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. The names were stolen from Hercules - The Legendary Journey, but the characters have absolutely nothing to do with those from Hercules. Oh yeah, I know shit about Druids, except that they probably weren't around yet when the Stonehenge was built. This one was inspired by Kevin Beckett's Militat Omnis Amans, a Buffy/Willow fic which absolutely rocks. It can be found on buffywantswillow Mailing List. The text in italics represents thoughts and the dialog in italics and in the quotation marks is in the minds of Buffy and Faith. The sequel to Fall From Grace.

Return to Grace
By Kristjan Brezovnik

The Druids prepared to open the hellmouth. They made a circle and Mabon and the Slayer, Morrigan, kept watch over the demons.

"Do you think that they will be okay?" Morrigan asked Mabon as she scanned the horizon for approaching demons.

"I don't know. They were strong, very strong, but they had so many issues to deal with. And after a thousand years in Hell… Who knows."

"A thousand years?" Morrigan asked, puzzled. "But they've only been there for three months."

"Of our time. Time goes faster in Hell."

"But shouldn't they be dead then?"

"This is Hell we are talking about. Time may run faster, but they do not age."

"Oh," Morrigan said, not understanding how that may be possible.

"They are coming," Mabon said and Morrigan got ready. "From one side only. Go."

Morrigan nodded and ran toward the demons. Mabon stared after her for a few moments, hoping she would survive. Then he turned back to the circle and waited for the hellmouth to open.

Morrigan was nervous. She had faced demons before, but there was always someone to back her up. And now she was alone, against several hundred demons. Sure, there were Druids that protected the circle, but they wouldn't last long if the demons reached them. She took a deep breath and concentrated only on slaying.

As Mabon waited for the Druids to open the hellmouth, he had to admit that he was nervous, scared even. Hey may be a warrior-mage, and a very experienced one at that, but going to Hell simply scared him. He wondered how the Slayers had fared once they had been sucked to Hell.

His wondering was interrupted by the ground shaking. He took a deep breath and prepared himself. The ground started to crumble and finally a hole opened.

"Go!" he heard.

He launched himself into the air and dived through the hole straight to Hell. He was a bit disoriented at first, but he quickly regained his bearings. He concentrated and tried to detect the Slayers. It took him a while as the high concentration of demons interfered with his ability to spot the Slayers. And, of course, the fact that the demons rushed to attack him didn't help at all. It took all his skills to fend off the demons. Fortunately, his goal wasn't to kill the demons but save the Slayers.

After what seemed an eternity to him, he finally reached the Slayers. They weren't even chained, they just lay, naked and bloody, on the ground. He somersaulted over the demons, putting away his sword, and landed beside the Slayers.

"Now!" he called as he grabbed them.

An invisible hand grabbed him and lifted him into the air. Several flying demons attacked him, but he managed to avoid them all. The journey out of Hell seemed to take forever, but he finally reached the opening. He somersaulted over the Druids and the Druids started to close the hellmouth again. He put the Slayers on the ground and looked toward Morrigan. He was a bit puzzled when he saw that she had only engaged the demons a few moments ago, but then he remembered the time differential. He immediately ran to help her as a couple of Druids went to help the Slayers, who instinctively hugged one another.

Morrigan was puzzled when she saw Mabon on his way to help her, after all, he was supposed to be in Hell. But then she saw the Slayers lying on the ground just outside the magic circle and she realized that he was already back. She didn't know how that was possible, but she wasn't complaining.

After Mabon joined Morrigan, the demons soon realized that it was in their best interest to retreat. And so they did.

"Thank Goddess," Morrigan said when they were gone. She looked at the Slayers. "The Slayers?"

Mabon nodded.

"Yes. Come."

They went to the Slayers.

"How are they?" Morrigan asked.

Mabon sighed.

"Not good. We can heal their physical wounds, but mental, that's up to them."

They quietly walked back to Buffy and Faith, who were being taken care of by the Druids. When they reached them, Morrigan curiously observed the Slayers from the future. There was blood all over them and skin was missing in some places. The Druids had apparently given up on separating them and they had to push the bandages between their bodies to properly bandage them. Morrigan could see their eyes moved rapidly beneath their eyelids and she wondered just what they were going through.

"What do we do now?"

"We wait," Mabon said and looked at the Druids, who had already closed the hellmouth again. "We will seal the hellmouth in three months. Hopefully, the Slayers will recover by then."

"And if not?"

"Then we will have to fend off the demons by ourselves."

"Oh."

Bronagh and Brigid were feeding the Slayers again, as they had done for almost two months before. It was strange to see two such powerful girls reduced to zombies, they were alive, but their minds have shut off, their bodies working on automatic. The physical wounds have healed, but the mental wounds remained and the two Druids were afraid that it was the end. Still, they felt power rippling through the Slayers' bodies and they persisted. They fed them and cleaned them everyday, praying to the Goddess.

Then, suddenly, Brigid felt a surge of power in Faith and Faith's eyes focused. Faith's hands moved and she threw Brigid away. Then she looked around and when she saw Bronagh holding Buffy, she attacked him, pushing him away. She growled at the two Druids, hovering protectively over Buffy, and the Druids backed off. Faith watched them until they were at a safe distance and then looked at Buffy. She didn't know who either of them was, but her instincts were telling her to protect Buffy at all cost.

She kneeled beside Buffy and slowly touched her cheek to make sure Buffy was real. When Buffy didn't go away, she gently caressed her and then took Buffy's hand into her own. She stared at her for a few moments and then changed position. She sat down and put Buffy's head into her lap. She then stared at Buffy's face and played with her locks, all the time keeping an eye on the Druids. She softly sang a melody, which was actually a spell.

"Why did she attack you?" Morrigan asked when Bronagh and Brigid came back.

"She is acting on instinct now," Brigid said. "She is scared and the only things that matter to her now is Buffy's safety and her own survival. In that order."

"So what do we do?"

"We wait."

Finally, about an hour later, Faith felt a surge of power in Buffy and a few moments later, Buffy's eyes focused. She smiled. Buffy quickly sat up and faced her. Faith slowly kneeled. They stared at one another for a few moments and then Buffy slowly reached out and touched Faith. When Faith didn't disappear, she caressed her. Faith captured her hand with her own and kissed the palm. With the other, she cupped Buffy's cheek and Buffy captured her palm and kissed it. They stared at one another for a few minutes, touching their faces. Tears slowly ran down their cheeks, but they were tears of happiness.

Then their survival instincts kicked in and they looked at the Druids. When they made sure that the Druids weren't a threat, they looked around the camp to get a feel of the situation. Then they looked at one another, took one another's hand and ran off.

"Where are they going?"

"Nowhere in particular," Bronagh said as Brigid sent her familiar after them.

"Not too close," Mabon warned her and Brigid nodded.

"Too close?" Morrigan asked.

"Her familiar," Mabon said and nodded at the bird.

Morrigan looked.

"Oh. You think they'd kill it?"

"If they considered it a threat."

Buffy and Faith ran, holding their hands. They had no particular destination in mind, they just ran, to get away from the Druids and just for the sake of it. When the night fell, they huddled in some bushes and fell asleep, hugging one another.

They ran for the whole next day, but on the second morning, they were hungry. They became hunters and it didn't take them long to track down a boar. They attacked it, but neither could bring herself to kill it. So they let it go. They stared at it until it was gone and then they looked at one another, puzzled. Buffy reached out with her hand and Faith accepted it. They hesitated for a few moments and then headed back.

"Interesting," Brigid said.

"What?" Morrigan asked.

"They caught a boar, but neither could bring herself to kill it."

"Really?"

"Yes. They let it go and they are heading back."

"Here?"

"Yes."

After two days, Buffy and Faith finally reached the Druid camp. They carefully approached it, their senses ready. They slowly circled around it and when they made sure that it was safe, they slowly came closer. They stopped at the edge, right on the spot where they had first come around. They crouched and observed the Druids. They saw Mabon get up and get some food. They were hungry, but they were also patient. They warily observed Mabon as he approached them.

Mabon stopped a few meters from the Slayers and crouched. Then he extended his hands and offered the food to the Slayers. The Slayers hesitated and Mabon tried the food himself. The Slayers could detect no trap, so they slowly moved closer, took the food from Mabon and quickly retreated again. They waited until Mabon had retreated and then slowly started to eat.

"How come they came back?" Morrigan asked.

"They remembered that we were feeding them," Brigid said. "At least Faith."

"And Buffy?

"She has seen the plates and she trusts Faith."

"Oh."

About a week later, Buffy's memories started to come back.

"Faith," she said and Faith slowly looked at her, puzzled. "Faith," she repeated and looked at Faith.

Faith stared at her for a while, trying to remember.

"Buffy?" she said, uncertain.

Buffy nodded.

"Buffy."

"Faith," Faith said to herself.

"I… I remember," Buffy whispered.

Faith looked at her.

"Me… too."

They slowly hugged and started to cry.

"They are remembering," Bronagh said, noticing the Slayers move.

Brigid nodded.

"Yes. We should wait."

Bronagh nodded.

When Buffy and Faith stopped crying, they silently lay for a while, staring into one another's eyes.

"Now I know you," Buffy finally broke the silence.

"And I know you," Faith said.

They were quiet again for a while, both still afraid to be honest with one another. Finally Faith broke the silence.

"Buffy?"

"Yes?"

"I… I…" Faith took a deep breath, forcing herself to look into Buffy's eyes. "I… I… love… you."

A smile slowly spread across Buffy's face.

"I love you too, Faith," she said and tears started to run down Faith's cheeks. She frowned. "Why are you crying?"

Faith sobbed for a few moments.

"I'm so happy," she said. "And I don't deserve you."

"I'll be the judge of that, Faith," Buffy said and kissed her on the forehead. "And I declare that you do deserve me," she then whispered.

Faith sobbed again.

"But…"

Buffy covered Faith's lips with her fingers.

"No buts, Faith. We start from scratch, remember?"

Faith nodded. Then she smiled shyly.

"Bear with me?"

Buffy smiled.

"Always."

They stared at one another for a few moments and then Buffy slowly leaned in for a kiss. Faith hesitated for a moment and then leaned in as well. The kiss was soft, gentle, and short, but it was enough to reassure both of them. Just as they stopped kissing, Faith's stomach announced its presence. They both chuckled.

"I'm hungry," Faith said.

"Me too," Buffy said.

They tried to sit, but it took them a few moments. They had to let go of one another and neither liked the feeling. They heard footsteps and both turned, fear in their eyes. But they were relieved when they saw Mabon, who stopped a few steps from them so he wouldn't scare them.

"We're hungry," Faith said.

Mabon nodded and left.

The Slayers looked around.

"We're still at Stonehenge," Buffy observed.

"Who's the girl?"

Buffy looked.

"I don't know."

"Mmm, food," Faith thought as she saw Mabon returning with food.

"What?" Buffy said and looked at her, surprised.

"What?" Faith said, puzzled.

"I thought I heard you say something about food, only I didn't hear you, at least not hear hear you, you know? It was like I heard you in my head."

"Yeah?"

"Yes."

Then Mabon came closer and put the food in front of them.

"You came back for us," Buffy said.

Mabon nodded.

"Yes."

"How long… Shit. How long have we… been… there?"

"Three months."

Buffy frowned.

"Seemed like years."

"It probably was," Mabon said.

"Oh."

"Eat and rest now."

Mabon left and Buffy then noticed that Faith was staring at her with a frown.

"What?"

"You said, 'Shit'," Faith said.

Buffy frowned.

"I did?"

"No, I mean, not said said, but… Shit, I sound like you."

"I heard that!"

Faith frowned.

"What?"

"You said you sounded like me."

Faith thought for a moment.

"No, I thought it."

"Yes, yes, that's what I mean."

Faith frowned again.

"You can hear my thoughts?"

"And apparently you can hear mine."

"But how?"

"I don't know."

"Think something."

You're so beautiful.

"Well?" Faith prompted Buffy after a moment.

"I did."

"I didn't hear you."

"Obviously you can't hear all my thoughts. Now you think something."

You're so beautiful.

"I think I heard… You said something about me. I didn't catch what it was."

"Yes."

"What did you say?"

Faith blushed.

"I said you're beautiful."

Buffy chuckled.

"I thought the same thing," she explained to the puzzled Faith.

"Oh," Faith said and smiled.

"We'll have to ask Mabon about it."

Faith nodded and her stomach growled again.

"Let's eat," she said.

Buffy smiled and they ate.

"They love one another," Bronagh observed.

Brigid nodded.

"Yes. And they are scared. They may not know it, but they are."

"What should we do?" Mabon asked.

"Wait," Brigid said. "They have been through hell, literally, and it will take them a long time to accept it. But first, they have to get used to the fact that this is real, not an illusion. We need to give them space, let them think about it. They will come to us if they need anything."

Bronagh nodded in agreement.

"Still hungry?" Faith asked after they ate.

"A bit," Buffy said.

"Wanna get some more?"

Buffy thought about it.

"Nah, I'll wait for lunch."

"Okay."

They were quiet for a while.

"I'm so nervous," Buffy then said.

"About what?"

"About going to them."

Faith looked at the Druids.

"Yeah, me too." She thought for a moment. "I think they know that."

"You think?"

Faith nodded.

"They're empaths."

"Oh. Yes." She took a deep breath. "I still can't believe they came back for us."

"Yeah," Faith agreed and gulped.

They were quiet for a while again.

"I'm scared," Buffy then said.

"Me too," Faith said and put her arm around Buffy's waist.

Buffy did the same and leaned her head on Faith's shoulder. Faith, in turn, leaned her head on Buffy's and they remained that way until lunch, enjoying the comfort one another's touch.

"You ready?" Buffy asked when she saw that the Druids were getting ready for lunch.

Faith took a deep breath and raised her head.

"Yeah."

"Then let's go."

They let go of one another and picked up their plates. They slowly approached the Druids and stopped when Mabon approached them.

"You should wash your cups," he said and pointed at the buckets of water intended for that purpose.

The Slayers nodded and went to the buckets. They washed their cups and then stepped in line. They were relieved when the Druids gave them some space.

When they got to the food, they retreated again, but not as far as before.

"We really should talk to them," Faith said after they washed their cups after lunch.

Buffy glanced at the Druids.

"Yeah." She took a deep breath. "Shall we?"

"Okay."

They left the cups to dry, took one another's hand and went to Mabon, Brigid, Bronagh and Morrigan.

"Welcome," Brigid said with a smile when they came close enough.

"Hi," Buffy said nervously.

"Hi," Faith said, equally nervous. "Thanks for saving us."

Brigid nodded.

"You're welcome."

"So, the hellmouth is now closed?" Buffy asked.

"Not quite," Brigid said and the Slayers' eyes went wide from fear. "It is closed, but we still have to seal it. We will do that in a few weeks."

The Slayers swallowed hard.

"And… the demons?" Faith asked.

"Some are still around," Mabon said.

"Will… Will you need our… help?" Buffy asked.

"We might."

"Oh," Buffy said, scared, and gripped Faith's hand tighter.

"Don't worry, we are more than capable of dealing with them," Mabon said.

The Slayers took a deep breath, glancing at one another.

"Who's she?" Faith asked and nodded at Morrigan.

"This is Morrigan," Mabon said. "She is the Slayer."

"The Slayer?"

"She is from the present, our present, and there is only one Slayer now."

"Oh."

"Em, Bronagh," Buffy then spoke as she remembered something.

"Yes?"

"Those… em… things we wore, were they… diapers?" she asked, blushing.

Bronagh nodded.

"Yes. You responded only when we fed you, so we had to do something about…"

"Okay, I get it," Buffy said, blushing even deeper.

"We got rid of them," Faith said, annoyed that she was blushing.

"We know."

"You… Oh, the bird."

"You noticed it?" Brigid asked.

"Yes. We thought it was following us for a while, but then it went hunting and we realized it wasn't a threat."

"I see."

Faith looked at Buffy.

"Buffy?"

Buffy looked at her, startled.

"Faith?"

"Yes. Should we ask them about the telepathy thing?"

"What?"

"Should we ask them about the telepathy thing?"

"Did you say if we should ask them about the telepathy thing?"

"Yes."

Buffy thought for a moment.

"Okay."

"Okay." Faith looked at the Druids. "Em, can we ask you about something?"

"Of course," Brigid said.

Faith hesitated for a moment.

"Well, ever since we… we… came… back," she took a deep breath, "well, actually, since we, em, you know, came around, em, we, well, we can hear one another's… thoughts. Sort of."

"Really?" Brigid said and glanced at Bronagh. "Interesting. I haven't heard of someone being telepathic since… since I was a child."

"Can you hear other people's thoughts?" Bronagh asked.

"No, just Buffy's. And she can hear mine. Not all the time, though. And only if we concentrate."

"I see."

"Do you know why?" Buffy asked.

Bronagh hesitated for a moment.

"Well, I would guess that it has to do with your experience in… Hell."

The Slayers gulped, their eyes wide.

"Your bond has deepened," Brigid said.

The Slayers gulped and nodded.

"Talk about it," Mabon said. "It will help you deal with it."

Buffy nodded and they left.

"Where are we going?" Faith asked when she noticed that they were leaving the camp.

"Not far," Buffy said. "We need to talk about it."

"No," Faith said and stopped.

Buffy turned.

"We have to. Remember what happened after you killed Allan?" she asked and Faith nodded, scared. "We have to make sure it doesn't happen again."

"I… I… I'm… scared," Faith whispered.

Buffy hugged her.

"Shh, I'm here, Faith, always."

Faith hugged her back, trembling.

When Faith calmed down a minute later, she let go of Buffy.

"Ready?" Buffy asked.

Faith smiled nervously.

"Not really, but you're right."

Buffy smiled and caressed her.

"Come, let's sit over there."

Faith nodded and they went to a large rock. They sat down and Buffy started to talk.

"How are they?" Morrigan asked an hour later, when the Slayers still hadn't returned.

"Scared," Brigid said, "ashamed. Sad."

"You can feel their emotions?"

Brigid nodded.

"They are screaming." She looked at Bronagh and Mabon. "We will have to teach them to contain their emotions."

Bronagh and Mabon nodded.

The next morning, Buffy was awoken by Faith's mumbling in sleep and she kept having flashes of what Faith was going through. She gently shook her.

"Faith?"

"No!" Faith screamed, curling like a fetus, covering her head.

"It's over."

"No."

"Faith, it's over. The nightmare is over," Buffy said.

Faith peeked between her arms.

"How do you know?"

"I feel it. We're not in Hell anymore," she said and hugged Faith. "We're free," she whispered and tears started to flow down her cheeks.

"Free?" Faith whispered, afraid that if she said it too loud, she would find herself in Hell again.

"Yes."

Faith wrapped her arms around Buffy.

"I'm scared," she said and started to cry.

"Me too."

Buffy and Faith didn't return till the next day. They had talked extensively, crying all the time, comforting one another. For Faith, who was not used to sharing her emotions or crying openly, it was a new and frightening experience, but since Buffy was by her side, she forced herself to open up. They mostly talked about the bad things, even though they both knew the other's fears intimately, but they wanted them out in the open, acknowledge them, deal with them and then move on. When there was nothing more to talk about, they quietly sat next to one another, hugging, comforting one another. They had nightmares again during the night, but each was comforted by the other's presence.

When they returned, it was lunch time. They took their cups and stepped in line, relieved that the Druids gave them space.

"Buffy?" Faith said as they ate.

"Yes?"

"When… When we were fighting the demons before… before…" she took a deep breath, "before we were sucked to… Hell, you were in Super Slayer mode. How… How did it feel?"

Buffy thought for a moment.

"It was like the time slowed down. I could see what the demons were about to do before they did it. And when they moved, I moved faster."

"Were you… in control?"

"Completely. I mean, it was incredible. It was…I think I could see magic flow."

"Really?"

"Yes. I knew exactly where everyone was and I knew who was a demon and who was not. I remember closing my eyes for a few moments and I could still see."

Faith took a deep breath.

"I was thinking about the warrior-mage stuff, but… I'm afraid I'll screw up again. I mean, it was bad enough when I screwed up when I was just a Slayer, but if I screw up as a warrior-mage…"

She shuddered and Buffy put her arm around her shoulder.

"It's okay, Faith, nobody's forcing you to do anything."

Faith nodded and took a deep breath. Buffy kissed her on the temple and let go of her.

"Em, I need to go pee," Buffy said a couple of hours later and Faith got up to go with her. "No, I… I want to go by myself."

"Are you sure?" Faith asked.

Buffy nodded.

"We have to get used to it."

"Okay."

Buffy took a deep breath and left the camp. Faith stared after her until she was gone, and then started to pace around nervously. She didn't like being separated from Buffy. Then she noticed Morrigan was staring at her. She had seen Morrigan practice with Mabon and she knew that the girl was good. Not as good as her or Buffy, but good anyway. She stared back for a few moments and then decided to practice a bit with her in order to get her mind off of the fact that Buffy was not there.

"Hey," she said when she approached her.

"Hi," Morrigan said slightly nervous.

"Do you wanna practice?"

"With you?" Morrigan asked.

"Yeah."

"Okay."

Faith looked at Mabon.

"Do you have a spare sword? I lost mine in… Hell."

Mabon gave her his own sword.

"You sure?" Faith asked as she took it.

Mabon nodded.

"Yes."

"Okay," Faith said and faced Morrigan. "Come."

Morrigan followed her to the practicing ground and they started to spar.

When Buffy returned to the camp and saw Faith and Morrigan spar, she thought that Morrigan was attacking Faith. Her instincts took over and she went into Super Slayer mode, ready to protect Faith.

Faith felt that something was wrong and it took her a moment to realize what it was. She quickly turned, dropping her sword, and she managed to intercept Buffy before she killed Morrigan. They went tumbling on the ground and Faith ended on top.

"Buffy, it's okay, we were only practicing," Faith quickly said when they stopped rolling.

"What?" Buffy said, reverting back to normal.

"We were only practicing," Faith repeated.

Buffy stared at her for a moment and then hugged her, trembling. Faith hugged her back and they silently cried for a few minutes.

"I was so scared," Buffy finally whispered.

"I know," Faith whispered back.

She let go of Buffy and Buffy let go of her. Faith then cupped Buffy's face.

"I love you," Buffy said.

Faith smiled.

"I love you too," she said and kissed her on the forehead. "Now, I think you owe someone an apology."

Buffy glanced at Morrigan and nodded. Faith got up and offered Buffy her hand. Buffy accepted it and got up as well. Faith picked up Mabon's sword and then they went to Morrigan, who had returned to Mabon, confused.

"I'm sorry, Morrigan," Buffy said as Faith returned the sword to Mabon. "When I saw you two fighting, I thought you were trying to hurt Faith."

Morrigan nodded.

"I thought so," she said and smiled. "It's okay."

"Thanks," Buffy said and smiled back shyly.

Faith then led Buffy back to their place.

"I thought you were in control when you went Super Slayer."

Buffy nodded.

"I was. I thought she was trying to hurt you and I wanted to kill her, even though I knew what she was." She frowned. "It's scary, but…" She sighed. "I can't help feeling overly protective of you."

Faith smiled.

"I know what you mean. I probably scared the shit out of Brigid and Bronagh when I came around."

"Really?"

"Yeah. They were feeding us and I suddenly came around. I pushed Brigid away and when I saw Bronagh holding you, I pushed him away too. I mean, I just wanted to protect you at all cost."

Buffy smiled.

"Thank you."

"And thank you," Faith said with a smile. She thought for a moment. "You know, I think I'm gonna go through with the warrior-mage thing."

"Really?" Buffy asked, excited.

"Yeah. I don't want you to worry about me when we're fighting. Too much."

Buffy smiled.

"I can't exactly help myself."

Faith leaned her head on Buffy's shoulder and Buffy kissed her on the head and then leaned her own head on Faith's.

"Do you want to practice?" she asked.

"Later," Faith said. "Right now, I'm in the middle of my newfound favorite activity."

Buffy raised an eyebrow.

"And that is?"

Faith grinned.

"Cuddling."

Buffy chuckled.

"Then don't let me disturb you."

"I won't."

Buffy smiled.

"So, the big bad Faith likes to cuddle?"

Faith smiled sheepishly.

"Big bad Faith is history. And as far as the new Faith is concerned, she definitely likes to cuddle, especially with her girl."

Buffy looked at her.

"You called me your girl."

Faith looked at Buffy, worried.

"Yeah? I mean, we are a couple, aren't we?"

Buffy flashed a big smile.

"Definitely," she said and gave her a peck on the nose. "I like the sound of that."

"What? That you're my girl?"

"Aha. And you're mine."

"Forever, B."

"Me too, Faith. Now, let's cuddle some more. And then we'll practice."

"Okay."

After a long cuddling session, they decided to practice. They went to Mabon, who lent a sword to Faith.

"Damn," Faith said as they circled one another.

"What?" Buffy asked.

"I'm afraid to start this. I mean, I don't want to hurt you."

Buffy smiled.

"Yes, I know how you feel. But I won't hold it against you. Not that you can."

Faith raised an eyebrow.

"Is that a challenge?"

Buffy smirked.

"Yes."

Faith smirked back.

"Okay then," she said and attacked.

Mabon and Morrigan watched as Buffy and Faith pounded one another with a passion. Morrigan was impressed.

"It looks like they're dancing," she observed.

"Yes," Mabon agreed.

"And they're so fast. Is Buffy holding back?"

"Yes."

After a while, Morrigan got bored. Buffy and Faith were still lovingly pounding one another with undiminished strength and speed and the fight lost its novelty. So she asked Mabon to practice with her. And it wasn't until they had stopped practicing that Buffy and Faith stopped as well.

"Are you actually enjoying this?" Morrigan asked as they came closer.

Faith grinned.

"Yes. It gets us hungry and…"

"Faith!" Buffy interrupted her, blushing.

Faith smiled sheepishly.

"Well, it gets us very… hungry." She smirked. "For a low fat yogurt," she added and Buffy blushed. She looked back at Morrigan. "We can share some Slayer secrets."

"Faith," Buffy warned her.

"What?" Faith said innocently. "You know it's true."

"You don't need to go announce it to the world. And besides, I'm sure she's smart enough to know what you're talking about."

Faith grinned and looked at back at Morrigan.

"I guess no sharing then," she said and winked at her. She looked at Mabon and her face became serious. "Em, I've decided to go through the warrior-mage ritual."

"Are you sure?" Mabon asked.

Faith nodded.

"Yes."

Mabon nodded.

"We will perform it before we seal the hellmouth," he said.

"Okay. Cool." She looked at Buffy. "You know what's the only thing I'm gonna regret?"

"What?" Buffy asked, worried.

"That we can't get married," Faith said and Buffy's eyes went wide.

"You mean that? I mean…"

Faith smiled.

"Yes."

"Oh, Faith," Buffy said and hugged her.

"Actually, you can," Mabon said.

"What?" Buffy said and she and Faith looked at him.

"You can get married."

"Really?" Faith asked, excited.

Mabon nodded.

"There is a hand-fasting ceremony that equals marriage."

"And it doesn't matter that we're both girls?" Buffy asked.

"No."

Buffy's face became one big smile.

"Great."

"So, does that mean you'll marry me?" Faith asked and Buffy looked at her.

"Oh yes, you bet," Buffy said, excited, and hugged her. "I'll marry you," she whispered.

"When?" Faith asked Mabon, looking at him over Buffy's shoulder.

Mabon thought for a moment.

"I was thinking after your initiation. That way you will both be equal and you would perfectly complement one another."

"Yes, that's a good idea," Buffy agreed and looked at Mabon. "Thanks."

Buffy then concentrated and a ring appeared instead of a sword.

"Wow, nice," Faith said, impressed.

"Yeah," Buffy said and the ring disappeared again. "We can make rings like that."

"Yes," Faith said, excited. "Oh, this is getting better and better," she said and Buffy chuckled. "What?"

"You're acting all girly."

"I'm not," Faith said and pouted.

"Are too."

"Am not." She looked at Morrigan. "Tell her I'm not."

"Em, actually, you are," Morrigan said and received a glare from Faith.

"Thanks a lot."

"See?" Buffy said. "And I think it's cute."

"I'm not cute."

"No, of course not," Buffy said, but her eyes contradicted her.

"That's not funny," Faith said, glaring at her.

"No, of course not," Buffy said, trying hard not to laugh.

"Oh, sure, make fun of me, see if I care," Faith said and walked away, pouting.

Buffy laughed and ran after her.

"Sorry," she said and took her hand. "But I like it. Really."

Faith looked at her.

"You do?"

"Sure," Buffy said, nodding. "A lot."

Faith stared at her for a few moments, trying to determine if Buffy was serious.

"Okay," she then said, deciding that Buffy was indeed serious.

"And now we can plan."

Faith frowned.

"What?"

"You know, the wedding."

"Eh, I don't think there's much to plan, B. I mean, I get initiated, we get married and we kick the demons' asses. And then we go home."

"That doesn't mean we can't plan. And besides, I was thinking we could have a sort of party when we get home, you know, in honor of our hand-fasting."

Faith thought about this.

"Sounds okay, but…"

"What?"

"Well, you think they'll be okay with this?"

Buffy thought for a moment.

"Well, I think they'll be surprised at first, but then they should accept it and be happy for us. And when they do, we can have a party."

Faith smiled.

"Sounds like a plan. Let's plan."

Buffy watched the ceremony anxiously. She was a bit freaked out when the bluish dome appeared and the four colored pillars, but then she recalled the same thing happened during her initiation. She watched anxiously as Faith levitated and a sword appeared in her hand. Only when the initiation was over did she relax. Faith came to her with a relieved smile and they hugged.

"How do you feel?" Buffy asked.

Faith smiled.

"Incredible." She looked at her hand and concentrated. "Wow," she said when a sword appeared. "Cool." She concentrated again and the sword disappeared. She looked at Buffy. "Ready to get married?"

Buffy smiled.

"Always."

Faith smiled and took her hand. They returned to the circle and Bronagh led the hand-fasting ceremony. Neither Slayer paid much attention and answered mostly on automatic, their thoughts consumed by one another. When it was time for the rings, they both concentrated and two rings appeared in their hands. They placed them on one another's ring fingers. They were both startled when a flash surrounded the rings. They tried to move them, but the rings had fused to the skin. Bronagh was also startled, but he continued with the ceremony. When they sealed their vows with the final kiss, the air crackled around them.

"Wow," Buffy said when they stopped kissing.

"Yeah, wow," Faith agreed.

"That was… interesting," Bronagh said.

"It's usually not that intense?" Buffy asked him.

"No."

"Oh."

"We should get ready," Brigid said.

"The demons?" Faith asked.

"Yes. They are approaching the hellmouth."

"Okay, let's get dressed then."

"Scared?" Faith asked as they waited for the demons to come closer.

"Yeah," Buffy said.

"Me too."

Buffy gently squeezed her hand.

"Don't worry, they can't hurt us anymore."

Faith smiled a little, nervous.

"I know," she said and took a deep breath. "I guess it's payback time."

"Oh yeah," Buffy agreed.

Just as the Druids got ready to begin the ritual, the demons approached. There weren't as many as there were the first time, but they both went into Super Slayer mode. Buffy let Faith do most of the slaying so she would get used to her new powers. Instead, she watched over Morrigan.

The demons soon realized they were in way over their heads and started to retreat, but Faith followed them. Buffy went after her to make sure that it wasn't a trap, and Morrigan and Mabon stayed behind to make sure that the ritual would not be interrupted.

Then, suddenly, the ground shook and huge boulders erupted from the ground within the magic circle.

"What is going on?" Morrigan asked, worried.

"They are sealing the hellmouth," Mabon explained.

"Oh."

Morrigan watched, fascinated, as the boulders kept appearing from the ground. And they kept on appearing for a while, until a complex circular formation stood where the hellmouth used to be.

"So that's how the Stonehenge came to be," Buffy said and Morrigan jerked, startled.

"Stonehenge?" she asked.

"That's what this will be called in our time."

"It still exists then?"

"Oh yeah."

"Wow."

Faith looked at the Druids.

"You think they'll have the strength to send us back?" she asked.

"I hope so," Buffy said. "I really don't want to spend another three months here." She looked at Mabon. "Not that it's that bad, but I really miss the comforts of my own time."

Mabon nodded, smiling.

Bronagh and Brigid slowly approached them. They smiled as they got closer.

"Well, so much for this hellmouth," Brigid said.

"Yeah. Nice work," Faith said.

"So, em, when are you gonna send us back?" Buffy asked.

"In a few hours. We need to rest first."

"Okay. I guess we better change to our own clothes then."

"Yes."

"Come on then."

Buffy and Faith went to their bags and started to change.

"So, how did you like it?" Buffy asked as they changed their clothes.

"What?"

"The Super Slayer mode."

Faith grinned.

"Wicked awesome. And you were right, I had complete control. It was so amazing."

Buffy smiled.

"Yeah." She glanced at Faith's leather pants. "Did I ever tell you that you look hot in leather?"

Faith grinned again.

"No."

"Well, you do."

"I know," Faith purred.

Buffy smiled.

"So, how about some cuddling before we go back?" she asked.

Faith grinned.

"You bet."

"Oh, I believe this is yours," Buffy said and took out the knife with which she had stabbed.

Faith jerked, startled. She gulped, staring at the knife nervously.

"Take it," Buffy said.

Faith hesitated and then slowly reached out for the knife. She stared at it for a few moments and then looked at Buffy.

"We both have bad memories connected to that knife," Buffy said. "We'll destroy it when we get home."

Faith nodded and put the knife away. Then she took a deep breath and looked at Buffy.

"So, you mentioned cuddling?"

Buffy smiled.

"Come."

Several hours later, when the Druids regained their strength, they formed a circle again, with Buffy and Faith standing in the center, holding their hands.

"Thank you for helping us," Bronagh said.

"And thank you," Buffy said, "for being patient with us and for bringing us together."

"Yeah," Faith agreed. "Thanks."

Bronagh nodded with a smile.

"Are you ready?"

"Yeah."

The Druids concentrated and started to chant. A minute later, a portal opened.

"Bye!" Buffy called, waving her hand, and then she and Faith entered the portal.

When they reached the other side, the portal closed and both Slayers took a deep breath.

"Wow," Buffy thought.

"Yeah," Faith agreed.

Buffy felt Faith's tension and she looked at her.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

Faith sighed.

"We're back."

"Yeah?"

"I'm a murderer, remember?"

"I know," Buffy said. "But you've changed."

Faith looked down.

"Do you want me turn myself in?"

"What?" Buffy said, surprised. "No." She sighed. "Look, I know how you feel about it and believe me, no prison can punish you worse than you're already punishing yourself. And you know that I know."

"What about… the guys?"

Buffy sighed again.

"Don't worry about them. They'll be upset and they won't trust you, but they'll come around once they see that you've really changed. And besides, I'll stand by your side, Faith."

Faith sighed and looked at her.

"I love you."

Buffy smiled.

"I love you too. Now come on, let's go kill the Mayor."

"No."

"What?" Buffy said, surprised.

"Not yet, he's immortal," Faith quickly explained.

"Oh."

"We can kill him once he transforms."

"Okay."

"Let's destroy this knife now."

Faith raised the knife so it was in between them. They both touched it and concentrated. A few moments later, the knife was dust.

"Wow," Buffy said.

"Now beat me up."

"What?" Buffy said, startled.

"Angel, remember? We have to get to him and give him some of my blood."

"Your blood? Why yours?" Buffy asked.

"Because I'm the one who poisoned him, B. I have to do this."

Buffy sighed and nodded.

"Okay."

"And you have to beat me up so that no vamp that might be spying on me will suspect that I'm on your side. And I can't face the Mayor, he may feel that I'm stronger."

"So? You don't have to face him."

"You don't understand. He manipulated the evidence in the murder cases. If he finds out that I'm helping you, he can implicate me."

"Oh." She frowned. "I don't want to beat you."

"You have to, B." Faith cupped Buffy's face. "It won't hurt."

"It will hurt me."

Faith kissed Buffy.

"It has to be done."

Buffy swallowed hard, her eyes wide.

"Faith."

"Do it."

Buffy hesitated for a moment and then moved. A second later, Faith was lying on the other side of the terrace, all bruised up and moaning.

"Faith!" Buffy screamed and was immediately by her side. "Are you okay?" she asked, worried.

Faith smiled.

"Five by… Oh fuck it. I'm fine, B, a bit sore but fine."

"Really?"

Faith looked Buffy in the eyes and saw that she was scared.

"Really. Now pick me up and carry me to the mansion."

Buffy frowned.

"Why?"

"The spies, remember? They have to think that you beat me."

"Oh. Okay." Buffy picked Faith up. "You sure you're okay?"

"Yes. Now excuse me while I pass out."

"What?" Buffy said, worried.

"Relax, I won't pass out, I'll just pretend," Faith quickly calmed her.

"Oh. Okay."

"Good," Faith said and pretended she was passed out.

"Faith?" Buffy thought to Faith.

"Right here, B," Faith thought back.

"Good."

"Buffy!" Willow said when she saw Buffy entered. "Faith?" she said, surprised, when she noticed that Buffy was carrying Faith.

"Go watch the windows," Buffy said.

"Why?" Willow asked, puzzled.

"Because I don't want anyone watching us."

"Oh. Okay. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Willow."

Willow and Oz went to the windows to make sure they weren't being watched, and Buffy let Faith down.

"Buffy!" Willow called, worried.

Buffy looked at her.

"It's okay, Willow, she's on our side."

Buffy ad Willow then watched as Faith slowly walked to Angel. Faith sat down beside him.

"Hey, Soul Boy," she said, "it's me, Faith. Remember me? I'm the one who poisoned you." She leaned closer. "Look, my neck. Don't you just want to taste that Slayer blood? Mmm. Come..."

She trailed off as Angel morphed and stuck his fangs into her neck.

"Faith!" Buffy screamed, worried, when Faith and Angel crashed to the ground.

"I'm fine," Faith thought to her.

Buffy nervously waited for ten seconds and then pulled Angel away from Faith.

"Faith?" she asked as she kneeled beside her. "Faith, are you okay?" she asked, taking her hand.

"Fine," Faith said and opened her eyes. "A bit dizzy." She looked at Angel. "How is he?"

Buffy looked at Angel.

"Angel?" she asked when she saw him sitting up.

"Buffy?" Angel asked, puzzled. Then he noticed Faith. "Faith?" he asked, even more puzzled.

"How do you feel?" Buffy asked.

Angel looked at her and thought for a moment.

"Fine. You…" He looked at Faith and saw that she was the one with the bite marks. "She saved me."

"Yes," Buffy said and Angel looked at her, puzzled. "It's a long story. Faith is on our side now." She looked at Faith, who was getting up. "Why do you still have the bite marks?"

"Disguise," Faith said. "I'll stay here until the showdown. Chain me to the wall."

Buffy glanced at the chains.

"Why?"

"The potential spies, remember?"

"Oh." She glanced at the chains again. "But they can't hold you."

"The vamps don't know that."

"Oh."

"Come."

They went to the chains and Faith sat down and let Buffy chain her.

"You okay?" Buffy thought to Faith.

Faith smiled.

"Fine. Go make the plan and let me know when it's time for me to come out and play."

Buffy smiled.

"Okay." She got up and looked at the others. "Let's go to the library, I have a plan."

Everyone stared at her, confused.

"What about… her?" Willow asked and pointed at Faith.

"She'll wait here until I call her."

Willow was completely confused.

"Is it just me or is something strange going on?"

"Definitely something strange," Oz agreed.

"Come on," Buffy said as she walked past Angel.

"Buffy!" Xander said, glad to see her. "Angel?" He looked at Buffy. "How…"

"Faith gave him some of her blood," Buffy said.

"Faith?" Xander asked, puzzled, and looked at Willow.

"How is she?" Giles asked.

"Faith? She's fine," Buffy said. "She's on our side now."

"She is?" Giles asked, surprised.

"Yes. We'll explain later, right now we have to go over the plan."

"What plan?" Xander asked.

"How to kill the Mayor."

"You have a plan?"

"Yes." She concentrated. "What do you know, Faith?"

"There will be a solar eclipse when he transforms. The vamps will be there to contain the students."

"Okay."

"Buffy?" Xander said.

"Yes?"

"The plan."

"Oh, right. There will be a solar eclipse when he transforms. The vamps will be there to contain the students. Since there will be an eclipse, Angel will be able to help. Faith and I will take on the Mayor and you and the rest of the students will have to protect yourselves and the parents."

"You and Faith?" Willow asked.

"Yes, me and Faith."

"Em, I hate to break it to you," Xander said, "but he will turn into one huge demon."

"We've killed bigger."

Xander frowned.

"You have?"

"Yes. Now, as soon as the transformation begins, you will have to line up the students behind the parents. They should all have crossbows and stakes. When all lines fire their arrows, it will be hand to hand. Hopefully, Faith and I will be able to kill the Mayor by then."

Everyone stared at Buffy like she was crazy.

"Em, Buffy," Wesley then spoke, "Xander does have a point. The demon the Mayor wants to turn into will be big."

Buffy looked at him.

"Wes, trust me. Compared to some of the demons Faith and I have killed, he's a pussy." She noticed that everyone was looking at her like she was crazy. She sighed. "Have you ever heard of warrior-mages?"

"Em, yes."

"What's that?" Xander asked.

"In the old times, when magic was spread all over the world, warrior-mages were powerful mages who were very skilled at fighting," Giles explained. "At least that's what the records say."

"And they're right," Buffy confirmed. "Faith and I are both warrior-mages."

"You are?" Giles said, puzzled.

"Yes. Trust me on this, Giles. We'll tell you everything as soon as we kill the Mayor." She looked around and saw that everyone was skeptic. She rolled her eyes and was about to materialize her sword, but she changed her mind and looked at Angel instead. "Angel, hit me."

"Why?" Angel asked.

"Just hit me, okay? As strong as you can," she added when Angel came closer.

Angel hesitated for a moment and then hit her as hard as he could.

"Au!" he said when his fist hit an invisible barrier and he felt his strength get drained. "What happened?"

"Just a little trick I learned. I projected a barrier and when you hit it, it absorbed your power. A stronger demon could punch through, but the shield would slow the punch and warn me." She looked at Giles. "Now do you believe me?"

"I guess," Giles said slowly. "We will have to talk about this."

"And we will," Buffy said. "After we kill the Mayor. Now, the details."

"I wish you were here," Buffy thought to Faith as she lay in her bed at night.

"Me too," Faith agreed from the mansion.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Now go to sleep, we need to be focused tomorrow."

Buffy sighed.

"I just wish I could be there for you if you have a nightmare."

"Ditto."

"Don't hesitated to call me if you wake up, okay?"

"Okay."

"I love you, Faith."

"I love you too, Buffy.

"Everyone ready?" Buffy asked as she got to her seat.

"Yes," Willow said.

"The Mayor?"

"Over there."

Buffy looked and saw him.

"Okay. Faith, he's here. You can come, but stay hidden until he begins to transform."

"I'm on my way," Faith answered.

"Okay. See you in a few."

"Yes."

"Faith is on her way," Buffy told Willow.

"How do you know?" Willow asked, confused.

"We're sort of telepathic. But just with one another."

"Really?"

"Yes. We'll tell you later."

"Okay," Willow said, puzzled.

After she broke the chains, Faith ran as fast as she could and she reached the school in no time.

"I'm ready," she told Buffy when she arrived.

"Okay," Buffy said.

Faith hid and looked for Buffy. She located her in no time, even though all the students wore identical robes. She watched from her hiding place as the slimy excuse for a principal gave his speech. Then it was the Mayor's turn. She felt uneasy about what she was about to do, but she knew it was the right thing. She listened to what he was saying and she realized it was a good speech, if he'd meant any of it. When he started to convulse, she knew it was almost time. And then, as soon as he started to transform, Buffy ordered the students to move. She watched as the Scooby Gang directed the student body behind the parents, ready to fend off the vamps.

"Faith!" Buffy's mental call interrupted her observation.

"Right here," she thought back and ran to help her.

"Hey," Buffy smiled at Faith when she reached her, glad that the bruises and the bite mark were gone.

Faith smiled back.

"Hey."

"Ready?" Buffy asked and materialized her sword.

Faith took a deep breath and looked at the transforming Mayor.

"Yeah," she said and materialized her own sword. "As soon as the transformation is complete."

Buffy nodded and they waited.

"Faith," the Mayor said, surprised, when the transformation was complete and he saw Faith there.

"What is going on here!" Snyder said. "I protest! This is…"

He trailed off when the Mayor's tail hit him in the head, breaking his neck.

"Hi, Boss," Faith said, finding it a bit funny to hear the giant snake demon talk like the Mayor. She hesitated for a moment. "Thank you for being a family, but I can't let you go on with this. I'm sorry."

She attacked with her sword, piercing the Mayor through his jaw. Buffy was right behind her and when the Mayor raised his head in pain, trying to get rid of Faith, Buffy jumped up, stuck her sword into his body just below the head and then let the gravity do its job. The Mayor wanted to crush her, but she jumped aside. She looked at Faith, but Faith was already jumping back up, ready to take out the Mayor's eyes. Buffy waited until Faith had her legs securely around the Mayor's neck and took out an eye. The Mayor raised his head again, trying to roar, and Buffy jumped again, continuing to cut his underside open. The Mayor tried to crush her again, but then Faith took out his other eye. Faith then stuck he sword into the Mayor's back and started to cut him open from behind. The mayor trashed around, trying to get rid of the Slayers, but the Slayers evaded him, cutting him open as they did.

In the meanwhile, the vampires showed up and Xander commanded the students to fire at them with burning arrows. Willow, Oz and Cordelia took care of lighting the arrows and Xander ordered the students to fire. When the first line had fired, they kneeled and Xander ordered the next line to fire. By the time the last line had fired, there was some serious confusion in the vampire ranks.

"Attack!" Xander then ordered and the Scooby Gang ran toward the vamps, followed by the rest of the students.

The Mayor was slowly losing strength and the Slayers finally managed to wear him off. As soon as his head hit the ground, they started to chop it off. It didn't take them long as there was already severe damage to the neck.

"You could use a shower," Buffy said when they finally chopped off the Mayor's head.

Faith looked at her.

"So could you."

Buffy looked at herself and saw that she was also covered in blood.

"Yuck!"

Faith laughed.

"You're a spaz."

Buffy playfully slapped her on the arm.

"Not funny. I like this dress."

"You'll get another one," Faith said with a smile. "Now let's go kill some vamps."

Buffy looked at the melee.

"Let's go."

They ran to the students and quickly started dispatching the vamps to Hell. The vamps quickly noticed that they were in some serious shit and they decided to retreat. When they were gone, some students started to cheer, but they quickly stopped, not really having the energy.

"You're a mess."

They Slayers turned and saw Xander.

"Where are the others?" Buffy asked.

"They're alive. There."

The Slayers looked and saw the rest of the gang coming close. They smiled, relieved.

"That was… amazing," Giles said.

"Indeed," Wesley agreed.

"Thanks," Buffy said. she noticed that everyone stared at Faith and that Faith was feeling uncomfortable. "We need a shower. When do you want us to tell you our story? Tomorrow?"

"I'm beat, but I don't think I can sleep right now," Xander said.

"Then let's all get a shower and meet back at our house. Say in one hour?"

"Fine with me," Xander said.

"Okay. We'll see you guys later," Buffy said, taking Faith's hand.

They concentrated and the swords were gone.

"Did you see that?" Willow said, surprised.

"Yes," Oz said.

"Is it just me or is there something going on between the two of them?" Xander asked when they were gone.

"Looks like they're a couple," Cordelia said and everybody looked at her, surprised. "What? Just look at them."

Everyone looked at the Slayers and considered the idea.

"But how?" Wesley asked. "I mean, yesterday, they hated one another."

"I guess we will find out in an hour," Giles said.

"Mom, we're home!" Buffy called when she and Faith entered the house.

Joyce immediately came.

"Buffy! How…" She trailed off when she saw the blood on Buffy. "Buffy! What… Faith?"

"It's okay, Mom," Buffy quickly assured her, "this isn't our blood."

"Oh."

"Everything went okay and I don't think anyone was killed on our side."

"I see," Joyce said, still a bit shaken by Buffy's and Faith's appearances.

"We'll take a shower now. The guys will come over in an hour." She looked at Faith. "Should we tell her everything?" she asked her.

Faith thought for a moment.

"Yes."

"Okay." Buffy looked back at her mother. "We have something to tell them and we want you to be there."

"Okay, honey," Joyce said. "Do you want anything to eat?"

"No."

"Faith?"

"No, thanks."

"Come," Buffy said and led the way to the shower.

"B," Faith said as Buffy washed her hands.

"Yes?" Buffy asked, glancing at Faith.

"Where will I stay?"

"Stay?" Buffy said, puzzled, as she prepared the showering accessories. "Oh! Here, where else?"

"What about your Mom?"

"Don't worry about her, she won't mind."

"How can you be so sure?"

"I know her. She likes you. And after accepting that I'm a Slayer, I don't think there are many things that would freak her out."

"Oh."

"Come on, let's get rid of these clothes."

The Slayers slowly undressed.

"You know, I've seen you naked, but seeing you naked up close is even better," Faith said as she stared at Buffy.

Buffy blushed.

"I know," she said. "So, em, do you think we have time for a real bath?" Buffy asked and glanced at the bath tub.

Faith chuckled.

"I don't think so, B."

"Oh well," Buffy said and stepped into the shower booth.

Faith followed her.

"Eh, B?" Faith said when Buffy ran her hand across her nipples.

"Yes?" Buffy asked and looked into Faith's eyes, blushing.

"I don't think that's a good idea."

Buffy frowned.

"What?" she asked and Faith looked at her nipples. "Oh!" She frowned again. "Why not?"

"Because I really don't want to get all horny right now."

"Oh," Buffy said, blushing.

"And I want our first time to be in bed."

"Okay."

"We'll definitely have to take a cold shower when we're done," Faith said and Buffy's blush deepened.

"Okay, that was cold," Faith declared as they dried themselves.

"Yes," Buffy agreed.

"I'll make it up to you. Tonight," Faith whispered and Buffy blushed.

"I just can't wait," she said with a smile.

"Me neither."

Buffy took a deep breath.

"If we keep teasing one another, we're gonna need another cold shower."

Faith grinned.

"You got a point there," she agreed. "Okay, I'm dry."

"Me too."

Faith took Buffy's hand and they left the bathroom.

"Oh, hello, girls," Joyce said as she came by. She frowned a little when she noticed that they were both wrapped in towels. "You took a shower together?"

The Slayers glanced at one another, blushing.

"Em, yes," Buffy said. "Should we tell her now?" she asked Faith.

"Whatever you think is best," Faith said, "she's your mom."

Buffy took a deep breath.

"Eh, Mom, there's something we need to tell you," she then said. "Faith and I, we're a couple."

Joyce looked from one Slayer to the other and back.

"A couple? Like you and Angel?"

"Yes. And I'd like Faith to live with us."

Joyce thought for a few moments.

"I'll go prepare a room for her."

"Em, actually, I was hoping she could stay in my room," Buffy quickly said, blushing.

"In your room? But you only have one… Oh. You mean…"

"Mom, we've slept together before." She sighed. "Look, you'll understand things better when you know the whole story. I'm not gay and Faith isn't either, I think, but we love each other."

Joyce looked from one Slayer to the other again. Then she took a deep breath.

"I need to think about this."

Buffy nodded.

"Okay, Mom."

Joyce left and Buffy quickly led Faith to her room.

"That went well," Faith commented. "Didn't it?"

Buffy smiled.

"Yes," she said and dropped her towel.

Faith did the same.

"Oh no."

"What?" Buffy asked. "What's wrong?"

"I don't have any clothes," Faith explained.

"Oh. You can wear mine."

"That is the problem, B, me and pastels don't mix."

Buffy pouted.

"I don't have just pastels, I have darker colors as well."

"Mhm."

"I do. Look." Buffy rummaged through her closet and took out some clothes she thought would suit Faith. "See?"

Faith looked at the clothes and smirked.

"Cute."

"Exactly!" Buffy agreed. "They'd suit you perfectly. I think even Cordelia would agree."

"B, I'm a leather girl."

Buffy stepped closer.

"Do you want to impress the others or do you want to look pretty for me?" she asked seductively, making Faith blush.

"Well, you do have a point there, B."

"I do," Buffy said with a nod. "And besides, you don't really have to impress anyone, do you? Except me, of course."

"Of course."

"There, see? Let me get you some underwear." Buffy got out the bra and the panties and gave them to Faith. "Here."

"Thanks."

They dressed and then Faith looked at herself. She wasn't exactly used to the clothes she was wearing, but she had to admit that she looked quite okay, sort of reminded her of what Cordelia was usually wearing.

"You look nice."

Faith looked up.

"Nice?"

"Oh yeah," Buffy said, nodding enthusiastically. "Very pretty."

Faith blushed.

"Thanks.

Buffy smiled.

"You're welcome," she said and gave her a peck on the nose.

"A peck?" Faith asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Don't want to get you too horny," Buffy said and smirked. "Yet."

"Oh," Faith said and blushed a bit.

Buffy smiled and took her hand.

"Let's go clean up the bathroom now."

"Okay."

When the hour was finally up, the Slayers waited nervously in the living room for the Scooby Gang to arrive. They were especially nervous since Joyce appeared to be avoiding them as well. Finally, the rang bell and Buffy got up to go open the door, but Joyce beat her to it.

"You ready?" Buffy asked Faith.

Faith took a deep breath.

"Yeah."

The Scooby Gang filed in and Buffy had a feeling that they've met outside. She sat beside Faith again and took her hand.

"Hi, Buffy," Willow said.

"Hey," Buffy said and smiled.

Everyone was quiet as they found themselves a place to sit. Buffy was a bit nervous about Angel's reaction.

"What is it?" Faith asked her, noticing her tenseness.

"I'm worried about Angel's reaction."

"Oh."

Buffy took a deep breath.

"I love you."

"I love you too."

"Ready?"

Faith sighed.

"Yeah."

"Do you want to tell it?"

Faith thought for a moment.

"No."

"Okay."

"Does anyone want anything to drink?" Joyce asked when the gang was finally seated.

She received multiple negative answers, so she found herself a seat as well.

Buffy took a deep breath when everyone was finally settled.

"Okay, this first part is mainly for Mom's benefit, but I think it will explain a lot to the rest of you. So, Mom, you might already know some of it, but I'll tell it anyway. It starts with the night Faith killed Finch. It was an accident, but she was still scared, too scared to deal. And instead of being there for her, we dropped her like a bad habit. We all thought she was bad and she believed it. She went to the Mayor to spy on him, but he offered her something none of us could, a family."

"How do you know?" Xander interrupted.

"I'll get to that. So anyway, the Mayor didn't judge her, he accepted her with all her faults and she was ready to kill for him. And she had." She paused for a moment and squeezed Faith's hand, having noticed her tenseness. "After she poisoned Angel, I was furious. I went to her and I was ready to kill her if necessary, I wanted her blood to save Angel. We fought and I stabbed her." She took a deep breath, noticing the looks on her friends' faces. "That's when things got weird. Just when I stabbed her, a portal opened beside us and we heard a voice asking us for help. We got sucked through because they got distracted by demons and we ended up somewhere in Scotland several thousand years ago."

"Who are 'they'?" Willow asked.

"The Druids."

"The Druids?" Giles asked, curious.

"Yes. So anyway, Faith and I hated each other's guts at first, but then we got along. The Druids taught us some serious mojo and then we met Mabon, who was a warrior-mage. He taught us more." She looked at Giles and Wesley. "We'll tell you later. Anyway, I later got initiated as a warrior-mage, but Faith refused. She was afraid that she might abuse her powers again." Buffy took a deep breath and gently squeezed Faith's hand. "You okay?"

Faith sighed.

"Yeah."

"You sure?"

"Yeah."

"Okay. So anyway," Buffy continued aloud, "we kicked some serious demon butt, but… Oh, did I mention that it all happened at Stonehenge?"

"Stonehenge?" Giles said, confused.

"Yes. There was a hellmouth there and the Druids wanted to seal it because there was too much demon traffic."

"I see."

"So, we kicked some major demon butt, but we got sucked to Hell. One of them, anyway. We killed some more demons there, but they eventually captured us."

"In Hell?" Willow asked, wide-eyed.

"Yes. I had to relive my own fears and Faith's and she had to relive her own and mine." She looked at Xander. "That's how I know how she felt." She sighed. "I don't know how long we spent in Hell, but I think it was a thousand years or so, local time. All I know is that when the Druids got us out again, three months had passed on Earth."

"Wait," Xander said. "I thought the Druids had closed the hellmouth."

"Yes, but they hadn't sealed it. They wanted to rescue us first."

"Oh."

Buffy took a deep breath.

"It took us a couple of months to recover. Then Faith decided that she was ready to be initiated as a warrior-mage." She hesitated for a moment. "Should we tell them about the hand-fasting?" she asked Faith.

"Yes."

"Okay. Anyway," she continued aloud, "after Faith's initiation, we also had our hand-fasting ceremony."

"A what?" Cordelia asked.

"They got married!" Willow said, wide-eyed.

"Yes," Buffy said and blushed.

"Married?" Joyce asked, puzzled.

"It's a wiccan ritual," Willow explained. "Sort of like your Church marriage."

"Oh." She frowned and looked at the Slayers. "You're married?"

"Em, yes," Buffy said nervously and showed her her wedding ring.

Faith did the same.

"Are those wedding rings?" Xander asked and leaned closer.

"Yes. Em, anyway, after we got… married, a whole lot of demons came and we had to kill them. After that, the Druids finally sealed the hellmouth. That's how the Stonehenge came to be, by the way."

"Really?" Wesley said, curious.

"Yes. Should we tell them about telepathy?"

"Yes."

"And we're also telepathic. But just with one another."

"Fascinating," Wesley said.

"And when we killed the Mayor, you only saw a small part of our skills."

"Really?"

"Yes." She looked around. "We'll tell you the details some other time."

"Oh. Yes, of course."

"Well, that's about it," Buffy then said. "Faith is on our side now. The reason why I carried her over to the mansion and why I chained her to the wall was because we didn't want some vamp spy report to the Mayor that she was on our side. He could've manipulated the evidence and implicated Faith in the murders." She looked around. "Look, I'm not expecting you to be all best friends with her, but I want you to give her a chance to prove to you that she has changed."

"I think we can do that," Giles broke the silence.

"Thanks, Giles."

Faith took a deep breath.

"I know Buffy spoke for me," she said, "but I need to say it myself. I'm sorry." She sighed. "I know it doesn't make everything alright, but I'll do my best to make up for what I've done."

She looked around nervously, but then she relaxed a bit when she saw Buffy smiling at her.

"It's gonna be okay," Buffy thought to her.

"I hope so."

Buffy squeezed her hand reassuringly.

"I think we should go now," Giles said and got up.

"We'll come to you tomorrow and tell you the details," Buffy said.

Giles nodded.

"Yes, good."

"Faith, I need to talk to Angel," Buffy thought to Faith.

"Okay."

"I love you."

"I love you too."

"Angel," Buffy called and Angel slowed down. "Are you okay?" she asked.

Angel nodded.

"Yes."

Buffy hesitated for a moment.

"And how do you feel about me and Faith?"

Angel glanced at Faith.

"She makes you happy, that's all that matters."

"Thanks." She thought for a moment. "Where will you go now?"

"LA."

"Oh. Take care."

"You too, Buffy."

Buffy nodded, and Angel left. Then she returned to Faith and hugged her around the waist.

"You let me listen," Faith said as she hugged her back.

Buffy nodded.

"Yes. It's over between Angel and me."

"I know."

"We'll go pick up your stuff tomorrow, okay?"

Faith nodded.

"Yes." She thought for a moment. "You know, I've been thinking a bit."

"Yeah?"

"You're going to college, right?"

"Yes."

"I wanna go with you."

"To college?" Buffy said, surprised.

Faith nodded.

"Yeah." She smirked. "I know, me, Faith, wanting to go to school."

Buffy smiled.

"It used to be hard to imagine," she said with a nod. "But you need to take the GED first."

Faith grimaced.

"Yeah, I know."

Buffy smiled and cupped Faith's cheek.

"Hey, I could help you with your studies."

Faith grinned.

"More like distract me," she said, and Buffy blushed.

"Well, yeah… Hey, we could share the dorm room."

Faith smiled.

"That'd be great."

Joyce, who had been quietly observing the conversation, noticed the way they stared at one another and she had to admit that they did love each other. Still, she had so many questions. She cleared her throat and the Slayers immediately jumped apart, blushing.

"Shit," Buffy thought.

"Damn," Faith thought and looked down, nervous.

Buffy felt Faith's fear and took her hand.

"It'll be alright," she thought to Faith.

Joyce noticed that Buffy was very protective of Faith, who seemed to be very nervous.

"Faith," she said.

Faith looked at her and Joyce could see that she was afraid. She found it ironic that Faith, a Slayer, superhero and whatnot, was afraid of her. She looked at Buffy and saw that she too was nervous.

"You can stay here," she said and Faith relaxed a bit.

"Thanks, Mrs S."

"Can she stay in my room?" Buffy asked hopefully.

Joyce looked from one Slayer to the other and back. She knew Buffy was sexually active, but she just felt overly protective about her when it came to sex. But she had a feeling that Buffy and Faith had already made love and she knew that they would find a way to make love again, even if they didn't share a room.

"Yes," she said and Buffy flashed a big smile, while Faith flashed a shy one.

"Thanks, Mom," Buffy said.

"Thanks, Mrs S," Faith said.

"Now, I have some questions for the two of you," she said and the two Slayers immediately became worried. "I just need to understand a few things," she quickly added.

"Okay," Buffy said. She looked at Faith. "You okay with this?"

Faith took a deep breath.

"Yeah, I guess. I don't want to have secrets from her."

"Okay."

Buffy led Faith to the sofa and Joyce followed them. They sat and Joyce observed the Slayers for a few moments, noticing that they were both very nervous.

"I want to know more about you Faith, what happened to you." She looked at Buffy. "And you."

Both Slayers flinched.

"Oh boy," Buffy thought. She gently squeezed Faith's hand. "Ready?"

"Not really," Faith thought and took a deep breath. "Let's do it."

"Okay."

As the Slayers explained to Joyce Faith's role in the bad events and why Buffy had stabbed her, Joyce observed them. She noticed that they both felt guilty over what had happened and they both wanted somehow to take the blame and comfort the other at the same time. It was interesting how the most powerful girls in the world were at the same time so fragile.

When they were done telling the story and answering the questions about the past, they were all silent for a while, Joyce thinking, and Buffy and Faith nervously awaiting the outcome.

"I hope you've learned from your mistakes," Joyce finally said, and both Slayers heaved a sigh of relief.

"We have, Mom," Buffy said and Faith nodded.

"Good."

"Em, Mrs S?" Faith said.

"Yes, Faith?"

"Em, I've decided to go college, which means I'll have to take the GED and I was wondering if you could, em, help me with the paperwork and… stuff," Faith said nervously.

Joyce looked at her, surprised.

"I will," she then said, glad that Faith had learned responsibility.

"Thanks," Faith said and smiled a little.

"Are you hungry?" Joyce asked when she heard Buffy's stomach announce its presence.

"Yeah," Buffy said.

"Come, I'll make you something to eat."

Joyce got up and went to the kitchen.

"That went well," Faith said as she and Buffy got up.

"Yeah," Buffy agreed and they followed Joyce.

As the Slayers ate, Joyce quietly observed them. She had a feeling that they were playing footsie under the table, but she wasn't sure. And it didn't really bother her. She noticed the way they kept looking at one another and she realized she was a bit jealous of them. She remembered how she and Hank had looked at one another like that. But that was in the past. She hoped that Buffy's and Faith's relationship would last. She had a feeling it would, but she had seen too many weird things to be sure of anything anymore. Still, she could hope.

"Girls," she finally said, and the Slayers looked at her. She realized they were still nervous. "I'm okay with you two being together."

Buffy and Faith smiled.

"Really?" Buffy asked.

"Yes."

"Thanks, Mom."

"Yeah, thanks, Mrs S," Faith said.

Joyce smiled, hoping that the nervousness would disappear.

After dinner, Buffy and Faith went to bed.

"Now, how about I make it up to you now?" Faith whispered in Buffy's ear as they lay down.

Buffy smiled.

"Oh yeah."

Faith nibbled on her ear as she slipped her hand under Buffy's pajama top. Buffy groaned as Faith's fingers caressed her nipples. Then Faith suddenly stopped and Buffy could feel her tension.

"What's wrong?" she asked, worried, and turned to face her.

Faith sighed and removed her hand.

"Sorry," she said. "I do want to… make love to you, it's just…"

"What?" Buffy asked when Faith trailed off.

Faith sighed again.

"I… I want… I need to mourn the Mayor. You know? I mean, I know he was one sick bastard, but he was there for me when nobody else was. And even though he was crazy, I think he did love me. In a way."

"I understand," Buffy said and caressed her. "We can make love tomorrow. Or whenever you're ready."

"You mean that?"

Buffy smiled and caressed her.

"Yes. I'll wait as long as it takes, Faith," she said and Faith smiled a bit.

"Thanks."

"Hey, I love you."

"And I love you," Faith said and leaned in for a kiss.

Buffy did the same and they kissed. When they stopped, Faith cuddled up to Buffy and Buffy hugged her protectively.

"Good night, Faith."

"Good night, Buffy."

The End