Faith wiped the sweat away from her eyes. Angel and her had just gone another round in sparring. The blood was pumping in her body once more and if felt so good. The tension from not being able to touch Kate for a while was getting to her and exercise was only just taking the edge of it and not having seen the detective for five days was playing havoc with her body.

"How am I doing?" Faith picked up a towel.

"Better than me," Angel was exhausted.

"Vampire made a funny."

"It happens sometimes."

"Angel," Faith's demeanour took on a very solemn tone, "I want to go to Sunnydale."

"Why?"

"You said part of facing up to my crimes is to apologise. And in case you've forgotten, Sunnydale holds a lotta potential apologies. By my count: B, Red, Giles, Xander, Joyce and that's just the start."

"You think Buffy is going to allow you walk in there?"

"No, but I have to try. And I am sorry. I just feel I need to face them."

"To punish yourself?" Angel couldn't tell what Faith's motives were. He didn't doubt that she was sorry, but going to Sunnydale was a big step that might not be successful. If Buffy rejected her apology again, Faith could go off the deep end.

"No. I mean I know it's not gonna be easy, but B said she was ready to forgive me once, just after I got out of my sleeping beauty state, until I went and screwed that up."

"You should talk to Giles." Angel could see Faith's reasoning, but was wary.

"Giles?"

"He could arrange something for you, without you having to talk to Buffy."

"Think he'll talk to me?"

"Yes." Angel nodded gaining a little confidence in the idea. "But I can't take you up there."

"I wasn't ... I didn't ... I guessed you wouldn't want to. That's cool, Angel. This is my problem." Faith smiled slightly.

"But I think you should go with someone."

"You think?"

"Yes, if things don't work out, you are going to need someone there." Angel hoped that wasn't the case, but it was a big possibility.

"Well I guess that leaves out Wes or Cordy. Do you think Kate would go?" Faith was treading on shaky ground. She had told Angel about her talks with Kate, but hadn't mentioned they were trying the dating thing. She didn't know if Angel had any feelings for her.

Angel smiled, getting Faith to agree to have company had been easier than expected, "If she said she'll support you, then I'm sure she'll agree. It also might help if you had someone there that the others don't know."

"Why?"

"Kate will more objective. Plus if what she has said is true and is willing to forgive you, it might show the others that you are worth listening to."

"Plus she has that whole I'm-a-cop thing going on." Faith joked.

"That to," Angel wryly smiled. So, Faith phoned her second Watcher who was cautious, but willing to listen to what she had to say. Giles said that the weekend would be a good time, and that he would get back to her when he found out what everyone was doing. Faith's stomach churned as she got off the phone, comprehending for the first time what she had just proposed to do.


Kate had arranged to pick Faith up at 6:30 for their date. Wesley had left for day, Angel and Faith were downstairs talking and Cordelia was actually doing office work.

"Hi, is Faith around?" Kate Lockley stood there dressed in a stylish suit, but Cordelia noted it was a bit too dressy for work.

"Uh, she's downstairs with Angel. You look dressed up." Cordelia looked like she was about critique her clothes so Kate got in.

"Cordelia, how do you feel about Faith working here?" Kate walked around the office taking in the changes since she last visited. Wesley must have been doing research because there was book strewn everywhere.

"Not happy. I mean I know she trying to change, but can't she do it somewhere else." Cordelia scoffed. "The trying to kill my boss and my friends doesn't help the working relationship at all."

"What do you make of her?"

"Hey I know you are pumping me for information here. But, you need to know. Faith, she's either likely to want to have sex with you or kill you. Not much room left for anything else."

"So where do you fit?" Kate didn't know if Cordelia was being her usual self or if she was just pissed off at having to work with Faith.

"The kill you part. And believe that is much more reassuring than the other." Cordelia's face scrunched up in disgust. "Thank god she went after my loser ex boyfriend and not me."

"I'll see you," Kate left Cordelia who was likely thinking about how she had escaped Faith's sexual advances. She almost laughed, but again the jealously that someone else had slept with Faith reared. Jealously, she thought, that's an emotion I haven't had for a long time.

When her knock wasn't answered downstairs, she opened the door. There was no one around. "Faith? Angel?"

"Just a tick," a voice came from another part of the apartment. She waited and it wasn't in vain. Standing before her was one sexy slayer. Dressed in a partially see-thru black top, black leather pants and a leather jacket.

"Whoa," Kate breathed. "I've suddenly got a thing for leather." Faith smiled seductively.

"I've got a thing for a cop that's got a thing for leather," she moved out of the bathroom door.

"Where's Angel?" Kate looked around hoping he hadn't heard her or Faith.

"Sewers, he heard a noise down there."

"What did you tell him?"

"About us?" Kate nodded. "I have a favour I need to ask you. Told him we were going out to dinner to discuss it."

"A favour?" Kate was distracted by Faith strolling to a table.

"I'll tell you at dinner."

"You didn't tell him... ," she asked apprehensive.

"No, I don't know the info on your relationship with him. Didn't know if I would be treading on toes. That's your business."

"We don't have one," Kate shook her head.

Smiling Faith, "Yes you do. You just don't want to talk about it." Kate opened her mouth to object but Faith held up a hand. "I'm five by five with that. As I said that's your business."

"Ready?" Kate looked around nervously.

"Yes." They made their way to the restaurant that Kate had picked out quietly, each a little nervous and unsure about what the evening would hold.


When they had ordered in the middle-class place Kate had brought them to Faith leaned back and looked around.

"So what's this favour?" Kate asked taking a sip of her wine that had just arrived.

Faith looked back at her date, "I need to ask you to do something for me that may not be easy for either one of us."

"Yes?" Kate was willing to help Faith any way she could. There was no way she was going to go back on that promise.

"I want to go back to Sunnydale." Faith stopped to gauge her reaction.

"To live?" Kate hoped not.

"No," Faith shook her head, "to face my victims. Do the whole I'm sorry deal."

"I think that's a good idea. It may help heal wounds on both sides." Kate was pleased Faith was progressing with her issues.

"The thing is ... well I thought ... actually it was Angel ...anyways ... I was wondering if you would come with me," Faith finally rushed the last words.

"I wouldn't have it any other way," Kate smiled secretly delighted Faith wanted her support.

"Really?" Faith asked almost embarrassed.

"Really. I told you I would be there, if this is what you want to do, I'm there with you all the way."

"Really?" Faith echoed.

"Faith," Kate said seriously, "My word is good."

"I know, it's just," Faith held out her arms, "I can't believe you want to do this. I mean this is like going into a bee's nest."

"All the more reason why I want to be there," Kate said gravely knowing how true those words were. Judging from Buffy's visit, Faith's former associates weren't all that pleased about the slayer being free.

"I have a meeting arranged for tomorrow afternoon." Faith said uncertainly.

"Then it's set. How long does it take to get there?" Kate laid to rest Faith's doubt with a grin.

"Don't know, an hour or two at the most."

"What time's the meeting?" She mentally went through what she had to do over the weekend. Nothing much.

"Two at Giles'."

"You know where that is?" Kate took another sip of her wine.

"Yes. I know Sunnydale really well. You don't live there nearly a year, out most nights, and not get to know the place." Faith thought back to that last night she had spent there in B's body. I can do this, she thought to herself, I know I can.

"How about we leave about 11:00 give us time to get up there and have lunch."

"Sounds good," Faith drew a sigh of relief.

"It will be fine, Faith."

"There's a eighty percent chance that ain't happening."

"Then work on the twenty percent," Kate challenged, trying to hide her own doubt. Their dinner arrived and they settled into a light conversation about TV, movies and music. Their tastes differed in music, but they found that they both like sci-fi shows. Kate also gave a brief history of her career in the LAPD. By the time dessert came the two were feeling relaxed around each other. Faith impressed the detective with the way she was handling her release from jail, but noticed hints of anxiety about the next day's plans.

"So what movie have you chosen?" Faith put her dessert fork down for the last time.

"A romantic comedy." Faith tried to keep her groan silent but it strangled out. Kate laughed, "Thought that might be the response. Actually I'm in the mood for a little action."

"I'll give you some action," Faith leered and this time Kate groaned.

"I walked into that didn't I?"

"Yep." Faith smiled smugly.

"You know what I meant." Kate took one last bite. "I'm ready when you are." She stopped. "Don't say anything," she held up her hand as Faith bit down another suggestive comment. Faith just giggled. They finished up, paid the bill and found themselves in line for Mission Impossible 2.

"So here we are," Kate said a little nervous as she closed her apartment door behind her.

"Yes," Faith rocked back on her feet, feeling Kate's apprehensive energy.

"Can I offer you anything?"

"An answer." Faith said closing the distance between them.

"To what question?"

"Whether you kiss on the first date."

"Oh that," Kate looked away, but Faith gently took her chin and turned it so their eyes locked. Deciding Kate needed a little guidance Faith brought their foreheads together.

"I've been waiting three weeks for this, don't keep me waiting any longer," she whispered. Kate felt her hot breath blow against her and her anxiety turned to arousal.

"I won't," she whispered back. They slowly let their lips meet, Faith letting Kate take the lead. The kiss was chaste. Kate pulled back first but wanted more. So she moved her lips back and pushed harder against Faith's mouth. Faith sensing that Kate was ready for more slowly opened her mouth and directed Kate to do the same. But Kate pulled back again, her breathing a little uneven.

"You okay?" Faith asked gently. Kate nodded, and for emphasis wrapped her arms loosely around Faith's torso. Faith gave into temptation and pulled Kate's face towards her, playing with the detective's silky hair. "Wanna go again?" Kate answered by moving her lips against soft ones again, the kiss a little longer and hotter than the one before.

"I think I like this," Kate breathed heavily.

"That's a relief." Faith put her arms around Kate's neck, smiling a little.

"You were worried?"

"Shit yeah, being physical is so different from thinking about it." Faith smiled seductively.

"Tell me about it," Kate joked.

"I just wondered if you'd be down with it."

"I am," Kate went back to those sweet lips for another kiss. They explored each other's mouths for long minutes before Faith had to gather her thoughts. "I better go," she reluctantly said.

"Go?" Kate said disappointed.

"Big day tomorrow. Besides if I stay any longer, my lower body is gonna take over from my brain."

"Nice to know I get you going," Kate let her vulnerability show.

"It's nice to know the real thing is so much hotter," Faith let the word hang for a moment, "than my late night fantasies." Kate turned her head slightly and Faith would swear she made the detective blush.

"You've been thinking about me for three weeks?" Kate asked feeling her cheeks get hot.

"Longer." Kate pulled Faith to the sofa, mainly in an attempt to calm her heartbeat. She took the space next to the right arm and Faith sat as close as possible with sitting on her lap.

"Longer?" Kate prompted as Faith slid her arm around her shoulders and settled half on her chest.

"First time I saw you I noticed how good you looked, but of course I had other things going on. But when Angel told me you were picking me up, I wasn't disappointed at all." Kate smiled at her and they slid together in another heated kiss. "I have to..." Faith was stopped by another kiss.

"You can stay here," Kate breathed hard, her head spinning with thoughts.

"No, I can't." Faith extracted herself and moved away from Kate. "We both need time. That's not gonna happen if I stay."

"You're right," Kate smoothed her clothes. "Thank you for being patient. I know that must be hard."

"If you keep giving me kisses like that..." Faith trailed off leaving the implication in the air.

"I want you to know, I'm cool with this," Kate used her hands to point to both of them. "It feels better than I ever could have thought. Plus you are a very, very, very good kisser."

"Told you," Faith answered smugly.

"So tomorrow, I'll pick you up." Faith nodded. "Wear leather." For that comment, Kate got another kiss. As Faith's tongue made it into her mouth Kate concluded she liked this and eagerly returned the favour. Their arms tangled around each other at one point, while the minutes ticked by. When Kate moaned loudly, they broke apart stunned at the intensity.

"If me wearing clothes turns you on so much, I can't wait until I'm naked," Faith let out big breaths, noticing Kate doing the same.

"Nor can I," Kate made a point of looking Faith up and down.

"I'm guessing you don't want anyone to know about us."

"No, not until at least I'm okay with it." Faith looked away. "That didn't come out right. I'm okay with it, I'm just not used to the idea."

"That's cool Kate. You can see that I've never labelled what I do with who and I don't see myself as a lesbian." Faith moved a strand of hair out of her way. "That word doesn't mean much to me. I'm never gonna ask you put a stamp on yourself either."

"That's a relief." Kate reached over and moved the same strand that had stubbornly fallen back.

"I'll just tell Angel we get along real well. I think he understands that we find each other good company."

"You don't think he suspects?" Kate became flustered.

"Chill. If Angel found out he'd probably be more relieved than anything. He thinks you're a good influence on me." Faith stated proudly.

"It's good he trusts me with you."

"Why wouldn't he?" Faith frowned.

"Angel and I have a few trust issues." Kate looked away for a moment. "It's a long story, but we have time tomorrow."

"You don't have to," Faith protested but was silenced by a finger. That finger became too irresistible to lick so she did making Kate jump.

"You've told me so much of your past and put your trust in me, it's my turn to trust you." Faith wrapped her arms around Kate in response, then laughed. "What?"

"I'm just not the hugging type, but here I am. Jeez, I think I'm turning into a romantic mush."

"How frighting," Kate mockingly panicked.

"It sure is." Faith swatted her arm lightly. "Listen I would love to stay, but I really gotta go." They both stood up knowing that it was better if Faith went before things got out of hand again.

"Thank you for dinner," Kate took Faith's hand and led her to the door.

"Thank you for letting me." They faced each other holding both hands with the other. Faith leaned in and gave a kiss to hopefully be remembered by before opening the door.

"Till tomorrow," she said in a soft voice.

"Tomorrow," Kate echoed Faith's soft tones. One last kiss was stolen before Faith disappeared through the door.

*****
Part 6:

Kate started the engine, backing out of the space she parked in at Angel's building. Faith was waving to Angel's dark form in the doorway wishing them well as they left for Sunnydale.

"Glad to see you remembered the leather." Kate put the car into drive and glanced down at Faith's leather clad body.

"Gotta make you see what you're missing out on," Faith replied huskily as she settled back in the seat preparing for the long journey. Once they were out of the street of Angel's building Kate stopped the car. Before Faith could ask what she was doing, the detective leaned over and gave Faith one rather long and passionate kiss.

"I'm beginning to see," she said as she pulled back onto the road.

"Whoa," Faith exhaled loudly.

"Missed you," Kate responded her focus on the traffic, or so she wanted Faith to think.

"Right back at cha." They rode in easy silence until they were out of the central city limits.

"Does Buffy know what's happening?" Kate asked a little uncomfortable that Faith was going to see a person that she had been in love with.

"I think so. Giles would be prepared, he's a Wesley clone only a little less anal."

"Right. So do you know any details?" Kate also wanted to be prepared.

"Well I asked Giles for the whole gang to be there. I said all I wanted to do was say sorry. I told him I was bringing someone with me and he said that was five by five. In and out, that's all I want."

"Okay." Kate thought that was a good idea; hanging around could be counterproductive.

"B won't be happy, but she's not about to try something with you there." Faith gave the cop a sly grin. "Slayers are not like demons, we die just about as easily as humans and bullets they kill us the same as anyone else."

"That's good to know."

"I know I'm not going to get a warm welcome. They'll want to let you know how bad I can be too, so look out for bitchy comments." Faith's voice wavered.

"It won't make a difference what anyone says, Faith. Unless I find out you're an alien posing as a Vampire Slayer who eats babies for breakfast, there's nothing that is going to stop me from caring about you." Faith laughed, but stopped when Kate gave her a look. Faith was glad Kate was trying to keep it light.. "Okay?" Kate asked gently.

"Yes," Faith bowed her head in gratitude.

"Okay." Kate tapped the steering wheel for a few moments. "I need to talk to you about Angel."

"Shoot." Faith said as she put her hand reassuringly on Kate's leg.

"I know you've picked up signs between the two of us. Early on in our relationship I did think there might be a chance for us." Kate looked over at Faith who was listening intently. "The brooding man of mystery got me hooked for a while. Well you can guess when I found out we were different species, the interest dropped swiftly. Angel never showed any interest in me that way, but we trusted each other."

"Trusted?" Faith squeezed Kate's leg.

"Something went down. It was a couple of months after I found out about his situation. Just after I found out I decided he needed to be killed."

"You believed what he was after he told you?" Faith asked incredulously.

"When someone's flesh is burning because they touch a cross it's hard to deny. I researched him and found about what he did in his time before he got a soul. Heavy reading."

"I bet." Faith shuddered a little, no longer fascinated by Angel's bad side.

"Anyway someone I cared for got caught in the crossfire and I blamed Angel for what happened." Kate said evenly.

"Your father?" Faith's heart sank when she thought of anyone Kate loved being hurt and especially by demons.

"Yes," Kate choked out. Faith wished she could take Kate in her arms, but she settled for lightly rubbing Kate's leg.

"I'm so sorry."

Kate turned a grateful smiled her way, "He got caught up in a shady deal, but he didn't know he was dealing with demons. Angel did. In a way, I still blame him for getting involved and making the demons decide to remove any potential leaks. Angel in the end came to my rescue after I went after the demons in revenge, but things have been strained since."

"Hiding me didn't help, huh?" Faith said keeping close contact with Kate, sensing they both needed it.

"Not one iota. I was mad at him for thinking that he could flout the law and do things to suit his own purposes." Kate felt good to get this out.

"You are still mad?"

"Yes." Kate hoped Faith wouldn't take that personally, seeing the dark haired slayer felt close to the vampire.

"Hey I would be too." Faith reassured her. "So how come you picked me up as a favour?"

"Angel was afraid you would run and I didn't want that either." They both took that in, leaving them silent for a few minutes.

"Just in case you're wondering, Angel hasn't said much about you, but he does think you're a good cop." Kate gave Faith another smile and turned her attention back to the road.

"Cordelia said you slept with her ex-boyfriend." Kate kept her eyes on the road, giving away nothing.

"Meant nothing," Faith said wondering if Kate was jealous or just pumping for information.

"Is he part of the gang?"

"Yes. But there's no reason to be jealous." Faith made sure Kate understood that.

"I..." Kate looked over at Faith.

"I know, but Xander, he knows what we did was a one off. And he wasn't the best I've had either. It was a case of him being there after a frustrating fight and I needed to let off steam." "You really do get horny after slaying?" Kate teased, hoping she could be there next time Faith needed to get rid of some tension.

"Yeah. I mean you must train, don't you feel that tension?"

"Not really."

"You aren't doing it right then," Faith declared. "But, Kate, when you see Xander, you'll know there's nothing to be jealous of."

"What about Buffy's boyfriend?" Kate wondered whom else Faith had been with in the gang. She knew that it was in the past, but what if Faith thought it might be a good time to have another round with them.

"Riley makes Xander look like God's gift to women. I wasn't even all that attracted to the beefstick."

"But you slept with him anyway?" Faith looked away for a moment. "For payback?"

"Yes." There was more but Faith didn't want to mix her feelings for Kate with those for Buffy.

"Is there anyone else I should know about?"

"I'm a slut, okay Kate is that what you want to hear," Faith shot back, trying to hide the hurt.

"I'm just trying to work out your relationships in Sunnydale." Kate mentally checked herself; Faith was sensitive about her past.

"You want the low down okay, Xander slept with, Riley slept with, B was in love with, never went as far as we've been, Angel, tried to seduce him, failed, done a bit of kissing, never had any feelings for, well not in that way. I've slept with many people, but it has all been meaningless fucks." Faith rolled down the window was glad to feel the wind whipping her hair. "Satisfied?" Kate let out of long breath, trying to come up with the right words. "Hey I even thought that lawyer from Wolfram & Hart was coming onto me."

"Really? I heard they failed big time with you." Kate was glad Faith moved onto a subject she could have some input into.

"Yeah. The bitch thought she was putting some big moves on me. I had to laugh at her attempt. I was only interested in the diamonds she was wearing."

"Lilah Morgan, you're kidding me," Kate laughed in surprise.

"No I'm not. I would have preferred the other guy, he was cute."

"Lindsey McDonald, come on Faith, he is not 'cute.'"

"Well I thought he was."

"Let me tell you something, Faith. McDonald was the person who tipped me off that Angel was hiding you. I've had a long running battle with Wolfram & Hart and when you see some of his courtroom dramatics and methods, you would change your mind very quickly."

"Yeah, I guess representing demons could do that to a person." They both laughed the remnants of their argument gone. Kate mentally sighed, Faith wasn't lying when she said that she wasn't easy to put up with, but it was worth it. Looking to the person next to she studied her quickly. Yes it was worth definitely it. They again fell into silence. Kate turned the radio on at a low volume and soaked up the sensation of being with Faith. After her father had died, she had been alone and although the others at the precinct tried to be friendly and supportive, her 'going Scully' had sullied her reputation and her career. But with Faith here, life seemed to be going up again and she wasn't about to let Buffy or anyone else hurt Faith, not while she was there.


They rolled into Sunnydale a little before one. Faith directed Kate to the main shopping strip and they found a little diner. After ordering lunch, they settled back in a booth. Faith's eyes darted everywhere, not stopping until Kate called out to her.

"You okay?" Kate controlled her urge to reach out and hold Faith's hand.

"Five by five." Kate looked at her in disbelief. "Wicked nervous."

"I'm here." Kate said simply wishing they could be somewhere private.

"Thank God." Faith laughed nervously.

"Anytime you want to leave, just say the word. Faith, you do not have to stick around any longer than it takes to do want you want." Their order came then so Faith nodded in understanding. Kate was going to continue, but Faith's body language told her she needed a little space. Kate knew she had made her point. Lunch was eaten in mostly silence, with Faith picking at the last few bites before pushing the plate away. She silently went to the restroom and back, before indicating to Kate she was going to wait outside.

Once they were on the road again, Faith giving precise directions to Giles' residence. Kate stopped the engine and looked at Faith who was blankly looking out the window. They had about ten minutes.

"I'd kiss you if I thought it would help," Kate gently put her hand on Faith's.

"You can kiss me anyway." Faith locked her tortured eyes on her detective's. They met half way for a gentle and reassuring kiss. Kate tried to communicate that she was with Faith whatever happened. They broke apart and Kate looked around the street.

"It's cool, Kate. They've probably had their own meeting beforehand." She wanted the detective to feel at ease in public. "I'm ready. That kiss gave me a power boost." They both smiled, glad that they had each other. Kate followed Faith down the stairs to Giles' courtyard. Just before they came to the door Kate took Faith's hand and squeezed.

"Here goes." Faith knocked her heart racing. Buffy opened it and stared out at them.

"Come in," she never took her eyes off Faith. The couple made their way into the room, seven pairs of eyes staring at them. Buffy closed the door and went back to where Riley was sitting.

"Hi, Faith," Giles finally said.

'Hi," Faith looked at her ex-Watcher. "This is Detective Kate Lockley." She introduced the person whose body heat she could feel right behind her, where she said she would be.

"What you making sure she doesn't go all psycho again."

"That would be Xander," Faith smiled at Kate, who gave a little smile back in understanding. "And his girlfriend who I don't know," she pointed out Anya who was draped over Xander's lap.

"Anya," the ex-demon wasn't about to let the slayer insult her boyfriend again.

"Right, and you know B and that's Riley." The marine clenched his jaw but said nothing. "The English guy is Giles."

"Nice to meet you," Kate shook hands with him. "Wesley has mentioned you a little."

"You know Wesley?" Giles asked surprised by this policewoman even being here with Faith.

"She knows Angel's a vamp. Anyway Willow is the redhead and that's her girlfriend, whose name I can't remember."

"Tara," Willow filled in.

"Yeah, you make a cute couple." Both witches blushed at that. "That's everyone except ... where's Joyce?"

"I, er, didn't think about that," Giles said taking his glasses off and giving them a polish.

"Well I kinda need to talk to her too." Faith felt Kate's hand lightly touch her back where the others couldn't see.

"I'll ring her and see," Giles put his glasses back on and went to the phone.

"Wait a minute." Buffy stood up. "I'm not letting you see her."

"Buffy, I think it might be a good idea-"

"There is no way I'm letting her near HER!" She pointed at Faith.

"But you're letting your friends be within a foot, that's double standard B." Faith couldn't help herself. "You probably haven't seen her since I left." Buffy looked away. "I knew it."

"If you want to say sorry do it with a Hallmark."

"That's a bit harsh, B. You leave her out of everything. Didn't even give her a heads up when I got out of my coma. Gee-"

"Faith, that's enough." All eyes turned to the blonde cop and to everyone's surprise Faith shut her mouth.

"Someone's put a leash on you," Xander commented.

"I really want to see her, B. I did a lot of damage." Faith ignored the ugly comment. If Kate thought she was getting out of control, then she was.

"You sure did." The Slayer's gazes fastened on each other.

"Buffy I think it would be a good idea to let Joyce make up her own mind." Giles reached for the phone again.

"Giles, she is not going anywhere near my mother!" Buffy exclaimed at the man before turning to Faith and Kate, noting the shock on Kate's face. So, she thought smugly, Faith didn't tell her everything. Giles ignored Buffy and rang the number. After a brief conversation, which all in the room listened to, Giles hung up.

"She'll be here in a few minutes. In the meantime would anyone like a drink?" The younger people shook their heads, but Kate was tempted to ask for a scotch. She settled for coffee. The tension in the room was building. Kate could feel it and wanted nothing more than to get Faith out of there.

"So killed anyone lately?" Anya decided to break the silence.

"No, you offering?" Faith smiled. "I wouldn't want to you to make a self-sacrifice just because Xander's not man enough."

"Hey!" Xander stood up.

"Like you would know," Anya said then looked between Xander and Faith in understanding. "You slept with her!" She slapped Xander, who grunted. "What were you thinking!"

"I wasn't," Xander responded lamely and sat back down.

"Shouldn't she be in handcuffs," Willow decided that it was her turn to play.

"I'm a top, not a bottom, but you look like you would enjoy it," Faith smirked at the redhead. Kate tapped Faith on the shoulder and shook her head. "Oh come on." Kate shook her head again. "Oh." Faith realised that Kate didn't want Faith making any sexual comments towards anyone.

Kate leaned in close. "I'm going in the kitchen, okay?" Faith nodded and watched Kate take her coffee from Giles as they seemed to strike up a conversation.

"So how did you manage to get a cop to go anywhere near you?" Xander had another shot. Faith was just about to make a lecherous remark when she saw Kate look her way, Faith's mouth closed. "How much did it cost?" Xander pressed.

"Nothing."

"Nothing?" Xander laughed.

"Unlike some people, Kate's support comes free of charge," Faith shot back at him. "She doesn't have any expectations of how I should be."

"Maybe she should start," Buffy said from her corner of the room. "Letting you roam free is not the best example of support."

"Like you should know, B." The Slayers glared at each other, challenging.

"She knows about Angel?" Willow was genuinely curious about how that happened.

"She tried to kill him." Buffy said knowingly.

"Because he's a vampire. Which is what we are supposed to do, B. You know, kill vamps not sle-"

"Faith, I don't think it's anyone's business about what goes on in LA," Kate had heard every word. "And," She turned to Willow. "I'm more than capable of answering questions." That shut Faith and Buffy up while Willow gained a little respect for the cop.

"So how is the PI business?" Giles also heard the conversation after speaking to the detective about Faith's unwanted release.

"Angel's a good investigator. He's helped me crack a couple of cases," Kate leaned back against the kitchen divider, aware all eyes were on her. "We don't always agree, but we regularly share information." Those comments seemed to satisfy everyone, well almost.

"I didn't think cops killed their sources?" Buffy stared hard at the interloper in their meeting.

"I thought Vampire Slayers were supposed to kill the bad demons. Seems you left one running around for a while," Kate shot back, angry Buffy was deliberately trying to rattle her. Give it up, girl, she thought.

"I see someone's being telling tales." Buffy glanced at Faith.

"So where did you meet Angel?" Willow tried again.

"In a bar." Kate answered and heard Faith laugh. Before Buffy could start to argue she continued, "We were both looking for the same thing, we just didn't know it." Buffy stood up and took a step towards the detective. The sound of a knock interrupted her advancement. Joyce Summers was invited in and as she looked around she wondered what was going on, until she saw Faith standing next to a strange blonde.

"Joyce Summers meet Detective Kate Lockley," Faith hoped Kate's status would stop the slayer's mother from worrying too much. "Kate, this is B's mother." They greeted each other warily.

"Right," Faith took a deep breath and stole a look at Kate, who nodded encouragingly. "I've come here to say I'm sorry ... for what I did to you as a group and individually." Buffy was about to speak, but Faith held up her hand. "And I know I have no right to expect you to even listen to me let alone accept my apology, but I know that I have to do this." The group was silent, a little stunned at Faith's demeanour.

Faith looked at Kate again and received another nod. It lifted her. "So, first of all I'm sorry for betraying you and siding with the Mayor. No matter what I thought at the time, I know that was just about the stupidest thing to do in the world." Faith gave Kate a little smile. "And I paid the price. I'm not blaming anyone here for what happened to me after that point."

Faith turned to Buffy, knowing that she had to start with her for if Buffy didn't accept the apology no one else would. "B, we've both had words since I went to jail, but I truly am sorry for hurting you, your friends, Angel. You told me in LA that you were once ready to at least try to forgive me, but I'm not asking that. Somehow, I think that too much has happened for that. But just know I'll never hurt you again." Faith stopped her eyes pleading with the other slayer.

"I've thought about what we said in LA, Faith, and I accept your apology, but I meant it when I said I don't want to see you in this town." Buffy said. Faith nodded, accepting the acknowledgment and the terms to it.

Faith turned to Giles. "You were a good Watcher, Giles. I am sorry I betrayed the faith you put in me."

"I forgive you, Faith." Giles nodded and a couple of gasps were heard in the room.

Faith stumbled on, rushing through her words. "Willow and Xander, I hurt you both. I know it's no consolation that it wasn't personal, or mainly non-personal. So I'm sorry." Xander nodded, but Willow was going to put up a fight.

"What guarantee have we that you won't go off psycho again?"

"Only my word," Faith bowed her head. Kate put her hand on Faith's shoulder, an action not lost on the rest of the room. Faith looked back at the cop, smiled and nodded.

"And mine." Kate stated, again shocking the room. "I will be the first to notify you if Faith does. But I'm sure that's not going to happen." Faith gave Kate a wide grin for that and a reminder that she deserved a long kiss for it later.

"How can you be?" Joyce Summers was quietly taking everything in. She even felt a little happy for Faith's change in attitude, god knows that could be her daughter in certain circumstances.

"It was not Faith's choice to leave jail. The charges were dropped and we have nothing else to charge her with since she confessed to everything. Faith's also informed me that at any time she could have broken out of prison with ease. She was there by choice. Faith wants to change and she has shown that now she has been released that she still wants to continue down the right path. That's partly why she's here today." The group murmured and nodded, accepting Kate's words.

"Mrs Summers, I want to you to know how sorry I am at hurting you and holding you hostage. I want to also thank you for wanting to believe in me." Joyce looked puzzled, but let it go. "I also hurt the thing you love most, Buffy."

"Thank you, Faith, for having the courage to come here," Joyce smiled slightly and turned her attention to Kate, "and thank you for helping Faith. I think you are exactly what she needs." Kate nodded at the older woman.

Faith continued her long line of apologies. "I'm sorry Riley for what I did to you." Riley nodded silently. "And Tara, you and Willow, that's a good thing. I don't want to mock your feelings." Tara blushed again and Joyce again looked puzzled.

"What thing?" She asked

"They're ... learning magic things to help me out in tight situations," Buffy jumped in.

"Oh, you know I don't like that Buffy," Joyce admonished her daughter.

"I know, but it helps keep me alive."

"Right," Joyce didn't like it but accepted it. "If that's all I've got to be going." They said goodbye to her and Xander and Anya decided they would go too.

"Xander's probably going to prove his manhood," Faith chuckled as the door closed on them. The seven people looked at each other for a long while.

"How do - do you know about us - us?" Tara finally asked indicating her and Willow.

Faith laughed, "Wicked obvious. You two go all mushy every time you look at each other."

"We better go," Kate said putting her coffee mug down. "Faith?"

"Yeah, I've finished."

"Wait," Buffy said. "Can I speak to you alone?" Faith looked at Kate and shrugged her shoulders.

Kate leaned over and whispered, "Ten minutes or I'm coming." Faith nodded and smiled, sensing a little jealously.

"We're five by five," Faith lightly slapped the detective on the back, then followed Buffy upstairs to one of Giles rooms. "So what's so important you can't share all around."

"You went after my boyfriends because you wanted me?" Buffy got to the point. Faith nodded, wishing it were over already. "Do you know how twisted that is?" Faith nodded once again. "You kissed me goodbye, in the mansion didn't you." Faith repeated the nod. "Aren't you going to speak?"

"There's nothing to say, B. I told you I don't think of you like that any more."

"But you did?" Buffy said evenly.

"I don't know what you want, B. Yes, I did, I musta felt the Slayer connection stronger than you did, but that bond led me to those feelings." Faith crossed her arms.

"I felt it too," Buffy admitted.

"You just had Angel on the brain. I knew you would never feel the same."

Buffy smiled wryly, "We'll never know, will we?"

Faith sighed knowing she had done the right thing by leaving B behind. "No, it's over. So let me get back to my new life."

"Maybe I'll see you again someday."

Faith looked at Buffy for more than a moment, "Yeah, maybe." Just not for a long time, Faith added silently, I don't need you any more, B. I have someone who doesn't judge me.


"Better than expected," Faith lay back in the car seat after turning the corner out of Giles' street.

"Interesting people." Kate was glad Buffy had let Faith out of the door without any fuss. Whatever was said, Faith seemed happy with the outcome. However Buffy still watched Faith like a hawk until they were out the door, leaving Kate to think maybe the blonde slayer was not as happy with the result.

"Turn down here." Faith directed Kate to beachside parking lot that was empty save a few guys in the surf. When Kate turned to Faith for an explanation she found her face cupped in strong hands and her lips on those of Faith's. The kiss lasted a while, before Faith drew back, keeping her hands on Kate's face.

"Thank you so much," she breathed out searching clear blue eyes. "The things you said about me ... well no one's been so good to me."

"No one?" Kate asked wrapping her hands around Faith's arms.

"There's something about you, Kate. I mean I've had people be good to me, but they've always wanted something in return. Normally sex, sometimes using my fighting skills. Even B wanted me to play the good little Slayer, but I didn't want to go along with that." Faith leaned closer so their foreheads were touching. "You, you are the ONLY one who has cared for me like this without it being your job or wanting anything in return. I-" Faith stopped. She couldn't say those words. She'd never said them to anyone in her life. But with Kate it seemed so natural.

"What?" Kate sensed Faith's hesitation.

"I think I'm falling ... hard," Faith pulled back embarrassed and vulnerable. Kate couldn't hold back her gasp. She knew she had to say something before Faith closed up on her.

"Is that a good or bad thing?"

"It all depends on you, doesn't it?" Faith said softly looking at the dash.

"Faith, I can't..." Kate stopped picking her words carefully. "I'm very new to this, but I'm enjoying what is going on here. I don't how I feel at the moment." Faith looked at her, the dark eyes giving away her hurt. "But when I do, you'll be the first to know." Faith nodded and swallowed hard. God she hated she couldn't take those words back or walk out on Kate. "Faith?" When there was no response, Kate took both of Faith's hands. "Hey, I'm not going anywhere anytime soon. Just because I can't say I'm in love with you, doesn't mean I don't care for you. And I don't just mean that in a friendly way, I'm very attracted to you. I just need more time."

"Okay," Faith smiled relieved. "I just don't want to be led on while you make up your mind."

"Faith, I made up my mind when I first kissed you. I wouldn't have let anything more happen if I wasn't into it, into you. I am. Very much. Last night I couldn't get to sleep because I was thinking about you."

"In a sex way?" The smirk was back on Faith's face.

Kate chuckled, "In a very sexual way."

"Was I good?"

"Not saying." Leaning in, she gave Faith a kiss to convey the hidden words. "Now, let's get out of this demon-ridden town. Who the hell called it Sunnydale anyway."

THE END