*****

Prologue:

After Buffy's death, Faith was brought to Sunnydale to take over slaying duties on the Hellmouth. The dark slayer agreed to assist, attempting to earn her redemption so she could one day join Buffy in heaven. When she arrived in Sunnydale she was introduced to the Buffybot.

Faith immediately adored the little Buffy robot, because she was such an exacting replica of Buffy. The brunette secreted the bot to her bedroom where she finally, in her mind, consummated her love for Buffy.

The little slayer bot was more than happy to play house with Faith since Spike had cast her away.

The scoobies and Buffybot assisted Faith in slaying duties for the summer. Meanwhile, Willow refined her plans to bring Buffy back from the grave, unbeknownst to Faith, Giles, and Spike.

Giles left town and everything was set in motion. However a roving band of demons had received information that the slayer was a robot, and came to town the same night that the scoobies were performing their spell.

Faith and Buffybot went out slaying alone. In the chaos, the slayers are separated and the demons have the opportunity to corner the little bot.

At the cemetery the scoobies' resurrection spell was interrupted. They ran for their lives, unaware of the outcome of their spell.

Faith finished her slaying, and went in search of the little bot, but she was too late. Buffybot was torn to bits by the demon motorcycle gang.

She hunched over the mess, crying her apology. She had failed Buffy again. She got up prepared to face the others.

A blinding pain struck Faith; she fell to the ground just as Buffy took her first breath within the coffin.

*****
Part 1: Sorry Buffybot

"Buffy!" Faith gasped, struggling to get to her feet. She felt her. Buffy was back, and the small slayer was so afraid. The brunette could feel Buffy's terror; she could feel the tiny blonde shaking and clawing at her coffin.

"B, my poor little B!" Faith cried out as she raced in the direction of the cemetery.

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

Xander and Willow backed up as the demons surrounded them. "Not good, Wil. Are you strong enough to work any magic here?"

"Xander!"

He looked past the demons and saw Anya and Tara running over. Xander shouted to the blonde witch. "Tara, I think Willow's tapped out. Can you do anything?"

He reached for a weapon as Tara began chanting.

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

"Spike, over there." Dawn shouted in his ear as she leaned close on the motorcycle.

"Hang on, little bit." They jumped a car that blocked their way and approached the fiery wreckage. Dawn waited until the blonde vampire helped her down from the bike.

They went over to assess the scene. Dawn fell to her knees next to the sparking bot.

"The bot's done for, this time... poor Faith." Spike muttered as he picked up some of the parts.

"Buffy." Dawn sobbed, touching the bot's cheek.

The little Buffybot's eyes popped open. "Where did I go?"

Dawn looked at her in confusion. "What?"

"I was here, but then I ran away." Buffybot spoke slowly.

"You are here?" The teenager tried to comfort the failing bot.

"No, not me. The other Buffy."

Dawn's face changed. "Which way did she go?"

The little bot's eyes indicated the direction and then closed. "I'm going to sleep now, Dawn."

The brunette had run off already.

*****
Part 2: She's Alive

Faith jumped the fence to the cemetery and three motorcycle demons rode up.

"Hey girlie, wanna play?" The larger demon got off his bike.

"Shit! I don't have time for this!" Faith growled running past them.

"Get her!" They turned their motorcycles around and followed. The dark slayer climbed up onto a crypt and dove on the first one, snapping his neck.

"C'mon, hurry this up!" Faith shouted, grabbing the dead demon's chain and swinging it. They sped around her until she caught another by the neck and tossed the chain into his tire spokes. His head separated from his body.

"Never mind!" The last demon shrieked, riding away. Faith took off in the direction of Buffy's grave.

"Oh my god, B!" She stopped short when she noticed it dug up. Faith got on her hands and knees and reached in. "Nothing." The brunette stood up and looked around. "She's alive." She breathed out the words as a joyful sob.

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

Xander swung the ax. "Stay back!" The girls took refuge behind him. "Tara, how's that spell?"

"I... I can't." The blonde witch stuttered nervously.

"It's the Buffybot!" Anya called out relieved as Buffy stumbled past. She stood shivering, and unable to focus. The demons turned toward her.

"Slayer! I've been looking for you. You're so sweet. I'm gonna eat you up." Mag tilted his head back and laughed.

"B!" Faith screamed running up. "STAY THE FUCK AWAY FROM HER!" She picked one of the demons up and threw him, impaling him on the fencepost. "Who's next?!"

"Thank god, Faith's here." Anya clung to Xander.

"My words exactly." He turned and buried the axe in another.

"It's the other slayer!" The remaining demons yelled and ran, only Mag, the head demon remained.

"Get back here!" Mag commanded futilely.

"You gonna hurt my girl?! I don't think so!" Faith did a spinning kick, bringing him to the ground.

"Faith!" Xander tossed the slayer a knife. She grinned coldly as she plunged it into his heart.

"How's that, biker boy?!" Faith smirked at Xander and the others then turned toward Buffy, but she was gone. "B? Oh shit! Where'd she go?!"

"Calm down, Faith. We'll find the Buffybot." Xander stepped foward, but stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Willow's face. "What?"

"It's not the bot, is it?" The red head stared at Faith.

"No. It's Buffy. She's alive." Faith glanced around. "We have to find her. She's so scared and confused right now. I can feel it." She closed her eyes and listened. "This way." Faith ran and the scoobies followed after her.

*****
Part 3: Consequences

Faith and the scoobies rushed over just as Buffy and Dawn swung off the tower. The two Summers' girls landed roughly. Buffy rolled away from Dawn and scrambled back from the group.

"What's going on?!" Xander shrieked as he saw Buffy's condition.

"Shhh... Xan, cool it! You're going to scare her away." Faith tentatively approached the tiny, shivering slayer. "It's okay, B."

Willow watched in horror as the little blonde scurried to the corner like an animal.

"Buffy!" Dawn cried out, tearfully. "Please!"

Faith turned to the scoobies. "Take the Squirt home."

Tara gently led Dawn toward the Summers' house, while Willow hung back. "I can help." The red head walked toward the trembling slayer. "Come on, Buffy. It's me... Willow."

Buffy whimpered and crawled back. Her eyes were filled with terror.

"Red, please go with the others. I'll bring her home. I promise." Faith pleaded as she saw Buffy's panicked expression. Willow backed off and followed the rest of the scoobies nervously.

"B... shhhh... It's gonna be okay. See." Faith crouched down and held out her hand. "I'm not gonna hurt you. I'll take care of you this time. I'm here to help."

Buffy looked at her in confusion. The dark slayer's eyes filled with tears. "I missed you so much. We all did. shhhh... Don't be scared. I swear, it's gonna be okay. Jus' come to me."

The small blonde peered up through her tangled locks, but she didn't flinch as Faith crept closer.

"Feel it, B? The warmth? Our slayer connection? Come to me. I can keep you safe." The brunette edged a little closer. "That's it. Don't be afraid. C'mon... I'll take care of you. I'll never let anything hurt you again." Buffy slowly moved toward Faith. "Good girl... come here."

The small blonde paused and closed her eyes. She could feel the warmth and the hum coming off of Faith, and raced toward her. The dark slayer was caught slightly off guard but wrapped her arms around Buffy as they fell backwards to the ground.

"Shhh... see, it's okay." Faith spoke softly as the little slayer buried her face against her. "B... I can't believe it's really you." The brunette whispered as she lifted the shaking slayer, and headed toward the house.

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

The scoobies stood anxiously in the living room waiting. Faith walked past them and gently set Buffy down on the sofa. "Get her a blanket."

Dawn raced up the stairs to get one, while Faith turned to the others. "I'm not going to ask why? Because I understand. Even though it was wrong..." She looked pointedly at Willow. "I understand."

Dawn had returned with the blanket which the younger slayer wrapped around the frightened blonde. "I'm here B. It's okay. shhh... Don't be scared."

Willow stepped toward Buffy and reached out. "Buffy?" The small slayer stared back with vacant eyes as Willow touched her; she shrieked and scrambled back into Faith's arms. The red headed witch looked hurt.

"No, Red. She doesn't know what's going on. It's not you. She's only coming to me out of instinct. It's our slayer connection." Faith held Buffy as she explained to the worried scoobies. "She can feel things even though she can't think straight. But she'll snap out of it. Let me take her upstairs and fix her up a bit." The brunette gently examined Buffy's hands. "Squirt, bring me the first aid kit."

Faith then lifted the small slayer into her arms, and made her way to the upstairs bathroom, where she carefully set the trembling blonde down. She started water for a bath.

"Here, Faith." Dawn came in and handed Faith the kit. She tried to peek past the brunette and see her sister.

"No, not yet. Just let me clean her up. Then you can see her. Lay out something for her to sleep in." Faith requested as she ushered the teenager out.

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

"Are we going to just let Faith run things?" Xander asked, slightly alarmed. "What if she still wants to hurt Buffy?"

Everyone gave him a look as if he were insane.

"Okay. So she's not going to hurt Buffy. But we're her friends we should be taking care of her." He stepped toward the stairs, but Spike blocked his way.

Willow glanced over teary-eyed. "Let Faith. Buffy at least isn't afraid of her. She knows Faith, but she doesn't know us."

Tara sat down next to her girlfriend. "Sweetie, you heard Faith. Buffy doesn't know what's going on yet. She's very confused, but they still have that slayer bond and that's what Buffy's sensing. She just needs time."

Willow cried into her girlfriends her arms. "She had to dig herself out. We left her in her coffin."

Tara peered up at the others, helpless. Spike growled and stormed out. Xander followed.

The blonde vampire grabbed him and threw him against a tree. "What the bloody hell did you little groupies do?!"

"C'mon Spike, don't tell me seeing Buffy just now wasn't the happiest moment in your whole undead life!" Xander shouted pushing the vampire off.

Spike shook his head, tears welling up in his eyes. "That's just the thing. There's always consequences."

*****
Part 4: Taking Care of Buffy

Faith carefully slipped the mud caked and tattered black dress off the little slayer as she spoke softly to her. "I'm just going to clean you off, okay?... shhhh... B, I'll take care of you."

The brunette glanced down at Buffy in her panties and bra. Her body looked exactly like the little bot's. It was perfect. Faith sighed as she reached behind Buffy and undid the clasp, slowly pulling her bra off. The older slayer just sat staring off into space as Faith undressed her.

"See. It's okay." Faith's breathing increased as she slid Buffy's panties off. She gently lifted the blonde and placed her in the warm water.

Buffy whimpered. Faith knelt close and the tiny slayer grabbed onto her. "No... shhhh... I got you." She delicately peeled Buffy off and sat her back in the tub. "Let me just wash you off."

Faith handled her as if she were glass. Lightly, she ran the soft bath sponge over Buffy's hyper sensitive skin, stopping occasionally when Buffy flinched.

The little slayer turned toward her and stared. "Faith?"

"Yeah, it's me. B, do you know where you are?" Faith leaned forward, excitedly. "B, just relax for now. We're going to take care of everything."

"Faith..." Buffy looked at her with disbelief as the brunette leaned forward and kissed her cheek.

"Okay, I'm gonna wash your hair. Can you stand?"

Buffy nodded so Faith pulled the drain to empty the tub then switched on the shower.

"You're... you're going to get wet." The small slayer managed to get out the words.

"B, I don't care about that." Faith laughed a little as she stood the weak girl up. "Here, lean on me." She meticulously worked the shampoo through Buffy's tangled locks still marveling that this was Buffy. It was as if all her prayers had been answered.

Carefully, Faith rinsed the golden locks and switched off the shower. She grabbed up a large towel and held it open. "Come here, B."

Buffy stepped into Faith's arms with the same dazed expression. The brunette just held her for a moment before drying her. Buffy didn't seem to mind. She was basking in some sense of comfort. The warm hum that came off of Faith dulled the pain of being alive. It was her only reprieve. She needed it.

"Okay, let's get some clothes on you... an' cover up your nude little butt." Faith chuckled as she hugged her tight again. She would be so happy if she couldn't feel the waves of misery coming off of Buffy. "B, I'm sorry you're hurting. It will lessen. I swear." Faith held her away and looked into her eyes. "I'll do whatever it takes."

The green eyes seemed to hold a slight glimmer of understanding before they gazed out at nothing.

Faith wrapped the towel around Buffy, then lifted her up. "B, open the door, will ya?"

The little blonde didn't respond. "Uh... it's okay, B. I got it." Faith reached over and got it open. She carefully carried Buffy to her bedroom. "Now don't be mad or nothing. But I've been sleeping in your room, okay?" She glanced down at Buffy who sat quietly. "I'll move though so you can have your bedroom back."

The blonde still said nothing.

"Dawn laid out some pajamas for you. Do you need help?" Faith gazed nervously at the silent slayer. "C'mon B... you're making me worried here." Still nothing. Faith walked back over and starting dressing her. "I don't mind helping, B. If you don't feel like doing something, I'll do it for you." She slowly buttoned the front of the cotton pajamas then leaned forward and hugged her. "B... oh B... you just don't know how much having you back means... you can't possibly know..." Faith choked back her tears, and stood up. "Dawn wants to see you. Is that okay?"

Buffy nodded. Dawn rushed in and pulled her sister into a hug. Faith watched as Buffy winced.

"Uh... Squirt, take it easy okay? B's still a little shook up."

Dawn let go. "Sorry Buffy. I'm just so happy." She looked at Buffy then stepped back. "What's wrong with her?!"

"Shhhh... nothing, Peanut. She's okay... I think she's just tired. Can you tell the others to wait until the morning to see her?" Faith asked as she gently led Dawn to the door.

"Yeah, okay." The little brunette peered back. "I'm glad you're back, Buffy."

Buffy said nothing. Faith smiled weakly as she closed the door. She walked back over to the tiny slayer. "B, I'll let you get some sleep. I'll just go downstairs and use the couch."

When Faith moved close, Buffy felt the comforting sensation and the warmth. She reached out and clung to the brunette closing her eyes as relief washed over her.

"Uh... you want me to stay up here with you?" Faith stroked her hair, lovingly. "I can if you want."

Buffy tightened her grip.

"Alright B. It's okay. I'm not leaving." She tenderly placed Buffy back on the bed and laid down next to her. The smaller girl crouched up against her, letting the tingling slayer hum lull her to sleep.

*****
Part 5: Ripped From Heaven

Faith woke up to find Buffy in her arms. She glanced down and smiled. *It wasn't a dream. B is right here. And I'm holding her!*

The little blonde whimpered as Faith tried to get up. She opened her eyes. "No... please."

Faith laid back down. "Okay. I won't get up... B, are you ready to talk?" Buffy shook head. "Alright... not yet then." She held Buffy tightly.

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

"How long before they come down?" Dawn edged toward the stairs.

"Dawnie, just give them time." Tara guided her away and glanced over at Willow. The red head took the cue and went up to Buffy's room.

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

Faith could hear the faint knocking. "Come in." She gently pulled away from Buffy.

"Hi. I wanted to check on Buffy."

"Yeah Red. Come over. She's talking a little now. Aren't ya, B?" Faith stood up to leave. "I'll give you some privacy."

As the brunette made her way to the door Buffy felt the painful chill.

"No!" She cried out and reached for Faith. "Please, you can't go."

Faith and Willow exchanged an anxious look. "I'll just be downstairs. It's okay, B."

Buffy shivered. "Please, everything's so cold. It hurts. Stay near me... please."

The brunette glanced at Willow who nodded. "Yeah, sure." Faith sat back on the bed next to the little slayer. Buffy stopped trembling and sighed. The agony subsided to a dull ache, but it was bearable.

The blonde gazed up at her best friend. "How long?"

"Awhile. Look let's not talk about that." Faith tried to shield her.

"No, Faith. She has right to know." Willow responded, peering back over at Buffy. "One hundred and forty-seven days."

The little slayer said nothing.

"B?" Faith gently rubbed her back. "Not now, remember. How about we get you something to eat?" She turned back to Willow.

"That's a good idea." The red head held out her hand, but Buffy took Faith's instead. The brunette gave the witch an apologetic look. "No, that's alright Faith. It's a slayer thing. I get it."

They headed into the kitchen with everyone eyeing the small slayer carefully. "Can I get you anything?" Dawn rushed over. "Are you hungry? I can make you something."

Buffy shook her head. Faith frowned and gestured for Dawn to do it anyway. "B, you have to eat. Just try a little taste."

Spike raced in, his jacket smoking. "Ouch! Bleedin'... oh, hey Buffy." He gave her a lovesick smile, stepping close. She edged away.

"Spike, do you have any smokes?" Faith took the cigarette he offered and headed for the porch.

"Where are you going?" Buffy's voice was tense.

"Just outside for a smoke." Faith caught the lighter Spike tossed her.

"I'll go with." Buffy followed after her. She couldn't bear being too far from the other slayer. The little blonde felt the only thing keeping her sane was the blanket of comfort that the slayer sensation provided. She needed Faith... needed her desperately.

Faith stood on the porch and lit her cigarette. "You sure those pjs are suitable for outdoor wear." She teased Buffy gently, but the small slayer said nothing. "B, don't get me wrong. I like you around me and all, but aren't you being unfair to everyone else?"

Buffy glanced at her coldly. "Unfair?... Unfair?! I'll tell you what's unfair. Being ripped from heaven... that's unfair." The little slayer suddenly sobbed.

"B... I didn't know. I... I... I'm so sorry." Faith flicked her cigarette away and took Buffy in her arms. "We'll figure a way to make this better. I promise."

*****
Part 6: Buffy's Need

Buffy sat at the table, watching Faith and the others. They were making a special dinner tonight. Giles was flying back; that provided some comfort. She wanted her watcher. Maybe he could help.

"B, you don't have to hang out in here with us. Go watch tv or something."

"No, I'm fine." Buffy settled back in the chair. She needed a certain proximity to Faith. It felt good.

"Faith, chop the vegetables please."

"Yeah Red. Squirt, throw me a knife." Faith laughed as Dawn literally tossed the knife at her. The brunette slayer spun around and caught it.

"Nice." Dawn giggled.

"Yeah, you should see me with a sword." They all laughed. Faith glanced back over at Buffy. She had a slight smile on her face. "That's it B. Show me that smile.... c'mon." Faith set down the knife and went over to tickle Buffy. "Come on Dawn, help me tickle this bratty sister of yours."

Dawn squealed and ran over as Faith picked Buffy up and carried her to the sofa. Buffy let her. Any touch from Faith felt so good. The two brunettes hovered over her, laughing as they gently tickled the little blonde. She gave them a slightly bigger smile.

"It's a start." Faith ruffled Buffy's hair and headed back to the kitchen with Dawn. The little slayer laid there relaxing until she felt the chill creeping up. She sat up shivering. The clammy feeling was unbearable; her skin felt as if it were being peeled off.

"Faith!" Buffy screamed, alarmed.

Willow and Tara rushed into the room. "Buffy, what's wrong?!"

"Faith! Where's Faith?!" The little slayer cried, running to the kitchen.

"Buffy! Wait!" The witches followed after her. They found her huddled on the floor sobbing.

"It hurts. It hurts."

Willow tried to pull her into her arms. "Come on Buffy, it's okay."

"No... where's Faith?" She looked up with tears streaming down her face.

"She took Dawn to the store. We needed some things for dinner. Buffy, they'll be right back." Tara helped her up.

"Take her to her room." Willow suggested. "Oh god Tara, she shaking like leaf. Here." The little red head tried to lead them up the stairs, but Buffy struggled.

"No. I'll wait down here. Please."

"Tara, get her a blanket." Willow turned back toward Buffy. "What is it? What's wrong, Buffy? Tell me, please."

"I... I... don't know. It... just hurts..." The tiny slayer was shivering so much she could barely speak.

They sat with her as Buffy started to hyperventilate. "Tara, maybe there's a spell." Willow was becoming desperate.

Buffy curled in a ball and started rocking back and forth. Willow reached out to touch her, but Buffy pulled away. "No, don't touch me. It hurts."

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

"Hey Red, they didn't have those water chestnut things." Faith called out as her and Dawn walked in.

"Faith, come here now! It's Buffy!" Willow shouted.

"What?!" The brunettes ran into the room. "What the hell is going on?! B?" Faith knelt next to her.

"Faith!" She crawled into Faith's arms and the shivering stopped. She started to breathe normal.

The dark slayer looked up at the others. "Red, what happened?"

"I don't know, as soon as you left she... she got like this." Willow peered over at Buffy who quieted in Faith's arms.

"I'll take care of her. It's alright, Squirt." She looked at the frightened teenager. "She's going to be okay. I promise you, Dawn. Just go in the kitchen and help them out." Faith lifted Buffy up and carried her to the bedroom.

She set her on the bed, and got up to close the door. Buffy sat up and reached out. "Don't leave!"

"B, I'm not going anywhere. Now tell me what's going on? What's wrong?" Faith sat down next to her and Buffy crawled back into her arms.

She sighed as the warmth enveloped her. "Nothing. It's okay now. You're back."

"What?" Faith pulled away. "Do you mind telling me what you are talking about?"

"It's hard to explain. Faith, you can tell when I'm nearby, right?"

Faith smiled. "Always."

"It's that... the warmth. When I was... dead, everything was warm and comforting. I felt safe and at peace." Tears welled up in her big green eyes. "But now... now everything hurts. The only thing that is similar, that is comforting, is our slayer connection. Please don't leave. I can't stand it."

"B, I have to tell you something." Faith stood up. "I'm not proud of this. But I was... It was... so frickin' bad when you were dead. I couldn't stand it. And well, they... the scoobie pack, they had this robot thing."

Buffy stared in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"B, I... I love you. There, I said it." She sat down and looked away. "I never thought you'd forgive me for everything. I don't even know that you have. You just need me for some reason, and I'm telling you that I'll be here for you because I love you."

"What?" Buffy shook her head. "What are you talking about? And what do you mean about that robot thing?!"

"I... I sorta... um... I had sex with her." Faith peeked over at Buffy, nervously.

"Huh?" The little blonde was floored.

*****
Part 7: Giles Returns

"Why?" Buffy shook her head. It was too much for her to absorb, and she didn't want to hear it.

Faith rolled her eyes. "Why do you think?"

"I don't want to know this right now. Please." The little slayer put her hands over her ears.

"Sorry, B." Faith blushed as she moved to leave the room.

"NO!" Buffy dropped her hands and reached for her. "Please, don't go."

Faith just nodded and sat back down.

"Just hold me. I need this... please."

"Okay B.... okay." The brunette scooted back, still sitting up. She leaned against the headboard while Buffy sat in her lap. The little slayer rested her cheek on Faith's chest and sighed. It felt so nice... so warm.

She laid there listening to Faith's heartbeat. "Faith, you'll stay?.... please."

"Yes." Faith closed her eyes as she held Buffy. She could feel the little slayer relaxing. Buffybot may have been identical in looks, but this tingling that her and Buffy share wasn't present. The brunette struggled to keep herself from just kissing Buffy. She glanced down to see two beautiful green eyes staring back. "What?"

"I forgive you." Buffy closed her eyes, and slowly fell asleep. Faith waited for a moment then carefully slipped from the room.

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

"Red, can I talk to you?" Faith gestured for Willow to step outside.

"Yeah Faith, what is it?" The witch followed her out, concerned.

"There are some side effects I think. She's only holding together because our slayer connection dulls the pain." Faith turned back and looked at the red head. "It's hard to explain. The feeling that we get when the other is close. It's kinda like a drug, and so that's what she's relying on. But that's not right, is it?" The brunette peered over, her eyes filled with worry. "I mean, don't get me wrong. I love Buffy, and I would like nothing better then to be around her all the time. But.. but not like that. I want her to want me, not suffer because I'm gone. Can you fix her?"

Willow watched the young slayer with surprise. She was impressed by Faith's sudden unselfishness. Here she was with Buffy needing her near at risk of actual physical pain. It was the ultimate control that Faith once craved, and she didn't want it. Willow smiled. "Faith, Giles will be back tonight. We will figure something out. Thanks for telling me."

"Uh... yeah. No problem." The brunette leaned back and lit a cigarette. *I hope I'm doing the right thing.*

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

"Hey, G-man." Faith smiled happily as she opened the door.

"Faith." Giles grinned back, pleased with the young slayer's enthusiasm. "Good to see you."

She held out her hand shifting nervously from one foot to the other. Giles looked down at her hand and smiled as he pulled her into a hug. "How's my youngest slayer?"

Faith could feel tears well up in her eyes. "I'm good. It's B." She stepped back as she fidgeted. "We all kinda missed you, ya know. Maybe don't leave again?" She looked down quickly. "Here, lemme take your bag. We fixed up the basement as a guest room. Hope you don't mind."

"No, that will do until the tenants move out of my townhouse." He handed her one of his suitcases. "Where is Buffy?"

"She's asleep upstairs." Faith headed down to the basement, calling out. "But you can wake her. She has to get up anyway... for the party Red planned."

"Yes, alright then." Giles went up to Buffy's room and knocked softly.

"Come in." Buffy woke slowly, noticing Faith gone. She closed her eyes and focused her senses. It was okay though she could feel Faith was still in the house. She didn't feel as warm, but she could deal. Her eyes lit up as Giles walked in.

"Buffy." His eyes filled with tears as she ran to him and hugged him tight. "Unbelievable." He held her for a moment then looked at her. "It's really you."

"In the flesh." Faith laughed from behind him. "Hey B, you doin' alright?"

Buffy nodded and pulled Faith into the room with them. "Yes."

"No, uh.... I have to help Red. Besides you guys need some time to talk." Faith gave the little slayer a look. Then leaned close and whispered. "Tell him everything." She left the room with Giles peering over, concerned.

"What is it, Buffy?"

*****
Part 8: Explaining the Predicament

"This is difficult to explain. I'm going to try and put something into words, that there is no description for. So bear with me." The little slayer stood up to pace. "It's just that before, when I was... dead." Buffy ignored Giles wince. "I felt warm and safe. Everything was perfect and I was done."

The watcher's face betrayed his horror, once he realized the implications. "Buffy, I'm sorry. I've spoken with Willow and Xander. It seems that they had convinced themselves that you were in some sort of hell dimension. I had no idea. I would have never allowed this."

"I know that. I don't blame you. And that's not the point. Aside from the burning desire to be dead again, I have another problem." Buffy chuckled bitterly. "My whole body aches. It feels like I'm being ripped apart sometimes. It's nearly unbearable. I've never felt pain like this." She turned away ashamed. "All I'm focused on right now is eliminating it."

Giles studied her in confusion. "Well, you seem okay, Buffy. A little overwrought, perhaps, but none the less, you look healthy."

The little slayer turned back toward him, nervously. She was uncertain that she wanted to admit the rest. "It's... it's because Faith is here."

"I'm not following you, Buffy. What are you trying to tell me?" Giles wrinkled his brow.

"It's our slayer connection... the hum is soothing. It's the only thing that is keeping me sane. Something must have gone wrong." She gave him a pained expression. "I wasn't meant to be here or they brought me back wrong."

The watcher frowned and removed his glasses. "I see. Hmmm... so something about Faith's proximity provides relief." He looked at her carefully while he cleaned his glasses. "Can you better describe the sensation? Does Faith share it?"

"Yes, we both always have. But now it's... I don't know... more intense." Buffy covered her face. "I need her. I don't know if I even like her, but I need her. I forgive her for everything from the past because that's another lifetime ago, and just doesn't matter anymore." She dropped her hands and stared at him. "I don't want to make you uncomfortable so stop me if I am."

"No, continue. Please. This information could be useful." Giles sat down while Buffy paced.

"I feel guilty. Faith thinks that she loves me, and I only care because I know that will keep her near... and I need her now. Does that make me a bad person?"

"Bad isn't the right word. You've been through a lot, Buffy. But you have to be very careful with Faith. I'm not sure that you are aware of this, but we have always thought that Faith's feelings were stronger than you realized. This isn't news to the rest of us."

"What? You knew... all of you knew. Did she tell you?" Buffy peered at him, surprised.

"No. But it became even more apparent when she returned. Faith was the least accepting of your death." The watcher spoke quietly as he placed his glasses back on.

"Oh..." Buffy became subdued, lost in thought as she sat down next to him. "OH!" She looked up at her watcher, her eyes big as if something just dawned on her.

"What is it?"

The little blonde seemed hesitant to mention it.

"Please. I need to know everything." Giles urged her.

"Uh... Is that why you suppose she slept with that robot thing, you know, Spike's toy." She cringed.

Giles coughed, suddenly uncomfortable. He cleared his throat. "She told you about that?" He seemed rather shocked.

"Yes. I didn't know what to make of it at first... but now... Oh who am I kidding, I still don't, but at least I'm not as angry." Buffy ran her hand anxiously threw her blonde locks. "Maybe we should go downstairs now. I'm getting cold again. Faith must have gone outside. If we go downstairs, I'll feel better."

Giles noticed her become pale. He reached over and touched her forehead. She felt like ice. "Yes, let's go downstairs."

*****
Part 9: Welcome Back

When they made their way downstairs, Buffy wasn't surprised to find Faith on the porch smoking. It was dark already and Spike was there.

"Hey B." She gave the little blonde a warm smile as she took a drag. Spike scrambled to his feet.

"Hi Buffy." He ran his hand over his hair, and straightened his shirt. He wasn't wearing his typical duster and t-shirt. The blonde vampire was wearing a brown leather flight jacket and a button up shirt.

Buffy tilted her head, and looked at him strangely before replying. "What are you doing here?"

"B? It's a party. C'mon." Faith suddenly felt sympathy for Spike. *Hell, that's probably how she'd treat me if it weren't for this weird slayer thing.* Faith felt inexplicably annoyed and resisted Buffy's attempt to take her hand.

"Faith." Buffy's tone was one of agitation. She needed the contact. The little slayer grabbed her roughly in a bear hug and squeezed. The warmth coated her like honey. Buffy took a deep breath and sighed. "Okay." She stepped back, casting a parting glance at Spike as she went in. "Don't be long."

Spike peered at Faith in confusion.

Faith waved it off. "Don't ask."

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

Dawn raced around excited as the guests arrived. She had just let Clem in, but was most excited about Angel and Cordelia coming down. She wondered if they would bring Wesley.

"I'll get it." The teenager called out as the doorbell rang. It was Angel. "Hi."

"Hi Dawn." He gave her a hug and began the introductions. "This is Fred and Gunn. You know Wesley." Cordelia stepped in smiling.

"Come on in. I think everyone is here. Let me get Buffy." Dawn shut the door behind them and shouted. "BUFFY!"

"Dawn, stop yelling." Buffy came around the corner and stopped dead in her tracks. "Angel?"

Faith and Spike walked in from the back, laughing. They both froze also.

"Angel." The brunette nodded at him and the others. "Hey." Her and Spike hurriedly went into the other room with the rest of his entourage, leaving Buffy and Angel alone.

"Buffy." He approached her slowly hugging her. "How are you doing?"

The little slayer pulled gently away. The contact was slightly unpleasant... as was touching anyone other than Faith.

Angel gazed at her then asked. "Do you want to talk?"

"No. Please, I'm all talked out for now." She smiled weakly, feeling a chill. "Faith!"

Buffy suddenly shouting, caught Angel off guard. "Buffy, what is it?" The vampire reached for her, but she brushed him off as she ran into the other room.

"Where's Faith?"

Cordy looked up. "I think she and Spike went outside."

The small slayer rushed out the door. "FAITH! FAITH!" She ran down the street to find Spike and Faith fighting some vampires. Angel was in hot pursuit with Wesley and Gunn close behind.

"DAMN YOU!" Buffy screamed, snatching the stake out of Faith's hand and shoving her out of harm's way. "Don't go slaying without me!" The little blonde ranted as she staked each vamp in turn, in a matter of seconds.

Everyone blinked in shock. Buffy was never that deadly... no one was. They all turned and stared at her. She tossed the stake to the ground and grabbed Faith's hand, pulling her along.

"Don't do that, okay?" Buffy lightly chastised Faith.

"We didn't exactly schedule it, B. We got jumped." Faith glanced at the others embarrassed that she was being dragged about. "Cut it out!" The brunette pulled away, but Buffy gave her a desperate look. "Okay, I'm coming. Just cool it." Faith nodded slightly toward the gawking group. But the little slayer didn't care; she was cold.

"Please." Buffy whispered.

"Yeah... alright." Faith gave her a quick hug, and Buffy relaxed.

"Thanks." The little blonde walked past everyone and back into the house. "Don't be long."

Cordelia raised an eyebrow. After the door closed, she turned to Faith. "Okay, what was that all about?!"

Faith took the cigarette that Spike offered. "It's complicated. Can we leave it at that for now?"

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

"Buffy, I think we should talk." Angel followed the little blonde into the kitchen.

"About what?" Buffy gave him a disinterested look.

"About that! About everything. What's going on?" He reached for her and this time she just yanked her arm away.

"Don't touch me!"

"Why... I don't understand. What did I do?" His eyes betrayed his hurt.

"Nothing. I just can't stand to be touched." Buffy faced away, occupying herself with fixing her drink. She glanced at the cake that the scoobies had bought. It said Welcome Back on it. She gave a wry smile before looking up again.

"Buffy, you just virtually demanded Faith hug you. What do you mean you can't stand being touched?" Angel touched her arm lightly. "Please... Buffy."

She cringed at the contact, but remained still. "I can't explain it. Ever since I came back all I feel is this terrible pain. The only thing that blocks it, is for me to draw off of Faith. Our slayer connection allows that. If Faith isn't near, there's no relief for me. I've told Giles..." Buffy eyes met his as she spoke with some irony. "Apparently when my friends brought me back, their spell was interrupted. He thinks it might be related to that." She shrugged it off as he tried to comfort her. "Don't..... please."

Angel held up his hands. "I'll give you space. If there is anything we can do..."

"I know." Buffy took his hand and squeezed it briefly.

Dawn and Faith could be heard laughing as they ran in. "No way, Squirt."

"Please." The teenager pleaded as they passed through the room.

Buffy and Angel stood for a moment, listening to the others in the house.

"As if!" Cordelia was snubbing Spike.

Clem was chatting with Fred and Gunn, and Wesley and Giles could be heard conferring. Somewhere else in the house Xander and Anya could be heard bickering while Tara and Willow were obviously kissing.

The former lovers shared a smile then joined the others. "So what's this I hear?" Angel went over and picked a squealing Dawn up. "Starting to break all the boys' hearts that's what Faith tells me." He winked at the younger slayer.

Buffy stood back and enjoyed the playfulness of the group. Faith turned and the silly grin she was wearing, changed into a warm smile as she gazed at her fellow slayer. Buffy felt something. Something more than just their slayer connection. She blinked in surprise, and the moment was broken. Faith had rushed over to help Spike and Angel torment Dawn.

"Enough... stop!" The youngest Summers screamed between giggles. "I give. I give.... Buffy, save me!" She shrieked, laughing.

Buffy smirked then clapped her hands. "Okay, stop tickling Dawn."

Willow came out of the kitchen carrying the main dish with Tara close behind. "It's time for dinner."

*****