Faith again found herself alone in Angel's apartment the next afternoon. After spending a restless night on the bed, Angel and her went through a cautious workout. It felt good to finally have a weapon back in her hands and to put herself through her paces without having to look over one shoulder at anyone watching. Cordelia and Wesley kept well away after Faith had given an apology to both of them for past wrongs, which was easier than Faith thought it would be. They were now out researching or something. Angel had gone on another errand somewhere, extracting a promise from her to stay in the building before he left. A knock at the door shifted her attention from some daytime soap. The door opened and Kate stuck her head in.

"Mind if I come in?"

"No," Faith smiled in pleasant surprise as the blonde came down the stairs. "Angel's not here. No one is."

"I came to see how you were," Kate took a step closer, noticing for the first time that Faith looked weary.

"No, really," Faith switched off the set and turned her attention to the cop. She was dressed casually. "Not working today?"

"Undercover work tonight."

"Who you smoking out?" Faith stood up and invited Kate to sit at the kitchen table.

"Still working on the drug case." Kate sat down.

"Right, I'd offer you something to drink, but the only thing Angel has is blood." Kate winced. "Whoops. Guess you didn't need to know that."

"Actually it answers a couple of questions I had."

"Right, yeah. It's not human either."

"Oh, he doesn't need human blood?" Kate asked puzzled

"No," a new voice came from the stairs.

"Buffy." Faith thought, talk about d�j� vu.

"So they let you out," she came down the stairs and stood about two feet from the two women.

"Don't you ever knock?" Faith stood, willing herself to stay calm.

"What do you think you're doing here?" Buffy met the other Slayer's eyes.

"Trying to stay out of your way."

"How thoughtful of you," Buffy took a step closer. "So you decide to stay with Angel."

"His idea."

"How long did it take to accept. Ten seconds."

"Look you two obviously have issues, don't bring me into them." Faith backed off a little.

"That's interesting coming from you." Buffy wasn't about to let Faith get the upper hand in this fight.

"I'm not interested in Angel. You know that."

"It's not that I'm worried about, it's your track record in trying to kill him," Buffy's eyes bored into Faith's.

"That's not gonna happen again. The guy saved my life." Faith looked away unable to stand the guilt trip B was laying on her.

"Oh right, I forgot. He's your knight in shining armour."

"I'm sure you're his. Protecting him when he came back from hell and all that."

"You're not staying here." Buffy moved forward unfolding her arms.

"That's not your decision."

"How's Wesley feel about it?" That hurt, Faith looked down. "Thought so."

"Same way I think Giles would have felt." Faith knew that hurt Buffy, even if she didn't show it. "Bet he was real glad when Angel left Sunnydale." Kate was following the conversation carefully, but again recognised that these people had a long history together.

"I think the Council would be interested to know you're out."

"Why don't do their job for them." Faith smiled and held out her arms.

"Don't tempt me Faith," Buffy took another step and stopped a foot from her.

"Still have my knife?" Faith taunted.

"No, had no use for it after the Mayor died." Buffy counteracted.

"Pity, I could have thought about several uses for it." This verbal sparing was starting to take its toll emotionally on the younger slayer.

"You wanna go a round with me?" Buffy asked sensing Faith was gearing up for a fight.

"What ya gonna do, B. Kill me? I know you're capable."

"If I have to."

"Wait a minute," Kate got up and stood beside Faith, "that is not going to happen." Buffy turned to the detective acknowledging her for the first time. "You another of Faith's protectors."

"I will be if you keep this up," Kate moved her jacket back showing the blonde slayer her service weapon.

"Whoa, Detective. This is MY fight," Faith tried to push Kate out the way.

"I'm not letting her kill you." Kate stood her ground.

"I suggest you keep out of this, lady," Buffy glared at her. Kate glared back, not about to back down.

"What you suggest I do, B? I got nowhere to go." That shut Buffy up. For all her threats, she didn't know what to do with Faith. Her confession had been the last thing Buffy had expected. How did she handle this new side of Faith?

"I don't know," she finally admitted. "When you woke up I thought maybe there was a chance for you to change, but after ... well," Buffy trailed off but backed away from Faith in the process.

Faith smiled wryly, "I know."

"You know?"

"I peeped in that night at Giles'. When you got the phone call." Faith thought back to that night, how things could have been so different if she hadn't got riled up about B on Riley's lap.

"Oh, right. That's how you knew about Riley."

"Still with the beefstick?" Faith smiled

"Yes," Buffy hissed the word.

"So you forgave him for sleeping with me," Faith smirked, her bravado coming back.

"He didn't know it was you. Besides, I knew you would go after him. Made it easier to take the fact that it wasn't because he was attracted to you."

"Frightening experience that. He kept calling out your name, but I think I used your body in ways in that it never has before. Nice to know you're not a real blonde." Faith smirked, and Buffy slapped her.

"Stop," Kate ordered. "I have no idea what you are talking about, but you slap her again I won't hesitate to stop you."

"Took your body out for a test run, B. Fuelled my fantasies for quite a while. Knowing how you sound when-," Kate clapped a hand over Faith's mouth.

"Don't make it worse," the detective hissed near her ear. "This is over. Buffy go back to Sunnydale, Faith is staying here."

"Excuse me, but I have unfinished business with her," Buffy stared at the detective, "you have nothing to do with it."

"So what did you do in mine?" The slayers ignored Kate's warning.

"Let's see, unfortunately I was kidnapped by the Council to get the same luxuries. But I'll tell you the things they said about you."

"Heard it all before, your friends gave me an earful. Did you know Willow is still pissed off at me for sleeping with Xander, gee. And what was up with that blonde witch, talk about crush, I never knew Red swung that way."

"You know about that?" Buffy asked confused, it was weeks after they had dealt with Faith that Willow had told her about her relationship with Tara.

"Of course, two minutes with them and had 'em pegged. Gotta hand it to Red, she has some kink in her." Seeing Buffy's uncertain look, Faith persisted. "Don't tell me you didn't know about them at the time?" Buffy continued staring. "You didn't, gee it was written all over their faces. Or is it the girl on girl action that has you ruffled." Buffy's look flicked for only a moment, but it was enough for Faith to pick it up. "Never knew you were a prude, B."

"I'm not."

"I don't know, you boink the undead, but get uncomfortable at the thought of lesbians. Double standard," Faith shook her finger.

"Like you can talk, you would have slept with Angel if he gave you a chance."

"Hey if I couldn't have who I wanted, having someone they slept with was the next best thing," Faith shot back. Buffy looked at Faith in shock. Faith looked at Buffy with a mirrored expression. Kate looked between them and mentally sighed. It certainly put things in perspective for all three of them.

"You, you wanted..." Buffy couldn't finish the words.

"Don't flatter yourself, you know my policy; use and lose. Would have been fun, could have loosened you up like I did when we danced. But that's in the past, I'm WAY past it," Faith said shrugging her shoulders. "Thrill went a long time ago. No spark, plus an eight month coma does things to girl's mind."

"You can stay here, Faith. But if I see you anywhere near my town, I'll be gunning for you." With that Buffy turned and headed out, slamming the door behind her. Faith wanted to run after her, to see what B thought of her confession, but she couldn't. It was over and she truthfully was getting past her feelings. She couldn't at look the detective though. Kate didn't need to know her sordid history and screw ups with the other slayer and here she was getting more than a history lesson in Faith's twisted emotions.


"You okay?" Kate asked not sure whether to reach out to the seemingly paralysed slayer. Faith turned, tears welling in her eyes. Kate gently reached out and enfolded the trembling girl in her arms. Faith nearly pushed her away, but the warmth was too inviting. Her arms hung loosely for a few moments before wrapping her arms around the detective's. A few minutes later Kate led them over to the bed where Faith renewed her cling to the detective after they sat down.

Faith slowly became aware that she was wetting Kate's top. She sat up embarrassed. "Sorry about your clothes."

Kate smiled, "Tis okay. It will dry."

"I would understand if you never want to talk to me again," Faith let go of the warmth altogether.

"Why would I want to do that?"

"I don't know, sleeping with peoples boyfriends, trying to kill others, torture, to name a few things."

"Well I don't have a boyfriend, so that's one thing I don't have to worry about," Kate tried to keep it light as she didn't want Faith dwelling on her past mistakes.

"Still leaves a long list."

"Yesterday you told me not to trust you." Faith looked up into Kate's blue eyes waiting to be rejected. "Despite that warning, I do trust you and believe me I'm not good on the trust factor with most people."

"Fool." Faith stood up and paced. "I will only end up disappointing and hurting you. One hundred percent success rate so far."

"I'm giving you a chance to change that."

"So what's the deal?" Faith faced her with a unreadable expression.

"Deal?"

"What do you want in return." Faith stared down the cop.

"Nothing," Kate said puzzled.

"Oh come on, I don't believe you're doing this from the goodness of you're heart. So, what do you want? Sex, someone to do dirty jobs, or maybe the dish on the demon world. What is it?"

"Nothing." Kate kept her eyes on Faith's, leaving herself open.

"Nothing, bullshit. Don't play me, Detective." Faith gestured wildly. "Everyone wants something."

"I don't want anything from you. Nothing that you aren't willing to give me freely." Kate kept her eyes locked with Faith's, willing the slayer to not back away. "I play it straight, Faith. I don't have time or energy for games, I have enough of that arresting assholes."

"So I'm not an asshole?" Faith desperately wanting to believe her.

"Only half the time," Kate smiled.

"Hah, hah." She sat back down on the bed. Their eyes locked again and Faith looked like she wanted to say something.

"What?" Kate prodded gently.

"I guess you want an explanation of what B and I were going on about."

"Not unless you want to tell me, although I must admit I'm curious."

"You want the long story or the short one?" Faith asked closing her eyes briefly.

"Whatever you feel comfortable with."

"You got time?"

"I have," she checked her watch, "three hours."

"Mind getting out of this place?"

"Let's go," Kate was relieved to get out of there too. Angel's place was just a little creepy for her taste. Getting in the car with Faith was becoming a ritual. "Where do you want to go?"

"Don't know, I've spent all of a week free in LA. Not many places I've visited."

Kate thought for a minute, she could take Faith to a public place, but Faith might want a little more privacy than that, so she headed in the direction of her apartment.

"Where are we?" Faith said opening the as they reached a door.

"My place," Kate said pulling out her door keys.

"There's a dirty joke somewhere there, but I don't think this is the time."

"Good call," Kate opened the door into the place she called home. Faith stepped in after the detective and took in the semi neat apartment. It looked homely, just as she would have imagined if she'd thought about it. Kate had definitely decorated the apartment. On the walls were several art works, the furniture was casual yet stylish, and stereo had pictures of people on top.

"Nice place," Faith commented.

"Thank you, have a seat," she pointed to a sofa in the living area. Faith sat down while Kate disappeared into what was probably her bedroom. The pictures on the stereo consisted of a couple, Faith concluded they were her parents, a young Kate in her uniform, probably on her graduation from the academy and a couple of others that could be relatives or friends.

"Can I get you anything?" Kate came back into the room.

"No, I'm five by five."

"What?" Kate said sitting across from her in an easy chair.

"I'm fine."

"Okay," Kate rubbed her hand together and sat back trying to think how to proceed.

"Well you know I was in Sunnydale for a while. I'm originally from Boston." Faith settled back.

"Long way to travel."

"Yeah, but I had to meet infamous Buffy. My original Watcher had told me many stories of Buffy's slaying. Anyway, Boston turned bad. My Watcher got killed so I took off to Sunnydale. Met B, she had just come back from being away." Faith explained how Buffy sent Angelus to hell and was going through a tough time when she showed up.

"I was immediately drawn to her. I mean who wouldn't be?"

"I'm not," Kate smiled.

"Right. Well, we started badly, our personalities clashing, plus she thought I was putting the moves on a boy she was interested in. But over the first few weeks we built up a good relationship and the slaying..." Faith smiled, "it was so good to be side by side fighting like we were totally in sync with each other. Until Angel showed up." Faith related in bare detail the events that had led to Gwendolyn Post's demise and the Slayer's lack of trust in each other.

"Suddenly Angel was back and his past sins were forgotten. Giles, who had his girlfriend killed by Angelus and was tortured by him wasn't too comfortable with the arrangement, but B said she had it under control."

"That explains some things." Kate thought about it, Faith thought she might have a chance with the slayer until Angel had come back. That would have hurt.

"Things went alright for a while until Giles slipped up with the Council of Watchers for not testing B on something. Thus, Wes was called to take over. None of the gang was happy with that, except Cordelia. Huh that's funny."

"What is? And who is the gang?" Kate asked following Faith's narrative, her opinion of Faith not changing for the worse. She sensed something big coming up.

"Cordelia and Wesley, they're not doing the dirty?"

"No, I don't think so," Kate answered, not really interested.

"They were practically all over each other in Sunnydale. Wonder what happened there?"

"Common sense."

Faith laughed, "Maybe. The gang. That would be B, Giles, B's best friend Willow, Xander and for a while there Cordelia and Oz. Now there's Xander's girlfriend, Willow's girlfriend and B's boyfriend all in the mix. All tight-knit and no room for a second Slayer."

"And they all know about otherworldly things?" Kate asked incredulously. These people were barely out of their teens.

"Yes. Well Oz was a werewolf and Willow and Tara are into some pretty heavy magic."

"A werewolf," Kate shook her head in disbelief.

"He was pretty cool, had a mean band going there. He was Willow's main squeeze but don't know what happened to him. Probably shafted when Willow went to bat for the other team."

"So Wesley came, then what?" Faith found interest in the blank TV screen. "Faith?" Kate switched to the sofa leant back against the right arm. Kate's nearness made Faith both nervous and encouraged.

"Decided not to listen to anything he had to say. Convinced B to do the same. We went out on our own. I'd been looking for an excuse to rope B into something, push her limits, shake that control out of her. Well it worked, she skipped school, broke into a sports store with me when we needed firepower, crashed a police car," Faith looked at Kate, "nothing personal." Kate nodded slightly.

"We were almost unstoppable, had a demon in town with a small army of groupie vamps that we were taking out." Faith took a breath, but found she couldn't continue. Kate reached over and put her hand over Faith's. "Someone, a human, got in the way."

"Oh god," Kate couldn't help but feel Faith's pain. Instinctively she moved closer to the slayer and squeezed the hand she was holding.

"Of course it was me who did the kill shot, but B was there, she was the one who had pushed him down. She couldn't handle it and put all the blame on me. It was MY problem. I was the one who had to deal. It all went downhill from there. I couldn't deal either, but there was no one there for me after B decided I needed a reality check on the situation. So, I went a little crazy. The cops were sniffing around, but they couldn't really find much." Faith stopped again and studied the carpet.

"The mayor's assistant?" Kate put the pieces together.

"Yeah. His name was Finch." Faith could see Kate remembered the name from her confession. "I think he was a bad guy, I mean he was working for the mayor."

"The mayor?"

"The Ascension demon."

"He was the mayor!" Kate shook her head.

"Yeah. Anyway, things went downhill from there. I tried to murder Xander while we were having a rough and tumble. Angel interrupted and took me to his place. He tried to tell me that I didn't have to walk down the path I was going down. I was starting to listen to him when good old Wes decided the best course of action was to kidnap me and take me back to England. Needless to say I escaped and that was it, I couldn't hang around while all these people were telling me I was bad."

"So you decided to live up to their expectations?" Kate started to understand what exactly had made this woman turn on her calling.

"Exactly. It was too easy."

"What about what you said about a coma?" Kate was startled when Faith took off her jacket and pulled up her top.

"See this," Faith pointed to the 8 inch vertical scar on her stomach. "That's B's handiwork. Got me an eight month coma."

"Oh god, you weren't joking when you said she tried to kill you," Kate was horrified. Maybe Buffy should have been the one arrested.

"Payback for poisoning Angel." Faith watched Kate's hand move closer to the scar before pulling away again.

"I didn't know vampires could be poisoned." Kate couldn't take her eyes off the damage. She had seen some nasty stuff in her work, but that looked fatal. She guessed that if Faith wasn't a slayer then she would be dead. She inwardly shivered as she didn't want to entertain that idea.

"They can," Faith launched into a summary of what was supposed to be the mayor's ascension leaving out many details about her relationship with the demon.

"So you were in a coma for eight months?" Kate didn't even know how that would feel, missing eight months of your life.

"Yeah woke up, learned what happened and took off to see the B was up to. Surprised to find Angel not there and in his place some clean-cut obviously-the-complete-opposite-of-Angel in his place. Riley, oh god, how dull is he."

"You slept with him?" Kate shook away a little jealously that surfaced inexplicably.

"For payback."

"With Buffy's body?" Kate couldn't believe she was saying this out loud.

"With B's body."

"How the fuck is that possible!" Kate exclaimed.

"Don't know, the device that switched us was a present from the mayor, post death." Faith exhausted left the sentence hanging. "Can I have a drink or something?"

"Sure," Kate removed her hand from Faith's and went into the kitchen. She came back with two glasses of soda and resumed her place next to Faith, their legs now touching as Faith had moved closer while she was gone. The warmth of the young woman was seeping through.

"I don't want to talk about the rest. Too recent." Faith took a drink.

"That's okay, I understand that it must be painful for you." Kate laughed to herself, trying to remind herself that Faith was the perp not the victim here. Somehow though, she couldn't stop thinking about Faith as the victim in all this mess as well.

"But you're helping," Faith smiled.

"I'm glad," Kate reached over and gathered Faith's empty hand in hers. "Can I just ask one question."

"Can't guarantee an answer." Faith squared herself for the onslaught.

"Do you love her?" Faith jumped up, physically shaken. That was not what she been expecting. "I'm sorry, Faith. I just wondered..." Kate stood and tried to take Faith in her arms, but she was pushed away.

"Don't." Faith moved further away. Kate wasn't clear what that was in response to. She stood patiently waiting for Faith to make the next move. Faith started slowly, "I did, once, but I meant it when I said that it is in the past. Too many things have happened for me to even feel what I once did for her." She felt arms encircle her and she embraced the support offered, wanting it more than anything at that moment. "She has never felt the same way, I knew that it would never happen."

"But you still had hope that just maybe?" Kate clutched the girl happy to be support for her.

"Until I saw Riley. Or slept with him. That turned me off." Faith moved her hands down Kate's back, feeling the warmth. Kate's own hands were clasped tightly on Faith's back. Faith felt like she never wanted to leave, which for her was a first. Hugging was something Faith had never done. She pulled back and looked at the beautiful blonde. "Oh god," she exclaimed softly and moved away from Kate.

"What is it?" Kate puzzled over the mood change.

"I can't." She picked up her jacket and put it on.

"Can't what?" Kate moved in Faith's way, blocking a path to the door.

"I can't," Faith tried to move, but the cop was determined not to let her go.

"Faith?"

"I need some air."

"Are you alright?"

"I'll see you later," Faith pushed Kate in the shoulder trying to move her but Kate pushed back managing to stand her ground. "Don't try and stop me."

"Is that a threat?" Kate asked concerned.

"If you don't move, then yes."

"Then do it," Kate stared defiantly at the slayer. Faith looked at the woman, knowing that she was probably bluffing, but she could do some damage to her if she was serious and Faith couldn't imagine hurting this wonderful person.

"I could take you down with one punch, don't make me."

"I don't want you running away, I'll take you back if that's what you want."

"I don't need watching twenty-four seven." Faith looked directly into Kate's eyes. "I'm not some charity case to make you feel like a better person."

"I don't see you like that."

"Then stop with the protective custody act." Faith saw that comment had smarted. The detective dropped her eyes for the first time since they had met. So the detective has a weak spot, she takes pride in her work.

"I just want to make sure you're safe."

"Why don't you just take me back to jail." Faith spat out leaving Kate's guard down and letting her get past the cop. "I'll be safe in there."

"Is that what you want? To go back." Kate turned trying to strategise a way to keep Faith from going off into the day.

"Hey regular meals, regular exercise, even regular sex if you want. Can you offer me that," Faith smirked.

"This isn't about me. It's about what you want to do."

"I'll tell you want I want," Faith stepped right in Kate's face.

"What?"

"A screw," Faith let the word hang, "with you." She smirked.

"What would that achieve?" Kate found herself drawn to Faith's overt sexuality. How could she be attracted to this young woman, in fact any woman. It had just been a while since she last had any. That was it.

Faith laughed, "Gee, I don't know, pleasure." She was trying to mask her surprise at not being slapped.

"I'm not a one night stand girl. I thought that was your policy." Kate decided to play along.

"Use them and lose them? Yeah. But you wouldn't consider making an exception for me?" She leaned in close watching the detective.

"Not if that's all it was to you."

"Oh, the detective likes a little romance. Sure I haven't done that before, but I could try." Faith found herself actually wishing her offer was serious. In fact, her offer didn't seem appealing any more. She couldn't do that to Kate, she didn't deserve that kind of treatment ... from anyone. "Actually forget it, that would be too much of a bother." She turned and walked to the door.

"Faith?" She let go of the knob and turned to find a worried detective. "Call me?"

"I don't know," Faith said truthfully. She opened the door and disappeared into the hallway. Kate sat back on the sofa, confused over what had just happened. The slayer certainly ran hot and cold, but underneath it all she saw a young woman struggling to come to terms with her past actions. For someone who had always been on the right side of the law and had been surrounded by police all her life it was hard to understand how Faith could survive under the weight of her guilt. Kate sighed; at least Angel had gone through the same thing.

*****
Part 4:

Two weeks went by and no word from Faith. Kate sat at her desk, tapping her pen on the report she was going over. She had called Angel the week before to check on Faith's progress. He had said that she was moving forward step by step, but her attitude to her future had gone and changed for the worse. Angel used the words "deeply disturbed." She desperately wanted to go and see her, but Faith would likely shut her out, maybe for good. If she was to see Faith again, it had to be on Faith's terms. She handed in her report and made her way home, stopping on the way to pick up a bottle of wine. Another Friday night ... alone.

Later in the evening she settled down on the sofa with a good book and a glass of wine. A frantic knocking transported her back to real world. She opened the door to find a rain-soaked Slayer standing there.

"Faith, what happened to you," she herded the girl into the warmth of the apartment. Faith stared blankly at her, so she went and got a blanket to wrap around the woman.

"Bathroom?" Faith looked around.

"In there," Kate pointed the way, wanting to check her for injuries, but Faith slammed the door in her face. She heard Faith going through her the room, packages rustling, then silence. "Faith?" No answer. "Faith, do want any help?" Still no answer. "I'm going to make you a hot drink, okay." She left the door and made her way into the kitchen.

"You wouldn't have any dry clothes?" Faith startled her, standing only a couple of feet behind her.

"Of course," she quickly pulled out a pair of jeans and an old T-shirt. "Here." Faith disappeared in the bathroom again. The girl was sitting on the sofa by time she had made a mug of hot chocolate. She silently handed it to her and sat back down next to the anxious girl. For the first time, she noticed a tattoo on Faith's right arm. She reached over and took a closer look. "Nice tat." Faith looked down at her arm and acknowledged Kate with a nod.

"I'm sorry," Faith said looking down in her mug.

"That's okay, I wasn't busy."

"Not that," Faith glanced at Kate, "for, for coming on to you. You didn't deserve that."

"Oh," Kate was puzzled, was that the reason why Faith had stayed away for two weeks?

"I couldn't do that to you, I respect you too much."

"That's a good thing, right?" Kate smiled, happy that Faith still thought highly of her.

"Yeah, I guess. Can't sleep with people I respect." Faith took a gulp, the liquid soothing her throat.

"Never?" The words slipped out accidentally.

"I'm cold," Faith shifted on the sofa. Kate quickly a sweater and handed it to the woman. She noticed it was getting late. They sat in silence for a while, neither one wanting to ruin the atmosphere. "I'd better go," Faith finally said.

"Wait," Kate gently placed her hand on Faith's arm. "It's pouring out there. You can stay here tonight. No sense in you getting wet for no reason."

"I don't think that's a good idea," Faith said trying to maintain control, trying to get her mind off the hand on her arm.

"Why not?" Kate demanded. "The sofa's not too uncomfortable, I know that for a fact. And I'll even cook you breakfast." Kate appealed to slayer's appetite.

"I shouldn't," Faith protest was considerably weaker. Kate capitalised on Faith's indecision. "I have pop tarts."

Faith laughed, "A cop who eats pop tarts, this I have to see."

"Good, it's settled." They moved around cleaning up and getting the sofa ready for Faith. "You'll need something to sleep in."

"No, this will do." Faith pointed to her clothes.

"Are you sure?"

"This is way overdressed for me anyway." Faith sat back down on the sofa and pulled the blanket up. "Can't remember the last time I owned a pair of PJ's. Bet you have a matching set." Faith smiled when Kate looked away and she could swear the detective was blushing.

"Good night," Kate put her hand briefly on her shoulder.

"Sweet dreams, Detective," Faith lay back on the sofa and snuggled into the blanket. Kate watched for a moment before leaving, closing the door her room.


The next morning Kate woke to sounds of what sounded like a TV cartoon. Her suspicions were confirmed when she poked her head out the door. She heard Faith giggle at something and found she liked the noise. She smiled herself as she popped back in her room. When she showered and came out dressed, Faith was still seemingly engrossed in the adventures of some cartoon superhero. How different the cartoon and the real life versions were, Kate mused.

"Morning," Faith said twisting her head to see Kate, who with the sunlight at her back looked the best she had seen her. Faith unconsciously licked her lips. Down girl, she thought.

"Sleep well?"

"Yes," Faith lied. In truth, she had spent much of the night taking in Kate's presence. She had crept into the bedroom and had stayed there for a better part of an hour. Kate was so cute when she slept. Faith smiled at the memory. It was long time since she had spent the night at someone's, Angel not included.

"If you want to take a shower, feel free." Faith suddenly felt very aroused. A shower, where Kate had just been ... naked ... soapy. Uhh! "What?" Kate asked. Whoops I groaned aloud, Faith couldn't help it.

"I'll pass," she replied trying to get naked Kate out of her mind unsuccessfully.

"Really I don't mind," Kate said as she moved to the kitchen.

"I do," Faith mumbled.

Kate turned back to see Faith looking trapped. Again, she puzzled over Faith's mood change. "Is there something wrong?"

"I gotta go," Faith turned to retrieve her clothes.

"I promised you breakfast." Kate walked over to the flustered slayer.

"Not hungry."

"Bullshit." Kate scoffed sensing she was losing the battle to get through to the young woman. What had changed from the giggling she awoke to? Had she said something to upset her? She mentally ran through the conversation, but came up with nothing.

"Thanks for letting me stay last night, but I've got to motor." Faith looked around for a second shoe.

"Just tell me why. Have I done something wrong?"

"No, no. If anything you've done more than I ever imagined. But it's too dangerous to be around me, people end up hurt or dead. It was a mistake to come here last night. I'm sorry." Faith found what she was looking for and prepared to dress herself.

"You're not going to give me an explanation? You're just going to walk out again leave me worrying myself sick about how you are doing!" Kate moved closer.

"You shouldn't care so much then," Faith shot back torn between rejoicing that Kate cared so much and knowing that it wasn't the way she would like.

"No, I can see that now." Kate was hurting. "Go, then." Faith was about to retort when the phone rang. "Hello." Faith picked her clothes up. "Yes she's here. Would you like to talk to her?" Kate handed the phone to Faith. "It's Angel."

"Hey big guy," Faith turned her back on Kate.

"How did your date go?"

"My date?"

"You said you were meeting someone. But I didn't think it would be Kate."

"It wasn't. Came here to shelter from the storm."

"You okay." A worried voice came through the wire.

"Yeah, the guy turned out to be total loser, couldn't dump him fast enough." Faith smoothly lied. Truth was she couldn't stop thinking about the blonde not far away from her. Kinda put a dampener on the night. "So why you calling?"

"I know you're not the type to spend all night out. I was worried."

"Oh, he has a heart," Faith crooned. "I'll see you later then?"

"Okay," Angel's voice sounded lighter.

"Bye." Faith hung up the phone knowing Kate was probably shooting daggers in her back with those blue eyes. "I'll get out your way now." Faith got her dry clothes and went to pull up Kate's borrowed T-shirt, before remembering that...

"You're injured," Kate came over and pushed the T-shirt up to inspect the wound on Faith's left side. "Why didn't you tell me."

"No big," Faith pulled away. "It will heal in a couple of days."

"A couple of days! It looks like it needs stitches." If Kate was worried before, she was alarmed now.

"Slayers heal fast, it will be gone in a couple of days."

"It needs more treatment than a makeshift bandage. It will get infected," Kate couldn't help but show her slight panic at the wound.

"I'll deal."

"Come with me," Kate pulled the woman into the bathroom. Faith was too stunned to object. "Sit." Faith sat on the toilet.

"Someone playing nurse has never been one of my fantasies," Faith said as Kate pulled out bandages and other first aid. But I'm liking, she added to herself.

"I'm so sorry I don't have the uniform," Kate grunted out while she hunted for something.

"I just got my first pay check, I'll treat ya to one," Faith was disappointed she couldn't see Kate's face. "Or I'll trade you for the uniform you must have lurking somewhere around. Or better yet you could play dress ups for me."

"In your dreams," Kate turned around looking none too friendly.

"You better believe it," Faith leered. "Those handcuffs could come in handy. Ever played bondage games, Detective."

"Are you trying to flirt with me or make me angry," Kate barked as she wet a cloth.

"Whatever floats your boat." Faith pulled the T-shirt off, leaving Kate a little stunned and Faith in a black bra. "Like what you see?"

"No, the wound doesn't look good at all," Kate got over her momentary surprise and concentrated on cleaning the large cut. Faith tried hard not to make a noise, but the truth was it still stung like crazy. She moaned in pain. "Sorry. So how did this happen?"

"Fighting."

"Well, I wouldn't have guessed." Her hands grazed Faith's stomach and she felt the shiver go through the slayer's body. She looked up to Faith's closed eyes. The pleasure on Faith's face couldn't be denied. Kate kept her voice steady, testing a theory, "Am I hurting you?"

"Just a bit," Faith admitted. Kate again pretended to accidentally touch Faith's waist, her reaction was immediate. Another shiver ran through the slayer's body.

"Are you cold?" Kate asked innocently.

"No, your hands are though." Faith hoped Kate accepted her explanation.

"Cold hands, warm heart, that's what they say." Kate couldn't be sure it was the touch or the person who was causing the shivers.

"Who?" Faith looked down at what Kate was doing.

"It's just a phrase," Kate finished cleaning the wound and reached for some antiseptic cream.

"I'll do that," Faith said quickly. She took the tube out of Kate's hand and gently applied it to the wound. Kate watched mesmerised, her own thoughts taking a sexual tint. She shook her head as Faith handed the cream back to her. She wasn't, she couldn't be attracted to this woman. Kate Lockley was not like that. Without words she applied a fresh bandage and carefully made sure the wound was sealed.

"There," she stood and cleared up the mess.

"Thank you, Nurse Lockley, your bath side manner is impressive." Faith sauntered into the living room and put her own top back on.

"How about some breakfast now," Kate crossed into the kitchen. "I'm not taking no for an answer. Your body needs it."

"My body needs a lot of things," Faith put her own pants back on while Kate's back was turned.

"Let me guess; food, sleep, slaying and sex." Kate started making breakfast for two.

"Four out of four. The question is what does your body need, Detective Lockley?" Faith moved into the kitchen and sat at the table.

"I could live without the slaying."

"What about sex?" Faith was testing the cop.

"Like it."

Faith laughed, this cop was good, perfect comebacks that gave little away. "What do you prefer; vanilla or kink?"

"Not your concern."

"Me, as long as it feels good, I'll do it," Faith turned her voice down an octave.

"I kinda guessed that."

"So you've thought about how I like it. Interesting thoughts there, Detective." Faith smirked. The chance of Kate liking her was increasing, she could feel it.

"Well you keep talking about it so often, it's hard to miss."

"Does that bother you?" Faith's tone was so serious that Kate turned from her work and eyed the slayer.

"Not really, I work in an environment that's conductive for that kind of talk," Kate answered truthfully. It amazed her really, one minute they were bantering then Faith would throw a loaded question or comment into the mix.

"Right, the force is a boy's club." Faith mulled over Kate's career choice, looking for the first time at the qualities that made her a good cop. She found she liked the fact that Kate used her skills to help the world. "Good thing about slaying, we're all females."

"Here you are," Kate laid two pop tarts on the table. "Help yourself if you want a drink."

"Thanks." Faith realised she was ravenous. Kate amused by Faith's gusto, quietly started in on her own. "So," Faith said between mouthfuls, "what made you become a cop?"

"My father was one." Kate easily shared this piece of information.

"Was he good?"

"Yes."

"Like father, like daughter." Kate raised an eyebrow. "You seem like a good cop, Detective. Good instincts, sharp observation, plus you know when to be compassionate or tough." Faith took another bite. "You must be one kick-ass cop." Kate laughed, but silently felt proud that one of her arrests thought she did a good job.

"Flatterer, you just want more pop tarts." It was Faith's turn to laugh as she held out her empty plate and then pouted.

"Please, Detective, may I have some more?" Kate snatched the plate and returned to the bench.

"I do have a first name. I know you've never used it, but you might want to it give a try sometime." Kate faced the slayer, leaning back against the bench.

"Kate." Faith smiled. "Kate. Detective Kate Lockley. Kate. Kate. Kate. Kate."

"Enough," Kate grinned at the slayer.

"I was hoping the first time I used it I would be screaming out in pleasure." Faith smirked. Kate's smile faded and she turned around busying herself. "I was joking. Hey," Faith got up and stood directly behind her, "I'm sorry."

"Faith," Kate steadied her voice, "I don't want to hear any more jokes or comments, especially if you don't mean them."

"But I ... okay," Faith took the pop tarts from the toaster and sat down. Kate took the respite to leave the room. She closed the door to her room and took a breath. A while ago, she was sure Faith was attracted to her, yet she had shown no interest in going through with any of her suggestive comments. Was she just flirting or was it something more. Something tickled in the back of her mind. She hadn't really seen Faith interact with others. Only Buffy and Faith's feelings toward her were clear. She wondered if she did this with Cordelia, Angel or anyone else she knew. Then there were her own feelings. Increasingly she found herself thinking about Faith that way. She had to admit the slayer was beautiful, sexy and good company. How had that happened? She asked herself. There was no answer.

When she came out Faith was finishing tidying up. "This time I really have to motor," Faith looked past her to the door. "I won't trouble you again."

"You're no trouble."

"Yes I am." Faith answered firmly.

"Why can't you believe me when I say I don't mind your company, in fact I like you, care for you. Is that so hard to understand?" Kate pleaded.

"I understand, Detective, all too well. You don't need me in your life, you'll be better off without me."

"I don't think that for a moment."

"Well I do. All you have to do is ask anyone who knew me in Sunnydale. Or Cordelia, or Wesley. If they told you about me you'd be pleading with me to stay away, not to stay."

"Faith, I'm a cop. I arrested you. I've heard your confession, your crimes. I'm willing to let that stay in the past. You've just been released, you have a second chance and I've already told you that's what I'm giving you. I don't need a run-down of every person you've hurt. I've heard enough to know you were a danger to society. But the woman I see before me has also shown that she is suffering from the guilt of her past actions. That tells me so much more than anything I could get from the people in Sunnydale. If you let me, I want to be there for you, in any way I can ... within reason."

"You're forgiving me?" Faith asked her eyes blinking rapidly.

"Yes, since you aren't capable of it at the moment." Kate moved closer to the shocked woman. "Others in your past, they wanted to believe that you were capable of immoral actions and you lived down to their expectations. I'm telling you I believe you are capable of good and rightful actions, that you can be a good person. Why is it easier to listen to those who put you down than me?" Kate reached over and put her hand on Faith's shoulder. Faith flinched but didn't move away.

"Because," Faith started but found she couldn't continue. Kate led them both to sit on the sofa, relieved Faith was listening to her.

"Because?"

"Because I'm afraid I'll fail you." Faith found herself being completely honest with not only the detective, but also herself. "What if I go along fine, then I find I can't deal? That's worse than just walking out right here, right now."

"Firstly, you shouldn't be doing this for me. This is about you, Faith. Secondly, if you walk out, it won't change the fact you have to face these issues someday. Thirdly, Angel sees you as someone who can change and I don't see you walking out on him."

"That's because he's a vamp. He has his own issues to deal with." Faith said weakly.

"What's going on here, Faith?" Kate changed tact not satisfied Faith was being completely honest. If this was the last time they were going to see each other like this then she wanted to know why.

"What do you mean?" Faith played innocent.

"There's something you're hiding from me." Faith leaned back and closed her eyes. "I'm right aren't I?"

"What if I was? I don't have to tell you," Faith said keeping her voice calm, her eyes still closed.

"No, but if it is something about me I would really like to know," Kate responded gently.

"Yeah and if I tell you, you'll laugh in my face and throw me out."

"I promise I wouldn't," Kate put her hand on Faith's knee. "I don't know how I will react, but I would never laugh at you."

"Can I ask you something first before I tell you?" Faith's leg burned where Kate's hand rested, but she couldn't bring herself to move it.

"Okay," Kate readied herself.

"Have you ever been in love?" Faith opened her eyes.

"What kind of question is that!" Kate leaned away from Faith, but the dark eyes lay open in seriousness of the question. This was not a joke, but an earnest question. "Yes, I have."

"Well I hadn't been until B came along." Faith moved so she was sitting front on to Kate. "Knowing she would never return the feelings really hurt. I don't know if I can go through that again." Faith stopped, noticing that her words were just dawning on Kate.

"You are in love?" Kate said, scared yet excited it could be her.

"No." Kate's face fell. "Not yet, but I could let myself." Faith looked away embarrassed at her words. "However, this person, I don't know how they feel. I could be my normal self and be satisfied with a quick fuck, get it over and done with, but I have too much respect for them. I would never do that, not unless that is what they wanted."

"If this person told you that they had no experience with what was being suggested, but wasn't adverse to the idea, would you give them some time to know you better?" Kate locked her eyes on those dark ones, hoping she was choosing the right path. Faith's moods were so unpredictable, she couldn't be sure that she was doing the right thing.

Faith smiled, "Maybe."

"Maybe?" Faith leaned in close and gave Kate a kiss on the forehead. Kate sighed inwardly as she felt the soft lips touch her skin. If that felt so good, she thought, imagine what a real kiss would feel like. She felt jealous of Angel and the no-name Faith was with a couple of weeks ago. They didn't have to imagine what those lips felt like on their own.

"They would have to be more than just not turned off, Kate. There would have to be an attraction, an understanding that this wasn't just an experiment in sexuality and most importantly they would have to be able to put up with me." Faith wanted to kiss her right there and then, but once she started she doubted she would want to stop. She licked her lips thinking about it. Kate's eyes were drawn to this action and without thinking leaned in close, her lips aiming for Faith's.

"I can't," Faith stood up, leaving a very confused Kate on the sofa.

"You can't?" Kate's voice betrayed her hurt. "Are you all talk and no action."

"No, it's not that."

"Was this a game to see if you could seduce the cop? Now you have me, you don't want me!" Kate stood up feeling like she'd been played for a fool. Of course, Faith was just playing with her. It made sense.

"NO!" Faith ran her hand through her hair. "I meant every word. It's just that ... I don't know if I..." she took Kate's shoulders in her hands, "if I could stop. I want you so much."

Kate grinned and let out a long breath, "You do?"

"Yes. But you are obviously not ready. I've never taken it so slow before. I'm not sure how to deal." Faith sighed and dropped her arms. "But I'm not playing you, Kate. Bagging a cop in bed has never been a goal of mine."

"You know if you screw me over, it won't be pretty?" Kate asked relieved Faith was genuine. She didn't want to walk into this only to find out the slayer was counting her as just another notch.

"I'm getting that impression." Faith ran her hand through her hair again. "So you in?"

"Yes," there was no hesitation in her voice, "but you have to understand, while we may be taking it slowly I want this to be monogamous."

"Huh?" Faith asked.

"No more one night stands, or anything else for that matter. I find you cheating, that's it."

"I won't. I know it's hard to believe but I have actually had relationships that lasted longer than a week."

"I hope you intend to break that record with me," Kate smiled, challenging.

"Something to aim for, I like it." Faith couldn't believe this was happening. For two weeks she had tortured herself with images of Kate this, Kate that, but she never would have thought that she was standing here discussing a future relationship with the blonde. "So what's the next step?" She decided she going to let Kate take control for a while. She wasn't entirely comfortable with loosing the control, but Kate seemed to need to know that Faith was not going to push this.

"I don't know, I've never done this before either." Kate smiled almost shyly.

"Dating or sex?" Faith teased.

"Oh, I've done both, just never with a woman," Kate felt a little insecure.

"We'll learn together then." Faith leered at her soon-to-be lover. "I'm the right person to teach you about a little girl-on-girl action."

"Let's see if you are as good as you say you are," Kate flirted.

"Just say the word and I'll give you an experience you'll never forget."

"I'll hold you to that." Kate told herself she was being crazy. There were so many ways this could go wrong and so many things that were working against both of them. They were both bringing baggage, though Faith didn't know that yet. Not to mention the fact that she didn't even see herself as a lesbian.

"I hear you're a bit of a romantic," Faith teased. "I have no idea about that, but flowers they're good, right?"

Kate grinned, "Flowers, very good. Especially roses."

"Roses. How about chocolates?" Faith motioned for them both to sit down again. This time Faith moved her legs up against Kate's revelling in the closeness. How strange she could feel this much pleasure from it.

"Still good, but only in small quantifies. The old standard of dinner and a movie goes down very well." Kate also found herself enjoying the closeness of the slayer.

"Do you kiss on the first date?" Faith half-leered, half-curiously looked at the detective.

"There's only one way you're gonna find out."

"Okay." Faith stood up and paced for a moment, enjoying the impatience Kate displayed. She dropped to her knees in front of the sofa, looked up into blue eyes, "Kate Lockley, how would you like to be treated to dinner for two, followed by a movie of your choice?"

Kate took Faith's hands in her own. "I would like that very much."

"Wicked cool." They made plans for the following Friday, letting Kate have plenty of time to get used to the idea. They both promised each other that the other could back out if they wished and there would be no hard feelings. Faith left not long after that but before she did, she gave Kate a peck on the cheek. Once again, Kate found herself contemplating what a lip lock would feel like and just stopped herself from finding out right then. After the slayer left Kate couldn't keep her mind off her lips and going by the way she was all over that young man in the club, Kate suspected that Faith's bragging about being a good lover was true.

*****