The sunlight somehow made its way through the dirt-encrusted window to outline the two sleeping young women spooned together in the bed; it also shone into Faith's eyes waking her from the peaceful sleep she'd been enjoying.
She stretched feeling her arms wrapped around someone's waist, Faith frowned lightly and cracked one eye open to see a mass of long light brown hair in front of her face. The events of last night filtered slowly through her sleepy mind, the night out with B, the Bringer attack, her kissing Dawn and then Dawn coming to her motel and kissing her back.
They had ended up in bed together, although a little disappointingly for Faith they had done nothing more then cuddle and kiss a few times before Dawn had fallen asleep.
Faith sat up leaning on her elbow, she could feel a dull ache in her hip as she put more weight on it; it seemed to have almost healed as the pain was much less then last night. Her cheek however still hurt like hell, she almost wanted to resurrect that Bringer just so she could have the pleasure of killing it all over again.
Faith gently brushed the hair from Dawn's face. 'She looks so innocent and beautiful when she's asleep, she could almost be Sleeping Beauty,' Faith stroked Dawn's cheek gently with her finger. 'I guess that makes me Prince Charming, or Princess Charming maybe.'
Dawn gave a content sigh and stirred against Faith, her eyes slowly blinked open and focused on the person stroking her cheek. "Faith," she smiled as she realised who it was.
"Morning D," Faith leaned down to kiss her.
Dawn kissed her back, lifting her hand to cup Faith's cheek forgetting about her injury until her fingers pressed against it. Faith hissed sharply and pulled away, the pain throbbing from her cheek.
"Oh sorry Faith," apologised Dawn, quickly reaching out to Faith.
Faith pulled away further. "Can I just have a look at it?" asked Dawn hurt by Faith's retreat from her.
Faith reluctantly moved closer allowing Dawn to pull the bandage off her cheek. Dawn inspected the wound closely, pleased to see no swelling, the cut still looked raw and a little tender though smaller then the night before. Faith's slayer healing had obviously been working its magic.
"How's it look?" asked Faith.
"Better," said Dawn, she then saw the amount of blood on the bandage. "But I think it needs cleaning and a new dressing," she looked around. "Where do you keep the First Aid kit?"
"Sorry D," Faith smirked. "I don't think places like this have a free First Aid kit just lying around, it would kind of get stolen."
"Right," Dawn nodded. "I guess that was a bit presumptuous of me."
Faith looked confused. "Pre-whatous of you?"
"Presumptuous, it means thoughtless, I made an assumption that there would be a First Aid kit around without really thinking."
"Oh. Right," Faith nodded as if she understood. "Guess they teach you that stuff in school or is that one of Giles' words?"
"Giles' I think," Dawn answered seeing Faith was still bugged by the fact she had never finished school. "How's your hip?" Dawn changed the subject, reaching down to pull back the top of the shorts Faith had been sleeping in without waiting for Faith's answer.
"It's fine, not as bad as the cheek," Faith watched Dawn gently poke and prod at the small red line on her hip.
"This doesn't hurt?" Dawn looked up at Faith.
"No," Faith shook her head, swallowing. 'Now if Dawn would only move her fingers lower and to the right…'
"Good," Dawn looked into Faith's eyes as she slid her fingers up and under her shirt, gently caressing her stomach. Dawn pressed her lips against Faith's, remembering her cheek she pushed her other hand into Faith's hair running her fingers through Faith's soft locks.
Faith responded eagerly pressing her body close and pushing Dawn backwards onto the bed, climbing on top of the girl she let her own hand slip under Dawn's top feeling her warm soft skin against her fingertips.
Faith moved her mouth off Dawn's and kissed down her cheek and onto her neck, as her hand roamed up Dawn's body she felt Dawn's hand slide onto her back and move higher, Dawn's fingernails beginning to dig gently into her skin.
As she nuzzled at the girl's neck something suddenly occurred to Faith, she kissed up Dawn's neck to her ear. "I don't suppose you told your sister about us did you?" she whispered.
All Dawn's movement ceased and Faith felt her sigh. "OK Faith here's a tip, when we're making out don't mention my sister it's a rather large turn off."
"Right," Faith sat up so she could look Dawn in the face. "But you didn't did you?"
Dawn bit her lip and shook her head. "No, she called up last night after…but…no."
"Then I don't think it's a great idea to go any further 'cause if B finds out about us before you tell her then I don't like to think how she'll react."
Dawn thought about it before nodding. "True, I guess that makes sense-" she was interrupted by a phone ringing, Faith looked around frowning. "That's not mine," she said.
Dawn listened closely until she suddenly recognised the ringtone. "No that's mine," she wriggled out from under Faith and finding her jacket, she pulled out her cell phone. "Must have left it in there," she explained to Faith before answering.
"Hello?"
"Dawn where the hell are you, I've been calling the apartment for the last hour trying to reach you," asked Buffy extremely upset.
"Buffy…" Dawn was a little surprised at the coincidence. "I was…out walking, looking at some shops," she lied, glancing quickly at Faith.
Buffy sighed, partly in annoyance partly in relief. "You and shopping, I swear the only way the Council's going to run out of money is if you spend it all."
"Yeah, I guess," Dawn quickly changed the subject. "So what did you call for?"
"To see if you were OK," said Buffy exasperated. "Which you obviously are, and to see if you knew where Faith is she hasn't turned up this morning."
"Why would I know where Faith is?" asked Dawn defensively, Faith looked at her concerned. 'Does Buffy somehow know already?' she thought
"You were the last person to see her last night, I thought she might have said something?"
"No she didn't, but I'm sure she'll turn up, Faith's not known for her punctuality," Dawn mouthed sorry as Faith glared at her.
Buffy sighed. 'That's true. Oh well I guess she'll turn up whenever, I would ring but she's probably still sleeping off her hangover."
"Probably," agreed Dawn hurriedly.
"So when are you coming in today?"
"Buffy it's Saturday." Dawn was a little indignant.
"I know but after last night's attack I think everyone should get together and have a meeting about what it could mean, the First doesn't usually attack for no reason."
"Did anyone else get attacked?"
"Not that we can tell but I don't want to take any chances, it seems the First is back in the game and it wants to play hardball from the start."
"I'll come in then," Dawn sighed a little overdramatically. "I'll just finish with the window-shopping and be in ASAP."
"Don't spend too much of my money," Buffy warned.
"I said window-shopping and I don't mean that I'm buying windows Buffy," said Dawn dryly. "And I'm sure Faith's fine and will be in soon."
"Mmmm…" Buffy sounded sceptical, whether it was about Dawn window-shopping or Faith coming in soon or both Dawn wasn't quite sure. "See you soon then."
"Sure. Bye Buffy," Dawn hung up and turned to Faith. "I should be going."
Faith nodded. "I guess so," she looked a little uncertain. "You didn't tell her."
"No…I…telling her over the phone probably isn't the smartest idea," Dawn tried to reassure her. "I should do it in person, you know so I can talk her out of doing anything stupid."
"Yeah." Faith sounded unconvinced and turned away.
"Hey what are you doing tonight?" Dawn broke the awkward silence.
"Nothing probably, why?"
"Maybe we could go to a movie or something?"
"What like on a date?" Faith frowned, she tried to remember the last time she had actually been on a date, her and Robin had gone out sometimes but that was usually to fight things or had ended up that way even if it hadn't been the intention from the start.
"Yes," Dawn nodded firmly. "Our first date," she took Faith's hand.
Faith looked down at Dawn's hand in her own and then up at Dawn's beautiful blue eyes, she was finding it hard to remain mad at her, "Sure, why not," she relented.
Dawn grinned. "Cool, I'll see you later at the Council to work out details."
Faith felt a small smile appear on her lips, she was finding Dawn's grins very infectious. "Sounds like a plan."
"You really should get that cheek looked at," said Dawn as she gently replaced the old bandage.
"I will," promised Faith enjoying the feel of Dawn's fingers on her skin.
Dawn moved towards the door, pulling Faith along behind her. "I guess I should be going then."
"I guess," Faith nodded.
Dawn opened the door and walked slowly outside before turning to Faith. "Do I get a kiss goodbye?" she looked at Faith expectantly.
Faith pulled Dawn in for a long, deep kiss that continued until they heard an appreciative whistle.
They broke the kiss and turned to see Rosa smiling at them.
"I'm sorry, couldn't help myself," Rosa gave Faith a wide smile. "Two women in one night Faith I am impressed."
Dawn looked at Faith, confused. "Two women?"
"She's talking about Buffy," Faith told her.
"Oh." Dawn nodded as she gave Rosa the once over.
"Wow this one's as pretty as the blonde, where do you find them Faith?" Rosa returned Dawn's look, with interest.
"She's Buffy's sister and Buffy and I are just friends."
Rosa ignored the last part and gave Faith a suggestive smile. "Sisters, it's been a while since I had a couple of sisters not since those Swedish-"
"I think you should go now D," Faith interrupted Rosa quickly.
"Um OK," Dawn glanced at Rosa unsure of whether to kiss Faith goodbye in front of her.
"Oh don't be shy on my account," said Rosa.
Faith gave Dawn a quick peck on the lips before sending her on her way.
"It was nice meeting you…" said Dawn to Rosa trying to be polite.
"Rosa, Faith's neighbour."
"Dawn, Faith's…girlfriend I guess."
"So I saw," Rosa smiled enjoying the blush that crept onto Dawn's cheeks.
"Bye Dawn," Faith gestured for her to go, quickly.
"Bye," Dawn waved to her before turning and walking away.
Rosa watched Dawn admiringly as she left before turning to Faith. "She seems nice."
"She is."
Rosa moved closer and gave Faith a provocative look. "You know the offer from last night still stands, you don't even need the money."
"I've got a girlfriend," said Faith firmly, feeling sort of weird saying it.
"So have a lot of my clients, boyfriends too."
"Thanks but no thanks." Faith walked back into her room and closed the door.
"Pity," said Rosa to herself giving Faith's door a last lingering look before turning and walking back to her room.
The meeting had ended up being a bit of a bust, no-one could really see a particular reason for the attack other then to take out the head of the Council, Buffy, or two experienced slayers. It seemed to be the latest in a long line of recent Bringer attacks according to Giles and the other Watchers, but the first one directly aimed at the new Slayers Council.
Apparently some of the newer slayers had been reporting attacks, some before they even knew they were slayers, usually when they were alone. Dawn was a little annoyed she hadn't known this information, but because she was a trainee watcher… blah…blah…blah, Dawn had stopped paying attention after Giles said the trainee watcher bit, she had heard that line so many times she knew what came after.
At least she had seen Faith in the meeting, she had slipped in just after it started, giving Dawn a winning smile and afterwards they had managed to work out the details of their date tonight, all that remained was to tell Buffy and to hopefully restrain her from injuring Faith in some way.
So here she was pacing back and forth nervously in front of Buffy's office, rehearsing exactly what she would say to Buffy about Faith. She could guess how Buffy would react and had wanted to do something beforehand to minimise the damage, like nail a mattress on the roof above Buffy's chair but she somehow doubted she could have got away with it without Buffy getting suspicious.
The door of Buffy's office opened, catching Dawn's attention. Buffy and a young Watcher, Nathan, came out.
"Keep me informed," Buffy nodded at Nathan then catching sight of her sister. "Dawn what are you doing out here?" she asked surprised.
Dawn smiled at Nathan who returned it before hurrying away. "I wanted to talk to you, if you're not too busy?"
"I can always spare time for my sister," Buffy moved back inside her office and sitting at her desk. "So what do you want to talk about?"
Dawn moved slowly into Buffy's office, all her rehearsed lines suddenly deserting her. "Um…I wanted to tell you…" she took a deep breath, deciding to just come right out and say it and deal with Buffy's reaction when it happened. "I'm going out with Faith tonight. To the movies."
Buffy looked surprised. "Oh, you two have kissed and made up already huh?"
"Something like that," Dawn waited for the explosion.
"Good, I'd like someone I trust to keep a close eye on her."
"I could definitely do that," Dawn continued to watch Buffy cautiously, trying to gauge her reaction.
"Was there something else?" Buffy noticed her sister acting a little strangely.
Dawn could tell Buffy had somehow missed the point and rapidly lost her nerve. "No I guess not," she turned towards the door.
"Have fun then," said Buffy distractedly starting to write on a piece of paper.
"I will," Dawn reached the door and then decided to give it one more try. "I'm going out on a date tonight," she blurted out.
Buffy looked up frowning. "I thought you said you and Faith were going to the movies?"
"We are," said Dawn nervously.
Buffy frown deepened. "You're taking Faith on your date…what are you doing dating a vampire, you're not dating a vampire are you?" she said suddenly worried and once again missing the point.
"No I'm going out on a date with Faith," Dawn saw her sister needed it spelt out plainly for her. 'In a big glowing neon sign,' she thought.
Buffy digested this information. "You're going out on a date with Faith?" she repeated slowly.
Dawn nodded.
"Faith, slayer Faith?" Buffy checked.
Dawn nodded again.
"Faith Lehane?" Buffy checked further.
Dawn nodded once again.
"Faith girl Faith?" Buffy squeaked.
Dawn's nod was more hesitant but definite.
"Oh," said Buffy completely shocked. "I think I have to sit down."
"Buffy you already are sitting down," Dawn pointed out.
"I am? Oh. Good. Yay for me," Buffy was still not getting over her shock.
"Are you OK?" asked Dawn uncertainly.
"I just found out my sister is suddenly into girls, give me a minute," said Buffy still trying to come terms. "Wait why Faith did she touch you or force you because if she did-" Buffy's voice began to get stronger and angrier.
"She didn't force me to do anything Buffy," interrupted Dawn. "I like her."
"You like her. Don't you like boys anymore because you seemed pretty into them until recently."
"I don't know…I guess I still do…I mean I still think Orlando Bloom's cute, I just like Faith," finished Dawn rather lamely.
"Oh," said Buffy not really understanding.
"So you're OK with this?" Dawn broke the rather long silence.
"I think I'm a long way from OK but I'm sure I'll get there eventually," said Buffy a little overcome.
"Good, I'll go then," Dawn walked slowly out of the door.
"Dawn wait," Buffy called out an unpleasant idea suddenly occurring to her.
Dawn stuck her head back around the door. "Yes?"
"You haven't slept with Faith have you?"
"Not really," Dawn looked a little guilty.
"What do you mean not really?" Buffy's voice became steely.
"Last night when you left I went round to her place and we…kissed and I kind of spent the night."
"You kind of spent the night?" Buffy's voice began to get angry again.
"We kissed each other that's all, nothing else happened Buffy I swear," added Dawn quickly, hoping to avert a Buffy eruption.
"Nothing?" Buffy checked her voice hard.
"Nothing," promised Dawn nodding.
"Good."
"So I can still go out with her tonight?" Dawn made sure.
Buffy paused. "Yes, but no spending the night and if anything happens or goes wrong-"
"It won't."
"Just in case it does you know where to reach me."
"It won't Buffy," said Dawn confidently.
"Right, have fun," Buffy watched Dawn leave. She sat back in her chair and thought hard before reaching over to pick up the phone. "Lisa its Buffy where's Faith?"
"Ms. Lehane is in training room two Ms. Summers," the receptionist answered.
"Thank you," Buffy got up from behind her desk. 'I think Faith and I need to have a little talk,' Buffy thought determinedly.
Buffy walked into the training room watching as a couple of dozen of the newer recruits went through their moves, most seemingly managing to not injure themselves or others. She hated to admit it but Faith was actually pretty good at her job, after only a couple of days with the new girls they were already looking stronger then before
Buffy saw Faith leaning against the wall smoking a cigarette. "They look pretty good," she walked over.
"They're not bad," Faith shrugged. "Don't know if I'd trust them out on patrol yet but they're coming along."
"You're enjoying this aren't you, teaching them?"
Faith thought about it for a second. "I suppose I am," she answered a bit surprised at the realisation.
"We need to talk."
Faith turned to look at her; Buffy's face was set into a determined stare. "What about?"
"Dawn."
"Right," Faith felt herself tense up. "You did some good work today girls, lets wrap it up," she shouted.
The other slayers quickly stopped whatever they were doing, hung the weapons back on the wall or on a rack and walked out chatting amongst themselves.
"Dawn talked to you huh?" Faith had mixed feelings, she was relieved Dawn had finally told her sister but was more than a little worried about Buffy's reaction.
"Yes she did."
"So what do you want to know?" Faith walked over to the weapons rack adjusting some of the weapons so they hung correctly and keeping a weapon close to hand in case she needed it to protect herself.
"I think my first question is why?"
"What do you mean?" asked Faith a little confused.
"Why her Faith, why Dawn?"
"I didn't exactly pick her Buffy, if I had a choice she would have been the last girl on earth I'd have picked."
"What do you mean?" it was Buffy's turn to be confused.
"Come on B, I knew how you'd react to this I knew it wouldn't exactly be popular."
"You're right it isn't," Buffy nodded. "And since when have you been interested in girls anyway?"
Faith shrugged. "I'm not really, I don't know…I just like D."
Buffy frowned. "Dawn said something similar."
"Did she?" said Faith. "Guess we're just made for each other."
"Mmmm…" said Buffy distracted by her thoughts. 'Why do Dawn and Faith suddenly seem interested in each other?'
"It could be a spell," said Buffy suddenly.
"Thought about that, that's why I went to your warlock guy Sal whatever."
"And what'd he say?" asked Buffy hopefully.
"That it wasn't, got a second and third opinion as well they said the same."
"Oh," Buffy couldn't help but feel a little disappointed.
"Listen, I know this bugs you B," Faith walked closer to Buffy and looked her directly in the eye. "But you can trust me with her, just have a little faith."
"Apparently my sister already is," said Buffy darkly. "And you want me to have a little faith in you. The woman who tried to kill me, my friends and family including Dawn, my boyfriend and an entire town?" she added a little disbelievingly.
"Yeah," Faith looked Buffy directly in the eyes. "That's all behind me B, I'm one of the good guys now remember, just trust me?"
Buffy walked right up to Faith until their faces were only millimetres apart. "I don't think I can trust you F, however Dawn for whatever reason seems to like you and I won't get in the way of that. But if anything happens to her, if you hurt her in any way I'll come after you, is that clear."
"Crystal B," Faith refused to back down.
"Good," Buffy gave Faith one last long look before turning and leaving.
Dawn and Faith walked out of the cinema, Faith's arm casually draped around Dawn's shoulders. Neither noticed the looks they were getting from passers-by, either approving or disapproving or the occasional looks from both sexes checking them out.
"So what did you think?" asked Dawn.
Faith shrugged. "The first one was better, guess there's only so much of a big green ogre and talking donkey you can take."
"I guess, so what's you're favourite movie then?" asked Dawn curiously.
"Aliens, well pretty much any of the Alien movies."
"Why does that not surprise me," said Dawn wryly shaking her head.
"Hey you gotta love Ripley, anyone who tapes two guns together to make one big gun has to be cool," said Faith emphatically.
Dawn continued to shake her head. "You and weapons you're as bad as Buffy, guess it must be a slayer thing."
"Probably," Faith nodded. "So what's yours?"
"From Dusk 'Til Dawn, it's this really cool vampire film."
"Would have thought you got enough of that in real life."
Dawn shrugged. "Well it does have George Clooney in it and any film with my name in the title has to be cool."
Faith laughed. "Won't argue with that," she looked back at the cinema. "I was surprised they had an English language cinema around here."
"It's been here for ages apparently, though with the Council and all the teenage girls that involves business must be going through the roof," Dawn glanced down at Faith's clothes. "Are those the same clothes you were wearing a couple of days ago?"
Faith looked down at herself. "Maybe, don't really know."
"Don't you have any other clothes?"
"Since I came here my wardrobe's been disappearing at an alarming rate D."
"Someone's stealing your clothes?" asked Dawn horrified at the idea; she couldn't really imagine anything worse then that.
Faith smiled at the expression on Dawn's face. "Nothing like that, they keep getting ruined. Between sharp knives, the weather and the thing they call a washing machine around here I don't have much left."
Dawn's eyes lit up. "We have to go shopping together, I know all the best shops we could get you some really cool stuff."
Faith looked dubious. "I don't know D."
"Oh come on it'll be fun," Dawn looked at her pleadingly.
Faith couldn't say no to that look. "Fine I'll go," she grumbled.
"We can go tomorrow," Dawn bounced along happily at the thought of combining shopping and time with Faith.
"Tomorrow's Sunday D, I don't think many shops will be open," Faith enjoyed the effect Dawn's bouncing was having on the teenager's breasts.
"Oh right," Dawn was a little dejected and stopped bouncing. "Well Monday then."
"Don't you have school?"
"Afterwards, I finish sorta early Monday."
"Thought you had a half-day yesterday?"
"I did, but I have a free period at the end of Monday as well," Dawn saw Faith's suspicious look. "What. I do."
"Tell me you're not playing hooky to spend time with me 'cause if Buffy finds out…" Faith didn't really need to finish that sentence.
"No I'm not, I do have a free period," stated Dawn firmly. "And I'm going to take you shopping."
"OK then," Faith couldn't help but smile at Dawn's serious tone of voice when it came to shopping. "Looks like I'll have something to fill my new closets with."
"You didn't tell me you got a new place," Dawn was excited all over again. "Can I come see?"
"Not yet, me and B are going apartment shopping Monday."
"You and Buffy in the same room together," Dawn was surprised. "Should I be worried?"
"I don't think so," Faith began to feel a little worried herself. "Why should I be?"
"Probably not," Dawn tried to sound confident. "You do have some sort of weapon right?" she checked.
Faith laughed. "Way to comfort me D," she opened her jacket to reveal a stake. "Never leave home without one."
"I don't know if a stake will be much use on a human Faith."
Faith thought back to what had happened to the deputy mayor of Sunnydale. "You might be surprised," she muttered.
"What?" Dawn didn't hear her.
Faith shook her head to clear it of bad memories. "Nothing D, hey you want ice-cream?" she tried to distract the teen.
Dawn giggled. "Do you even need to ask?"
"Guess not," Faith smiled at the success of her distraction and guided Dawn towards the ice-cream parlour she had just spotted.
The sound of the key turning in the lock echoed around the empty apartment. Buffy pushed the door open, followed by Faith who looked around at everything, taking in the entire apartment quickly.
"Looks good B," Faith glanced at the kitchen and in at the bedroom. "I'll take it."
Buffy turned to her looking surprised. "Faith this is the first one we've looked at, don't you want to shop around?"
Faith shrugged. "Not really, it looks big enough, it's got everything I need and its close to work and Dawn what more do I want?"
Buffy tensed as Faith mentioned her sister. "Nothing I guess," she said stiffly. "The Council can pay for furniture and I'll have it moved in by tomorrow."
"Cool," Faith nodded. "Don't forget a double bed."
Buffy tensed further. "Right can't forget that," she said as unwanted thoughts of what Faith and her sister could do in a double bed crossed her mind.
Faith noticed Buffy's discomfort and guessed the source. "Don't worry B you can trust me with her," she tried to reassure her.
"Just have a little faith right?"
"That's right, I mean its not like I'm gonna get her pregnant or anything."
"That's probably unlikely," Buffy tried to get away from the topic of her sister and sex. "So are you and Dawn going shopping?"
"Yeah later today," Faith nodded. "Need to get some clothes, I'm starting to run out."
"Well try not to jump her in a changing room or something," the words just popped out of Buffy's mouth without her thinking.
Faith clenched her fists, hard. "I'm sure I can control myself B."
"I'm sure you can Faith, after all you were always good at control weren't you?" Buffy said tightly, her body unconsciously preparing for a fight.
Dawn ran in instantly noticing the icy atmosphere in the room, Faith and Buffy looked like they were getting ready to start something any minute now. 'Better interrupt before something bad happens,' thought Dawn. "So is this the one you're getting Faith?" she said loudly trying to distract the two slayers from each other.
Faith spun around and then relaxed as she saw who had spoken. "Hey D, yeah I think I will."
"What are you doing here?" Buffy snapped at her sister, surprised at the sudden intrusion.
"I have a free period Monday, remember?" Dawn snapped back a little hurt by Buffy's tone of voice.
"Oh. Right. Of course," Buffy winced at the injured look on her sister's face.
Dawn turned to Faith her face relaxing into a smile. "You ready for our little shopping trip?"
"As I'll ever be," Faith deliberately reached over to take Dawn's hand. "You can organise everything here can't you B?"
"Sure," said Buffy quietly, watching Faith and Dawn walk out of the apartment hand in hand. "Dawn," she called out.
Dawn turned sighing heavily. "What?" she asked irritably knowing Buffy was going to say something about Faith.
"Don't…" she saw the look on Dawn's face. "Don't spend all my money OK?"
"Depends how pissed off at you I am," said Dawn she then softened. "I'll try not to."
"Good. Have fun," Buffy nodded. The door closed leaving her all alone in the empty apartment. "Guess I'll just deal with all this then by myself," she said softly.
Faith walked beside Dawn staggering under the weight of all the bags she had somehow ended up carrying, even her slayer strength was starting to run out.
"Do you want me to carry some Faith?" asked Dawn absently; she had ended up carrying only a couple of small bags.
"No I'm good D I can manage," Faith gritted her teeth.
"OK," Dawn smiled sunnily and instantly forgot the offer as she spotted another shop. "Ooh we have to go in there, its got the coolest dresses around."
Faith groaned under her breath. Dawn's shopping trip had lasted three hours, Faith's feet were seriously beginning to ache, her arms were tired and she was extremely hungry. She wasn't sure how much longer she could take. "I thought the last shop had the coolest clothes around?"
"It did but this one has the best dresses Faith trust me."
"OK D, but this is the last shop we're going into," Faith put her foot down.
Dawn looked a little disappointed. "Fine this is the last one, but we have to get you something in here."
Faith looked down at all the bags she had in her hands, most of which contained clothes for Dawn. Besides a few tops, a couple of pairs of jeans and the obligatory leathers Faith hadn't bought much, especially compared to Dawn. Strange how this was supposed to be a shopping trip for her but Dawn had ended up buying a lot more stuff. "I don't know D, dresses aren't exactly me."
"I think you'd look really hot in a sexy little dress," Dawn slid up to Faith and gave her a brazen look.
"Really," Faith swallowed hard. "Well I guess I could take a quick look."
Dawn gave her a big grin and pulled her into the shop. "Come on then."
Faith left their bags at the counter and they split up, Dawn going in one direction, Faith the other.
Faith wandered down the rows of dresses occasionally pulling one out, like she'd told Dawn she couldn't exactly see herself in a dress, the last dress she had worn was the one the mayor had given her, she much preferred a nice tight pair of jeans or leather pants.
As she walked past another rack a flash of red caught her eye, she slowly backed up and pulled out a small red dress, Faith smiled. 'Now this is a dress I can see myself in,' she thought.
Dawn walked up behind her. "Did you find anything?" she asked.
Faith turned around and showed her the little red dress. "What do you think?"
Dawn stared wide-eyed at the piece of clothing Faith held up. "Um Faith I don't think that could legally be called a dress."
"Why not?" Faith glanced down at the dress then back up at Dawn. "What's wrong with it?"
"Its a few bits of red string somehow staying together not a dress, if you wore it outside you would be arrested for indecent exposure."
Faith grinned at her. "Exactly, its my kind of dress."
"I don't know Faith…" Dawn shook her head a little. 'Buffy would have a heart attack if she saw me anywhere near Faith and she was wearing that dress,' she thought.
"I'll just try it on see if it fits," Faith walked off to the changing rooms before Dawn could object further.
Dawn looked around the shop nervously for her sister or the police or anyone with eyes who would object to Faith wearing that dress.
"May I help you Miss?" a female shop assistant asked her in English with a hint of an accent.
"No I'm fine," said Dawn quickly. "I'm waiting for a friend," she said gesturing at the changing rooms.
Dawn's jaw literally dropped as she turned and saw Faith emerge from the changing room wearing the dress. The dress barely reached mid-thigh and clung to Faith's body, accentuating her already generous curves while barely managing to cover them at the same time. Dawn wasn't sure which would be more provocative, Faith wearing the dress or Faith naked.
"What do you think?" asked Faith.
"Hmnh," was all that Dawn could manage to say.
Faith grinned. "Speechless D? That was the reaction I was aiming for," Faith gave a twirl in her bare feet, the dress billowing out a little.
If possible Dawn's eyes grew wider. "Faith if you wear that dress outside I have three words for you," she said finally finding her voice. "Two sided tape."
Faith looked confused then looking down at the dress she grinned again at Dawn. "Saw something you liked huh D?"
Dawn blushed and glanced across at the shop assistant who seemed completely bemused by the situation. "Something like that," she said.
"I'll take it," Faith said to the assistant before walking up to Dawn and giving her a kiss. "Be right back baby," she walked back to the changing room, her hips swaying far more then necessary.
She soon came back out dressed as before with the dress over one arm, Dawn couldn't help feeling disappointed she wasn't wearing it.
Faith paid the assistant and added one more bag to the huge array she already had, they somehow seemed to weigh less now.
"Faith how much did that dress cost?" asked Dawn curious as they exited the shop.
"About 650 Euro I think."
Dawn's eyes bugged out. "650 Euro! What'd they do charge for the material that wasn't there?"
Faith laughed. "It was worth every penny to see that expression on your face."
"You'd better not let Buffy see you in that dress," warned Dawn blushing furiously.
"I was planning on wearing it for you only, on special occasions."
"What kind of special occasions?" Dawn grinned.
"You'll see," Faith grinned back at her. "And you think it'd bug Buffy that much to see me in it?"
"Paris Hilton wears less revealing clothes then that dress Faith, if you wore that around me Buffy would make you wear a blanket or me a blindfold, or both."
"Paris Hilton hasn't got the style to pull this dress off I do," Faith was a little offended by the comparison. "Plus I'm a lot hotter."
Dawn giggled. "I don't know I'd have to see you on video to compare."
"Don't tell me you've seen that video D?" asked Faith surprised.
"Everybody's seen that video Faith," Dawn giggled even more at Faith's expression. "There's tribes-people in the depths of the Amazon jungle who have seen that video."
"I guess," Faith glanced sideways at Dawn. "Enjoyed seeing naked Paris did you?"
"Not really I was just curious," said Dawn. "I'd prefer to see you naked," she added playfully.
"Really," Faith kept a tight rein on her own enthusiasm. "We'll have to see about that won't we?" she said lightly.
"Yes we will," said Dawn firmly. "Maybe involving you and that dress?" she added hopefully.
"Maybe," Faith nodded. "Can we get a cab D, I think my arms are about to give out," she changed the topic before things went too far.
"I thought you slayers were supposed to be super strong?" said Dawn dryly.
"We are, I didn't plan on you buying half the clothes in Rome," grumbled Faith.
"It is not half the clothes in Rome," protested Dawn. "But I guess it is a long way to our apartments."
Faith gently placed the bags on the ground with a groan. "Oh thank God I think my arms have grown a few inches in the last couple of hours."
"Oh shush," said Dawn absently, looking for a taxi. "Ooh there's one come on," she grabbed Faith's arm and pulled her towards an empty taxi.
'Finally I can get some rest,' thought Faith gratefully, picking up the bags and allowing herself to be dragged to the waiting taxi.
Dawn pushed her key into the lock and gently nudged the door open with her butt, carrying her bags in with some difficulty. She had left some of her stuff at Faith's new place along with Faith's clothes, hopefully she could smuggle in the rest without Buffy noticing or going apoplectic.
She struggled into her room and managed to drop the bags onto her bed, breathing heavily. She now had a far greater respect for Faith's strength since she had managed to carry these bags and more around all day.
She got all the clothes put away without hearing Buffy come home and breathed a silent sigh of relief. Opening the door to her room she found Buffy standing in the middle of the apartment arms crossed across her chest.
"Oh Buffy," Dawn looked a little guilty. "I didn't hear you come in."
Buffy considered her silently, not answering.
Dawn sighed. "Fine be like that then," she walked into the kitchen.
"Were you at Faith's?" asked Buffy suddenly, startling Dawn a little.
"For a little while we had to drop off her clothes."
"Did you have sex?"
"What!" said Dawn completely shocked. "You have no right to ask me that."
"I have every right," Buffy moved towards her. "So did you?"
"That's none of your business," said Dawn angrily, stalking out into the living area.
"It is my business, you're my sister and she's a murdering convict and I want to know."
"Fine we haven't are you happy now."
A small smile crossed Buffy's face. "Yes Dawnie I am, very happy."
Dawn spun around angrily to face her sister. "Great because you know you're acting…" she glared at her sister, then suddenly realised that Buffy's leg was being cut in half by the top of the coffee table. "You're not Buffy," she said slowly, backing away from the apparition.
The First smiled wider. "Oh come now Dawnie that's not fair I might be the First Evil but I am Buffy in a way, just look at my cute and perky hair-do."
"Get out," said Dawn furious.
"Or you'll what?" the First walked right up to Dawn's face.
"I know you can't hurt me, you're incorporeal remember?" Dawn waved her hand straight through Buffy's chest.
"Oh I might be incorporeal," said the First as the front door was kicked in and three Bringers walked in brandishing knives. "But my Harbingers are extremely solid as are their knives, perfect for ripping little girls guts out."
"You won't get away with this bitch," Dawn backed away until she reached the weapons chest sitting at the edge of the couch.
"Now now Dawnie watch your language, you've obviously been spending too much time with Faith you've developed quite a mouth," said the First mockingly as the Bringers advanced on Dawn from opposite directions, knives raised. "Of course after my Bringers have finished with you, you won't actually have a mouth or much of anything left. I'll leave just enough of you behind so Buffy can recognise the body," the First watched its Bringers continue their advance on Dawn as she grabbed a short sword from the chest and shakily raised it. "I might mount the rest on a wall somewhere," it added vaguely.
Dawn backed herself up against a wall as the Bringer's attacked. She managed to parry the first Bringer's knife with her sword, a wild swipe forced the second one to back off however this left her open to the third who buried its knife deep into her non-sword arm causing Dawn to cry out in pain.
She backhanded the sword down onto the Bringers neck before it could regain the knife sending it crashing onto the floor. As she spun to face the others a fist crashed into her face sending her sprawling. Before she could get up the sword was kicked out of her hand and her wrists were grabbed and pinned above her head by one Bringer, the other knelt beside her raising its knife to plunge into her unprotected chest, before it slowly collapsed to one side, a stake buried in its back.
"OK when you attacked me I was annoyed," Buffy stood in the doorway with hands on her hips. "But now I'm seriously pissed off."
The remaining Bringer rushed at her thrusting its knife towards her face, Buffy caught its wrist easily, lashing her fist into its face before twisting its own knife into the Bringer's body.
"Dawnie are you OK?" Buffy rushed to her sister's side, then saw the knife buried in her sister's arm and the blood soaking her top. "Oh God we have to get you to a doctor."
"Buffy is that really you?" Dawn poked a finger into her sister's thigh.
"Yeah its me," Buffy scooped her sister up, supporting Dawn under her uninjured arm. "Why wouldn't it be?"
"The First was here," said Dawn through gritted teeth, the pain from her arm becoming worse.
"The First," Buffy looked quickly around the apartment. "Well it seems to have disappeared what did it want?"
"To kill me I guess," Dawn looked at the dead Bringers littered around the apartment.
"I wonder why?" mused Buffy.
"Who knows," said Dawn as they staggered out of the door. "I don't mean to rush you Buffy but I think I might faint soon."
"Don't worry I'll get you to the Council offices soon, the doctors there can take care of you," Buffy reassured her sister. "And why is it everyone else gets injured in fights and I have to end up carrying them to medical attention."
"Because monsters know how you'll react if they mess up your hair," Dawn tried to distract herself from the pain. "And no-one wants to see that."
"True I'm a real handful on a bad hair day," the two sisters smiled at each other, Dawn a little painfully. "Come on lets get you patched up and back to being a constant source of aggravation to me," said Buffy half-carrying Dawn.
The two sisters walked slowly down the corridor towards the lifts.
To be continued……….
