Part Eight

United States - still 1936

(For those who've lost track of their ages, Buffy is almost 17 and Faith is a few days shy of 15. Yes, they're young but they were pretty damn young on the show too..)

Buffy firmly pushed at the boy when he attempted a second kiss. "Harry, everyone's looking."

"Yep. We're the bees knees, baby." He grinned rakishly. "Ain't it grand?"

"No, it most certainly is not!" She picked up her handbag in a fit. "I want to go home!"

A few customers laughed, some even muttered uh-oh.

"I don't get it. Why the fuss?"

The pair emerged from the restaurant, crossing the street approximately where Faith had.

"Nifty! Look at what some hothead pitched," Harry smirked, spotting the pretty flowers. He hurried to retrieve the bunch. "Must of cost some fool a few clams."

"You better not dare offer me those!"

"I wasn't... wouldn't."  With a sputter, Harry dropped the bouquet and chased after his attractive companion. "Buff, what's got you so balled up?"

Letting out a weary huff, she turned to face him. "For starters that Valentino routine. What was that about?!" She poked his shoulder indignantly. "You and Faith are so much alike sometimes. You'll be the death of me! Always making me crazy!"

"Wha-what?" Harry mouthed, shaking his head and stepping back.

"No you don't!" The petite blond advanced on him. "Neither of you are innocent. You know what you're doing when you do it. Both of you with all that charm and your gorgeous eyes and perfect smiles...then there's the clever little quips. I can't take it." She stamped her foot. "It's unfair! How's a girl supposed to resist?!"

"Uh-not sure." His baffled expression quickly dissolved her anger.

Still searching for the correct words, she instead finished with a frustrated grunt. "Eww! You're so...Grrr!"

"Doll, don't blow." He held up his hands.

"That! That right there! Don't call me doll and don't be so sweet!"

"Ok. I won't call you doll."

Buffy guiltily lowered her eyes. "Harry, I made a mistake. I shouldn't have taken your ring." She'd begun to cry. Tugging frantically at the item, she struggled to pull the ring off. "I didn't want to ruin things between us. I'm so, sooo sorry." She sobbed. "I can't be with you. I love you but--"

"Nuh-uh! No way! Not here." He stopped her from removing the ring. "Think about it. You're just worn from squabbling with your mom," Harry reasoned, draping his arm around her. "We'll take a break."

Xander witnessed the outburst, intrigued. Slowly he bent to snatch the well struck ball from the dirt.

Seeing their classmate staring, Harry hurried Buffy along.

Soon the conversation grew too muffled to make out. Xander simply stood watching the couple until they turned the corner.

Faith's shouts gradually filtered through his haze.

"We got scored on 'cause of you," The brunette admonished, ripping the ball from his hand. "Goof, loiter on your own time!"

Xander gazed stupidly at the good-looking girl before him. He was tempted to ask for the low down but figured Faith might deck him.

"Damn, you're lucky I like you, Harris," Faith muttered, dragging him back toward the game. Her friend seemed lost. Little did she know Xander's mind had grown completely preoccupied with thoughts of Buffy and Faith together....naked.

"Listen." Faith slugged Xander's shoulder. "Follow my lead and we'll win." She grabbed the bat and went to the plate. Tapping the stick to the ground, the brunette boasted, "Better back up, kiddies. I'm what you call a natural."

.............

Buffy sat dressed in her snazziest clothes, wearing a brand new perfume, and as much make-up as any mother would allow. She was waiting for Faith. Everything she'd done that day was in anticipation of their date.

...........

Faith stormed into the house, disregarding both brothers as she headed for her bedroom.

"You missed supper." Harry said, nudging open her door.

"Beat it, double-crosser!" Faith snapped, shoving him.

"What the heck?!" Angrily, he pushed his sister to the wall. "Don't futz around. I'm not in the mood for it." He sniffed her and scowled, "Jeepers, you smell like a gin joint."

"Lay off!" Ducking, she butted her head into his chest and knocked him off balance, then punched him. "Screwy bastard!" Faith cursed, clipping Harry in the nose.

With a howl, the young man stumbled back, clutching his face. Angel rushed in to haul the youngest from the room, ignoring her screams and protests.

"Let me at him! I'm gonna clobber him! Harry, you're a dirty, rotten, sneaky dog. Ratfaced fuc--"

"That's plenty!" Angel shouted, shaking the girl. "Not another syllable."

The brunette harrumphed while Angel spoke. "Apologize. I want you to apologize to Harry."

Faith sneered at her sibling, despite his bloody nose, she felt he'd got off light.

"I don't get women. Not at all." Harry choked, taking the handkerchief Angel offered. "You're nuts. Raving loons!" The boy swore, exiting the house.

Angel turned to his sister. "So you're willing to hurt Harry for her?"

The question sobered Faith slightly. She lowered fists.

"Didn't think so," Angel remarked, stepping aside to let her by.

To Be Continued