DISCLAIMER AND AUTHOR'S NOTE: All Buffy The Vampire Slayer stuff belongs to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy and Warner Brothers. No copyright infringement was intended in the writing of this fiction. All other characters that appear belong to me. This story cannot be sold or used for profit in any way. Copies may be made for private use only and must include this copyright notice and disclaimer. There is some subtext in this story. If this kind of stuff is not legal where you live, if you're under 18 or if you don't like the notion of two women being in love, then you should find something else to read. This is the sequel to Motherhood. Star was very insistent about a sequel, she even threatened to send Taz after me. So, Star, here you go, enjoy! And thanx for letting me borrow Taz! :) And also thanks to Lizzie, who also wanted a sequel. Oh yeah, this is a Christmas story and so I have decided that Joyce didn't die and that the Glory affair ended happily and Buffy didn't die.

Motherhood Regained
By Kristjan Brezovnik

"You getting out now?" Taz asked Faith as she packed her belongings.

Faith glanced at the Purple Girl.

"Yeah," she said and flashed a smile.

"Finally gonna see that baby of yours, ha?"

"Hold her, Taz, hold her," Faith said, excited. "I just can't wait."

Taz smiled.

"Faith, are you ready?"

Faith glanced at the guard.

"One moment," she said and looked around to make sure she hadn't forgotten anything. "Yep, I'm ready."

"Take care, Faith," Taz said.

"You too, Taz."

As soon as she got out, Faith was covered in Dawn.

"Faith!"

"Hey, kiddo," Faith said with a smile, dropping her bags.

"I'm not a kid anymore," Dawn protested. "I'm sixteen."

Faith's smile widened.

"I know."

Then Buffy came close with Hope and Faith forgot all about Dawn. Her eyes went wide.

"Look who's here, Hope," Buffy said. "Your mommy."

"Mommy," Hope said and tears started to run down Faith's cheeks.

Buffy gave Hope to Faith, who hugged her tightly and just held her for a while, letting the tears flow. Hope hugged Faith as well and giggled happily. Finally Faith opened her eyes again and looked at Buffy and Joyce.

"Thank you," she said in a coarse voice and wiped her tears.

Buffy and Joyce smiled, barely holding back their tears.

"Let's go home, Faith," Buffy then said.

Faith nodded and wiped her tears. She looked at Hope as she followed Buffy to the car. Dawn picked Faith's bag and ran to the car.

"Hey, little one," Faith said and caressed the girl.

"Mommy," Hope said.

Faith beamed.

"Yes, baby, Mommy's here," she said and sniffled. "I missed you so much," she said, blinking away the tears that threatened to spill again.

"Can I sit next to Faith?" Dawn asked when they got to the car.

"Sure," Buffy said.

Dawn smiled and opened the door so that Faith could put Hope in the baby seat.

"Thanks, Dawnie," Faith said as she made sure Hope was safely strapped in.

Dawn smiled and closed the door when Faith was done.

Faith went to the other side and got in. Dawn was right behind her. Faith checked Hope again and then caressed her. Hope smiled and hugged the fluffy… something she was holding. Faith then looked at Dawn.

"So, how's high school?" she asked her.

Dawn rolled her eyes.

"It sucks," she said.

Faith smiled as Dawn bubbled on about the misery that was high school. She listened to what Dawn was saying, but at the same time, she was also observing Hope. She wished she could hold her, but she knew Hope was safer in a baby seat, so she settled for occasional caresses. Tears started to run down her cheeks a few times and she wiped them.

When they got to the Summers' house, Faith unstrapped Hope and carried her in.

"Welcome home, Faith," Joyce said.

Faith smiled and looked around. She noticed toys and other baby stuff. She sighed, wishing she could've been there for Hope.

The Summers women undressed and she undressed Hope. She gave her clothes to Joyce and Hope to Buffy. Then she undressed herself and Buffy gave Hope back to her.

"Hey," Faith said and caressed the girl.

"Come, let me show you to her room," Dawn said and led the way.

Faith followed her, carrying Hope, and Buffy and Joyce followed them.

When they got to Hope's room, Faith was speechless.

"What do you think?" Dawn asked.

"It's… It's… wonderful," Faith said, trying not to cry. She looked at Joyce. "I don't know how I can ever repay you."

"Oh nonsense," Joyce said.

"Yes," Buffy agreed with a nod. "Hope is a part of the family and, em, well, we were hoping you would become a part of it as well," she said, blushing slightly.

Faith stared at her, astonished, and tears started to run down her cheeks again. She looked at Joyce, who nodded.

"Yes, Buffy is right," Joyce said.

"Hope even calls Buffy Mama," Dawn supplied.

Faith looked at Buffy, surprised, and Buffy blushed, nervously.

"I hope you don't mind," Buffy said.

Faith slowly shook her head.

"And I'm her aunt," Dawn said proudly.

Faith smiled and looked at Joyce.

"I guess that makes me her grandmother," Joyce said with a smile.

Faith sobbed for a moment.

"Thank you," she whispered.

Hope squirmed in Faith's hands and Faith looked at her.

"She wants down," Buffy explained.

Faith hesitated for a moment and then reluctantly put Hope down. Hope immediately ran into her room and started to play with her toys. Faith quietly observed her, feeling happy.

"Why don't we get you settled in," Joyce said after a few moments. "You can come back to Hope later."

Faith sighed and looked at her.

"Where will I sleep?"

"Well, you can sleep in my room or in Buffy's."

"She bought a larger bed," Dawn said and Buffy blushed.

Faith looked at Buffy and stared at her for a few moments. Then she looked at Joyce and back at Buffy.

"You don't mind?" she asked.

"No," Buffy said and took a deep breath to calm down. "Come."

She led the way and Faith followed her.

"You can put your stuff in there," Buffy said when they got to her room, and pointed at a closet.

She went closer and opened it to show Faith that it was empty. Faith looked around for her bag and Dawn, who had followed them, handed it to her.

"Thanks, Dawnie," Faith said.

Dawn smiled and backed off.

Faith hesitated for a moment and then opened her bag and took her stuff out. Buffy sat on the bed and watched Faith put her clothes into the closet, noticing how few clothes Faith had.

"You can borrow some of my clothes, if you want," she offered.

Faith glanced at her.

"You're kidding, right? I'm not into pastels and skirts."

"Hey, it's not like I have only that. I have some leather." She opened another closet. "See?"

Faith smiled.

"You should wear that more often."

Buffy blushed.

"I like pastels just fine."

Faith chuckled.

"Which side is mine?"

Buffy frowned, puzzled.

"What?"

"The bed. Which side is mine."

"Oh. The other."

Faith went to the other side of the bed and put her album on the nightstand. She looked at Buffy's nightstand and noticed a picture of Buffy holding Hope. She smiled. Buffy looked at what Faith was looking and she also smiled.

"That's from her birthday," she said.

Faith sighed.

"I missed two whole years of her life," she said sadly.

"Maybe not," Buffy said and went to her closet. She opened it and showed Faith a couple of videotapes. "We made these for you," she said.

Faith's eyes went wide.

"You… You mean…" she said as she came closer.

Buffy smiled.

"Yes. We recorded Hope."

"Thank you," Faith said and hugged Buffy as tears started to run down her cheeks.

Buffy was surprised, but she hugged her back.

"You're welcome, Faith."

Faith quickly let go of her.

"I'm sorry, I…" she started.

"It's okay," Buffy interrupted her and smiled.

Faith took a deep breath and wiped her tears.

"Thanks."

"How about we go back to Hope."

Faith nodded and they went to Hope.

Dawn was watching Hope and she smiled at the two Slayers when they came.

"Hey."

Faith smiled at her and sat close to Hope. She hugged her knees and caressed the girl. The girl looked at her and smiled.

"Mommy," she said and Faith's smile widened.

Hope looked at Buffy.

"Mama."

Buffy smiled as well.

"She's smart," Dawn said and caressed her. She looked at Faith and then at Buffy and decided to give them some time alone with Hope. "I'll go help Mom," she said and left.

Buffy stepped aside to let her pass and then kneeled sat beside Faith, who was staring at Hope. Faith glanced at her.

"Thanks, B."

Buffy smiled.

"You're welcome, Faith." She thought for a moment. "Em, the guys know you're out and they'd like to meet you."

Faith took a deep breath, nervous.

"Don't worry, I told them how much you've changed," Buffy said. "They're curious."

Faith sighed.

"Can you call the guys in LA to come too? I wanna apologize to everyone."

Buffy nodded.

"I'll call Angel later."

Faith nodded and looked back at Hope.

"She's so precious," she whispered.

Buffy smiled.

"She is. Em, you sure you don't mind her calling me Mama? I mean, I love her like she was my own and I like being her mother, but I don't want you to think that I'm trying to take her away from you or replace you or something."

Faith smiled.

"It's okay, B, you raised her."

"Well, Mom helped, a lot. And Dawn. I mean, I know you gave her to Mom, but I… I don't know, I can't explain it. I guess Mom noticed how much I wanted to be with her and she let me take care of her."

Faith nodded.

"I don't mind." She hesitated for a moment. "And, em, I want you to be her… other parent."

Buffy smiled, blushing a bit.

"Thanks," she said, relieved that she would not be separated from Hope. "I'll go call Angel," she said, deciding to give Faith some time alone with her daughter.

Faith nodded and Buffy left. When she was gone, Faith caressed Hope again.

"I love you, baby."

When she came downstairs, Buffy heard Faith softly talking to Hope, thanks to the baby phone. She listened quietly and was touched by Faith's words as she promised Hope to be there for her and love her till she died. She took a deep breath when Faith was done and then called Angel.

"Lunch time," Joyce announced as she came to Hope's room, where Faith was still watching her daughter. "Come, I'll show you how to feed her."

Faith smiled and picked up Hope.

"Come, baby, time to eat," she said and followed Joyce downstairs.

"Okay, put her in the baby chair," Joyce said when they got to the kitchen and Faith did so while Joyce brought Hope's plate. "First, you put on a napkin," Joyce said and tied a napkin around Hope's neck. "There. Now watch," she said and showed Faith how to feed Hope. "You think you can do it?"

Faith nodded.

"Yeah."

"Okay. Here," Joyce said and gave Faith the spoon. "And be patient, she's a baby and it takes time."

Faith nodded again.

"Okay."

"Need help?" Buffy asked when she came to the kitchen ten minutes later.

Faith glanced at her and smiled.

"No, I can handle it," Faith said, trying not to get any dirtier than she already was. She glanced at Joyce. "You should've mentioned that I need a raincoat."

Joyce smiled and Buffy chuckled.

"I guess I forgot."

Buffy sat down.

"Em, Faith, I talked to Angel. He said they're coming tomorrow."

"Okay."

"Em, Cordy said she wants to see Hope, so they're coming here. In the morning."

Faith nodded.

"Okay."

"I'll tell the guys later."

"Okay," Faith said and took a deep breath.

"It's gonna be okay, Faith," Buffy said.

Faith glanced at her and smiled.

"I hope so," she said, but Buffy could see that she was afraid.

Buffy wanted to hug her, but she didn't know how Faith would react.

"Oh, em, Mom, the guys are coming over tomorrow morning at eight. Everyone, including Angel, Cordy and Wes."

"Do you want me to make something to eat?" Joyce asked.

"No, not necessary. Just so you know."

"Okay."

"Darn," Faith murmured when Hope's food ended on the napkin again instead in her mouth. She glanced at Buffy, who was smiling, and sighed. "Looks like I have a lot to learn about raising a baby."

Buffy's smile widened.

"I'll teach you," she said.

Faith smiled.

"Thanks," she said, blushing a bit.

"Mom, when's lunch?" Dawn asked as she came into the kitchen.

"As soon as Hope is asleep," Joyce said.

"Oh. Okay," Dawn said and left.

"Girls, I'm going to the gallery for an hour," Joyce said in the afternoon.

"Okay, Mom," Dawn said.

"I'm going to the Magic Box," Buffy said. She looked at Faith. "You?"

Faith shook her head.

"No. I wanna apologize first."

"Okay. I'll be gone about an hour and a half."

"Okay."

"And remember, Dawn, Faith is in charge," Joyce said.

"Yes, Mom."

Faith smiled.

"She'll behave." She looked at Dawn. "Won't you, Dawn?"

Dawn nodded.

"Yes."

"How come you never listen to me?" Buffy asked.

Dawn stuck out her tongue at her and left.

Faith chuckled.

"I'll see you later, B," she said and went upstairs.

She went to Hope's room. She caressed the sleeping girl and then sat beside her bed and watched her.

"Hey," Dawn said when she got to Hope's room, where Faith was watching the baby sleep.

Faith smiled at her.

"Hey. Are they gone?"

"Yes, a couple of minutes ago," Dawn said and sat beside Faith. "You okay?"

Faith nodded.

"I'm the happiest woman alive," she said and smiled.

"Yeah? Does that mean you and Buffy are together?"

Faith frowned, surprised.

"What?"

"You and Buffy, together. Are you?"

Faith stared at Dawn for a few moments, surprised.

"No. Whatever gave you that idea?"

"Well, you two," Dawn said, wondering if she hadn't just messed everything up.

"Me and Buffy?"

Dawn nodded.

"Yes."

Faith frowned.

"How?"

"Well, they way you two look at one another. I mean, I've seen the way she looked at Angel or Riley, but there was always something missing. Okay, not with Angel, but it was missing with Riley. I think he knew it, that's why he didn't give her any trouble when they broke up."

"They broke up?" Faith said, surprised.

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Because she's in love with you. I think."

"Me? Whatever could she see in me?"

Dawn gave her a blank look.

"You're kidding, right? I mean, you should've seen how excited she became every time we visited you. And I've seen the way her eyes got all misty when she talked to Hope about you. And the way she looked at you when she thought you weren't looking. The same way you looked at her."

Faith blushed.

"I… Em…"

"So you admit it?"

"What?"

"That you love her."

Faith blushed even deeper.

"You're pretty blunt, you know?"

"I learned from the best."

Faith raised an eyebrow.

"Who?"

"You, of course."

"Me?" Faith said, surprised.

"Yes. You always said what was on your mind."

Faith sighed.

"Not about the things that mattered," she said sadly.

"So you do?"

Faith blinked.

"Do what?"

Dawn rolled her eyes.

"Love her."

Faith blushed again.

"Promise not to tell her."

Dawn made a face.

"Why?"

"Because I don't want to risk what I already have. I mean, I have more than I ever thought I would. I'm friends with B, I have a home, a family and I have a baby. I don't want to risk losing that."

"What, you think she'll throw you out?"

"Well, no, but I want things to be okay between us. And besides, I'm no good at asking people out. I mean, getting them to bed is easy, since I don't care about them, but asking Buffy to a date… I screwed up the last time. Well, except the Homecoming, but she was away most of the night."

"So you do love her," Dawn asked with a smirk.

Faith rolled her eyes, blushing.

"Hell yes. I fell in love with her the moment I saw her, I was just too scared to ask her. I mean, why in the world would a girl like her want to go out with a girl like me? And after everything that I've done, I don't really deserve her. Not to mention that's she's straight."

"Was."

"You don't know that for sure. For all you know she could've broken up with Riley because of Angel."

Dawn rolled her eyes.

"I'm gonna have to talk to Buffy."

"You promised you won't tell," Faith reminded her.

"Actually, I didn't," Dawn said and smiled sweetly. "But don't worry, I won't tell her. I'll just ask her how she feels about you."

Faith gave her a blank look.

"And you think she'll tell you?"

"You did," Dawn pointed out.

"But she's your sister, your worse enemy."

Dawn rolled her eyes.

"She's a pain in the ass sometimes…"

"Watch your language," Faith warned her.

Dawn rolled her eyes again.

"That coming from you."

Faith smiled.

"What can I say, I've reformed. I have to be a good role model for Hope."

Dawn smiled.

"Yeah, okay. So, as I was saying, she can be a pain in the, well, you know where, but she's still my sister and I love her," she finished quietly.

Faith smiled.

"She loves you too."

"I know."

Downstairs, Buffy was speechless. She had come back because she had forgotten something and she had overheard the entire conversation. At least she thought it was the entire conversation. Faith loved her? It was like a dream come true. She had always thought that Faith hated her, she had no idea that she loved her instead. She found it ironic that they were both too scared to tell one another how they felt because they were afraid of losing what they had. She sighed and wiped her tears. She needed to do something about it, at once. She went to the phone and called Giles.

"Hello, Magic…"

"Giles, it's me," Buffy interrupted her Watcher. "I'm gonna be late today, there's something I need to take care of right away."

"Is everything alright?" Giles asked, worried.

Buffy smiled.

"It couldn't be better," she said and hung up.

She took a deep breath and went upstairs to Hope's room, where Faith and Dawn were still talking.

"Hey," she said.

Faith and Dawn looked at her.

"Hey," Faith said with a smile.

"Faith, I need to talk to you."

"Sure."

"Alone. In our room."

"Okay," Faith said, slightly worried that she had done something wrong.

Buffy waited until Faith was out of the room and then looked at Dawn.

"I love you too, Dawn," she said.

Dawn was confused for a moment, but then her eyes went wide as she realized that Buffy had overheard their conversation over the baby phone.

"Don't…"

"It's okay," Buffy said with a smile, knowing that Dawn was worried about Faith.

Dawn smiled back and Buffy followed Faith.

"So, what's up?" Faith asked nervously when Buffy closed the door.

Buffy took a deep breath, hoping Faith won't freak out.

"I heard what you said."

Faith frowned.

"When?"

"When you were talking to Dawn. Over the baby phone."

Faith's eyes went wide and Buffy could see that she was scared.

"I'm sorry, B, I, em, I mean…"

"I love you too," Buffy interrupted her.

Faith shut up and stared at Buffy, surprised.

"You… You… do?"

Buffy smiled, blushing.

"Yeah. Dawn's right, I did break up with Riley because of you. Well, because I was in love with you. I think I have been since the beginning, but there were so many things on my mind. And, of course, you're right, you suck at asking people out. Well, except the Homecoming." She smiled when Faith blushed. "And when I finally admitted to myself that I was in love with you, I was just to scared to tell you. I mean, we were finally friends and I didn't want to risk losing that."

Faith stared at her for a few moments and then smiled.

"So… So we're, like, a couple now?"

Buffy smiled, blushing.

"Yeah, I guess so."

Faith hugged Buffy.

"God, I love you so much, Buffy."

Buffy hugged her back and smiled at Faith's use of her full name.

"I love you too, Faith."

They stood still for a few moments.

"So, em, we gotta tell Dawn," Faith then said and they broke the hug.

"Yeah," Buffy agreed and wiped Faith's tears. "Happy tears?" she asked.

Faith blushed.

"You bet."

Buffy smiled.

"Come, let's go tell Dawn," she said and took Faith's hand.

Faith smiled back and they went to Hope's room.

Dawn flashed a big smile when she saw the two Slayers holding hands.

"So I take it you're a thing now," she said and the Slayers blushed.

"Yeah," Faith said with a big smile.

"Cool."

"You don't mind?" Buffy asked.

Dawn frowned.

"Why?"

"Eh, because that kinda makes us, em, gay?"

"So? I'm fine with it. As long as you two are happy."

Buffy smiled and kneeled beside Dawn.

"I love you, Dawn," she said and hugged her.

"I love you too, Buffy," Dawn said, hugging her back.

Faith just smiled.

"So, em, you think your mom will also be cool with it?" she asked and the sisters looked at her, startled.

"Oh boy," Buffy said.

"And the gang!" Dawn said.

"Oh boy," Buffy said again.

Faith smirked.

"Get your brain in gear, B."

Buffy blushed.

"Sorry."

"I think she'll be okay with it," Dawn said and the Slayers looked at her. "What? She accepted that you two were Slayers. And that Angel is a vamp."

"Well…" Buffy said.

"She's right," Faith said. "Your mom is one cool woman and compared to finding out you were a Slayer, this is nothing."

Buffy sighed.

"I hope so." He eyes went wide. "I hope she isn't listening downstairs."

Faith's eyes also went wide.

"Oh boy."

Buffy got up and ran downstairs.

"She's not here!" she called.

"Good," Faith said, relieved.

"I gotta call Melinda," Dawn said and left.

Faith had a bad feeling about it, but she said nothing.

"Em, Faith, I'm gonna go training now," Buffy said when she got half way up the stairs.

Faith nodded.

"Okay. But we're gonna talk about this, right?"

Buffy smiled and came all the way up.

"You bet," she said.

She hesitated for a moment and then leaned in for a kiss. Faith was a bit nervous at first, but then she relaxed and they kissed.

"Oh, wow," she said when they stopped kissing.

Buffy smiled, blushing.

"Yeah, wow." She took a deep breath. "I really should be going now."

Faith nodded.

"Yeah. I… I wanna take this… slowly."

Buffy blushed again.

"Me too," she said.

"What?" Faith asked when she saw Buffy smirk.

"I just never thought I'd see you get nervous about sex."

Faith blushed.

"Sex is easy, this is more," she said, her face serious.

Buffy nodded.

"I know." She took another deep breath. "I better be going."

Faith nodded.

"Yes. I'll see you later."

"Definitely," Buffy said and ran downstairs.

Faith stared down the stairs for a few moments and then returned to Hope's room, hoping this wasn't just a dream.

"Hi, guys," Buffy said as she walked into Magic Box.

"Hello, Buffy," Giles said.

"How is she?" Xander asked.

Buffy flashed a big smile.

"She's good. You should've seen her with Hope. I mean, she's so different like you wouldn't believe. And when she first held Hope, it was just… She was so happy. And I've never seen her cry so much."

"Faith? Crying?" Xander said.

Buffy nodded.

"Yes. She's, like, a whole new person."

"Is she staying with you?" Willow asked.

"Yes. Oh yes, Faith wants to apologize to you. I called Angel and he and the guys are coming tomorrow morning."

"Really?"

"Yes. We'll meet at my house at eight."

"Why so early?"

"Cordy said she wants to see Hope."

"Oh."

"Will you be there?"

"Sure," Willow said. "I mean, if she has really changed…"

"She has," Buffy assured her.

"Is she…" Xander started.

"You'll meet her, okay?" Buffy interrupted him. "And you'll make your own opinion of her."

"Sorry," Xander said.

Buffy looked at Giles.

"I'm ready to train."

"Hi, Mom," Dawn said when Joyce came home from the gallery.

"Hello, honey." She stopped and smelled the air. "Diapers?"

"Yes. I showed Faith how to change them."

Joyce smiled.

"Good."

Dawn hesitated for a while as Joyce took off her clothes.

"Em, Mom?"

"Yes, honey?"

"Can I ask you something?"

Joyce looked at her, curious.

"Of course, honey."

"Em, would it bother you if Buffy and Faith, em, I mean…"

"Yes?" Joyce prompted her.

"Well, if they were a… a couple."

Joyce frowned.

"A couple? As in… I mean, like Buffy and Riley?"

"Well, yes, you know, only it would be Buffy and Faith."

Joyce's frown deepened.

"I don't know. Are they?"

"No! I mean, I don't know. Em, would it bother you?"

Joyce thought about it.

"I don't know, honey, I never thought about that."

"Oh. But you like Faith, don't you?"

"Of course I like her. I think that in spite of what she had done, she's a wonderful girl and I'm glad she got better."

Dawn smiled.

"Me too. She's like the middle sister and we can plot against Buffy together."

Joyce chuckled.

"Hey, Mrs S," Faith said as she came downstairs with Hope.

Joyce smiled at her.

"Hello, Faith."

Faith looked at Dawn.

"What's that I hear about plotting against Buffy?"

Dawn blushed a bit.

"Faith, I told you, you can call me Joyce," Joyce said, saving Dawn from answering.

"Nah, I couldn't. I mean, you're like a mom to me and I couldn't call my mom by name. I mean…" She blushed. "Shit. Oh, em, sorry," she quickly apologized for the swear word.

Joyce smiled.

"It's okay." She thought for a moment. "So, I'm like a mother to you?"

Faith's blush deepened.

"Em, yes. I mean, you're just about the only grown up that ever cared about me. Beside my first Watcher and…"

She trailed off as bad memories resurfaced.

"And?" Joyce prompted.

Faith sighed.

"The Mayor," she said quietly, avoiding Joyce's eyes.

"Oh." Joyce thought for a moment. "Well, if you feel like calling me Mom, you can."

Faith looked at her, surprised.

"You… You mean that?"

Joyce smiled.

"Of course."

Faith gulped, blushing.

"Thanks. But only if Dawn and Buffy agree," she said and looked at Dawn.

"Sure," Dawn said with a smile.

Faith smiled.

"Thanks." She took a deep breath. "But, em, I think I'll stick to Mrs S for now, even if Buffy agrees."

"She will," Dawn assured her.

"Well, still, I have to get used to it first."

Joyce nodded.

"Of course," she said.

Faith smiled.

"Thanks, for helping me and giving me and Hope a home."

Joyce smiled.

"You're welcome, Faith."

"Wanna play Monopoly?" Dawn asked.

Faith looked at her. She wasn't exactly a Monopoly girl, but hey, she had to do something and she really didn't care about her tough girl image anymore. She smiled.

"Sure."

"Okay."

"Em, Faith, can I…"

Dawn immediately guessed what her mother wanted to ask and she ran to her and stopped her. Joyce gave her a confused look, but Dawn quickly whispered something into her ear, which even Faith couldn't hear.

"Oh. Okay," Joyce then said.

Dawn smiled and looked at Faith.

"Come, let's play. I'm the Bank."

Faith looked at Joyce, who was giving her a strange look, but she didn't ask. She followed Dawn.

"You're gonna have to tell me the rules," she said.

"Okay."

Joyce stared at them for a few moments and then went to the kitchen.

"Hey, guys," Buffy said when she came home from the Magic Box.

Faith and Dawn looked at her.

"Hey," Faith said.

"Everything okay?" Buffy asked, noticing Dawn's sour look.

Faith grinned.

"She's losing," she explained.

"Oh."

"It's not fair," Dawn said. "I even had to explain the rules to her and now she's a multi billionaire and I'm almost broke."

Faith grinned again.

"Bummer."

Buffy smiled as she sat beside Faith. She caressed Hope.

"Em, I talked to the guys and they'll be here at eight."

"Okay."

"They didn't freak or anything," Buffy added, noticing Faith's worried look, "they were just curious."

Faith smiled a little.

"Okay. Thanks."

"Hey, Buffy," Dawn said, "can Faith call Mom, well, Mom?"

Buffy looked at her, confused, and then at Faith.

"We were talking and I kinda slipped that she's like a mom to me and she said that I can call her that," Faith said nervously.

"Oh," Buffy said and smiled. "Sure."

Faith smiled.

"Thanks. I'll stick with Mrs S for now."

"Okay."

Dawn stared at them and the Slayers noticed that.

"What?" Buffy asked.

"Aren't you two gonna suck face?"

Both Slayers blushed.

"Why?" Buffy asked.

"Well, you did it with Riley. All the time."

Buffy's blush deepened.

"We did not. And besides, we weren't kissing when we started dating. And what if Mom walks in on us?"

"She's upstairs."

"So?"

"You're Slayers, you'd hear her."

"I don't think so," Buffy said and blushed as Faith chuckled.

"I think she just wants to see us kiss so she can tell all about it to her friends," Faith said.

"Well of course," Dawn said. "You're major news. I mean, my sister is gay, how…"

"Can you be any louder?" Buffy interrupted her. "I don't think they heard you in Europe."

Dawn smiled.

"Wanna take over?"

Faith smirked.

"Giving up?"

Dawn rolled her eyes.

"As if." She looked at Buffy. "You're my big sister, help me out here."

Faith chuckled.

"If I remember, you were saying something about plotting…"

"Don't!" Dawn interrupted her, her eyes wide, and blushed.

Faith grinned.

"Plotting?" Buffy asked.

Dawn gave Faith a pleading look.

"Nothing serious, B," Faith said and Dawn smiled, relieved.

Buffy raised an eyebrow at Dawn, suspicious, but she decided not to pursue the matter.

"Okay," she said and went to the other side.

"Thanks," Dawn said and left.

As soon as she was gone, Buffy came back to Faith's side and kissed her.

"Wow," Faith said when they stopped. "What was that for?"

Buffy smiled as she returned to the other side.

"Like I need an excuse to kiss you. You can't imagine how long I've been waiting to."

Faith smiled, blushing.

"I've been waiting longer."

"You're blushing?" Buffy asked with a smirk.

Faith stuck out her tongue at her and Buffy laughed.

"Oops," Faith said and stopped Hope from sticking a miniature house in the mouth. "Not that, baby," she said and caressed her.

Buffy smiled.

"Being a mother definitely agrees with you," she said.

Faith smiled at her.

"It's the best thing that's ever happened to me. Well, beside you."

Buffy smiled.

"Ditto."

"Wanna hold her?"

"So she can distract me?" Buffy asked with a smirk.

"Very funny. I'm about to become the ultimate monopolist and I've had Hope all along. There's nothing you can do to stop me, with or without Hope."

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely."

"Okay, I'll hold her," she said and reached over the table. "Maybe she'll bring me luck." She looked at the girl. "You gonna bring Mama luck, baby?"

Faith smiled.

"Sorry, Mommy got there first," she said and Buffy mock glared at her. "Watch the figurines," she warned her.

"No, baby, not that," Buffy said and quickly took the player out of Hope's hands. "Where was it?" she asked Faith. "Here?"

"One to the left. Your left."

"Okay. Is it mine or is it yours?"

"Yours."

"Okay. Whose turn is it?"

"Yours."

"Okay." Buffy glanced at her mother, who came downstairs. "Hi, Mom."

"Hello, honey," Joyce said.

Buffy threw the dice.

"Three." She moved her player and checked her properties. "Okay, mine. Your turn."

"One of the few," Faith said with a smirk and threw the dice. "Four," she said and moved the player.

Buffy threw the dice.

"Two." She moved her player and was about to check her properties when she noticed that her mom was sitting on the sofa, watching them. "Everything okay, Mom?" she asked.

Joyce hesitated for a moment.

"Is there something you two want to tell me?"

The Slayers frowned and looked at one another.

"What?" Buffy asked.

"About your… relationship."

The Slayers' eyes went wide. Then they looked at one another as they both realized something.

"Dawn!" the screamed in unison, looking toward the stairs.

"She didn't say anything. Not directly, anyway. So?"

The Slayers looked at one another, conversing with their eyes. Then they took a deep breath and faced Joyce.

"Mom," Buffy slowly started, "Faith and I are, em, a couple."

Joyce looked at Faith, who nodded.

"Yes."

"I see," Joyce said and thought for a few moments. "Are you happy?"

Both Slayers flashed big smiles.

"We are, Mom."

"Definitely, Mrs S."

Joyce sighed.

"Okay."

"That's it?" Buffy asked, surprised.

Joyce smiled.

"I need to think about this first, but if you're happy, I won't interfere. God knows you deserve all the happiness you can get."

Buffy smiled.

"Thanks, Mom."

"And don't be too hard on Dawn, she was only trying to help."

"I won't."

"Me neither," Faith said.

"Good," Joyce said. "Do you want me to take Hope?"

Buffy glanced at the girl.

"No, it's okay."

"Okay then," Joyce said and went to the kitchen.

"Wow," Faith said when she was gone.

"You bet," Buffy agreed.

"Told you she was one cool woman."

Buffy smiled.

"Yes, she is," she agreed. She looked at the Monopoly game. "Okay, my turn."

"Yep, and that's my property you're trespassing."

"Damn."

"The language," Faith warned her.

Buffy looked at her, surprised, and then glanced at Hope.

"She doesn't understand."

"You can never be too careful. And remember, we're her mothers, we have to be the role models."

Buffy chuckled.

"I can't believe you're the responsible one now."

Faith shrugged.

"I grew up."

Buffy smiled.

"Yes, you did."

Faith smiled back, blushing a bit.

"Okay, pay up."

In the evening, Buffy showed Faith how to bathe Hope.

"You know, I think it would be easier if we bathed with her," Faith remarked after a while.

Buffy smiled, blushing.

"I have, a couple of times."

Faith looked at her, surprised, and smiled.

"Naughty."

"What, she's my daughter. I mean…"

"It's okay, B, she is your daughter."

Buffy smiled.

"Thanks. It means a lot to me."

Faith nodded.

"To me too."

"Okay, time to dry her," Buffy said after a moment. "Get the towel."

Faith fetched the towel and Buffy took Hope out of the tub.

"Gently now," Buffy then instructed Faith. "You have to make sure she's dry."

Faith nodded and gently wiped Hope.

"Looks like she loves to bathe," she said.

"You have no idea. Just wait till you see the tape where she was, like, five months old. Mom bought an inflatable pool and she and Dawn spent hours in it. Hope just didn't want to get out."

Faith smiled and then sighed.

"I wish I could've been there."

"Me too," Buffy said. "At least you'll be able to see the tape."

"Yeah. Thanks."

"You're welcome." She checked Hope's skin. "Okay, she's dry. Now put on some powder," she said and fetched the powder.

"Show me how first."

"Okay," Buffy said and showed it to her. "You're not afraid to ask for help anymore," she observed.

Faith glanced at her as she took the powder.

"I got over it. And besides, if I can't ask you for help, who can I ask?"

"Oh, I don't know, Mom, Dawn…"

"Okay, okay," Faith interrupted her. "And anyway, Hope's worth it."

Buffy smiled.

"Definitely."

"Is that okay?"

Buffy looked.

"Yes, she's fine. Wrap her in that towel and let's take her to her room and get her dressed.

"Okay," Faith said and took another towel. She wrapped it around Hope and then picked her up. "Okay, sweetie, time to get dressed."

Hope leaned her head on Faith's shoulder, sleepy. Faith smiled and kissed her on the forehead. Buffy smiled at Faith, amazed at how affectionate she had become. She turned and led the way to Hope's room.

Faith put Hope on the changing table and put on a new diaper. Buffy handed her Hope's pajama and Faith dressed Hope. Then she put her in bed.

"Sweet dreams, baby," she said and kissed her good night.

She stepped aside and let Buffy do the same.

"Good night, baby," Buffy said and also kissed Hope on the forehead.

Faith dimmed the light and they both waited for a few minutes for Hope to fall asleep.

After Hope was put asleep, Buffy and Faith talked in their room until Buffy went out for patrol. Faith then went downstairs, where she watched a Christmas movie with Joyce and Dawn. After it was over, Dawn and Joyce went to bed and Faith decided to watch one of the tapes the Summers women had made of Hope.

She just put in the first tape when Buffy returned from patrol.

"Hey."

"Hey."

"Where are Mom and Dawn?"

"They went to sleep."

"Oh." Buffy noticed the tape. "One of Hope tapes?"

Faith nodded.

"Yes."

"Can you wait? I wanna watch it too, I'm just gonna take a quick shower."

"Okay."

Buffy ran upstairs and Faith sat on the sofa.

"Okay," Buffy said when she came back.

She sat beside Faith and Faith pressed play.

"Oh, that's the first one, right?" Buffy asked when the tape started.

"Yes."

"That was…" She trailed off and looked at Faith. "Do you want me to comment?"

Faith nodded.

"Yes, I want to know as much as possible."

"Okay."

Buffy hesitated for a moment and then put her arm around Faith's shoulder. She smiled when Faith looked at her. Faith smiled back and leaned her head on Buffy's shoulder.

When Faith woke up in the morning, she felt a bit strange. Then she realized she was cuddled up against someone. She opened her eyes and was relieved that it was Buffy. She remembered the previous day and smiled. It was the happiest day of her life. The only thing left to do was apologize to the gang and make up for what she had done. She sighed as she realized that the moment of apology was in an hour or so. But then again, she had Buffy by her side. She hesitated for a moment and then kissed Buffy. She wanted to kiss her on the lips, but she decided for the forehead.

Buffy moaned and opened her eyes. She smiled when she saw Faith.

"Mmm, I could wake up like this every day."

Faith smiled, blushing a bit.

"No reason you can't. Unless you wake up first."

"Then I can wake you like this."

Faith's smile widened.

"I'd definitely like that."

"Good, then it's a deal."

"Cool."

Faith hesitated for a moment and then kissed Buffy. Buffy reciprocated.

"Air… Air," Buffy finally mumbled and Faith stopped kissing her.

"Already?" Faith asked with a smirk.

"I felt you were gasping too," Buffy said, pouting.

Faith hesitated for a moment and then gave Buffy a quick kiss on the lips.

Buffy smiled and caressed her.

"I can't believe how much you've changed. It's like you're a whole new person."

Faith blushed.

"I'm still the old Faith, I'm just not so afraid to trust people anymore."

"Good. So, how about we get up?"

Faith moaned.

"I don't know, I kinda like it here."

Buffy smiled.

"So do I, but we have to face the gang."

Faith made a face and sighed.

"Okay," she said and rolled off Buffy.

After breakfast, Faith volunteered to help Joyce wash the dishes. She wasn't exactly a fan of washing the dishes, but she knew she needed to learn. And she needed something to do while she waited for the gang to arrive.

The LA part of the gang arrived first and Angel came running in. Buffy and Dawn went to greet them and Faith waited in the kitchen. She was relieved when the Sunnydale part of the gang arrived only a minute or so later.

"Nervous?" Joyce asked.

Faith looked at her and smiled nervously.

"Yeah."

Joyce hesitated for a moment and then spread her arms.

"Come here."

Faith hesitated, not used to hugging grownups, and then decided to go for it. She hugged Joyce and Joyce hugged her back.

"Thanks," Faith said when they stopped hugging.

Joyce smiled.

"You're welcome."

Faith smiled shyly and then took a deep breath.

"I guess this is it," she said and went to the living room.

Joyce followed her.

In the living room, everyone shut up when they saw Faith.

"Em, hi," Faith said nervously. She thought for a moment. "While I was in jail, I came up with this really neat speech, but I realize it's crap. Anyway, it boils down to one thing: I'm sorry. I know it doesn't make up for all the stuff I've done, but it sums up how I feel about it. I want to make up to you guys. If you'll let me."

Everyone stared at her for a few moments, surprised. Then Wesley stepped forward and cleared his throat.

"Well, since we're apologizing, I guess I should apologize as well. They way I acted after you killed Finch, well, I realize I may be responsible for…"

"Don't," Faith interrupted him. "Sure, you screwed up, but the decisions I made were mine."

Wesley nodded and stepped back.

"Em, I guess I should apologize as well," Willow said slowly. "I wasn't exactly a good friend after you killed Finch. I should've been more supportive instead of dropping you like a bad habit. I'm sorry."

"Yeah, she's right," Xander added. He glanced at Willow. "I guess this means you get another chance."

Faith smiled a little.

"Thanks."

"Welcome back, Faith," Giles said.

"Thanks, Giles." She looked at Angel. "I guess I should thank you for trying to help back then," she said and Angel nodded. She looked at Xander. "And you too, although it ended badly for you."

"Yeah, okay."

Faith looked at Buffy.

"Have I forgotten anything?"

"No, I don't…"

Then sounds of Hope waking up came through the baby phone and both Slayers ran upstairs.

"Wow," Xander said.

"You're never this fast," Anya said.

"Hello, baby, Mommy's here," Faith said when she and Buffy came upstairs. She picked her up and sniffed her. "All clean. Good girl," she said and kissed her on the forehead. "Let's get you dressed. B, clothes."

"All ready," Buffy reported as she prepared the clothes. "Hey, sweetie," she said and caressed the baby.

"Okay, help me here."

Faith first took off Hope's pajama and then Buffy started handing her Hope's clothes.

Downstairs, their conversation could be heard over the baby phone. Dawn wanted to go up and tell them that, but Joyce stopped her.

"You know," Buffy said, "we're gonna have to tell them."

Faith glanced at her.

"You think they'll freak?"

Buffy thought for a moment.

"No, I don't think so. They will be surprised though."

"Or not. Dawn wasn't. And your mom's cool about it."

Buffy smiled.

"Yeah, she is."

"Though Xander might have a problem."

Buffy raised an eyebrow.

"Why?"

"I don't think Anya would appreciate him watching the picture-in-picture, or whatever it's called, while they're doing the beast."

Buffy was puzzled for a moment and then burst into laughter.

"You're so bad, Faith."

Faith grinned.

"Yes, that's me. And that's just the way you like me."

"Wouldn't have you any other way."

Faith smiled.

"So, is this good?"

Buffy checked Faith's clothing.

"Yep."

"Then let's take her down." She looked at the baby. "You hungry, baby?" she asked and Hope nodded. "Don't worry, Mommy will feed you." She looked at Buffy. "Do you have a raincoat?"

"Raincoat?" Buffy asked, puzzled.

"Yeah, I don't want to get covered in baby food again."

Buffy laughed.

The gang didn't hear Buffy's answer, if there was one. They stared at the Slayers as they came down and the Slayers noticed that.

"What?" Buffy asked.

"Baby phone," Dawn explained.

The Slayers looked at the device and Faith buried her face in her free hand.

"Shit, not again."

Buffy chuckled, blushing.

"So, what's this secret you want to tell us?" Cordelia asked, eager for gossip.

The Slayers looked at one another and Buffy put her arm around Faith's waist. Faith did the same.

"We're a couple," Buffy said and several jaws dropped.

"Really?" Willow asked.

"Officially, since yesterday. But we've been in love with one another for a long time, we just never got around to admitting it to one another."

"Oh. Cool! So we can talk about… Okay, maybe not," she quickly finished, blushing.

Faith let go of Buffy and approached Cordelia.

"I heard you wanted to see Hope," she said.

"Yes," Cordelia said and looked at the girl.

"Look who's here, sweetie," Faith said, "Auntie Cordelia." She looked at Cordelia. "Wanna hold her?"

"Can I?"

"Sure."

Faith gave Hope to Cordelia.

"Hey, girl," Cordelia said and Hope giggled shyly. "She's so cute."

Faith and Buffy beamed proudly.

"Thanks," Faith said.

Spike came closer and Faith gave him a suspicious look.

"Hey, relax," Spike said. "I just wanna admire the little bugger," he said and Faith raised an eyebrow. "What? I can't help it if she's cute. She's got her mama's good looks."

"No," Faith corrected him, "she's got her mommy's good looks. Her mama didn't have anything to do with it." She smirked at Buffy. "Unfortunately."

Buffy blushed.

"That's a darn shame," Spike agreed and everyone either laughed, smiled or blushed.

"So you're, like, both her mothers?" Cordelia asked.

"Yes," Faith said. "I'm Mommy and B's Mama," she explained.

"Oh."

"Giles, we're both gonna train today," Buffy said.

"Very well," Giles said.

Hope turned and reached for Faith.

"Want Mommy to hold you?" Faith asked and Hope nodded. "Then come here," she said and took her from Cordelia. "Hungry?" she asked and Hope nodded again. "Let's get you fed." She looked at Joyce. "Mrs S?"

"Come," Joyce said and led the way to the kitchen.

"She really has changed," Xander said when Faith was gone.

"Yes," Giles agreed.

After the gang left, Faith sat on the sofa, watching Hope play in the play-pen.

"Hey, Dawnie," Faith called the girl.

"Yeah?"

"Could you go Christmas shopping with me?"

"Really?" Dawn said, excited.

Faith smiled.

"Yeah. I need to get something for B and I need your help with it."

Dawn smiled.

"No problem."

"Good. Though not too expensive, I'm kinda low on money right now."

"Sure, no problem. When?"

"Em, before lunch?"

"Now?"

"Sure."

"Okay. I'll go dress."

"Thanks."

Dawn left and Buffy came.

"What's she so happy about?" she asked.

"I asked her to go Christmas shopping with me."

"Really? I would've gone," Buffy said and pouted.

Faith smiled.

"I know, but I wanna buy you a gift and I don't want you to know what it is."

"Oh."

"But you can tell me what Dawn likes."

"I'll make you a list."

"And for your mom too."

"Okay."

"And you're gonna watch Hope."

Buffy smiled.

"No problem. And when you get back, we can go pick a Christmas tree."

Faith smiled.

"Yeah, cool. I've never picked a Christmas tree before."

"Ever decorated it?"

"Nope."

"Then I guess it's about time you learned."

"Yeah." Faith thought for a moment. "Do you use stockings?"

"No, we just put the presents under the tree."

"Oh. Okay, cool."

"Faith?"

The Slayers looked.

"Yes, Mrs S?"

"Dawn mentioned that you two are going Christmas shopping."

"Em, yeah?"

"Here," Joyce said and offered her some money.

"Whoa. What's that for?"

"Your allowance."

"My what?" Faith said, surprised, and looked at Buffy, who smiled.

"Allowance. Buffy and Dawn get it too."

"Oh. Em…"

Faith trailed off, confused.

"Take it," Buffy said. "That way you can get me more presents," she explained with a smile.

Faith chuckled.

"You sure know how to convince a girl." She looked at Joyce, uncertain. "Em, are you sure about this?"

"Yes."

Faith took a deep breath, hesitating.

"Okay then," she then said and took the money. "Thanks."

Joyce smiled and left.

"Okay, watch Hope," Faith told Buffy, "I have to go dress."

"You're going now?"

"Yes. We can go pick that tree after lunch."

"Okay. Hey, we can take Hope with us. We can go to the carrousel first."

"Yeah?"

"Yes, she loves riding on a carrousel," Buffy said and smiled. "You'll see what her reaction will be when we ask her."

"Okay. Make that list."

"I will."

Faith kissed Hope on the forehead.

"Be good, honey," she said and went upstairs.

"I thought you got lost," Buffy said with a smirk when Faith and Dawn came back from shopping.

Faith rolled her eyes.

"Are you kidding?" She looked at Hope. "Hey, baby," she said with a smile. Then she looked back at Buffy. "I just don't see what's so exciting about shopping. I mean, this is almost worse than Slaying and it doesn't even get you, well, you know how."

Buffy blushed.

"Well, I suppose if we went together…"

She trailed off and this time Faith blushed.

"Okay, all this blushing is getting embarrassing," she said.

Buffy smiled.

"I think you look cute."

Faith mock glared at her.

"I do not look cute."

"Sure you do," Buffy said. "Very cute. Right, Hope?"

"Cute," Hope confirmed and Faith smiled.

"See?" Buffy said.

"Okay, you win."

"You two are so childish," Dawn said as she passed Faith, who smiled.

"At least one of us had a good time," she said.

Buffy glanced at Dawn.

"Oh yeah, she likes to shop."

"And your mom?"

"Too."

"Must be the Summers shopping gene."

Buffy chuckled.

"Right."

"Or maybe it's contagious!"

Buffy laughed.

"Could be." She glanced at the bags. "So, how did it go?"

"No peeking," Faith said and grabbed the bags. "How'd it go? I'm broke. And I mean broke. I spent all my allowance and the cash I had from before."

"Don't worry, you get your allowance again in January."

"Thank god," she said and Buffy smiled. "Now, I'm gonna put these away in my closet. Promise you won't peek."

"I promise."

"Okay."

"Did you get Dawn to promise?" Buffy asked with a smirk.

Faith grinned.

"You bet. When's lunch?"

"As soon as Mom sets the table. I already fed Hope."

Faith smiled.

"Okay. You taking her to bed?"

"Yes."

"Then let's go."

"So, you ready for me to kick your ass?" Buffy asked as they faced one another on the mat in the back of the Magic Box.

Faith grinned.

"You think you can take me?"

"Any time."

"Then give us a kiss."

Buffy wanted to comply and nearly failed to block Faith's hit.

"That was cheating," Buffy complained.

"Oh sure, tell that to the vamps. Hey, maybe it would work, maybe the vamp would feel guilty." She grinned. "Then again, maybe not."

"That's not funny," Buffy said.

"Hey, you want that kiss, you're gonna have to earn it."

"Is that a challenge, Faith?"

"Yes, B. Let's see if you can steal that kiss. If you can, I'll reward you with a real kiss."

"Okay," Buffy agreed. Then she frowned. "What if I can't?"

Faith frowned.

"A good question. Hmm, how ever should I punish you? Maybe I should reprieve you of that real kiss." She pursed her lips, thinking. "Nah, I don't think so, that would be punishing myself. Tell you what, you get to do the dishes for a weak."

"That's not fair. If I win, you win, if I lose, you win."

Faith flashed her a big smile.

"That's called planning, B."

"Says the Queen of No Planning."

Faith grinned.

"Take it or leave it."

Buffy pouted.

"Oh god, that's not fair," Faith said. "You're using the heavy weapons on me."

"Are they working?" Buffy asked and batted her eyelashes, giving Faith her best puppy look.

Faith gulped, staring at Buffy.

"Stone would crumble under that look."

Buffy smiled.

"How about I kick your ass and then we make out?"

Faith grinned.

"How about I kick yours and then we make out?"

"How about you two just fight already?" Xander said, having heard the last part of the conversation.

Buffy glared at him and Faith grinned.

"So you wanna see some hot girlie action, X? You sure Anya would approve?"

Xander blushed.

"Okay, I'm so out of here," he said and quickly left.

Faith laughed.

"He's got it bad."

"Yes," Buffy agreed. "So, ready?"

"Let's rumble," Faith said and attacked.

"How was training?" Dawn asked when the Slayers came home.

The Slayers both blushed.

"Fine," Buffy said.

"Yeah, I kicked her ass," Faith said.

"You did not."

"Did too."

"Did not."

"Did…"

"And they call me teenager," Dawn said, rolling her eyes.

The Slayers blushed again and she left.

"Em, how about we go check on Hope?" Faith suggested.

"Yes, a good idea," Buffy quickly agreed.

When Hope finally woke up, the Slayers had to change her diaper.

"Ready to go out?" Buffy asked Faith after they finished changing the diaper.

"Sure."

"Okay, watch this."

"Hope, do you wanna go ride a horsie?"

Hope's eyes lit up.

"Ride a horsie, ride a horsie, ride a horsie," she chanted, clapping her hands excitedly.

Faith flashed a big smile.

"That was just… precious. I wish I had a camera."

"Don't worry, we taped this."

Faith looked at Buffy.

"Really?"

"Yes."

"Alright, great. I mean, did you see the way her eyes lit up?"

Buffy smiled.

"Yes. It happens every time."

"Hope ride a horsie?" Hope asked.

"Yes, sweetie. Now let's get you dressed up first, okay?"

"Kay."

Faith chuckled.

"That was so cute."

"You bet. Okay, let's get her dressed. Watch how cooperative she'll suddenly become."

"I thought you were going to pick a Christmas tree," Dawn said when she saw the Slayers all dressed up, Faith holding Hope.

"We are, but we're taking Hope to the carrousel first," Buffy said.

"Oh," Dawn said with a smile.

"Could you ready the decorations while we're gone?"

"Sure."

"You will?" Buffy said, surprised.

"Yes," Dawn said with a nod.

"Okay. Thanks."

Dawn smiled and left.

"Surprised?" Faith asked with a smirk.

"Yeah. She usually objects to doing anything I ask her that is not Hope related."

"Hey, 'tis the season."

"What does that mean, anyway?" Buffy asked as she opened the door.

Faith smirked.

"Remember Taz?"

"The Purple Chick?"

"Yeah. According to her, it's the season to get the cold. And I mean complete with having to wipe your nose every five seconds and feeling like your head is about go explode."

Buffy laughed.

"Poor Taz."

"You should've hear the way she swears, I mean, it would make the most hardened pirate blush," Faith continued and Buffy chuckled. "Boy, did she have a cold last Christmas. She was never ever sick before, but last Christmas, it was like the diseases decided to make up for the lost time."

Buffy burst into laughter.

"Oh boy."

Faith smiled and looked at Hope.

"Are you cold, sweetie?"

Hope shook her head.

"No."

"Good."

When they got to the carrousel, Hope started bouncing excitedly in Faith's arms.

"Ride a horsie, ride a horsie."

"Yes, sweetie, we're gonna ride a horsie," Faith said.

"I'll go pay," Buffy said and left.

"Okay," Faith said and went closer to the carrousel.

She quietly observed Hope, who stared at the shiny moving thing with lots of horsies, wide-eyed.

"Okay, let's go," Buffy said when she came to them and the carrousel stopped.

They went on the carrousel.

"Which horsie do you wanna ride?" Faith asked Hope.

Hope looked around.

"That horsie," she said and pointed at one.

"Okay," Faith said.

She went to the horse and mounted it, making sure Hope was safe. Buffy mounted the one next to her. The carrousel soon started moving and Hope bounced in Faith's arms excitedly and looked around.

"Watch it, she's a handful," Buffy warned Faith with a smile.

"Yeah, I'm getting that," Faith said as she made sure Hope didn't fall off.

"That was great," Faith said as they walked away from the carrousel.

Buffy smiled.

"I never thought you'd like carrousel."

"No, not the carrousel. I mean watching Hope."

"Oh," Buffy said and her smile widened. "Yeah, I love that too. Let's get that Christmas tree now."

"Okay."

"So, do you have any rules as to how it's supposed to look like?" Faith asked as she looked at the Christmas trees in the lot.

"Well, yeah, sort of. You'll see."

"Okay."

They walked among the trees for a while.

"How about that one?" Faith asked and pointed at a tree.

Buffy looked.

"Nope. The branches are already leveled. If we put the decorations on, they're gonna fall off."

"Oh. That one?"

Buffy looked at the tree.

"No, not enough branches."

"That one?"

Buffy looked at the tree.

"No, too…" She frowned. "Hmm, maybe. Stand next to it," she said and Faith obliged her. "Yep, I think it would do. We're gonna cut off the top and it'll be the right size. And we'll have to cut a couple of branches in the back and trim the bottom ones. Yep, we'll take it."

"You're a hard customer, B," Faith said with a smile.

"It's all experience," Buffy said with a smile and turned toward the salesman. "We'll take this one," she said.

The salesman turned to his son and the boy started to prepare the tree for transport. Meanwhile, Buffy haggled with the salesman over the price. Faith smiled at the sight, finding the sight of Buffy haggling cute.

"Don't tell me, experience," she said when Buffy returned.

Buffy blushed a bit and smiled.

"Yeah. I told Mom to get an artificial one, you know, less to clean up after the holidays, but she and Dawn are against it."

"They make fake Christmas trees?" Faith asked, surprised.

"Yes. You didn't know?"

"No. I mean, I was never very interested in Christmas trees and when I was little, they didn't make fake trees yet."

"Oh."

"Can you carry that thing by yourself?"

Buffy glanced at the tightly wrapped tree.

"Sure."

"Okay. Let's go home then."

When they got home, Faith opened the door.

"Dawn!" she called and Dawn came running. "Take Hope," Faith said and handed Hope to Dawn.

Then she stepped aside and helped Buffy maneuver the tree inside. Buffy took it to the living room and put in down.

"We already prepared the spot," Dawn said.

"Okay," Faith said. "Where's your mom?"

"Upstairs. I'll go get her."

"Okay."

Dawn left with Hope and the Slayers undressed.

After preparing the tree so that it fit, Buffy, Faith and Dawn decorated the tree while Joyce watched Hope, who was playing in the play-pen. It took them a while, but they were finally approaching the end.

"What do we put on top this year?" Dawn asked.

"What are the options?" Faith asked.

"Angel and star."

Faith smirked.

"Let's hang angel," she said and Buffy smiled at the pun.

"Okay," Dawn said and took the angel. She was about to climb the ladder when a thought crossed her mind. "Faith, would you like to put it on top?"

Buffy and Joyce looked at her, surprised.

"Em, sure?" Faith said, noticing Buffy's and Joyce's expressions.

Dawn gave her the angel and Faith climbed the ladder. She positioned the figurine and looked down.

"That okay?" she asked.

"Yep, got it right on the first time," Buffy said.

Faith glanced at the angel again and then climbed off.

"So, that's it?" she asked and looked at the tree.

"Yes," Buffy said.

"When do we put the presents under it?"

"Christmas Eve."

"Oh." She looked at Dawn, who was taking the ladder away. "What were you two so surprised about?" she then asked.

Buffy smiled.

"Dawn always insists on putting the angel or the star on top herself," she explained.

"Oh."

"She's almost fanatic about it. A couple of years ago, we had a real fight over it."

"Let me guess, she won," Faith said with a smirk.

Buffy smiled.

"Yeah."

Faith looked at Dawn, who came back.

"Thanks, Dawnie."

Dawn smiled.

"You're welcome."

"So does that mean I get to put that thing on top next year?" Faith asked with a smirk.

"No!" Dawn said and everyone laughed.

"Relax, Dawnie, you can do it. And thanks for the opportunity to do it myself once."

Dawn smiled.

"You're welcome."

"Em, Mom, Faith and I will go on patrol tonight," Buffy then said.

"Both of you?" Joyce asked.

"Yes. We'll go after we put Hope to bed."

"Okay. And be careful, Faith hasn't been on patrol in a long time."

Faith smiled, glad that Joyce cared about her.

"We will, Mrs S," she said, not wanting Joyce to be worried.

Joyce nodded and left.

"We should swing by Willy's bar," Buffy said when Joyce was gone.

"Why?"

"To let him know that we don't want anyone spoil our Christmas."

"Oh. Yeah."

"And when we get back, we can watch another Hope tape."

"Can I watch too?" Dawn asked.

"I think you'll be in bed then," Buffy said and Dawn made a face.

"This is so not fair," she said.

"Hello, Willy," Buffy said as she and Faith entered his bar.

"Slayer." Then he saw Faith. "You're back?"

Faith smiled.

"Yes. Miss me?"

"Eh…"

"Okay, Willy, here's what I want you to do. This is Faith's first real Christmas and I want you to tell the demons that I will be very pissed if they spoil it. Got it?"

Willy quickly nodded.

"You better," Faith said. "You've never seen her very pissed before, I have and I've got the scars to prove it."

"I'll tell them," Willy assured her.

"Good."

Faith took Buffy's hand and took her outside.

"Em, B, I hope you're not feeling guilty about what I said," she then said, noticing the look in Buffy's eyes. "I didn't want to guilt-trip you. And we're gonna have to be comfortable talking about the past, you know? About what you did to me and what I did to you and the gang. We'll have to be able to talk about it without feeling guilty. So if I say something like I did at Willy's, please don't feel guilty, because I don't blame you and I've forgiven you. Okay?"

Buffy smiled, touched by Faith's speech.

"Okay," she said and kissed her.

"Mmm, maybe I should do this more often," Faith said with a smirk. Then her face got serious. "Then again, maybe not. No, definitely not."

Buffy raised an eyebrow.

"Don't you like getting kissed?"

"Oh, I do, I just don't like making you feel bad."

"Oh."

"Come on, let's get this patrol over with, I wanna go watch another Hope tape."

Buffy smiled.

"Okay."

When they got home, they first went to check up on Hope. Then they went to their room and started to undress. When they got to the underwear, they both stopped.

"Em, you wanna take the shower first?" Faith asked.

Buffy thought about it.

"How about we take it together?"

Faith blushed.

"You serious?"

Buffy smiled, also blushing slightly.

"Yes. But I don't want to pressure you or anything, I just want to see you naked and get used to it. You know, before we, em, make love," she said, blushing deeper.

Faith chuckled and thought about it.

"Em, okay," she then agreed.

"Yes?" Buffy asked, excited.

Faith smirked.

"Yeah."

"Then let's go."

Buffy took Faith's hand and they went to the bathroom. Buffy quickly prepared everything and then they stared at one another nervously.

"Wanna do the honors?" Faith asked with a smirk and spread her arms.

Buffy gulped and slowly stepped closer. She reached behind Faith and unhooked her bra.

"I thought you didn't wear underwear," she said as she took the bra off.

Faith smiled.

"I didn't. I started wearing it after I got Hope."

"Oh," Buffy stared and stared at Faith's breasts.

"Like the view?" Faith asked with a smirk and Buffy blushed.

"Extremely," she said.

She quickly kneeled and then took off Faith's panties. She stared at her pussy for a couple of moments and then quickly got up, blushing.

"Your turn," she said and spread her arms.

Faith smiled and reached behind Buffy to unhook her bra. She took a deep breath when she saw Buffy's breasts.

"Like what you see?" Buffy asked, smiling.

"Oh yeah," Faith said and kneeled.

She and took off Buffy's panties.

"Mmm, so you are a natural," she said, staring at Buffy's pussy.

Buffy blushed.

"Of course."

Faith smiled and got up.

"Turn around," Buffy said after they stared at one another for a few moments. "Slowly."

Faith slowly turned.

"Want to sample the goods?" she asked.

Buffy blushed.

"No, I'm just visually inspecting them."

"Satisfied?"

"Very."

"Your turn."

Buffy slowly turned.

"And?"

"You're so beautiful," Faith said and Buffy blushed.

"Says the hottest girl alive," she countered and this time Faith blushed.

"Okay, how about we take that shower now, I wanna watch the tape."

"Okay. But let's not make it an erotic shower, okay? I don't want our first lovemaking to be in the shower."

Faith smiled.

"Deal. Though maybe the second?"

Buffy chuckled.

"Maybe."

"Okay let's make this shower a cold one, I need to quench the horny part."

Buffy laughed.

"Yes, a good idea. And then we can quench the hungry part while we watch the tape."

"Deal."

"Hey," Dawn said when Faith came out of the bathroom.

"Hey, Dawnie."

"Dawn?" Buffy said as she came out.

Dawn looked from one Slayer to the other and back.

"Oh no, you didn't."

"Did what?" Faith asked innocently.

"You know, have sex," Dawn said and Faith and Buffy blushed.

Faith chuckled.

"Relax, we just took a shower together. It wasn't even erotic." She glanced at Buffy. "Well, it was, but not that erotic."

"Okay, way too much info," Dawn said and turned around.

"I thought you wanted to use the bathroom," Faith said.

"Later," Dawn said. "Right now I'm in a very bad visual place," she said and closed the door of her room.

Faith chuckled and Buffy blushed.

"Okay, let's go make something to eat and then watch that tape," Faith said and took Buffy's hand.

A week later, after the Christmas party was over, the Slayers lay in bed, facing one another.

"Are you happy?" Buffy asked after a while and tucked a stray curl of Faith's hair behind Faith's ear.

Faith's face slowly became one big smile.

"I'll take that as a yes," Buffy said with a smile.

"You bet," Faith said. "And the party was great. I mean, it wasn't like the parties I'm used to, but it was nice, you know, with family and friends and stuff."

Buffy smiled.

"Yeah."

"I still can't believe they bought me presents and I bought nothing for them."

"You'll buy something next year."

"Yeah. Remind me to save some money."

"I will." Buffy smiled. "You know, I kinda like you like that."

"Like how?"

Buffy thought for a moment.

"Natural, yourself."

"Yeah, well, I don't really care about my tough girl image anymore."

"I think you're very tough."

Faith raised an eyebrow.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, you're not afraid to show your emotions anymore."

"Oh." She frowned. "And that makes me tough?"

"Sure. Before, you only pretended to be tough, now you are. Because now you have something that's worth fighting for."

Faith smiled.

"You bet I do."

Buffy caressed Faith.

"I love you, Faith."

Faith smiled shyly.

"I love you too, Buffy."

"Good night."

"Good night."

They tightened their embrace and slowly drifted off to sleep.

The End