Buffy leaned her head on her hand as she dreamily watched Faith eat her soup. *I don't remember her being so pretty.* She sighed when Faith lifted the bowl and drank the last couple of drops. *I'm not falling in love Faith. I'm already there.* The realization sent a shiver through her, she quickly glanced back at Faith to see if she noticed but the brunette seemed oblivious to her presence.

Faith noisly set the bowl back down. "So what's on tv this late?" The dark slayer got up from the table and sauntered into the living room.

"Don't you want to talk?" Buffy followed her, taking a seat on the same couch.

Faith shot her a weary look. "About what? How you tried to gut me, blondie?! No, I don't think so. Now where's the remote?"

The small slayer jumped to her feet and retrieved it from on top of the tv. "Here." She sat closer to Faith as she handed it to her. "Do you want something to drink or a blanket?"

"Yeah." Faith smirked, flicking on the tv and watching as Buffy bounded off toward the kitchen. *Whatever freaky thing happened in B's mind, it musta been good. Damn, she's like a little trained puppy. I kinda like it.*

"What do you want to drink? Do you like root beer?" Buffy stood in the doorway, waiting for Faith to tell her. She was suddenly overcome by the thrill that things were sort of working out. Faith was actually here. in her house, wearing her pajamas, sitting on her couch, and about to spend the night in her bed. Buffy felt dizzy with excitement.

"Yeah, whatever." Faith reclined on the couch. *Cool! She has cable.* But even with all those channels there seemed to be nothing on. The brunette flipped to the cartoon channel, chuckling when she realized Scooby Doo was on.

Buffy came back in the room glowing. "Here." She handed Faith her drink and spread the blanket over the burnette, carefully covering her. "Are you warm enough?"

Faith arched an eyebrow, studying Buffy closing. *What's with her?!* She sipped her root beer, making the small slayer wait for her response. "Yeah, this will work."

Buffy smiled, taking a seat on the opposite chair since Faith was stretched out along the length of the sofa. She peered over at the television to see what the brunette had chosen. *Scooby Doo?. That must be some sort of dig at me.* She frowned, glancing back at the younger girl who was actually watching her. She felt a hot blush settle across her face.

"So?" Faith continued to stare, her smirk turning into a leer. "Why don't you come lay over here with me?. since we're in love." She chuckled as Buffy's blush deepened.

"No, need to be nasty, Faith. I care about you. What's wrong with that?"

"What happened to Angel?" Faith asked in a snide tone, turning back toward the tv.

"We broke up. He lives in Los Angelus now." Buffy carefully watched Faith's reaction. The brunette seemed shocked.

"What?! You gutted me for some guy that you're not even with anymore?!" The hatred in her voice was unmistakable.

Biting back tears, Buffy responded, "Faith, I told you I'm sorry. If there was anyway I could undo what happened between us I would, just like I know you would." Her lip quivered as Faith leaned her head back and chortled.

"Yeah, you just keep telling yourself that, Twinkie." The brunette coldly turned away, staring at the tv again.

"Faith, I mean it. Please, give me a chance. I want things to be different now." Buffy clenched her jaw, trying not to cry.

"Well, that will be tough if I stay in Sunnydale. Considering the cops will eventually pick me up, and I'll be in jail." Faith snorted, amused by Buffy's sudden show of emotion.

"No! We'll all work together to figure out a solution to that. I won't let them put you in jail. That won't help you rehabilitate. You need to be with me and Giles."

The raven-haired beauty settled her dark eyes on Buffy."Oh yeah? You gonna fix my problems with the cops for me?"

"Yes. I'll get everyone working on a solution first thing in the morning. You can hide here while we are fixing things. But I want you to promise that afterwards, you'll stay and work with me and Giles. We can get the Watcher's Council off your back too. If anyone wants to hurt you they'll have to go through me first." Buffy stated with an emphatic nod.

Faith grinned, suddenly amused by the small slayer's ferocity. "Look at you, B. No wonder everyone wanted you for a girlfriend." She chuckled, leaning back. *Maybe this could all work out for me afterall. I can just hang out and let the little priss clean up a bit of my mess first then I can move on.* She shrugged. "Fine, let's do that then."

Buffy brightened, climbing onto the couch next to Faith. The brunette temporarily thought of shoving the little slayer off and laughing as she hit the floor. But Buffy's body was warm and soft. It felt kinda nice pressed up against her. In fact, Faith could feel something else stirring within her. *Dang, I'm horny.*

The taller girl swallowed hard as she gazed down Buffy's little tank top. *Wonder if she'll let me cop a feel. Only one way to find out.* Faith cautiously slid her hand around and over Buffy's breast, gently squeezing. To her surprise, Buffy groaned and pressed up against her. *Wow! B is way more responsive than I thought. Maybe Little Miss Goody-Two-Shoes would be worth a tumble.*

Faith could feel her juices flowing as she carefully massaged Buffy's chest, listening for every sigh and moan. Slowly, she rolled Buffy onto her back and locked lips with the pretty little blonde. *Fuck! I like her mouth! Always thought she had a cute little mouth if she'd just stop nagging.* The younger girl snickered, leaning back. "So B, is this what you thought it would be like?"

"No." Buffy breathed out, reaching for her. "It's better."

.....

Spike had made his way to the Summer's residence and now stood outside trying to peer through the living room window. *Bloody rose bushes!* He ignored the thorns and leaned in, pressing his face against the glass.

*****
Part 13: Who The Fuck Are You?!

The vampire could make out someone on the couch. *Mmmm. hellooo luscious!* He grinned as he watched Faith slip off her pajama top. "What's she doing?" Mumbling, he changed his angle slightly for a better view. That's when he saw it. His little slayer was pinned under the foxy brunette moaning and reaching for her like a cat in heat.

*What the devil is going on here?!* Growling, he stepped back prepared to stalk off and kill the witch for bungling the spell. But something held him there. Perhaps it was just the possibility of seeing Buffy nude or more likely it was the realization that he was about to witness his slayer doing very naughty things. with a very pretty girl.

The vampire pressed his face back to the window, groaning as the brunette tugged off Buffy's clothes. His erection strained against the seam of his pants. Reaching down, he unzipped and eased his cock out. "Buffy. Buffy." He moaned softly stroking his shaft while watching the dark haired beauty push his slayer to her knees.

"Jesus!" He gasped as Buffy held the girl's thighs and slowly brought her mouth down. Scooting to a side window, he had a better view. The curvy brunette spread her legs further and grabbed the back of Buffy's head.

"That's it B. Right there. Fuck!" Faith bucked her hips, moaning softly as the little slayer flicked her tongue quickly over Faith's clit then pulled it between her lips and sucked. *Damn, that feels good!* She glanced down, smiling at the sight. Buffy looked so hot licking her pussy, and she was so frickin' good at it.

Faith reached down and tenderly pushed back Buffy's golden locks so she could see her better. *Oh yeah!* The sight of little miss perfect being so bad was all it took. Faith came hard falling back against the couch. "OH FUCK ME! THAT WAS GREAT!"

Buffy peered up at her smiling, happy that she pleased Faith.

For Spike that was the final straw. He fell to his knees sputtering. "Oh Gawd!" Semen sprayed the window as he jerked himself silly. "Oh slayer!" The vampire found himself flat on his back staring up at the stars. "Buffy." He whispered her name like a prayer as his eyes fluttered shut.

"B, did you hear something?" The younger slayer glanced toward the window.

"No." Buffy murmured in between the kisses that she was still planting along Faith's trembling thighs and soaked pussy. "Mmmmmm. I soooo love this. Can I do this all night?. Pleaseeee."

The brunette gently lifted Buffy from the floor setting her on the couch. "Nah, I definitely heard something. Wait here." She quickly put on her pajamas and headed for the door.

"No! Faithy, come back." The little slayer cried out, trailing after her.

"Oh bloody hell!" Spike shrieked, hopping up and tucking himself back into his pants. He was just quick enough to not be caught as Faith pulled him from the bushes.

"Who the fuck are you?!"

Buffy raced out behind the younger slayer. "No Faith! Put him down. That's just Spike."

"Whatever!" Faith sneered, dropping him to the ground. "Why's he hangin' out by the window?"

"I just came by to check on the slayer. That's all." The blonde vamp nervously turned toward Buffy. "You alright?"

"Huh?. Uh, yeah. I'm fine Spike. Go home." Buffy shook her head in confusion. She really couldn't process thought at the moment. All she wanted to do was snuggle with Faith. *God, Faith looks so sexy right now." The little slayer stumbled over and tried to hug the younger girl.

"B, cut it out. More important things going on here." Faith gestured at Spike. "You've got some freak lurking around your bushes."

"Nah. That's just Spike. He always lurks." Buffy giggled and reached for Faith's hand.

Spike's eyes narrowed as he watched the two. "So what happened to Captain Cardboard?"

"What's he talking about?"

Before Buffy could answer, the vampire filled her in. "Her boyfriend. What's his name, luv? Riley, right?"

"You have a boyfriend? Ha!" Faith laughed, pushing Buffy back. "What a slut you are!"

Spike chuckled at hearing the prissy slayer called a slut.

"Faith, don't be mad." Buffy panicked, grabbing Faith's arm. She had to explain. somehow.

"I'm not mad. I could care less. In fact, it makes what you just did, even funnier." The brunette laughed loudly.

Buffy's face fell. She turned back toward Spike and punched him. "Now get out of here, before I stake you!"

"Wait. Just tell me. Who is that?" His eyes followed Faith as she sauntered back into the house.

"That's Faith. The other slayer." Buffy turned on her heel, leaving the vampire to ponder the implications. Considering the spell, it was a gross miscalculation on his part. "Dammit!" He kicked at the dirt and headed back toward his crypt.

*****
Part 14: For Faith

Buffy stood in the doorway, apprehensive about Faith's casualness. The brunette had plopped back down on the couch and was drinking her root beer.

"Faith, I. I was going to tell you about Riley. It's just. well." The small slayer found she was at a loss for words.

"Skip it. I said I don't care. You got me off. I enjoyed it. That's all that matters." Faith stood and stretched. "Well shit, being in a coma really saps the strength. I'm beat. Where do I sleep?"

"Um, upstairs. Come on." Buffy led the way to her bedroom.

"So where are you going to sleep then?" The brunette snickered turning back toward the pretty little slayer.

"In here, with you."

"You better not snore." Faith chuckled at Buffy's hurt look. She crawled under the covers and grumbled. "Turn off the lights."

Buffy obeyed and slid in next to her. She laid there for a few moments before meekly asking. "Faith?"

"What?"

"Will you hold me?"

"Geez! Fine, come here." The brunette pulled the smaller slayer into her arms. "Now be quiet. I'm tired."

Buffy smiled as she pressed up against Faith, breathing in the wonderful Faithy smell and playing with her long, soft wavy hair. *Mmmm. I love you, Faith. and you'll realize that you love me too, soon. I just know it.* The little blonde closed her eyes, relaxing in the taller girl's arms. She felt so warm and safe and happy.

.........

"Come on Faith. They know I'm bringing you. It will be alright. Just try and be nice, please." Buffy pulled the reluctant slayer along, smiling at her. Faith looked gorgeous. She was wearing black leather pants and a black tube top and a really cool looking, short suede jacket. The sight of her was enough to make Buffy's mouth water.

"First wise crack I hear and I'm breaking skulls, got it?!" Faith growled as Buffy knocked on Giles' door.

"No need to, because I'll do it first." The blonde grinned up at her, brushing a lock of hair from Faith's eyes.

The dark slayer raised an eyebrow. "What's gotten into you, B?"

"Love." Buffy beamed at her. "I love you."

"Ugh!" Faith pushed her away. "Stop frickin' saying that!"

The door opened and Giles ushered them in. Faith peered around the room, uncomfortable. "Hey."

"Hi." Willow gruffly lifted her hand giving a quick wave. Tara smiled weakly while Anya merely stared.

Xander cleared his throat and stepped back. "Faith. um, how you doing?"

"Just peachy. Can we get on with this?"

Buffy took Faith's hand. A gesture that didn't go unnoticed by the scoobies. "Sit over here. I'll get you something to drink."

The brunette casually stretched out on the couch with the comic books she'd brought. Buffy had bought them for her on the way over so she'd have something to do during the meeting. She took the soda from Buffy, giving Willow and the open mouthed Xander a wry smile. There was something very satisfying about Buffy Summers waiting on her in front of her geek pals.

Buffy turned toward the group. "Let's get to work. Willow, see if you can hack into the Sunnydale police station's computers and the D.A.'s office. Xander get together some stealthy stuff, tonight we're breaking into the police evidence room and removing a few things. Giles get a hold of the Watcher's Council and tell them to back off. Faith is staying here with us."

"And what will you be doing?" The watcher asked as Buffy picked a stake from the weapon's chest.

"I'm going to go see Spike and get him to hang out at Willy's for a couple of nights. I need info. Have to see if there's a buzz in the demon world. So we know if any of the ex-Mayor's buddies will be looking for Faith." The little blonde grabbed her jacket and Faith moved to follow. "No, you stay here, okay?"

Glaring at the group, she turned back toward Buffy and nodded. "Fine. Don't be long."

"Not any longer then I have to be." Buffy smiled, leaning in to give her a kiss.

Normally Faith would have pushed her away, but considering the audience, she pulled her close and really kissed the little slayer. When she released her, Buffy was slightly disoriented.

"Faith." The little blonde mumbled dreamily, moving in to kiss her again.

"No. B, you better go." Faith gently shoved her toward the door, while the scoobies stared in stunned silence. She couldn't help but smirk when she noticed the drool in the corner of Xander's mouth.

Giles had removed his glasses and had begun vigorously cleaning them, and Willow was bright red. Tara looked away bashfully, but Anya openly stared, commenting. "Wow, that was some goodbye kiss. Xander, why don't you kiss me goodbye like that?"

"Anya, shhh!" He yanked his girlfriend's hand, pulling her into the other room.

Buffy giggled still dazed as she clumsily stepped out, bumping into things on her way. "Bye." She turned around and gave one last lovesick smile to the brunette who had plopped back down on the couch.

Faith merely arched an eyebrow and opened her comic book back up. She couldn't help but be delighted with all the attention Little Miss High and Mighty was giving her. Plus, now Buffy's friends were running around to save her butt. *This is the life.* Faith put her boots up on the coffee table, ignoring Giles' disapproving look and waved toward Willow. "Hey Red, who's your girlfriend?" There was something about the shy blonde that she liked.

Faith unwittingly drew Willow in by asking that question. The little witch seemed pleased that she acknowledged Tara so she politely introduced them.

"Hey, how's it going?" Faith gave the nervous blonde a friendly smile before glancing back at her comic book.

"I'm Anya." The ex-demon rushed forward and held out her hand.

The slayer smirked, shaking Anya's hand. "Nice girlfriend, Xander."

"Thank you." She missed the sarcasm in Faith's voice as she turned to Xander. "She's not so evil."

Awkwardly everyone cleared their throat, but Faith merely chuckled. "Nope. I was pretty evil."

"And now?" Giles stepped closer, his tone serious.

"I don't know, G-Man. This gig here is working okay so far. B sure has changed. But I'm still thinking about my options." The raven-haired beauty snickered, peering back over at Xander who was staring. "Whatcha lookin' at?"

"Um. nothing. You look good, Faith." He became uncomfortable as all attention turned toward him. "So are you and Buffy. um.. uh.."

"What he wants to know is, are you and Buffy orgasm partners?" Anya asked in a chipper tone.

Faith burst into laughter. "Wow. This one's definitely a keeper, Xander." She glanced back down at her comic book while answering. "Yeah, I guess you can call us that."

Willow stepped forward, glaring at the brunette. "We'll help you this time, Faith. But you better never hurt Buffy again or I'll kill you myself."

The dark slayer chuckled. "You still have a lot of spunk, Red. I use to want to kill because of it, but now it's kinda cute. So go with it." Faith shuffled through her stack of comic books, choosing a different before barking out. "Someone get me another soda."

*****
Part 15: Take It Slow

It wasn't long before Faith fell asleep on the sofa. Xander kept glancing over at the brunette. He couldn't help himself. She was breathtaking with her long dark hair and full ruby lips starkly contrasted against her exceptionally pale skin. She looked like a china doll and to think that her and Buffy were getting physical. Xander shifted around trying to hide the bulge in his pants.

"Xander, what's wrong with you?" Anya glanced at the fidgety boy, irritated.

"Nothing." He nervously squeaked, resting the book on his lap. "But I was thinking that maybe we should be looking up a way to break the spell that Buffy's obviously under. Wil, didn't you say something about some weird dream spell that you and Giles were researching?"

The red head didn't look up from her computer. "It's broken already. The only thing the spell is cast for is to reveal one's true love. They visit you in your dreams."

"Huh?" Xander glanced from watcher to witch. "Faith is Buffy's true love. What about Riley?"

His question went unanswered as the others continued to work.

"Wait. Stop. Think about what we're doing. We're helping Faith. She's evil!" Xander put down the book and got up to pace. "This probably isn't a good idea."

"She doesn't seem evil." Tara glanced down at the slayer. Faith looked very peaceful and quite young in her sleep. She was curled up on her side, hugging a throw pillow.

Willow peered over her girlfriend's shoulder. "Don't let the cuteness here fool you. She's pretty dangerous."

Giles waved for them to return to the table. "Back to work. Buffy thinks she can be rehabilitated, and I certainly think it's worth a try." He removed his glasses and cleaned them. "Besides she seems agreeable enough so far."

"Yeah, because the Buffster is doting over her. But what happens when Buffy stops?" Xander asked anxiously.

"I don't think she will." Tara said as she returned to her seat next to Willow.

..........

Faith was having a lovely dream. She smiled and hugged the pillow closer. Buffy was there and wasn't chasing her with a knife, but instead they were walking around at a fair. They stopped at a carnival booth, and she offered to win something for the little blonde.

Buffy clapped and looked so cute. It made Faith's stomach feel funny. She gazed into those big green eyes before stealing kiss. "For luck."

Then the young slayer turned and knocked down the milk bottles. Buffy was squeaking and carrying on about some stupid stuffed pig. It only made Faith want her more. *Damn, I don't remember B being this cute.*

..........

Xander peered over at Faith. "Should we wake her?" They had ordered pizza, and it had just arrived.

"I'll do it." Tara gently crouched near the young girl. "Faith. Faith, it's time to wake up." Her tone was soft as she very gently shook the beautiful brunette.

"Huh?. No, we're going on the bumper cars." Faith grumbled, rolling over. They chuckled as Faith pulled a pillow over her head.

"It's okay. Let her sleep." Giles instructed, handing out plates to the others. "Buffy should be returning soon."

.........

The little slayer took one last look around Faith's old apartment before picking up the last carton of stuff and heading to her mom's car. She put the box in back and then got in next to her mother.

"Thanks mom."

"Buffy, are you sure about this?"

"That's just it, mom. This is the first time I've ever been so absolutely certain about anything. It's weird. It's like I have complete clarity. Faith's as much a part of my destiny as being a slayer is." Buffy glanced at her mother, trying to gauge her discomfort, but she didn't sense any.

"Okay dear, if this is what you think is best then I'll help in any way I can. But I still want you to be careful. Faith has proven in the past that she can't be trusted. Try and take it slow." Mrs. Summers shook her head when she noticed Buffy wasn't really listening.

"Sure mom."

*****
Part 16: Wacky Cousins

The insistent knocking, not only brought the watcher to his feet but disturbed the sleeping slayer. Giles hurried to the door while Faith yawned and stretched lazily. The scoobies glanced over surprised with the dark slayer's demeanor. She appeared almost content, staying quietly on the couch as if lost in thought.

Tara walked over with a plate. "Are you hungry?"

"Starved. All B has been letting me eat is soup. I need real food. Thanks blondie." Faith eagerly bit into the pizza, watching the startled looking scoobies. Whoever was at the door was making them edgy. She peeked around Tara and noticed a tall, clean cut guy. He was wearing fatigues and carrying a weapon of some kind. Faith wasn't quite sure what it was, but he didn't appear to be threatening them so she stayed seated, munching her pizza. *Wonder where B is.*

"Giles, I need to talk to Buffy." Riley pushed his way in. "Is she here?" He glanced over at Faith. "Who's she?"

Willow quickly got to her feet. "Don't you want some pizza? We've got plenty of pizza."

Xander went and sat next to Faith. "So what comic books do you have there?" The brunette sipped her drink, handing the stack to Xander.

"Just a couple here, but B said she'd buy me some more tomorrow." She peered over at the rather frustrated soldier. "Who's that?"

"Oh just some guy who helps out sometimes with demons, you know." Xander held up one of the comics. "Hey, this is a good one."

"Yeah. Hey, maybe B will take me to get my stuff. I have Playstation and some pretty good games. You know, if you ever wanna. hang out or something. I guess B's usually in school, and she said you weren't going. so." Faith felt suddenly awkward as if she were begging for friends. "Never mind."

"No. That sounds great. I love the Playstation. It'd be cool to hang out. I mean as long as I know you're past that whole killing thing." He chuckled nervously. "You are past that whole killing people phase, aren't you?"

The brunette smirked. "For you I can make an exception." She laughed when he paled slightly. "Relax, I'm just kidding. Hey, where's B?" She sat up and looked around. It was already dark out.

"And that's the million dollar question." Xander quipped, glancing from the soldier back to the slayer.

Just then Buffy strolled in the door, smiling. She was paint smudged and a bit dirty, but it struck Faith that she'd never seen Buffy look more radiant. The little slayer was humming and carrying a small wrapped box.

"Hey B." The brunette got up, ready to leave, but the clean marine rushed past her and scooped Buffy into his arms.

"Buffy, I was so worried about you. There was another Adam sighting. I didn't know what to think when I couldn't reach you. Promise that you won't go Adam hunting alone." He placed the little blonde back down, turning toward the strangely quiet group. "That goes for all of you. No Adam hunting without backup."

"Aye, aye chief." Xander awkwardly replied, glancing from Buffy to Faith anxiously.

The dark slayer stopped for a moment and took in the scene, then on a hunch said, "Riley."

The tall college boy glanced at her. "Do I know you?"

Buffy looked suddenly ill. Willow jumped to her feet. "Riley, this is Buffy's cousin, Faith."

The brunette had a mischievous expression on her face. Things had become interesting. She grinned. "Yeah, her cousin."

Riley tilted his head. "Huh? I don't see the resemblance."

"You just have to really look." Faith snorted, leaning back to observe the panicky group. They seemed desperate to protect, to the point of lies. She was suddenly intrigued. Faith had assumed the "perfect" scoobies never told a lie, but who was she to spoil the fun. She grinned at Riley and held out her hand. "Hey."

The soldier shook it, giving her a strange look before pulling the little blonde outside. "We need to talk."

Buffy still appeared nauseous as she glanced over at her fellow slayer. "Be right back."

"Whatever." Faith shrugged and handed Giles her plate. "Can I have more pizza?"

..........

"When did your cousin get to town?" Riley's tone was harsh. "Geez Buffy, do you really think this is a good time for family visits?"

The little blonde yanked her arm from his grasp. "It was kind of all of sudden. And she'll be alright. I'll keep her inside. I can protect her."

"That's not the issue. I'm sure you can protect her, but she'll just be another distraction. Not to mention, we have little enough time together as it is. God Buffy, I can't even remember the last night we had alone." He griped.

"I can. It was last week." Buffy bitterly spat out. "And I'm sorry if my family emergency has inconvenienced you. She needs me right now, and I'm going to be there for her. I owe her that much."

Riley ran his hand through his hair, frustrated. "That's not what I mean. You're twisting my words. Of course, you should help her, but what about us? I not only miss you, but I worry about you when you're not around."

The small slayer lowered her eyes guiltily. "I know. I'm sorry but."

Before she could finish the sentence, Riley interrupted. "I've got it. We can fix your cousin up with Graham. He'd go for her. I mean, she is easy on the eyes." He smiled down at Buffy.

The little slayer scowled. "No! I don't think that's a good idea."

"Why? We can double date. Let's ask her." Riley stepped back inside before Buffy could think of a reasonable excuse. "Faith?"

"Yep?" The pretty brunette gave Buffy a dimpled grin before turning toward Riley. "What's up?"

"Would you like to meet a friend of mine? I think you'd like him. Most of the girls do. His name is Graham." The soldier boy seemed excited as Faith's smile widened.

"Sure."

"Great. I'll set it up." He gave Buffy a quick peck on the lips and headed out. "I'll call you. Bye." Waving to the group, Riley made his exit post haste. He sensed some displeasure from his girlfriend and wanted to escape before she laid into him.

Buffy turned angrily toward Faith. "Why did you say yes?!"

"Why not? I'm just your cousin, aren't I?" Faith chuckled, reaching for another piece of pizza.

"Faith, don't eat that! That can't possibly be okay for you yet! I have dinner waiting at home. Let's go."

The scoobies watched in awe as Faith collected her comic books and followed the blonde out. "Later."

Buffy glanced over Xander. "Is midnight okay?"

He gave her the thumbs up as the two slayers wandered out.

.......

"Okay, that was tense!" Xander held his hands up, glancing around. "And you!" He pointed at Willow. "Cousins?!"

"I panicked. You try and come up with something that spur of the moment." The red head squeaked.

"How about the truth?" Anya offered, shrugging.

"Did you see Buffy? She had that, `Oh god, help me look.' I couldn't just say nothing." Willow defended, peering over at Giles. "At least Faith didn't attack him."

The watcher shook his head, removing his glasses. "We'll worry about that nonsense later. First things first. Back to work. I want Faith in training and out on patrols as soon as possible. We can really use the help with Adam. Willow, how are you making out with the hacking?"

"Fine. I've already deleted the warrant for her arrest. I just have to tamper with the D.A.'s records and once Buffy and Xander make the evidence disappear I doubt they'll be inclined to pursue with charges." She gave a nod, smiling at Tara who looked at her proudly.

"I'm glad you're helping her. Faith's aura indicates change. Right now is a crucial time for her. She really can be good, you know. I think she just needs lots of attention and support."

*****
Part 17: The Key

Buffy remained quiet during the walk back to her house. She was obviously still angry at Faith for agreeing to go out with Graham. The brunette glanced over at the older slayer. "B?"

"What?!"

"What's in the box?" Faith reached for the small package that Buffy was still clutching.

"It's a gift for you." Sighing, the little slayer handed the box to Faith. She smiled as the younger girl eagerly unwrapped it.

"Hey, it's a key." Faith peered at Buffy confused.

"To your new home. I spoke with my mother, and she'd like you to stay and live with us." The blonde nervously chewed her bottom lip."Do you like it?"

The dark-eyed beauty blinked back her surprise. "Um yeah, I guess. I mean, this is really nice and everything, but B. I don't know."

"This has nothing to do with us. This is separate. So even if you and I don't. or aren't together. My mother and I still want this to be your home." Buffy stepped onto the porch, taking the key from Faith. "Let's try it."

Still unsure of how to react to all the kindness, Faith remained quiet as Buffy opened the door and held it for her. "Thanks." She shoved the key in her pocket, when it was handed back.

"Dinner's on the table, but let's go upstairs first. I want to show you your room." Buffy excitedly took Faith's hand and tugged her up the stairs. "Come on, slowpoke."

"B, I've seen your bedroom before."

"No not mine. Yours." The little slayer threw open the door to the spare room. "My mom and I were fixing it up, but you can decorate the room how you'd like. See."

Faith peered around at the freshly painted walls. Gleefully, she ran over to check the cartons stacked around. "My stuff! You went and got my stuff?!" She beamed as she turned back to face Buffy. "Thanks, B!" Hesitantly, she approached the smaller girl and gave her an awkward hug, but Buffy held on tight, making the hug last.

"I want this to feel like your home too." The blonde stepped back, aching to kiss Faith, but she remembered what her mother said about being patient. "Okay, I'm going to get cleaned up a little. I'll see you downstairs for dinner." Buffy smiled and backed out of the room as Faith began digging through the boxes. "My Playstation!" She lifted the game from the box, delighted.

*Dang, B did all this for me?! Wow!* She glanced around the room. *I guess, there's no reason why I can't hang out for a bit longer. And I've got nowhere else to go. Besides, all I have to do is slay and put up with Buffy and the superfriends. might not be so bad.* Faith sat on the edge of her bed, looking around. The wall color was the same as the smudges on Buffy's nose and cheek.

*She actually painted this herself today while I was laying around sleeping.* Faith felt the tingle that she use to get around Buffy. That was before they had become sworn enemies of course.

"Faith, Buffy. Sweeties, dinner's ready." Mrs. Summers called out from downstairs.

Faith smiled as she bounded down the stairs. "Thanks, Mrs. Summers." She surprised both of them by hugging Joyce.

"That's okay, honey. I'm glad you're going to stay. Now what can I get you to drink?"

.........

Faith raced up to her room after dinner and began unpacking her stuff. She grinned when she realized Buffy had even brought her TV and stereo from the apartment. Lucky, the Mayor had paid her rent for the whole year, otherwise her stuff would have been sold off during her coma time.

The brunette raced around, peering into each box. In fact it looked as if Buffy had gotten all her stuff except for the furniture. Maybe, she could talk to B about moving that later and storing it in their basement. Until she got another place of course. Considering her lease would be up at the end of this month at that place. She'd have to get on it. Maybe Xander wouldn't mind helping. After all he'd said that they could hang out again even.

Faith smiled, laying back on her bed, gazing up at the ceiling to think. *Being in Sunnydale permanently might actually be cool once the cops are off my back. Everyone is being okay, and B isn't giving me that whole better than thou crap.* The sexy brunette curled on her side and fell asleep to thoughts of slaying side by side with Buffy again. Those were happy times. She sighed, hugging the pillow and murmuring. "B. B."

........

The little slayer stood outside Faith's door prepared to knock but stopped herself. *No, need to give her space.* She walked past and went into her own room to try and grab a short nap before her caper with Xander later.

*****
Part 18: Plan To Spoil

Faith sat in front of the television watching cartoons. Every so often her eyes would stray to the stairs. Buffy still wasn't down yet and Mrs. Summers had left to go to the gallery. She was getting bored. Finally the brunette hopped to her feet, thinking it was late enough that she should go wake the little slayer. *Can't let B get all lazy.*

She tapped lightly until she heard Buffy's mumble. Slowly she pushed open the door to see the small blonde stretched out on top of the covers, her eyes still closed. "B, it's like ten in the morning. Aren't you going to get up? Maybe we should go train or something."

"No, too soon for you. Come here though."

Faith hedged toward the sleepy blonde, uncertain. "Yeah?"

"Closer." Buffy rolled onto her back, smiling as Faith came closer, then without warning she reached up and grabbed the brunette pulling her into the bed. "Hey there." She planted a kiss on the younger girl's cheek. "Lay here so we can talk."

"Okay." Faith scooted in next to Buffy, laying still as the small slayer crawled into her arms.

"Guess what, Faithy?" Buffy chirped, placing kisses along the brunette's neck.

"What?" Faith rolled her eyes.

"The warrant for your arrest is history. Willow even got into the D.A.'s computer and tampered with the charges. But if they somehow notice and try to rectify the situation, it won't matter. And you know why?" Buffy planted a big kiss on Faith's lips as the younger girl shook her head. "Because they no longer have a shred of evidence."

"Cool!" Faith hugged her in earnest. "Thanks B."

"Faith, no thanks needed. I told you; I love you. I'll do anything for you." Buffy tried to kiss her again, but the dark slayer suddenly pushed her away and got up.

"Um. Yeah, okay. I gotta go. uh get ready. I'm supposed to go to Giles' house later so uh, I should go. now." Faith stumbled out of the room leaving a confused little blonde in her wake.

"Huh?" Buffy jumped from her bed and followed Faith to her room. "Faith, I know you're supposed to go see Giles. I'm going with you, remember? But that's not until later. What's wrong?"

The brunette exploded. "B, I don't know what you want from me?! How long before we hate each other again?! I'd just rather not bother with the whole getting close thing first; it makes it worse." Faith was crying without even realizing it.

"Oh Faith, come here." Buffy pulled the confused girl into her arms and held her. "Faith, we aren't going to hate each other. I love you. That's forever."

Faith pushed her away. "Like with you and Angel?"

"No, this is different." Buffy felt suddenly angry. "Faith. listen to me."

"B, can we just not do this. I mean, I like you and all, but can't we just be friends?" The brunette backed away from her, surprised when Buffy's big green eyes filled with tears.

"Yes, of course. I would never force you."

"You want me to leave now, don't you?" Faith sadly lowered her head.

"No! Absolutely not! Faith, this is your home. I mean it. I want you to stay. I'll always care about you even if you don't love me." Tears ran down Buffy's cheeks. She gave Faith a weak smile before going back toward her room. "Why don't we get changed and go over to see Giles now, okay?"

Watching the blonde sadly retreat, Faith wiped at her own eyes and went to get dressed.

........

"Hey there." Faith brightly greeted the scoobies as her and Buffy entered Giles' townhouse.

The gang cheerfully returned the sentiment, as Anya rushed over with the box of donuts. "I saved you a jelly which isn't easy because that seems to be everyone's favorite."

"Thanks." The dark slayer reached in for the donut then looked at the group again. "For everything, I mean it. You guys totally didn't have to help me, and you did. So thanks. And I wanted to say that I'm kinda sorry for everything before. Things were really screwed up, but I don't want it to be that way. I wanna help, you know. Slay and stuff."

"Glad to hear that Faith." Giles patted her on the back. "Especially since I've spoken with the Council and they've agreed to your rehabilitation taking place with us, but you do work for the Council again, as do I and Buffy."

"What?" Faith's eyes went wide. "B, you agreed to work for them again?"

"It was the only way that they'd let you stay here." Buffy gave her a small smile, stifling the urge to take Faith's hand. She turned toward her best friend. "Willow, can I talk to you for a minute?"

The red head followed the little slayer outside. "Buffy, what is it? You look so sad."

That was all it took. Buffy burst into tears. "Willow, she doesn't love me, and she doesn't want to be with me. I feel like I can't breath."

Willow gently gathered the sobbing slayer into her arms. "Oh Buffy, it's too soon for either of you to know that. You just need to give her time. Back off a little. I know Faith cares about you. She always has. Actually, I use to worry about you two being together in the past. I was jealous. You two have so much chemistry."

"We do?" Buffy sat up, sniffling.

"Yes. That's why Xander use to joke about it, because it totally felt like a possibility." Willow paused, wiping Buffy's face. "Just don't expect everything to happen at once."

"It's so hard, Wil. Every time I look at her I want to touch her. and it's so hard knowing I can't just kiss her when I want to. Last night it was hell falling asleep knowing that she was laying in the next room. I so wanted her to hold me." The tiny blonde calmed slightly as she explained.

"I know." Willow tenderly patted Buffy's back. "She needs time though."

"Are you sure? What if she never loves me?" A few more tears trickled down.

"Buffy, this is your best friend talking. Would I lie to you?"

"No." Buffy's bottom lip jutted out as she peered up at the witch.

"And even if you don't trust my intuition, you trust Tara's right?"

"Yes." The pretty blonde still pouted.

"Tara said she believes Faith was very much in love with you, and that's probably how the whole mess between the two of you began. Faith isn't experienced with love. She has to be handled very carefully." Willow brushed a lock of hair from Buffy's face. "Look how far she already has come. Yesterday, she was still all anger girl, and today she's saying thank you and apologizing. Now that has to mean something."

The small slayer nodded.

"Okay, then we just have to give her extra attention and care. Tara believes that what Faith responds to is the opposite of tough love. That she'll respond best to unconditional kindness. And from this morning's events I'm inclined to believe she's right."

"Wil, thank you so much for trying to help. Faith means so much to me now. I can't even explain it." Buffy lowered her eyes, blushing slightly.

"No need. What are best friends for? Besides if she's important to you, she's important to all of us." Willow made her determined face. "And I'm on board even though it means that we have to spoil Faith rotten until she comes around."

Buffy cocked her head. "What do you mean?"

"Well, we all talked about this before you two came over this morning. Tara said the best way to handle Faith is with complete overindulgence because she has no defenses built up against that. She's never been spoiled before or probably even really treated kindly. It throws Faith for a loop and makes her confront her real emotions. She needs to be able to feel, before she can empathize. And empathy is the key to compassion. or so Giles says." Willow grinned and pulled Buffy up with her. "We should go back inside. Are you okay now?"

Buffy brightened. "So you think there's hope?"

"Definitely."

"Wil, I love you." The slayer squeezed her best friend in a bear hug.

"Can't breath."

"Sorry." Buffy gave her a sheepish smile allowing Willow to lead her back inside.

*****
Part 19: Too Soon

Faith glanced up when Buffy and Willow came back in. "Hey B, look at this." She excitedly held up a new weapon Giles had given her.

Buffy walked over. "What do you have there? Ooh a spanking new toy." The little slayer smiled up at her watcher, and mouthed the words, thank you. She was thrilled that everyone was making Faith feel so welcome. Being happy is something she felt the younger girl deserved for once in her life. The whole responsibility of slayerhood would be a hell of lot easier for Faith to manage if she had something else to enjoy besides killing, like friends and family for instance.

"B, it's not for spanking. It's for chopping. See?" Faith hopped to her feet and swung the ancient relic demonstrating its appropriate use. Everyone snickered at Faith's earnest explanation. Of course, Buffy meant spanking as in the adjective, fresh and exceptional. But Faith's misunderstanding struck them as cute.

"I see." The blonde ruffled her fellow slayer's hair before taking a seat next to Xander. "So any word on that blaster. Do you have it working?"

"A blaster? What's that?" Faith excitedly looked at Xander. "Lemme see it!"

Giles held up his hand. "Not right now Faith. We need to get you up to speed on our latest Sunnydale problem."

The brunette laughed. "You mean it isn't me?"

Frowning, Buffy took the weapon from Faith and set it down. "No. Now pay attention. I'm going to need you on this one."

Faith's smile widened. "Really?"

"Yes. Really." Buffy walked over to where Willow was sitting and trying to decrypt the disk Spike had given them.

"So totally really." Xander added, gesturing to the specs on Adam. "He's like indestructo guy. Makes us miss the Mayor's snake envy."

Faith tensed.

"Xander!" All the scoobies said it at once. He should know better. For now mentioning the Mayor or any of Faith's past sins was off limits. It was too soon.

"Uh. Sorry, Faith." Xander awkwardly glanced at the dark slayer, but she got up, waving her hand.

"Forget about it." Stiffly, she picked up the new comic books that the gang had bought her and ignored the group.

Before Buffy could speak with her, Riley came through the door. "Adam has been spotted. We have a team going out now."

"I'm on it." The little slayer grabbed her coat and an axe. "Faith, you stay here with Giles."

"No, I wanna go." Faith jumped to her feet. "I'll help you."

"It's not safe." Buffy tilted her head, indicating Riley.

The soldier smiled. "Your cousin is a spirited girl, isn't she?"

Buffy followed him out. "You have no idea."

Faith frowned as she watched them leave. Sitting down angrily, she opened up her comics again.

"Faith, do you want to help us?" Tara asked, holding out a book.

"Yeah, sure." Faith took it, pleased as the friendly witch sat next to her and began explaining about Adam.

........

Buffy stumbled to her feet, fingering the gash on her forehead. She had just run into Adam in the cave and witnessed him skewering Forrest. Telling Riley was not going to be a task she relished. How could she possibly break up with him now?

*I can't. Not until after we kill Adam. Besides it doesn't seem to bother Faith. She doesn't even care.* Buffy wiped at her eyes and stalked off in search of Riley.

.......

"That's it, Faith. Lead with your left more." Giles stumbled back as the slayer dealt a particularly strong blow. Anya clapped causing Faith to glance in her direction. The watcher swung the staff and knocked the young slayer off balance. Faith tumbled from the pier and into the ocean.

"Damn!" Giles knelt down, gazing into the water as the rest of the scoobies ran to the edge. But jumping in was unnecessary, within a fraction of a second Faith had surfaced.

"Fuck! It's cold!" Shivering she swam toward the beach.

"Buffy's not going to be too happy." Anya observed.

Giles glared back at the ex-demon. "No, I expect not. So I'd kindly thank you to not distract Faith during training."

"No, I mean Faith's not ready to be training yet. On that Buffy was very specific." Anya took the coke from Xander and had a sip.

"Yes. Well Buffy's being slightly ridiculous on that front. There's no reason that Faith can't train. Although I do agree that it is too soon for her to go slaying." The watcher stated, following the others toward the soaked slayer.

Faith stood trembling. Her lips were white and her teeth were chattering, but she was grinning. "Damn, good hit."

"Come on Faith. We have to get you out of those clothes." Willow led her toward the car.

The slayer chuckled. "I've heard that one before."

"Glad to see you're in high spirits." The watcher commented. "But really she's right. We must hurry you home. Before you catch a cold."

"Ahhh screw it! That's just an ole wives tale. Come on, I'll warm up with more training." Faith lifted her fists, circling Giles.

.........

By the time Buffy returned from telling Riley the bad news about Forrest, she was exhausted. The little blonde headed straight for her room. She'd see Faith in the morning besides it was way late; the younger slayer had better be in bed.

Buffy slowly cracked open Faith's door and peeked in. *Yep. Faith's asleep. Good girl.* She closed it quietly and went to wash up and then get some much needed rest.

.........

Waking up late as usual, Buffy expected to find Faith downstairs watching TV or reading her comics. *Huh?* She checked every room, but the beautiful brunette was nowhere to be found.

Buffy smiled. *Bet she's upstairs playing that silly Playstation thingie.* The little slayer knocked softly, but there was no answer. Becoming panicked she pushed open the door. "Faith!" She relaxed when she saw Faith still sleeping. "Hey sleepy head, time to get up."

Buffy sat on the edge of Faith's bed and gently shook her. "I would offer to make you breakfast, but I think it's lunchtime." She joked shaking Faith a little harder. "Come on Faith, get up."

The brunette squinted at her as if confused. "Buffy?"

The little slayer scowled at Faith's unfocused gaze. She reached up and felt the younger woman's forehead. Faith was burning up.

*****