REVIEWS:
Siph De Neon - You are entitled to your opinion. Not everyone likes every story. That's the way of the world and I'm glad for it. There's a lot of stories out there that I don't like the characterizations of, or the pairings so I don't read them. I love Willow - but this wasn't where my muse was taking me on this story. And as submitting yourself to reading the story - I'm not twisting your arm. Have a wonderful day.
Sink & Just Me - Thanks for standing up for me and my story. I appreciate the kind words! I have no problems with someone not liking the story - there's a lot of stories out there I don't like - I just don't bother leaving feedback! LOL You can't please everyone - that's why this is an open forum. Something for everyone. Just glad that I am giving some people enjoyment and/or entertainment. THANKS TO YOU TWO - UPDATE TODAY INSTEAD OF TOMORROW:0)
Sink or Swim - Yeah, Willow has that affect on me in this story also! LOL Faith - I'll let you know. Even though this chapter will probably answer - She's a good one. Faith was my second most favorite character after Tara.
Kim - Yeah, Faith will put a different spin on things. HAA HAA HAAA evil evil laugh
Just Me - Yeah you better back out of my head - it gets real weird in there and you might be scarred for life if you don't. You have to wait and read for what happens with Faith. LOL Glad I was able to surprise you with bringing her into the story.
Iris - Sorry about your Review biting the dust - thanks for the e-mail. Tara definitely grows a backbone and everyone will get more of an idea of how powerful Tara possibly is in the next couple chapters. Glad everyone is enjoying the story! I'll try to make sure you get at least two chapters a week!
CHAPTER 8
"It seems you've been pardoned, Faith." The guard unlocks the cage to let Faith out.
Jerking her head up at the word pardoned Faith looks confused. "What the hell are you talkin' about?" She growls out.
"You're pardoned, freed to go. Got your walking papers. Damn girl, how hard is it to understand? Get your shit and let's get you out of here." The guard states, not understanding herself, but orders were orders.
Faith looks at what meager belongings she has in the cell and walks out, not taking anything with her. "Don' need none of that."
Signing for her stuff, dressed in her leather pants, leather jacket and tank top she looks at a set of keys in the bag. "What the hell are these? I didn't have these before." She states looking at the woman.
"Was told to give them to you. Something about you would understand." The woman shrugs and goes back to work, ignoring the ex-con.
Shrugging her shoulders, Faith heads out of the prison. Waiting for the guards to open the last set of gates she sees a Harley Sportster sitting outside. Looking at the keys in her hand she raises an eyebrow. Walking up to the Harley,theres an 8x10 envelope taped to the seat with her name on it. Quickly opening it, she started to read, her eyes opening wide Faith shakes her head, quickly finishing the letter, she opens the other smaller, thicker envelope. Pulling out $500 in cash she frowns. "What the fuck is going on B?" She says to herself before grabbing the helmet putting it on, tucking the money in her pocket, she starts up the motorcycle and says "Sunnydale, here I come." Before taking off in a cloud of dust.
"Hello." Buffy answers the phone. "Giles, anything new?…You got her pardoned? Good….I'm surprised it happened this quick. I would have thought it would have taken a couples months, not just a few weeks…Hell no I'm not complaining…No, we haven't heard anything from her since her surprise visit to Tara at school…I think she's staying low, trying to figure out a way around Tara's spell…I don't know. Tara seems pretty sure she shouldn't be able to work around the charms, as long as we don't take them off we should be fine…When should Faith be here?…Okay, I'll keep an eye out…Giles?…Thanks for everything."
Looking out at the night Buffy stands at the back door, holding the phone in her hand thinking. Shaking her head she looks down at the floor. 'God, Willow. Are you a lost cause? Is it going to come down to me fighting you? Are you my next Big Bad?' Sighing Buffy turns with slumped shoulders to hang the phone up and head back to the living room. Sadly smiling at the sight that had become commonplace. Tara's curled up in the corner of the couch, with Dawn laying down with her head in the blonde's lap, Tara running her fingers lightly through her hair while they watch television.
Both woman and teenager finding comfort in the soft caress. "Faith should be here sometime tonight." Buffy quietly states, sitting down on the opposite end of the couch.
"Buffy, shouldn't you be out on patrol?" Tara questions.
"I'll wait." Buffy reaches out, and lightly runs her hand across Dawn's leg.
Smiling at the Disney cartoon they're watching Buffy laughs quietly. "I like the talking donkey the best."
"What? Shrek is the best character out of all of them!" Dawn takes up the challenge.
Smiling slightly Tara looks at Buffy then Dawn "Personally, I like Fiona. For an Ogre she's extremely pretty. And who can resist a woman that can kick serious ass?" Trying not to laugh at the looks that are coming from both Buffy and Dawn, she bites her bottom lip lightly, before smiling her crooked grin at them both, making them laugh.
"Okay, so we know if we come home and find a 7' female ogre in the house, it's Tara's girlfriend and we shouldn't be worried." Buffy winks at Dawn.
Actually laughing out loud Tara smiles "Yes, there will be no staking my big green girlfriend."
Buffy smiles, genuinely happy to hear Tara laugh and joke. She's been too withdrawn lately and it was starting to worry her.
Hearing a motorcycle pull up in the driveway, Buffy hops up off the couch and opens the front door. Seeing Faith taking her helmet off Buffy turns and looks at the two sitting on the couch, looking at her in concern. "It's Faith. Can you two stay in here while I let her know what's going on?" Receiving nods Buffy smiles slightly before closing the door behind her as she walks outside.
"Faith." Buffy states, walking up to the brunette.
"B. What the fuck is going on? I know it has to be bad if you're wantin' me out of jail and here." Faith asks bluntly.
"Faith, this is worse than bad. I got to have your word that you're on our side. I'm trusting you with all our lives, Faith.We bothscrewed up and I'm sorry. It doesn't make it right, but I want to get past it. I need you Faith." Buffy looked in Faith's eyes, holding them, letting her know that she's deadly serious and not joking around. "I. Need. You."
Faith nods, seeing Buffy's serious andwilling to trust her. "B…Buffy I'm here for you. I fucked up, but I want to make it up to you. If need be, I'll die making up for my mistakes. I promise."
Seeing the sincerity in the brunette's eyes, Buffy nods her head. "Hopefully it won't come to that. Meet me on the back porch. I want to let Tara and Dawn know everything's okay and that we're going to finish the discussion out there so they don't get worried about us."
"Sure, B." Faith heads around back, wondering to herself exactly what was going on.
"I haven't had a chance to tell her about what's happening yet. I just wanted to set my own mind at ease about her being on our side." Buffy states quietly.
"Buffy, if you want I can read her aura, it tells me a lot about a person. I wouldn't do it normally" Tara offers.
Studying the blonde for a moment she nods her head. "Please. I feel comfortable, but it won't hurt to be doubly sure. Could she…change her aura if she knows about it?"
"No. You can't change that. It's literally who you are." Tara states shaking her head slightly.
"What does my aura say?" Buffy questions as they head towards the kitchen.
Tara smiles "I don't read your aura, Buffy. It's kind of a personal thing and I don't do it, unless I have a very good reason."
"Good to know." Buffy opens the door, "Let me talk to her first, okay?"
Nodding, Tara proceeds Buffy out onto the back porch, looking at Faith speculatively. "F-faith."
Turning around, Faith slowly appraises the shapely blonde. Frowning slightly she realizes the woman looks familiar. "You're familiar. Why?" Faith asks.
"W-we met b-before, at the B-bronze." Tara stutters.
"Right! When I was in B's body, you're Red's girl." Tilting her head appraising the blonde.
Tara closes her eyes and turns away for a moment, feeling the pain still slice through her heart at the betrayal of the redhead.
"No, she's not Willow's girl anymore." Buffy interrupts quickly, giving Faith a warning look.
"Sorry. Didn't know." Faith mumbled kicking her foot against the board. 'Great Faith, here five minutes and already pissing everyone off.'
Tara turns and watches Faith. "You didn't know, Faith. N-no need to b-be sorry." Tara says in a soft quiet voice.
Looking up into the sad blue eyes Faith nods. "No, but I remember I was a bitch to you that night. I'm sorry for that." Faith mumbles looking back down.
Tara smiles sadly. "You're forgiven. Buffy go ahead and tell her, make sure it's okay so you two can talk."
Faith frowns looking from Blondie to B. "What's up?"
"Faith, I'd like your permission for Tara to read your aura. I don't know if you realize it or not, but she's the reason the rest of the group knew our bodies were switched. Will you let her?" Buffy asks without preamble.
Faith looks at shock from B to the blonde. "You're askin' my permission? You could've done it without it, so why ya' askin for?"
"Because I don't want to do it behind your back. Tara offered, but she doesn't like doing it without a good reason." Shrugging her shoulders Buffy looks at Faith "Simple as that."
Faith looks at them both "Go ahead and do it. It ain't gonna hurt or anything is it?"
Smiling slightly at the brunette Tara states, "no, Faith it won't hurt. You actually won't feel anything. Are you sure?"
Nodding her head Faith just looks at the blonde.
Unfocusing Tara lets herself feel Faith's aura. She's calmer, more focused, a lot of pain, the anger is still there, but controlled, no longer controlling her, guilt for past actions, the need to make amends. Focusing back in, Tara realizes the brunette is hurting for more reasons than one. "She won't hurt us." Tara states quickly disappearing in the house and shutting the door behind her.
Buffy's eyes follow Tara, worriedly. Rubbing her hand over her face she turns to face Faith. "Okay, here's everything that's happened." Buffy explains everything from the mind spell Willow had put on Tara, up to her threatening her at the college, everything that was said and done. Finally finishing Buffy looks at the stunned look of disbelief on Faith's face. "Faith, I'm really, really afraid Willow has reached the no return zone. The main reason you're here, is to make absolute positively sure that Tara isn't harmed. Keeping everybody else safe would be helpful, but I doubt Willow will hurt anyone. Helping me out with Slaying duties, I would greatly appreciate any help you can be, we can take turns so that way someone is always with Tara." Looking up into the dark soulful brown eyes of the dark slayer, Buffy frowns slightly. "Faith, I'm not going to force you to do this. It's entirely your decision. I just want you to know I need you."
"And if I say no?" Faith has to ask, knowing that she can't leave. She needs to do everything possible to make up to these people for her past mistakes.
"You have wheels, you have the cash to get far away. You're pardoned. For all intents and purposes Faith, you are free and clear. I won't chase you." Buffy appraises the brunette, wondering what's going through her mind.
Nodding her head Faith looks out into the yard. "I'm in it for the long haul B. Tell me what you need done, and I'll do it." Reaching into her back pocket, she pulls out the $400 cash she has left. "Here, this is all I got left. Between gas and food…" Faith shrugs.
Buffy looks at the offering. "Keep it. It's probably the only cash you're going to have, I'm working to make ends meet. It's a struggle, even with Tara giving me all the money she gets from her grants for housing and stuff."
"Come on, Faith. Let's go in. I need to do a quick patrol and Tara has a necklace for you. Wear it at all times. It'll keep you protected from Willow's magic." Turning and heading into the house, she doesn't bother waiting for a reply.
Taking a deep breath, Faith quickly follows her in.