A/N: Next up, hope you're enjoying the story so far. feel free to tell me what you like, what you don't ;)

She had spent the remainder of the day at the Summers' residence, building bridges, mending fences, call it what you want it still wouldn't do her any good in the long run. Was she just setting herself up for more hurt, or trying desperately to cling onto the last shred of family she had while it lasted. She didn't have all the answers, maybe it would have been easier if he... she shook her head trying to rid herself of what if's, they never helped anyone and they never would.

Crossing between the alley ways and backstreets of the town she blended easily with the groups of civilians that littered the streets, unfortunately for her it allowed others to do the same. Faith cut across the main street following the future slayer whilst keeping to the shadows as they both entered another ally. Staying hidden as she watched Hope approach a young man with long blonde hair, he stood with his back against the wall. There was something different about the young man, something that sent her slayer instincts into overdrive.

''Hey...'' she greeted as she walked towards him.

''Hey Yourself...'' Adam replied with a small smile as he pushed away from the wall he had been leant against.

''I see you got my book...'' Hope said pointing to what he was holding.

''Yeah and I hope you appreciate it, the demon I stole this from isn't gonna be too happy once he notices one of his books is missing...'' he informed her with a playful smile.

''Yeah well who was saying just a few days ago how quiet business had been?'' she asked

'' Yeah but did you ever stop to think I might like the quiet?'' he asked raising an eyebrow.

''You like the quiet so much, maybe it's time to move outta demon central.'' she paused flashing him a playful smile.

''Face it, we walk a fine line and we enjoy it.'' She summed up.

'Pretty lame huh?' he smirked as she focused her attention back on the book.

'' You can read Latin right?'' he asked.

''That I can...'' she replied flipping through the pages.

''What about my other stuff?'' she asks getting back to business.

''It's a work in progress...'' he said.

''I still don't see why you have me looking over this or why you won't tell me what's going on here?'' he asked.

''It's just a hunch okay... I'll explain everything once I know for sure alright.'' Hope said.

''I'm not stupid, this is something big isn't it... something else is going on here.'' He paused.

''You face these things every day, but that's not it is it? This isn't about any of that, it's about you.'' He asked his voice filled with concern.

''I just wanna know what happens when I'm done... when all of this is over.'' She told him.

''Look we'll talk about this later alright, I'm gonna head back...'' she began as she turned to walk away.

''Hey 'you forgetting something?'' He called out behind her, causing her to stop.

''Right... '' she said reaching into her jacket.

''Sorry about that...'' she said tossing a small bag of blue powder to him.

''Why do you even need that stuff?'' she asks stepping forward.

''I got a buddy in town, he's half demon too... only difference is he's got the horns to prove it...'' Adam told her with a sympathetic smile.

''That sucks.'' she agreed.

''This stuff is part of a spell he uses, kinda hides them from sight.'' he told her.''

''Seriously?'' She asks.

''Hey don't give me that look... he's a good kid alright all he's even studying to be a doctor.'' Adam told her.

''What about you, anything else I should know?'' she asked stepping forward as she placed her hand across his head.

''No spells required, I'm one of the lucky ones... besides, you know all my little secrets.'' he said playfully as his eyes glowed red for a second.

''And there it is...'' Faith muttered from her hiding place.

''I'm not so sure about that...'' She replied.

''I'll share my past if you share yours...'' He offered.

Before she could reply he leant forward and kissed her, for the moment she was frozen to the spot, and if only for a short while the rest of the world fell away.

''I'm sorry I can't do this.'' She said breaking away first.

''I'm sorry... I shouldn't have...'' he began.

''It's fine alright, but I gotta go.'' she said before walking back towards the street.

she was in such a rush to get out of the ally that she didn't see Faith who remained in her hiding place long enough to see the disappointed look on the young man's face before he turned and walked the opposite way. Moving quickly Faith followed Hope back on to the main streets.