The discussion the night before had continued for awhile. Buffy wasn't happy about Xander's decision to heal Faith. She was certain it would end badly. Xander was unmoved by her hostility to his plan. It was his right to use his ability to help people and he was going to help Faith. In the end, it was decided that just he and Cordelia would go, to avoid overwhelming Faith. And since she was going to need a place to live, Giles agreed to arrange it, if she allowed him too. But first, she had to be healed.
"Back during that whole Sisterhood of the Jhe thing, you and Faith kissed after you saved her from that Jhe demon. Were you tempted to do more?" Cordelia asked.
"Yes, she's a beautiful girl and I liked her. But I love you. Which is why I told you about it the next day. It shouldn't have happened and I'm sorry it did. I wasn't sure you'd ever forgive me."
"You were honest, that was the part that mattered to me. And you were honest just now. Thank you for that."
Once they found her room, Cordelia stood watch at the door and Xander moved to the bed and held his hands out over Faith's body. Light poured from his hands and over Faith. After a couple of minutes, it shut off. Slowly Faith opened her eyes.
"Welcome back, Faith." Xander said.
"I thought I was dead. I kept having a dream that Buffy was chasing me with a knife."
"Well she did stab you with one. Guess what? I've got my own superpower. I can heal people. You all healed, Faith."
"What do you expect in return?"
"For you to get your head screwed on straight. Finch was an accident, one Buffy was partially responsible for. Only Buffy and Willow have a problem with you. Maybe you guys can work things out. In the meantime, let's get you out of here. Giles is willing to arrange a place for you to live. I kinda chewed on him for a while, for not looking out for you for the way he should have been."
"Why? You expecting a roll? You turned me down last time."
"If I was single, I wouldn't have, but no, I told you, the only thing I expect, is for you to get your head on straight. Finch was an accident."
"The Professor wasn't. What do you think about that?! I killed someone on purpose. To make the boss happy, because he was good to me."
"Doesn't compare to the number of people dead because of Buffy."
"What? What are you talking about? Miss Perfect has killed people?!"
"A witch, named Catherine Madison, that was self defense. A zookeeper, who deliberately invoked possession, that was also self defense. The two human assassin's from that Slayerfest thing that she made kill each other and let's not forget all the people who died because she couldn't do anything about Angelus. And then there's you. She tried to kill you on purpose. To feed you to a vampire, just because she loves him. She thought that was a good enough reason to kill a human being. I'm willing to kill to protect the people I love. I once threatened to kill Buffy if her stupidity got Willow or Cordelia killed. But I sure as Hell would never feed a human to a vampire. You and Buffy need to work out your differences. There's plenty of vampires and demon on the Hellmouth for all of us to have plenty of targets. But the annual apocalypse means we need to work together. So, are you going to stick around and help out?"
"I'll think about it. I want to see this place G's arranging for me. Having a decent place might be reason to stay."
"As long as you keep your mitts off my guy I think we can get along fine too." Cordelia said, poking her head in the room.
"You didn't tell me she was out there." Faith glared at Xander.
"You didn't ask. Cordy brought you some clothes. We put your stuff from the apartment the Mayor got you into storage."
Xander left the room while Cordelia help Faith dress. He could only heal the injuries, she was still weak from having been in a coma for three weeks. Being a Slayer, she'd recover quickly. Afterward, they drove over to Giles place.
"Faith, I would like to apologize. I did not give you the attention I should have. I hope to make it up to you in the future. Now, if you are willing, I can arrange an apartment for you. If you wish, it can be in the same apartment building that Xander and Cordelia are moving into. I checked and there are several one bedrooms available."
"It's a nice place, Faith." Cordelia said. "It's not fancy, no pool or anything, but I've got that at my parents place and you're welcome to use it too."
"You're being awfully generous, Queenie. Why?"
"Because I didn't give you the chance I should have. And because I'm trying to grow up. That means compromising with opponents, instead of stomping them into the ground."
Faith laughed and said. "You know what, Queenie? I think this just might be the beginning of a beautiful friendship."
"You might be right, Faith. We can at least try."
A/N I know I've said it before, but the fluke made no sense. There just wasn't any attraction between the characters. On the other hand, there was attraction between Xander and Faith and I can see a kiss happening between them. The Sisterhood of the Jhe was a time when it could have happened. And Xander and Cordelia would have been much more involved by that point. Which makes hm confessing believable as well.
