about you, B." Faith says, holding her tighter as Buffy starts to struggle in her arms," knock it off, B, I'm tellin ya this for your own good. You've put me through some hell these last 6 months, I think I got this comin' " Buffy stops struggling, and listens quietly." For one thing, you can be a real tight ass, you know?" Faith smirks, " and you really don't do me all that good. All mean, no fun at all, girlfriend. I'm a bitch, granted, but I can have a good time about it. You, on the other hand, are just nasty" Buffy glares at her. " Well, you are, ya know. I'll fight at the drop of a hat, but they don't even have to drop the hat for you." Faith is getting a kick outta watching Buffy. She's getting so offended. She chuckles inside, and starts up again," Oh, and fashion tip. If you're gonna wear leather? Add a few pounds, girl. You're too damned bony for it right now".
"Bony, my ass" Buffy growls. Faith smiles to herself…that's the fighting spirit she wants to see.
" My point exactly!" Faith smirks, " Stick to jeans, girl. And that hair? God, B, red is so not your color! Blonde it back up again, would ya? " Faith is watching as Buffy gets more and more pissed. This is almost too easy, Faith chuckles. " Oh, and by the way? You fight like a girl" Faith is just sitting back, waiting for it.
And it comes. Buffy says, low and dangerous," Are you done?"
"Oh, I could go on for hours, B. But I think that's enough for now" Faith puts on her patented smirk.
Buffy breaks away from Faith's embrace, and stands there, glaring at her.
"What's wrong, B?" Faith mocks her, "don't ya got nothin to say?"
Buffy has plenty to say, but bites her tongue." No, nothin'" She growls.
" Ya mean you're not gonna give me hell in that whiny little voice of yours?" Faith grins, teasing her.
"At least, I don't sound like a member of " sluts R us" Buffy says, her temper flaring, " Oh, and I think I'll take fashion tips from Tammy Faye Baker before I do from you. And another thing. I can still wipe your ass from here to L.A. You just got lucky tonight". Buffy spits at her. Faith just starts to chuckle.
" What so fucking funny, dammit !" Buffy says, boiling over.
" You are , B. You're a hoot" Faith laughs at her.' You're such a dope! God, you've been torturing yourself for over 3 years about Alan Finch. Listen, Blondie. It wasn't your fault, get it? Damn, I was already outta control B, when that happened. I didn't give a fuck that I'd killed him, not then anyway" Faith stops. She does now, and it's not easy to deal with," I was so jealous of you, I wanted to stake YOU, dummy! You had it all… home, family, friends. I had nothin' ya dumb cow. I never had nothin. No home, no mom who was proud of me, no friends except for those that wanted to get into my pants. All I had was being a slayer, and even that was taken from me. Everybody compared me to YOU, dammit. And I always came up short. I resented the hell out of you. Trust me, girl. If it hadn't been Alan Finch, it woulda been something else. I didn't want to be on YOUR team no more. Ms. Goody good, cheerleader prom queen bitch. I really hated you, get it? I hated your guts. If we'd worked together much longer, I woulda probably figured some way to kill you."
" So, you do hate me, then?" Buffy says, upset.
" No, moron, you're NOT listening… again. Weren't you listening on the bridge, when I practically got killed trying to save your bony little ass?" Faith says, irritated," I love you. Dammit, I think I fell for you not long after I met you. You were some tight ass blonde stuck up cheerleader, and you were the cutest thing I'd ever seen. Then I saw you work, and I was blown away. I thought I was good, hell, no I know I was good. I thought I was the best. You just left me in the dust. Watching you work on vamps was like watching a goddamn dance or somethin. I'd never seen no one move like you did. You were all business, but you flowed like water. I got jealous of you all over again watching you. You know how I get after slayin, right?"
" Yeah…you mentioned that … in front of my friends. I thought I was gonna die when you said that" Buffy says, blushing a little even now.
" Yeah, well…after some patrols, I wanted to jump your bones so bad…." Faith says.
Buffy mumbles something, but Faith doesn't quite hear her.
"What?" Faith says
"Nothin' " Buffy says
"Whatever. Anyway, I knew you'd never have me. God, you were so straight arrow, I thought you'd have a coronary if I told ya I wanted you. And I knew that in the back of my mind I wasn't good enough for ya" Faith says. " Even if ya liked girls, you woulda said I was beneath you"..
Buffy mumbles something again, and again Faith doesn't quite catch it.
"What? What're you saying?" Faith asks, perturbed now, " it's kinda rude to mumble , ya know".
"Nothin, ok?" Buffy says, evasive.
" Naw, B. You're not getting away with that" Faith says, moving closer to Buffy, " If you have something to say, say it. Or shut up. But don't say it under your breath expectin' me to ignore it."
" Fine, fine, fine!!" Buffy says, agitated," I said I wish you had. I wish you'd have jumped my bones, as you so eloquently put it" Buffy says, tightly, " You think you're the only one got horny after a fight? I was so itchy I wanted ….Grrr… forget it" Buffy turns away, angry and upset.
Buffy feels an arm go around her shoulders from behind, pulling her close. She can feel Faith behind her, her body pressed to hers. Faith leans her head on Buffy's shoulder. Buffy, almost on reflex, leans back against Faith.
"What, B?" Faith says quietly, almost whispering in Buffy's ear.
"It's just…" Buffy hesitates, all of this becoming more confusing for her," I didn't know what to do. I definitely felt something. The first time, behind the Bronze, when you were dusting that vamp, I felt something. Working together, talking, all of it, just made it stronger. I knew something was happening inside me, I knew it. But I… I was still dealing with killing Angel, sending him to hell with a soul. I was still dealing with the whole thing about Angel. And then he came back, and … all those feelings for him were right there. And I was having these strange feelings for you. Not like I'd had for another girl before. Dreams, too. Maybe that's why I acted so cold to you, I couldn't deal. It was all too confusing. I didn't know where my heart was. Would it have been fair to you to… start something? I don't know. I might …it might…at the time I didn't know if anything would come of it, Faith"
"Shhh. It's ok, B" Faith breathes in Buffy's ear. Buffy feels little tingles dancing down her spine. This is so not helping her concentration.
"Even if I'd started something Faith," Buffy says, her mind scattering a little feeling Faith pressed so close to her. So close." I didn't know if you'd be around to even …I mean, you were like, all the time spouting off how your philosophy was get in, get some, get out. I didn't want that. I…" Buffy sighs heavily as Faith nuzzles her neck, "Faith, that so isn't helping" She sighs, loving the feel, but not loving that her mind is like turning to jelly. Faith kisses Buffy's neck, and the sigh is deep and long. She slips her arms down around Buffy's waist, pulling her even closer, if that's possible.
" I dunno, B" Faith says, her voice low and sultry," I think it's helping tons".
"F-Faith, I… needed more than…just a one-nighter with you. I needed…so much…more" Buffy is starting to lose it, especially when Faith starts nibbling her ear. She continues, slightly incoherent from the sensations running through her body, " I…needed … you to be part …of my life" She finally stops when Faith's tongue caresses the back of her ear, trailing down her pulse point. A little whimper escapes her lips.
Faith gently turns Buffy around facing her. Buffy's eyes are half closed, her nostrils flared and her lips are parted slightly, and look oh so wet and kissable. Faith can hardly control her hormones enough to not just kiss her, but she's got something to say.
"Buffy" Faith says, trying to get Buffy's attention," I needed … something too. I'd been running all my life. I didn't know anything else. When I came to Sunnyhell" That elicits a little smile from Buffy," I was running from the worst thing I'd ever known. Kakistos had killed my watcher, literally ripped her apart in front of my eyes. I was scared, I'd lost the only thing that'd been like a home to me. The only person I'd ever had that'd been like a mom to me. All my armor was up, I had to be strong, or I'd be dead. Nothing had ever terrified me like that before. Nothing. I couldn't deal, either. And I felt like shit. I'd let my watcher die, and ran like a coward. I didn't stand up to the monster that'd killed her. All I wanted when I came to Sunnyhell was a place to hide, somewhere I could safe. Let someone else deal with it. I didn't want to be "chosen" anymore."
"But you" Faith growls a little, more playful than anything else," You wouldn't let me. You kept after me, didn't buy my story. Then you found out about Kakistos. You came to my…god, that place was a dump… and confronted me. Wouldn't let me run again. Well…you and the fact that Kakistos came and smashed down the door. You coulda run out me. You coulda just let me face him alone. But you didn't. You stuck by me. You fought by my side, taking out a lot of Kakistos' followers. And when I wimped out, when I froze up… you attacked him, too. You… kept coming. When you staked him, and he didn't dust, I thought he was gonna kill you. I lost it, B. I just couldn't let that happen. Somehow I got the courage to pick up that beam, and staked him with it I faced my fear. I won. But … I would still be running, or dead…if not for you." Faith feels the tears running down her cheeks, but she doesn't care. She takes a swipe at the tears, and continues." That's when I knew B. Right then. I knew… you were what I was looking for. You saw me, under all the crap I'd built up. You reached out, pulled me in, and you didn't even know you'd done it" Faith says, her voice soft and a little wistful." Yeah, there was something there. We were slayers. The chosen two. Nothing like that'd happened before… well, ok, you told me about Kendra, but that doesn't count. There was more with you and me I think" Faith looks at Buffy, who nods slightly," and I wanted more, too. I didn't want a quick fuck and goodbye with you. But …it just didn't happen. Angel came back, you hid him. How I hated him. I so wanted to stake him. He kept you from me, I was so jealous I couldn't see straight. And I blamed you. You made me love you, then you pushed me away for Fang. So I started doing riskier stuff, more stuff, so you'd notice me, and not him. I got to the point I was jealous of everybody that had your time, even Giles, even you're mom" Faith lowers her eyes, ashamed." I'm so sorry about that. You're mom was great Buffy. I really dug her. She treated me nice, ya know? I'm sorry she…." Faith halts, her voice choked with emotion. Buffy reaches out and strokes her cheek, reassuring her it's ok, she understands.
"That's when I got the crazy idea that if I could make you more like me, you'd… love me back" Faith says, her voice low and sorrowful." I started playing on the bond we'd built up. I tried to get you in trouble, so you'd have to depend on me. I wanted you to be a bad girl, like I was, so you'd … you'd have to stick with me. Then… Alan Finch happened". Faith stops. She chokes up, and it's Buffy's turn to pull her in, to comfort her. Faith starts to cry. She's never had the chance to cry about that before, and for awhile they just stand there, Buffy holding Faith, Faith crying on her shoulder. Faith pulls herself together.
" The blood, B. God, all that blood" Faith says, her voice nearly a whisper." I looked at you, and your face. The shock, the …revulsion … I nearly died right there. I knew… I knew I disgusted you. That's what I thought, anyway. I felt a chill in my heart. I felt…betrayed. I thought you were gonna turn your back on me, just like everybody else. When I saw you just sitting there, stunned and… God, I panicked. I ran, and forced you to run. I shoulda stopped, dealt with it. But I was a kid, B." Faith is trying to justify what she'd done," I couldn't deal with going to prison forever. I was too young for that, I didn't deserve that! It was a mistake, an accident, I didn't mean to kill him!" Faith gets panicky, all the emotions of that night coming back. Buffy just holds her tighter, trying to soothe her. " When you came to me later" Faith continues," telling me we had to deal with it, I only heard that you wanted ME to deal with it. To take the fall. I was so screwed up. I thought you were gonna bail on me. I … I'd gone back and dumped the body in the bay. I thought…no body, no crime. Nothing to deal with. But you weren't letting it go. You tried to make me face up to what I'd done, but I couldn't do it. Not this time. I…god, I told you I didn't care." Faith whimpers. She's reliving it all over again," God I cared, B. I murdered him!" Faith loses it again.
" Faith, it was an accident" Buffy says, calmly, trying to quiet the other girl," It was a mistake. You weren't evil, you're not evil now. It's happened before, that's what Giles told me". Faith looks at her, unbelieving. Giles hadn't told her that(she hadn't really given her time to). Buffy continues" I swear, Faith. This wasn't the first time. In the heat of battle, bad things can happen. We wanted to help you, really. With counseling and everything, you might not have even been sent to prison, Faith".
" Oh, God, B, I so fucked up" Faith says, remorsefully, " I thought… I though you all hated me. Wanted to …punish me. So I hated you back" Faith's voice goes flat," I wanted to hurt you. I wanted to hurt you for Angel, for deserting me, for all of the stuff I thought you'd done to me. That's why I went to the mayor" Faith again tries to explain what she did," I wanted … to hurt you in the worst way I could. I thought if I … stopped you, defeated you and your 'scoobies', I could watch you suffer. Humiliate you, like I thought you'd humiliated me". She pauses again, trying to gather up courage to continue." That's why I went after Angel. Why I wanted him evil. Cuz I knew it would be like a knife through your heart. I set you up for torture, but the real torture was knowing that Angel dumped you for me. I wouldn't have let him kill you. I woulda staked him first, if he tried to kill you. But when I learned you both plotted against me , I lost it all. I just wanted revenge, pure and simple. I wanted you dead, and your lover too."
"That night on the roof? I wanted you dead. I would've killed you, B., if you hadn't stopped me. I'd already killed 3 men, what more could they do to me? I was a killer that night Buffy. Make no mistake about it." Faith's voice goes extremely quiet," It wasn't your fault, B. You were doin' what you had to do. It was self defense, B" Faith says, firmly, " cuz one of us wasn't walking away from that roof. You just got the blow in first".
"It wasn't you fault" Faith concludes, " it never was your fault".
Faith stands apart from Buffy, her head down, her arms hanging at her sides. She feels better now that Buffy knows, but she feels like she's blown her chance with Buffy. How could she care for me after this? Faith thinks. I let her live that guilt for so long. She turns to walk away, feeling like crap. She figures she'll head downtown, get a room. Maybe a bottle, to try to kill the pain. Her pace increases, and she starts to trot, wanting just to run. A voice calls out to her.
"FAITH!!! STOP!!!" Buffy yells, running after Faith.
Aw crap, her it comes, Faith thinks. She's gonna give me hell now. Well, screw that! Faith starts to run.
" Dammit Faith!" Buffy calls out, kicking into a run, " STOP!!!!"
" Fuck you, Blondie" Faith calls back. She's about to kick into high gear when she's hit from behind by a flying tackle. Buffy and Faith both crash into the grass. They roll around, each trying to get the upper hand. Buffy finally latches onto Faith, who tries to buck her off. It's no good, Buffy's holding on like her life depends on it.
"Dammit, B. I'm sorry, ok? Just let me GO!!!" Faith screams, trying to throw Buffy off.
Buffy just holds on, not letting Faith get away. Finally, Faith, tired and emotionally drained, just collapses. Buffy pins her to the ground, and won't let her up.
" You moron!" Buffy yells at her, " You were so damned determined to run away, you forgot something!"
"What?" Faith cries out, exasperated." What'd I forget??!!"
Buffy gets up, helping Faith to her feet. Faith brushes herself off, and faces Buffy.
"Ok, B. What'd I forget?" Faith asks, quietly. She just wants to go. Just fucking let me go, B!
" Me, you idiot!" Buffy says, just before she pulls her into a passionate kiss.
" I don't like this, B" Faith says, in hushed tones, as the two women approach the house on Revello Drive.
" Well, we can always stay at one of those rat traps downtown, if ya want!" Buffy says, whispering.
"UGH!" Faith whispers," ok, you convinced me. But how're we gonna get inside?"
" No big, Faith. I lived here over 3 years" Buffy heads for the tree by her window." We climb up, and go in the window. Right into my room" Buffy grins back at her.
"Yeah, well…what if it's locked, B?" Faith says, quietly." Kinda put a crimp in things, don't ya think?"
"Doubt it" Buffy says, conspiratorially," I broke the lock first year I was here. It never got fixed".
They start up the tree, climbing towards Buffy's window. They just about make it, are on the eaves of the roof, when a voice calls up to them.
" You know, I always found the front door easier" Angels steps out from the shadows.
BUSTED!!!
Angel looks up at the chosen two, a grin on his face." Of course, that way IS more romantic. I remember a lot of nights I spent sitting on the eaves outside Buffy's window"
Buffy, rolling her eyes and looking embarrassed, eases her way back down the roof. Faith, giving her a look as if to say " Didn't you figure he'd remember?" follows after Buffy. They jump from the roof, landing on their feet.
" Angel" Buffy hisses, " What're you doing out here?"
"Waiting for you two twits to show up" He growls, but not really angry. Just happy they're back, really. He looks at the condition of their clothing and general appearance. " I see you two had a fight?"
"Yeah, well. You know…slayers, fighting, part of the job description" Buffy says lightly, putting her arm around Faith's waist.
"Well, try to keep some of it for the big bad, ok?" Angel says, eyebrow arched.
"Hey, it's only like… training. I mean, who better to train with than another slayer?" Faith reasons. Of course, Angel isn't buying it.
"Yeah, right" Angel retorts, exasperated. The last week with these two has played on his nerves." Just get inside, ok?"
"Yes, Daddy" The chosen two answer in unison. They giggle.
"He can be such a pain" Faith says, walking with Buffy towards the front door.
" Yeah, I know" Buffy agrees," All broody and moody. And he's only an ok kisser…nothin' special" They move closer to the door.
" I dunno" Faith recalls, licking her lips." I thought he did pretty ok"
" Yeah, well, you would, wouldn't ya?" Buffy retorts playfully.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Faith asks.
" Baby, you really gotta work on those kissing skills, ya know?" Buffy says, walking through the door.
"Oh yeah? I didn't hear you complaining earlier…." Faith rejoins, walking through the doorway.
They disappear inside.
Angel, still on the front porch, looks heavenward, as if asking the Power that Be to give him patience.
" These are the ones that are going to save us?" He wonders aloud.
" We're doomed" He mutters, turning and walking inside, closing the door behind him.
"So, my kissing's no good huh?" Faith pouts her lip thrust out. She has her arms crossed over her breasts.
She is delightfully naked, her body framed by the moonlight and the soft glow of the nightlight. Buffy is standing across from her, also au naturel, admiring the view.
" Will you look at that lip" Buffy coos, sidling over to Faith. She slips her hand around Faith's back, pulling her close." I'm so gonna get that lip" Buffy leans over and sucks on Faith's pouty lip.
"Mmmm" Faith murmurs, returning the kiss in kind. When they break, she adds, " You don't seem to mind my kisses now".
"How could I?" Buffy coos softly" You taste so sweet" She kisses Faith again, and slides her hand down, squeezing Faith's bottom. Faith squeals, and they fall onto the bed, giggling.
Soon arms and legs are intertwined, as the business at hand gets serious and heated. The kissing becomes very enthusiastic, and hands start exploring each other's soft skin. They touch each other in secret and exciting places, building up the passion they already are feeling for each other.
Buffy slides her leg between Faith's thighs, bringing it close to her center. Faith moans softly, already feeling damp from Buffy's tender ministrations. She pushes herself against Buffy's thigh, and starts to rub against it. She pushes her own thigh between Buffy's legs.
"Mmmm, I need you so bad" Faith moans, sliding faster against Buffy's thigh. Buffy, equally excited, begins her own rhythm on Faith's thigh. They softly grunt and moan, pulling each other closer. Their kissing becomes more fierce and demanding as their pleasure increases.
"Uhhh….ahhh…uhhh" Faith groans, as she rolls her hips and thrusts herself harder on Buffy's thigh. Buffy, in a similar state, moans loudly. She begins to bite Faith's neck and shoulders.
"Oh, yeah… B… bite me harder….ummm….yeah" Faith whimpers, running her nails down Buffy's back. Their motions increase getting faster and harder as each of them is thrust closer to the edge.
"Mmmmm… Faith…Ahhh… Faith…oohh…Faith" Buffy moans and sighs, her body pushing closer to the peak.
"B…B…oh God Buffy I love you baby" Faith groans, her own orgasm approaching quickly.
Almost simultaneously, the two explode into over the edge, their bodies enwrapped in an electric, erotic pool of pleasure. On a deeper level, they seem to join in a million ways, as if they are one together, on a sub cellular level. Where one stops, and the other begins, neither one can tell. Trillions of little sparks and tingles float around them, inside them, through them, bathing them in an intense sensual overload. Slowly, slowly they drift back to earth, each still wrapped around the other, their lips locked in a long, deep and soul joining kiss. They gradually part, looking into each other's eyes. Soft, sleepy eyes shining with love and need and desire. They kiss again, just tiny little kisses, and snuggle together, holding each other as they float off to sleep.
To Be continued.