"Omigod, Faith!" Buffy cried as she grabbed the younger girl and held her tight. "I thought you were dead!" The little slayer clung for several minutes before she realized that Faith wasn't returning the hug. "Faith?"

Dark eyes met Buffy's, giving her an icy stare. Giles cleared his throat nervously. "Yes. well, Faith we're glad you're alright."

The brunette gently disentangled herself from Buffy's grasp and reached down to pull Travers to his feet. The head watcher dusted off his jacket and gestured toward the crossbow in Giles hands. "I hope you were just on your way to kill a vampire."

"No. Actually, we came to kill you!" The older slayer stepped toward Quentin.

"Miss Summers, that won't be necessary. As you can see, Faith is unharmed." He gestured toward the raven-haired beauty. "She looks well, doesn't she?"

Faith leaned back, crossing her arms over her chest. "What are you doing here, B?!"

"I. I. came to rescue you." Buffy stumbled over the words. Her eyes filling with tears. *Why is she being this way?. so cold.*

"Don't need rescuing. so you can leave." Faith tilted her head toward the door. "Go on, back to Sunnydale. Back to your clean marine."

"Faith?. I don't understand." The blonde reached for her, but Faith edged away.

"Well then let me explain it! I don't need you! So get out!" The younger girl sneered, lifting the sword and pointing it toward the exit. "The part of my life with you in it is officially over."

"Just like that!" Buffy shrieked, snatching the sword away and shoving Faith hard. "You can't do this! I won't let you!" The little blonde sobbed. "Not after all we've been through together. I love you."

Faith continued to regard her coldly before turning toward Quentin. "If we're not going to take care of that vamp nest tonight, I'm going to bed."

"No, not tonight. I think under present circumstances, it's appropriate that we delay that venture. Goodnight Faith." The head watcher nodded toward the younger slayer.

Buffy started to follow, but Quentin took her arm. "Let her go, Miss Summers."

The little slayer glanced down at his hand. "Don't touch me." She hissed venomously. "You did this to her. She was perfectly fine when you took her from me."

"I'm merely suggesting that you leave her be for now. Nothing is going to be solved this evening." He peered over at Giles. "You may however, return in the morning. Bring your belongings if you intend to stay here. There are many spare rooms. I believe we can accommodate you and your friends, Miss Summers."

"No. I'm not leaving. This is a trick." Buffy glared at the councilmen in the room before turning back toward Travers. "Why would you be willing to help now?! All you've done is try to keep us apart!"

The older man let out a long sigh. "Yes, you right. My intent was that you and Faith never cross paths again, but as we can all see keeping you two apart is a near impossible task. And I have neither the energy nor the inclination to do so any longer. So you may stay if you like. In fact, I would prefer you work out whatever this trouble between you and Faith is. It seems to be distracting her from her training. She was doing marvelously, up until a couple of days ago." He studied the little slayer for a moment. "Miss Summers, you wouldn't happen to know the cause of Faith's sudden regression, would you?"

"No, of course not. A few days ago I still believed that you people had killed her." The gorgeous little blonde snapped angrily, taking several steps toward him. She poked him in the chest and growled. "I'm not leaving here without Faith."

Quentin chuckled nervously. "A very spirited young woman, just like Faith." He glanced over at Giles. "Very well. Leave Miss Summers here. The rest of you can return in the morning." He gave Buffy a stern look. "But I do insist Miss Summers that you promise not to interfere with Faith's training in any way. Is that an acceptable term?"

Buffy peered over at Giles who gave her a nod. "Yes. Fine. I'm staying here then. Giles, I'll see you guys in the morning."

Quentin turned toward one of his assistants. "Have the servants prepare a room on Faith's floor. In the morning, I imagine you can borrow something of Faith's to wear. Goodnight Miss Summers."

Buffy said nothing as she followed the assistant to her quarters, but before allowing her to leave, the slayer insisted on knowing which room was Faith's.

.......

Tossing and turning for several hours, the little blonde finally gave up on sleep. There was no way she could settle down knowing Faith was only two rooms from hers. Buffy quietly slipped from the room and padded down the hall.

Leaning her ear to the younger slayer's door, she listened. *She must be sleeping.* Buffy reached down and tried the handle; it was locked. Peering around first, she gently gave the doorknob an extra jiggle. Snap! The lock broke.

Very carefully, the golden slayer eased her way into the room. She froze, waiting for her eyes to adjust. From the bed Buffy could make out the soft sounds of Faith's even breathing. That assured her that her foxy counterpart was definitely asleep.

Buffy silently crept over and watched her. *I can't believe how much I missed you.* Tears rolled down her cheeks as she reached out to caress Faith's sleeping form. Aching to hold her again, Buffy slipped under the covers and pulled Faith against her. *Omigod. mmmmm. Faithy. I thought I'd never see you again.*

The feel of the sexy slayer's nude body pressed to her own, after what seemed like an eternity without, was just intoxicating. Buffy bit back a groan as she delicately reached down and with trembling fingers stroked Faith's pussy. *Mmmmm. you're so wet. even in your sleep. still the same horny girl.* A smile played upon Buffy's lips as she crawled down to have a closer look and perhaps a little taste.

Faith spread her legs further apart. She was having the most wonderful dream. Buffy had come for her, and they were making love. The brunette could practically feel the little slayer's sweet mouth devouring her. "Oh fuck. Buffy." Faith murmured and squirmed under the loving kisses that Buffy was showering upon her.

The blonde peered up nervously, she knew she should stop. Any minute and Faith would awaken. The younger girl could sleep like the dead, but an orgasm always woke her up. Biting her lip to keep quiet, Buffy increased the speed with which she touched herself. She had to get off or she'd just go mad.

*Oh god, here it comes. oooooh. ahhh. ahhhh.ahhhh.oh Faith. oh yes. mmmm. so good. yes. always so good with you.* Buffy fell against the other girl as her eyes rolled back in ecstasy. She just needed to catch her breath and then she'd leave. But the longer she held Faith, the harder it was. *Why should I leave?. What will she do if she finds me in here?*

Buffy let the little argument play in her head for awhile before finally giving in to reason. *Can't have Faith go all wiggie!* Slowly, the little green-eyed beauty crept from the bed, but before leaving she went over to the desk. As she suspected, Faithy's pens were all chewed. She chose the most chewed one, obviously Faith's favorite and slipped it into her pocket.

When the chosen one returned to her own bedroom and crawled under the covers, she had the pen with her. Sticking it in her mouth, Buffy sucked on it as she fell asleep.

*****
Part 18: Buffy Sees the Video

Faith stopped and checked the tape on her hands again. She had been beating the hell out of the punching bag for over an hour, but still she had tons of fight in her. *Damn Buffy! Showing up again just to fuck with my head!* Faith turned and kicked the bag. It finally gave and fell from the ceiling. *Oops!*

The brunette glanced down at the broken piece of equipment with little remorse before heading over to her stuff. She picked up her water bottle and closed her eyes as she took a long sip. *Ugh. so friggin' thirsty.*

She failed to notice the little blonde spying on her. Buffy held her breath as Faith walked in her direction. Luckily, the younger girl just stopped to get a drink. The smaller slayer watched as Faith drained the water. *God, she even drinks sexy.* Buffy had to hold back a sigh. She quickly flattened herself further behind the door when Faith's eyes strayed in her direction.*Oh shit!* She held very still until the danger of being discovered passed.

....

When Buffy had awoken that morning, it was to find Faith already gone from her room. The little slayer took the opportunity to borrow some fresh clothes. And then started scoping out the grounds, in case she decided that she still needed to break out of here with Faith.

These Council people had proven that they couldn't be trusted on just about every occasion so there was no reason to believe now was any different. As she made her way around, Buffy happened to find the training room. The extra bonus was that Faith was in it.

Eagerly, she slipped behind the door to watch. It had been so long since she had gotten to watch Faith fight. Buffy smiled as Faith dealt a final kick to the bag and it came down.*What a treat this is!* The small slayer took in Faith's sweaty body clad only in a sports bra and a tight pair of shorts.

"I know you're over there!"

Buffy jumped, hitting her head hard against the door. "Owww!" She came out, sheepishly rubbing her forehead. "Sorry, just looking around."

Faith gave the same icy stare, that she had dealt the blonde the night before.

"Faith, you're going to have to talk to me sometime and tell me what's wrong. I'm not leaving here without knowing." Buffy stood for a moment uncertain as Faith smiled at her.

"You're right, B. I should at least tell you how full of shit that I know you are. Come here!" Faith strode over and roughly grabbed her.

The blonde winced as she was dragged into Faith's room and shoved to the bed. "Here. Have seat." Buffy sat up, watching with confusion as Faith popped a tape into the VCR.

*Oh no! No!* The little slayer's heart stopped when the tape began to play. She knew exactly what this was. Turning she stole a peek at Faith who remained expressionless, pointing to the screen.

"Wait B, here's my favorite part." The younger slayer snorted hitting the slow motion button on the remote. "Look how eager you are for him to get your pants off. But hey, I know what a sucker you are for getting your pussy licked. I guess it doesn't even matter by who!"

Buffy panicked. "Faith, you don't understand. It was a mistake. I was drunk, and I thought you were dead. and." The little slayer sobbed as she took in Faith's expression. It was one of pure rage, but something else as well. something worse. sadness. *Oh god, I totally ruined everything.* Buffy rushed over to her and hugged her. "Faith, I made him stop I swear. I thought you were dead."

It took the brunette a moment to gather up the strength to push Buffy away. She didn't want to. Buffy's arms around her felt so good. But she couldn't fall into that trap again. All Buffy did was play with everyone, and she was sick of it. *No more!*

Wearily, she removed the clinging blonde shoving her back. "You thought I was dead?"

"Yes." Buffy nodded blindly wiping at her tears.

Faith snickered. "So you loved me so much that you waited. hmmm, what has it been. two months?"

The older girl cringed at the realization that she really had no good excuse.

Faith walked over to the VCR and took the tape out. She handed it to Buffy and said. "Tell me again how much you love me!" Her tone sent a chill through Buffy's heart. She couldn't look up and meet Faith's eyes. "That's what I thought! You're full of shit, B! And you always have been!" The brunette growled hatefully before walking from the room.

Buffy glanced down at the tape in her hands and bawled. It must have been hours. She wasn't even sure. All she knew was that Willow was sitting with her gently stroking her hair.

"Buffy?. Are you ready to tell us what happened?" The red head looked up when her girlfriend came into the room.

"Has she said anything yet?" Tara asked nervously perching next to Willow on the bed.

"No. She's just been crying. Were you able to get Faith to tell you anything?" The little witch took Tara's hand.

"I can't find her."

This caught Buffy's attention. She immediately sat up. "What do mean, you can't find her?!"

"Buffy, it's okay. Quentin said that she always goes jogging at this time, and she took the dogs with her. She wouldn't have taken the dogs if she was running off." Tara brushed the tangled blonde locks from Buffy's face. "Are you ready to tell us what happened yet?"

Buffy merely held out the videotape that she had been clutching. Tara and Willow exchanged a look, as the blonde witch walked over to the VCR and put the tape in. Neither spoke as they watched the brief but definitely X-rated video starring the little slayer.

"Aren't you going to say something?!" Buffy cried out, glancing at her friends.

"Buffy, I really don't know what to say." Willow peered back over at her girlfriend who shrugged. "Faith saw this tape?"

"She's the one who gave it to me." Buffy stated flatly.

"Ouch." Tara couldn't help herself. The sentiment seemed to slip out. "What are you planning on doing? It doesn't seem that Faith wants to leave now."

"I don't know." The small slayer sobbed, turning to her best friend. "Wil, what do I do? I have to have her back! I just have to!"

Willow gently took Buffy in her arms and held her. "Then you stay and try to work it out."

*****
Part 19: Buffy Goes to Travers

Buffy strode into Quentin's office and threw the tape on his desk. "So is this what you call helping us out?!"

He quickly made his excuses and hung up the phone. Glancing down at the tape, he peered back up at the angry blonde. "Faith was happy to see that tape. She wanted proof that you were unharmed so we gave it to her."

"You lousy, lying.." Buffy's ranting was interrupted by Quentin.

"Where did you get this tape?"

"From Faith, who else?!" The slayer sneered shoving him back in his seat. "I don't know what the Council's sick little plan is but it won't work. I'm going to stay until Faith loves me again, and you can't make me leave. Not until she's willing to go with me."

"Miss Summers, what's on this tape?"

"You know damn well what's on it?! It's me in a drunken stupor making a horrible mistake with my ex-boyfriend. A mistake I would have never made, had I known Faith was alive." Buffy shouted as she began to pace. "How could you be so heartless? Don't you realize that you could have destroyed all the improvement Faith has made? Part of why she went evil the first time was because of problems with me!"

Quentin studied Buffy for a moment before picking the tape up. "Do you mind?"

The little slayer waved her hand. "What do I care who sees it now that Faith has?! She's the only one who matters to me!"

The head watcher slipped the tape into the VCR. He left it on for only a moment, but long enough to see what he needed. Slowly he turned to Buffy. "I didn't give her this tape, Miss Summers. But I think I know who did."

.........

Faith came into the house, feeling a little better or at least just too tired to continue fuming. The German shepherds had gone with her on an especially long run. She bent down petting the dogs and giving them their snacks.

"So are you this good with all animals?"

Faith's head snapped up. Willow was standing in the doorway watching her.

"If you're here to explain it to me then save your breath." The brunette stood up and walked over to one of the refrigerators. She pulled out a bottle of water and leaned back to take a nice leisurely drink.

"Nope, not here to explain something that I can't. I don't understand it either. But what I do understand is how miserable Buffy is right now. And she's been this way since she got back to Sunnydale." The witch patted the dogs as she continued. "I'm not trying to make excuses for what she did. All I know is that she felt heart-broken and alone and had no idea how to deal with her grief. Faith, your friends, the Council had done a great job of convincing Buffy that you had resisted, and that they had to shoot you."

Faith put down her water bottle. "They did." She fingered a small scar on her side.

"Well, they told us that you died. She was a mess when we took her off the island. She hasn't been able to think clearly since." Willow paused, somewhat surprised that Faith was still listening to her. "I think we're all partly to blame for that incident with Riley. Buffy didn't want a birthday party, and I know she really didn't want Riley there but we invited him anyway. So she disappeared with Spike to get drunk."

Faith chuckled. *That had to have pissed off Riley.*

"When she came back, she couldn't even stand up. We shouldn't have let Riley carry her up to her room. She said it took her a few minutes to make sense out of what was happening, and I believe her. She stopped him."

"How do you know?" Faith eyed her doubtfully.

"Because Spike had doubled back to check on her and found Buffy throwing Riley out." Willow wasn't too surprised when Faith merely waved her hand, feigning disinterest.

"Whatever. Besides, I'd think that you'd be happy. We both know that you don't like me, Red."

She watched as the brunette sauntered off. *Buffy's got her work cut out for her. That's for sure.*

.......

Buffy sat in Travers office, waiting for him to return. She had a plan beginning to form. Getting Faith back was going to take all the help she could elicit. Extreme measures were called for, and she was willing.

As soon as Quentin entered the room, Buffy asked, "Would you like me working for the Council again?"

*****
Part 20: As Long As It Takes

Faith strolled into the workout room, glancing at the wall clock. She was late. *Crap!* But the excuse died on her lips when she saw Buffy standing in the room. She quickly turned to Quentin. "What's she doing here?"

"She's here to do some training since she and Mr. Giles work for the Council again. So Faith, I'd like you to assist Miss Summers, show her how we do things here and help her get settled."

Faith looked from Quentin to Buffy. The little blonde shrugged, smiling slightly. "Whatever." Faith shook her head and went over to the newly hung punching bag.

Quentin and Buffy exchanged a look, before Quentin cleared his throat. "Ladies, I'll leave you to your work out. Tonight Faith, we will take care of that vampire's nest." He closed the gym door carefully behind him.

The brunette shot the little slayer a look. "B, what are you doing?"

"It's simple. Giles and I work for the Council again. Do you want to spar?" Buffy chirped energetically. She lifted her fists and started circling Faith.

"Cut it out, B." The dark haired slayer walked away from her. Sitting on a bench, she began working with the free weights.

Buffy stood watching her for a moment before going over. "Here, I'll spot you."

"Ugh! Why are you doing this?" Faith laid back on the bench as Buffy stepped up and handed her the barbell.

"Because I love you. Can't live without you. And I'm not leaving here until you'll agree to come home with me." The tiny blonde was straddling Faith's face while keeping her hands ready to catch the barbell if necessary.

The young slayer wasn't sure if it was Buffy's words that made her lightheaded or the fact that she could see up the hot little blonde's shorts. But either way she was turned on. *Fuck!* Faith almost dropped the weights.

"Faith! Be careful!" Buffy easily caught the bar and brought it back up, holding it for a moment. "Maybe you should start with less weight."

"No. I'm good." Faith blushed, lifting the bar again. "I got it."

Buffy merely shrugged and let go. Smiling, she gazed at Faith's wonderfully flat stomach and cute little bellybutton. *Mmm. Love Faithy's stomach. ohhh..* The blonde sighed, not noticing the beads of sweat rolling down Faith's face as the younger girl strained to see up her shorts.

*Fuck. I don't think B is wearing underwear.* The brunette squinted, trying to determine exactly what she was getting a peek at. *Are Buffy's panties riding up?. or is Buffy in the buff?.* Faith chuckled as she lifted the bar again. Buffy moved forward slightly and Faith's question was answered. "Oomp! Fuck!"

"Faith! I told you to be careful." Buffy gently lifted the bar off of the brunette's chest. Tenderly touching each of her breasts. "Are you okay?"

Blushing crimson, Faith jumped from the bench. "Yeah, I'm fine. I was done anyway."

The gym doors opened and Giles came in. "Girls, if you care to join us Travers has had the archery range set up."

"Ooh, archery!" Faith raced out. "Dibs on the long bow!"

Buffy smirked as she watched the younger girl dart from the room. "Thanks Giles." She turned to her watcher. "I appreciate you being supportive even though I wasn't completely honest with you when we got here. I just didn't know how to tell you?"

"It's alright Buffy. In some ways, it makes perfect sense. More sense then a slayer with a vampire, anyway." He pushed his glasses up slightly. "How long are we planning to stay?"

"As long as it takes."

........

Faith grinned as she took aim, hitting the bull eye.

"Bravo, Faith." Quentin congratulated the younger slayer enthusiastically.

"B, bet ya twenty bucks that you can't beat that." The brunette challenged, snickering.

Buffy smiled, pulling back the arrow. "Okay, I'll give you twenty if I can't and if I do, you give me a kiss."

Faith narrowed her eyes but glanced back at her shot. *She can't beat that.* "Fine." Leaning against the fence, the dark-eyed beauty crossed her arms over her chest. "An easy twenty."

The older slayer winked at her then took her shot.

"Damn!" Faith walked over to the target for a better look. Buffy's arrow had split hers.

"Well?"

"I guess." Faith scowled before turning toward Quentin. "Come and get me when you're ready to take care of that vamp nest."

Buffy watched her leave with a pout. "What about my kiss?"

*****
Part 21: Buffy Has A Surprise

"Faith, behind you!" One of the Council called out tossing her a sword.

The sultry slayer ducked, catching the sword and spinning around. She hopped to her feet and lopped the last vampire's head off.

"How'd I do, Q?" Grinning she sheathed the sword and followed the others out.

"Excellent Faith. But next time I'd like to bring Miss Summers along." The head watcher held the door for her.

"Not necessary. I can handle myself."

"Yes. I can see that. It's more to get a sense of how the two of you work together. You both have different styles. I imagine you complement each other well." Quentin tapped the glass partition to signal the driver.

Faith peered out the window. "If you're wondering, B always got the better of me. No need to bring her around to prove it. I'll just admit it and save you the trouble."

Travers studied the younger slayer in silence. If she didn't come around soon, he'd have to tell Buffy to go back home and assign Faith to somewhere other than Sunnydale. It wouldn't be prudent for him to force the slayers together.

........

Faith walked past Buffy's room for like the tenth time, but the little slayer still wasn't in there. *Shit! Where is she?* Strolling out to the garden, she found Quentin and several of the other Councilmen caught up in a lively discussion.

"Hello Faith, are you ready for your afternoon calisthenics?" Mr. Travers smiled up at the pretty brunette.

"Uh yeah, sure. Hey, um. where's Buffy?" Faith asked, trying to appear nonchalant.

"Oh Miss Summers went to the airport." One of the younger watchers, James offered.

Her heart sank. "The airport?"

.........

Buffy carefully snapped the tiny overalls on the monkey before giving him a kiss. "Okay, are you ready to see your other mommy?"

Mr. Peepers raced to his bags and removed one of his dolls, which he clutched nervously before nodding. Yes, he was ready. Mr. Peepers took Buffy's hand to follow her out.

......

Faith flipped through the comic book one last time before finally resigning herself to search for Buffy. Tossing the magazine aside, she pulled on her boots and headed down the hall.

First, she should check out back again then it was off to the airport. *What if B went back to Sunnydale?* Faith snorted. "Guess she was full of crap after all?"

Throwing open the patio door, Faith was greeted by quite a surprise. Mr. Peepers screeched, scampering over to her quickly. "Hey little guy." The brunette scooped him up with a smile. "What are you doing here?!" She kissed the tiny monkey as he clung to her, squeaking with excitement.

Buffy sauntered over, initially uncertain but now grinning from ear to ear. "He missed you, and since you said that you're not going back to Sunnydale, I thought this might be his only chance to see you."

Faith shot her an annoyed look before lifting Mr. Peepers and putting him on her shoulders. "There ya go. Wanna go out back? You can see the ponies." Faith took the delighted little monkey out toward the stables.

Buffy stayed inside, watching from the windows. "So was she happy to see him?" Willow asked, as her and Tara walked over to the slayer.

"I think so. She took him out to see the horses." Buffy gave them a small smile. "I don't know what to do. I know you two keep saying it will take time, but for me it's already been forever. It's like I can't wait any longer. I love her, and I know she loves me too. Why can't we just get past all of this and get on with our life together?"

"I'm sure Faith is having some trust issues. That tape wasn't exactly reassuring to a girl as insecure as Faith." Tara spoke softly, taking in the little blonde's surprised reaction.

"Faith isn't insecure. She always struts around. Haven't you noticed?" Buffy mumbled the last part with a smile. "It's what makes her so sexy."

"Buffy, that's just it. It's a fa�ade. It's for show. I can't believe you buy into that. Faith is extremely insecure. Especially, when it concerns you." Willow led the little blonde into her room. "You really need to slow down, and let the trust build up again. Faith doesn't respond well to pressure. We all know that. So promise you'll back off a bit, okay?"

Sighing heavily, the pretty slayer nodded as she sat down and watched while the two witches unpacked the tiny monkey's extensive wardrobe.

*****