After lunch, Kate settled down at her desk doing research. Faith sat on the sofa, bored. Extremely bored.

"I'm going out," she finally said.

"Where?" Kate looked up from the report she was reading.

"Need some action." Faith reached for her jacket.

"I thought we talked about this."

"Not that kind." Faith smiled. "I need some exercise, training whatever. Yesterday I found a small time gym slash boxing centre. Looks good and they don't have a joining policy," Faith joked. "You should come down sometime." Her smirk appeared just thinking about Kate amongst the heavy and tattooed men down there.

Kate gave her a glare. "I would probably have to arrest over half the men down there."

"Pretty likely." Faith continued smirking.

"If you're looking for a training partner I wouldn't mind." Faith opened her mouth but Kate continued, "But not down there."

"No offence, Kate, but I don't think it's good idea. I might hurt you." That was the last thing Faith wanted.

"I'm not a weakling," Kate said indignant.

"No, I know. I've seen you fight. It's not that. I have a lot of strength and sometimes not much control."

"I could help you with that," Kate was determined to see this through.

"Maybe another time," Faith shook her head.

"Is there something wrong?" Kate asked sensing another one of Faith's mood swings.

"Come here." Faith wanted to put this to bed and in more ways than one. Kate stood and faced Faith so they stood were a couple of feet apart. Faith threw a slow punch, which Kate deftly deflected. Then she threw a faster one, also deflected. Kate got the idea and went on the attack throwing a punch that was not only blocked by Faith's open palm, but it forced Kate to take three steps back as Faith hard pushed on her fist. She looked at Faith wide eyed.

"That is only a taste of what I'm capable of," Faith said taking a step back. "Speed that up five times, add aggression and you could be in a lot of trouble."

"What about the men?"

"They are specially trained in heavy hand to hand combat, which you aren't. And not to go all sexist, but they are a lot stronger than you are. We'll both be better off if I just trained down there."

"Have you ever thought I need the training too?" Kate crossed her arms.

Faith shook her head. "I don't want to encourage you."

Kate raised her eyebrows. "I thought I was the adult here." Faith chuckled. "Don't you think it makes sense for you teach me a few things to help increase my chances of being successful."

Faith tilted her head a little, mentally conceding the point. "Maybe." Kate gave her another glare. "Okay, I'll teach you a few moves, but I'm not sparring with you."

They spent the better part of an hour going through moves, in particular killing blows needed for demons. When Kate decided she had enough she sat down on the sofa, her muscles a little tired from the prolonged exercise.

"Want a drink?" Faith asked going into the kitchen for one herself. Kate called out a yes and soon Faith came back with two cool glasses of water.

"Just what I needed," Kate said leaning her head back.

"Me too," Faith relaxed.

"Really? I would have thought you needed more than water."

Faith looked across at Kate taken off guard. "No. Not this time." She had felt aroused, spending all that time being close to Kate, but she wasn't worked up now.

"What's different?" Kate was almost disappointed she hadn't had an effect.

"No excitement or danger. No challenge." Faith shrugged. Kate nodded. "Of course if you were to make it so, I might warm up a bit." Faith's voice turned seductive.

"That right?" Kate gave as good as she got.

"You up for it?" Faith smirked.

"The real question is, are you?" Kate put down her glass and turned front on to Faith.

"Any time," Faith spread her arms in a come-and-get-me poise. She knew she shouldn't do this and despite her earlier decision not to spar, she couldn't turn it down. She'll hold back for Kate's sake.

"Last one standing wins," Kate stood and motioned Faith to do the same.

"I'm so gonna wipe the floor with you," Faith sneered but then smiled to show she wasn't too serious.

"We'll see." Kate moved to the clear space in the living room where they had been training.

"Wanna make a bet?"

"Stakes?"

"Cop made a pun, ha ha." Faith walked slowly around, sizing Kate up. "I'll do all the washing and cleaning for the next week."

"Confident are you?" Kate raised her eyebrows. "I'll let you have my bed for a week."

"With you in it?" Faith leered.

"I'll give up my bed for a week," Kate corrected. Faith nodded and they prepared for the small-scale battle.

Faith predictably swung first, giving Kate a good chance of blocking it. She did.

"Just a warm up," Faith smiled then swung again. Kate managed to grab Faith's hand and pulled her hard into her body. Faith felt herself crash into the detective's chest. Not expecting this unusual manoeuvre, she only just stopped herself going down when Kate tried to take her legs from under her.

"Not so fast," Faith slipped out of the hold and turned ready for more. But being crushed to Kate like that wasn't all that unpleasant, she thought to herself as she looked towards Kate's breasts. Focus, she reminded herself.

They circled each other a couple of times before Faith went on the attack again. Kate did the same manoeuvre as before, but this time Faith took advantage of her momentum pushing Kate back. Kate stumbled but managed to steady, still holding Faith's arm. Faith used the time to steady her own body and heart rate. Kate was warming her up and not just in the fighting sense. This time Kate let go of Faith's arm and took a swing. Faith decided turnabout was fair play and captured Kate's torso with both hands landing on her hips after avoiding the blow. This was a dangerous game, Faith thought, but she didn't know if Kate was playing for an unspoken prize or if she really wanted to get out of housework for a week.

"You're definitely getting me hot," Faith's voice whispered next to Kate's ear.

"Must be all that danger." Kate quipped as she tried again to take legs from under her. It didn't work but it did free her from Faith's hold.

"Or your body being so close to mine," Faith moved forward, but didn't attack. "I can feel your heat too. Getting that low-down tickle yet?"

"No, I'm just working a little harder than you," Kate masked her desire. But Faith could see straight through her. It was time to end this game.

"I think you're enjoying this as much as I am." Faith stepped close staring into Kate's eyes.

"It's the thought of you having to wash all week." Kate struck out at Faith's gut, amazed she connected. Faith groaned a little and stepped back. Kate never hesitated to press her advantage going for the endgame, but Faith recovered, ducked and twisted around. Kate was unbalanced; all Faith had to do was tackle Kate's back.

"Faith wins," she whooped as they both crashed down, Faith landing on Kate's back. Kate rolled her eyes and groaned. They lay there catching their breath and enjoying the moment of closeness.

"You might want to get up now," Kate said groaning. Faith slowly got up and watched Kate rub the small of her back.

"I didn't hurt you, did I?" Faith worriedly knelt by her.

"No," Kate stood not wanting any more humiliation. "The bed is yours." She went into the bathroom and shut the door.

Kate didn't have a chance to use her new skills that night. They came home in a good mood after Faith had told her a couple of hilarious stories during her time as a slayer.

"I gotta hand it to ya, Kate."

"What?" Kate watched Faith try to find a good radio station on her stereo, well Faith's definition of good anyway.

"I've been here a week and still want to stay."

"That's not normal?"

"Hell, no. The only time I've stayed somewhere more than a few day is when there's been good sex involved and sometimes even that wasn't enough." Faith found a station that she thought Kate would tolerate and turned the volume up a little.

"So what's keeping you here, as it obviously isn't sex at all?" Kate's eyes followed Faith's path as she made her way to sit next to her.

"Who says it isn't? What you do think you do in my mind, Detective Lockley? It sure ain't police work."

"How am I?" Kate said not surprised at all. Just thinking about Faith thinking about her did things to her heart rate.

"I don't have much to go on, but you do the job alright." Faith smugly grinned.

"Just alright? Must be the company, doesn't do anything for me." Kate grinned back.

"No, I don't think that's the problem at all. You need to loosen up. I can show you how." Faith winked and gave her a seductive smile.

"Is that a come on?"

"You know it is." Faith moved forward putting her weight on her arms pressed against the sofa. "Let me show you how good you could feel. Take away all those painful memories for a while."

Kate stood up enraged, "I don't need a pity fuck."

"Hey," Faith moved back, her head rocking to face the ceiling. She'd blown it, she was sure Kate was gonna go for it up until now. "I'm sorry."

"I think it's bed time, if you don't mind." Kate retrieved the blankets from the side of the sofa.

"I'll take the sofa," Faith moved to take the blankets from her.

"And I don't want any further pity. I'll make good on our bet." Kate threw the blankets down.

"Okay," Faith said slowly, cursing herself for reading the situation wrong. "See you in the morning." She went into the bedroom and closed the door. Sitting on the bed, she held her chin in her hands and let out of sigh. When she met Kate, she thought she was this righteous cop, who just happened to know about demons. The more she learned about her, the more she actually cared about her. She admired so many things about the determined cop. And that person wanted Faith's company. That was so much more than she had, ever. At first, she wanted Kate, now she wasn't sure she could handle her. Sure, she was still hopelessly attracted to her, but Kate's willingness to play, then back off was confusing her. She didn't want to just screw Kate now, that would ruin everything they had built up in the last few days, but the next step after that was a relationship of some sort. That was something Faith neither needed nor could risk. It would only lead to hurt and pain.

**************************************

Kate was called down to the precinct the next day for an interrogation of a repeat offender she arrested a few months before. She was relieved that she wouldn't face Faith for another few hours or so. Last night she had been crazy to think she could play with Faith and win. The girl's seduction routine was unmistakably not a new one. Yet, she was falling for it. It would have been so easy to let Faith take her to a place where she would have forgotten about demons, death and her unravelling life. Ironically, Faith seemed to be the anchor at the moment. A girl who had possibly seen it all.

She was drawn to the slayer and it was taking all her will not to fold to Faith's enticing advances. There was the question of Faith's motives. Did she just want sex and if so was it because of attraction, gratitude or pity? Or was there something else developing between them? Kate felt a bond had been created as they continued to share their hardships with one another. The concern and fondness displayed by Faith during the period after her nightmares made Kate feel like she hadn't for a long time. Still there was a sensual air hanging over them for much of the time they were together.

"Detective Lockley?" An officer came to her desk. The officer shuffled his feet for a moment.

"Yes?"

"I just want to say how sorry I am about your father. I didn't really know him, but he was a good cop." The officer said nervously.

"Thank you," Kate said stoically. They both stared for a moment before the phone ringing saved any further awkwardness. "Detective Lockley."

"Next time you disappear at least leave a note. I didn't know you worked Sundays." Faith's voice came through the receiver.

"I gave you this number for emergencies, not to check up on me." Kate sat back in her chair, her eyes giving the once over to the nearly empty room.

"I was worried."

"I'll leave a note next time then," Kate lowered her voice.

"So you working?"

"I'll be back by lunch. Bye." Kate hung up pleased Faith was concerned enough to check up on her. The night on the sofa wasn't the most comfortable, maybe contributing to her not having a nightmare. She packed up her papers and was about to walk out when the phone rang again.

"Detective Lockley."

"Hi, Kate."

"Angel, now is not a good time," Kate said ready to hang up on the vampire.

"I have a case I need help on."

"Is this a real case or one of your evil things?"

"Ah, er," Angel stumbled. A voice interrupted from the background 'tell her we want to see a rap sheet'. Presumably Cordelia. "I need to see a criminal record."

"No can do, you should know that Angel. Now if you excuse me I was just leaving." This time she did hang up. Damn Angel, she shouted in her mind, couldn't he leave her alone after what had happened. She headed out to her car, trying to keep it together. Not wanting to face Faith like this, she took a drive through the city. By the time she got back, Faith had taken off, probably slaying. Early in the morning she heard her come in, but she pretended to be asleep when Faith checked on her.

The next day Angel phoned again. By the time Angel had restated his request, Kate was pissed off.

"Angel, I thought I made myself clear yesterday. Maybe things like you need it spelled out word for word. I don't want to hear from you again. I'm not willing to help you any longer in any investigations you may have. In case you've forgotten, know I haven't. Just your voice makes me sick." She bashed the phone down attracting the attention of Detective Harlan.

"Bad day?" He asked coming over to her desk. The guy was actually pretty decent apart from his infatuation with her.

"Could say that." Kate scratched her forehead.

"You coming down to the Blue Bar after work? My shout."

"I don't think so, it might encourage you." Kate raised her eyebrows.

"Come on, Lockley. I promise I'll play the gentleman."

"I doubt you even know the meaning of the word."

"Fine, but if you change your mind�" Harlan walked back to his desk. Kate shook her head, did she have it stamped on her forehead that she was lonely?

Kate did eventually make her way down the Blue Bar and found a few fellow cops to argue with about some injustice in the justice system. She downed a couple of beers and made her way back to her apartment. She collapsed into her bed not long after coming home.

Movement of the bed woke her up just after two.

"Faith?" She hoped.

"Kate?" Faith stopped undressing though she hadn't gotten past her shoes.

"What are you doing?" Her mind couldn't understand why Faith was in her room.

"I could ask the same." Faith sat down making the bed bounce. Kate turned on the lamp and looked at Faith, still not understanding. "The bet."

"Oh," Kate's eyes went wide finally with comprehension. "Sorry." She started to draw the covers back.

"Stay." Faith put a hand on her shoulder.

"No, I'll go." She sat up straight.

"Have you been drinking?" Faith asked her hand steady on the shoulder.

"Just a couple of beers after work. How can you tell?"

"Wicked obvious." Faith gave her a smile. "Look, stay. You're already here and it's no problem for me. Okay?" Kate closed her eyes. "Kate?" Faith captured her face and waited until she saw the blue eyes. She sighed when she saw tears pooling in them. "Tough day?" Kate nodded trying to keep her tears from spilling. "Come here." In an action that seemed so natural, Faith pulled her close, hoping Kate would accept her offer. When she felt two arms secure on her back she gave herself a small victory.

"Sorry," Kate laughed weakly her tears making their exit.

"Don't be stupid. I know what it's like to have no one and I don't want you to ever feel like that." Faith held her protectively and pulled her nearer resting her chin on the warm shoulder. Kate herself let go, savouring the contact. She sobbed quietly while Faith held her tight determined to ride out the storm with Kate. She made Kate scoot over so she could draw her legs up on the bed. The sobbing continued.

When the tears wouldn't spill out any more, Kate still clutched at Faith's jacket not wanting to give up the haven.

"Feel better?" Faith's breath blew on Kate's hair.

"Yeah," Kate wiped her eyes with her hand.

"You want me to stay?" Faith gently shifted so she was leaning against the wall with Kate still tucked leaning on her chest. Kate didn't answer, but moved her hand down to Faith's waist for a better hold. "I have a don't ask, don't tell policy." She felt Kate chuckle. "You had me worried there. I don't want you drinking because you had a shit day." Faith's harsh voice made Kate peer into the dark eyes. "I know what it is like to live with an alcoholic, what it does to people."

"Your father?"

"Mother, actually. I don't ever want to see you like that." Faith's words rasped in her ear.

"Okay." Kate nodded and resolved to never drink in front of Faith other than the occasional beer or wine.

"Go back to sleep," Faith moved Kate so she was lying on her side. She took off her jacket and laid down facing her. "If you don't want me here, you better kick me out now." Kate's eyes were closing, exhausted from the early morning activities. She didn't respond, so Faith put her arm around the detective's slim waist. Kate rolled over and Faith pulled closer spooning her. As Kate fell asleep she thought she hadn't felt this good in a long time.

Kate awoke about ten minutes before her alarm and felt Faith behind her. God, it felt wonderful to be held like this most of the night. Not that she would admit it to Faith. She lay there listening to Faith's breathing and feeling the warm hand resting lightly on her stomach for those heavenly minutes. The alarm rudely disturbed the peace. She rolled over and turned it off, her arm landing around the jean-clad waist and coming face to face with Faith.

"I know you're awake," she teased when Faith didn't move.

"Don't want to be," Faith mumbled. "Pretend I'm not."

Kate studied the relaxed face. "Too late."

Faith snuggled further into Kate's body, "You smell nice."

"Hmm," Kate liked this feeling and Faith's mood.

"I could stay here all day." Faith's hand started rubbing the strong back.

"I have to go to work." Kate gave into her desire to enjoy Faith's mini massage.

"I know. Bad guys to catch." Faith opened her eyes for the first time, steeling her gaze on Kate. "Tell me, Kate, does this feel as good to you?"

"Yes," Kate drew out the word, unable to deny the truth any longer. "I'm pleased I didn't throw you out."

"Yeah, that would have spoilt the fun." Faith smiled. "I think I could die happy right now."

"Wow," Kate breathed her eyes blinking a couple of times when she spotted Faith's open and vulnerable expression.

"I know and we haven't even done the deed." Faith closed her eyes against the flood of emotions in her head.

"Faith had you ever made love?" Kate propped herself up on an elbow.

"Of course. What do you think I'm all talk and no show?" Faith moved onto her back.

"No, I don't mean sex, I mean making love."

"That's for people that believe in the fantasy of true love," Faith scoffed.

"You don't believe in love?" Kate sighed. "Do you even know what love is?"

"Love is something that hurts, so I stay clear." Faith moved herself away from Kate's touch.

"I too know what that feels like. But love isn't all bad."

"You're starting to sound like B." Faith strained to sit up.

"Who?"

"Cut the crap with all the lovey-dovey shit, Kate. I don't need love, I don't need anyone but myself."

Kate pushed herself into a sitting position and levelled her eyes at Faith, "I used to think that too, but it gets lonely."

"And you deal," Faith shrugged. "I learned a long time ago that people are always looking out for themselves. Love is just a label to use when you like someone enough to screw them more than a couple of times, but all people want in relationships is sex. It all comes back to that."

"What about what you've done for me this last week? What I did for you? Or is this some elaborate act to get into my bed.?"

"I'm here aren't I," Faith smirked.

"So if I told you I didn't want that from you would you still be here?" Kate stared hard at her.

"Screw you," Faith jumped out of bed.

"Faith." Kate called stopping her. "A few moments ago you told me you were happy, despite not having sex. That doesn't have to be a bad thing." Faith whipped herself around an anguished look confronting Kate. They locked eyes each daring the other to look away.

"Yes."

"Yes, what?" Kate watched her come back to the edge of the bed.

"Yes, I would still be here." Faith knelt on the bed and found herself in another embrace, this time one of joy.

"So would I," Kate said cradling Faith's body.

"But that's not what's going on here is it?" Faith drew back, inexplicably nervous. Kate shook her head then wrapped her arms around Faith bringing them together in a tighter embrace. Never thinking it would be Kate to make this move Faith became extremely turned on by it. Their lips met gently, both exploring tentatively, before Faith drew back slightly, liking what she found. Her tongue thrust out running over Kate's lips. She moaned when she felt a second tongue come out and play. Their bodies drew closer as their tongues continued to dance.

"Oh god," Faith breathed as they parted. She started giving little kisses over Kate's neck and face.

"Like the real thing?" Kate arched her head back as she held onto Faith tightly.

"Understatement of the year," Faith whispered in her ear, then gently bit down on the soft skin. Kate moaned loudly, causing Faith to do it again.

"We can't do this now," Kate moved her hands under Faith's top and reached up to scrape the bra. "I have to go to work."

"Don't think," Faith jumped as Kate brushed a nipple, "do."

"Faith," Kate meant to warn her but it came out breathless. Faith took that as a good sign and worked her way down to her collarbone, nibbling and licking the soft skin. "We've got to - ooh." She felt Faith nibble on a sensitive spot. "Don't you dare give me a hickey there." She heard Faith laugh, but the kisses moved a little lower. They explored for a few more minutes before Faith stopped and stared at Kate's expression. Full of desire.

"I need you, Kate. Now." She moved in and kissed her again while her hands strayed to Kate's top, lifting it. Kate's own hands were still moving over her clothed breasts.

"Work." Kate broke their lips, her head spinning.

"After." Faith's hands moved over bare breasts, cupping them and moving her thumbs closer and closer to their centre. When they reached there Kate pushed herself into the hands, her own fumbling to unhook Faith's bra desperately wanting to return the favour.

"I need to go." Kate protested weakly as she turned her head away slightly.

"Off. You need," Faith kissed her ear, "to go off." Another kiss. "I can do that for you." With a quick movement one of Faith's hands was buried between her legs. Feeling, exploring the wetness. "I knew you smelled good," Faith drew her hand out and proceeded to sniff then lick it. "Mmm."

"Come on then," Kate groaned giving in to the erotic display Faith was putting on for her. Clothes went flying and Faith pinned the detective down studying the flushed and wanton face. She smiled, anticipating how good having sex with the detective was going to be. When she couldn't hold back any more she brought her body down on Kate's and rolled them over.

"Where did you get that?" Kate looked down to a recent scar on Faith's stomach.

"Fighting." Faith's hands roamed over the detective's back, moving lower.

"Looks bad." Kate was distracted as a hand landed between her legs.

"Happened a long time ago, I'm five by five." Faith moved her hand and caused Kate to forget everything else. Time became irrelevant as they lost themselves to the pleasure they were eliciting from each other.

"So," Kate breathed out raggedly feeling Faith come to a rest on top of her, her fingers still buried in her and the smell of sweat and sex heavy in the air. "Hmm."

"Hmm?" Faith moved her fingers a little and a shiver ran through her lover. Lover? Faith asked herself, jeez.

"How can I even get up let alone go to work." Kate let her fingers walk over Faith's back, feeling the solid muscle move underneath.

"It was that good?" Faith moved her head so she could gaze into those intense eyes.

"Do you even have to ask?" Kate saw uncertainly flash over Faith's face. "For all that bragging, Faith, you certainly live up to it." Faith lazily smiled before giving her a passionate kiss.

"Never knew a cop could be so good."

"No, I'm just a straight-laced cop that only has fun at sentence hearings." Kate smiled as she felt Faith finally pull out of her and cosy up to her side. Faith pulled the covers up and gave her breast a kiss before snuggling down on it. "Faith, I'm already going to be late."

"Car trouble. Heavy traffic. Troublesome neighbour," Faith murmured taking Kate's warm hand in hers and resting it on Kate's stomach. "You've probably never been late a day in your life, they'll cut you some slack."

"When I said straight-laced I didn't mean it literally. I do have a few flaws."

"Hmm, I plan on finding them all." Faith started exploring Kate's body again. When Kate groaned, Faith chuckled. "There's one fatal flaw. How many does the good detective have?"

"Many," Kate struggled to get out the word, "but you'll have to find them later."

"Is that a promise?" Faith looked up hopefully.

"Yes, I promise you." Kate squeezed their hands. "What about you?"

"I'm staying, Kate. And not just because of great sex." Faith couldn't stop smiling.

"Okay then." They kissed one last time, or few times, before Kate made it out of bed. Faith looked her up and down as she put on a robe. Kate turned to an intimate stare and she gave one back.

"Don't tempt me," Faith said closing her eyes, "or you won't make it past the door all day." Kate raised her eyebrows and made a movement as if she was going to flash Faith. "Go on," Faith encouraged.

"You just told me not to," Kate grabbed her clothes and left the room. Faith grinned to herself, looks like she had met her match. She heard Kate moving around the apartment and the shower turned on. She lay back smiling, thinking about what Kate was doing in there. Washing her body� Okay Faith don't go there, well not at the moment anyway. She stared at the ceiling luxuriating in the bliss. No, it wasn't just great sex, she thought. Certainly wasn't love either.

"What are you smiling about?" Kate came back in dressed, making Faith pout.

"You." Faith smirked lifting her head.

"I should hope so," Kate came over to the bed. "What are you doing today?" Kate took her ID out of a drawer.

"Thinking about you. Thinking up ways to tell you how much I've missed you when you come home." Faith winked.

"I'll try to be back on time, but I'll ring if something comes up. Okay?" Kate leaned over the bed, using an arm to support her.

"Very okay," Faith drew up so their lips were inches apart. "Kate," she whispered, "you five by five with�things?" Never had Faith considered the needs of another person, but this was different.

"Yes. We'll talk later."

"Talk wasn't what I had in mind," Faith stuck her tongue out and licked Kate's lips lightly.

"We can do both," Kate closed the gap between them. As Faith's tongue sought out her own, Kate reluctantly pushed herself off the bed. "Later."

"Can't wait," Faith said catching her breath. "You're one sexy woman, Detective Lockley." She called as Kate made her way out the door.

*****