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. Okay, I had this one planned out as a snippet, an alternative ending to the Buffy episode The Gift. Then I got the idea for a sequel, when Faith returns. And then I read Snoe's Gethsemane. It was dark and depressing. And great, of course. Fortunately, I had a minor case of writer's block and so this didn't turn out as depressing as I had intended at first. I also joined the original snippet and the sequel and this weird piece came out. Enjoy!

The Gift
By Kristjan Brezovnik

When Faith woke up in the middle of the night, she was confused. She just had a weird dream, but she wasn't sure what kind. Or if it was her dream at all, she felt more like an observer. But the message was loud and clear, death was her gift, which meant there was something she had to do and she would probably die doing it.

She called Angel the next day and he filled her in on what was going on in Sunnydale. She found out that Buffy had a major problem with a goddess from Hell, who was after her sister. She also found out that Joyce had died. She knew it must be hard on Buffy and Dawn. But right now they had a bigger problem and they needed her help.

When she finally got to Sunnydale, after breaking out of jail, Faith kept a low profile. She was starving by then. She considered robbing a store, but she decided to visit a public kitchen instead, she wanted to do the right thing the right way, which meant no breaking the law. She felt strange among the people that came there for their meal. They were homeless, like her, all but forgotten. Well, at least she could save the world before she went to Hell.

When hunger was quenched for a while, she went to the cemetery to visit Joyce's grave. When she found it, she stared at it, feeling sad and angry. She was sad because she knew Joyce cared about her and would probably have helped her, if she had known she was in trouble, and she was angry that Joyce had to die so soon and in such a way.

"Thanks for caring, Mrs S," she finally said.

Then she left.

After a couple of days of spying on the Slayerettes, she more or less knew what they were up against. Since nobody knew where Glory was holding Dawn, who was apparently some strange supernatural thing and not Buffy's sister, she couldn't do anything but wait.

When the day finally came, she was ready. She knew what the plan was and she was determined to protect Dawn, not only because the world would end if she was wounded but because she meant the world to Buffy, was actually the only family Buffy had after Joyce died.

The gang followed Willow's girlfriend, Tara, she remembered, who seemed to have lost a couple of marbles. She followed from afar.

When they got to the site, the fight soon began. Faith sneaked around the site and tried to sneak up from behind and free Dawn. She heard Dawn call Buffy from the top of the tower and she was on her way to save her, when she saw Glory kick Buffy's head off. She was so shocked she just froze in mid stride. But then another Buffy attacked Glory, and Faith realized that the first Buffy was only a robot or something.

She was relieved and she continued her approach. Unfortunately, some of Glory's minions noticed her and it took her a while to kill them and knock out the crazies, who, she felt, were human. Then she continued.

She saw Buffy and Glory go at one another on the tower and then they crashed down. She stopped, worried about Buffy, but then Buffy and Glory got up and continued the fight. Then she saw Spike run up the tower and she followed him, knocking aside a couple of crazies.

By the time she got to the top, she saw some crazy, she wasn't quite sure whether he was human or not, throw Spike off the tower and proceed to cut Dawn.

"No!" Faith screamed.

Doc turned around, surprised.

"Another hero?" he asked.

"No, not really," Faith said and walked past him. When she saw that he had wounded Dawn, she turned around, furious. "You bastard," she said and pushed him off the tower.

"Faith," Dawn said, surprised. "What… How…"

"Long story, kid," Faith said and started to free Dawn. "Come on, let's get you…"

Then all hell broke loose, literally, as a couple of drops of Dawn's blood fell over the edge. They both stared at the portal.

"Tell Buffy I'm sorry," Dawn said and ran past Faith.

"Whoa," Faith said and stopped her. "What do you think you're doing?"

"I have to jump. The energy."

"No."

"I have to. I know about the ritual. It's the only way. The blood starts it, and until the blood stops flowing, it'll never stop."

Faith stared at Dawn, but then she understood, remembering what Spike had said in one of the meetings. She stared at her for a few moments and then looked at Buffy, who was on her way up. She also understood something else. Death was her gift, but she wasn't the receiver, she was the giver. She looked back at Dawn.

"You think the blood of a Slayer would do the job?"

"What?" Dawn said, surprised.

"Let's find out," Faith said and approached the portal.

"Wait!"

Faith turned.

"If I don't do it, Buffy will," she said and smiled. "It's about time I do the right thing."

Dawn stared at her, surprised.

"Why… Why are you doing this?"

Faith thought for a moment.

"Because it's my destiny." She sighed and glanced at Buffy, who was almost at the top now. "Tell her I…" She sighed. "No, never mind." She took a deep breath. "Tell her I'm sorry. And if she feels guilty over stabbing me, tell her not to, it wasn't her fault." She smiled. "Cross your fingers, kid, and take good care of her."

Faith then turned, ran to the portal and jumped.

Just then Buffy reached the top.

"Dawn!" she screamed and hugger her sister. "Everything okay?"

Dawn nodded, staring at the portal, where Faith was hanging motionless, obviously in pain.

"Faith?" Buffy said, surprised.

Dawn nodded again.

"She wanted to do the right thing," she said. "She said it was her destiny, but I think she did it for you."

Buffy looked at her, surprised. Then she looked at the portal, which was slowly closing. She jerked, surprised, when she suddenly felt like she was being caressed all over her body. It wasn't an erotic feeling but one of being loved. She understood then. Death was her gift. Faith's death was Faith's gift to her.

She gulped and looked down, where the gang were approaching the tower. They were looking at something and when she looked closer, she saw it was Faith's lifeless body.

The ceremony was short and there were no speeches, but the entire Scooby Gang was there. When the priest left, Dawn looked at Giles and told him with her eyes to take the Scooby Gang away. Giles nodded and did so.

"She said she was sorry," Dawn then said.

"What?" Buffy said, startled, and looked at Dawn.

"Faith. She said she was sorry. And she said if you feel guilty about stabbing her, don't, it wasn't your fault."

Buffy bit her teeth and the tears that have been welling up in her eyes finally burst out.

"I think she loved you," Dawn added as an afterthought.

She hesitated for a moment and then backed off and left her sister alone with her thoughts.

Buffy stared at the coffin, shocked. Faith loved her? She tried to think about it, but her mind just wasn't up to it, she just stared at the headstone, feeling empty.

Two months later.

The night was busy and the demons seemed to be swarming. Buffy did her patrol and she was exhausted and wounded. Since Faith died, she just wasn't in the mood for anything and she had a feeling she was suicidal. She finally stopped at her mother's grave for a few minutes and finally at Faith's grave. She stared at it for a long time, thinking about Faith, wishing she was back and they could start all over.

"I love you, Faith," she finally said, kissed her fingers and then touched the headstone, leaving a bloodstain behind.

She stared at it for a few moments longer and then slowly left, her head low.

Just after she left the cemetery, a bright light appeared above Faith's grave. Then a portal opened and a figure fell through. The portal disappeared and the figure remained lying still for a few minutes, trembling slightly.

When she finally stirred, it took her a few minutes to get up. She staggered then and she grabbed the headstone to keep from falling, putting her hand right on the bloodstain. She felt the wetness and looked at her palm. She was shocked when she was it was blood. Then she fell to her knees and threw up.

She lay for a few minutes, sobbing violently, and then got up again. She stood still for a few moments and then started walking. She didn't know where she was or where she was going, she just walked.

Spike was just returning from a joint when he noticed a naked figure walking down the street. He stared at it for a few moments and then rubbed his eyes to make sure he wasn't seeing things. Since a naked young lady was always a sight to behold, he approached her. But as he got closer, he suddenly got a bad feeling. He wasn't sure why, until he saw her face.

"Bloody hell," he said. "Faith."

The girl ignored him and kept walking.

"Faith?" Spike said and came closer. "It is you, isn't it?"

The girl, Faith, didn't respond and she kept walking.

Spike looked around and saw people looking at them. He quickly took off his duster and covered Faith with it.

"So, where are you going, luv?"

This time Faith looked at him and she seemed to be thinking.

"Going… home."

"Home?" Spike said, puzzled. "And where is that?"

Faith didn't respond and she kept walking. Spike was puzzled, but he kept following her, knowing that she would be an easy target for vampires.

"That's home?" Spike asked, surprised, when they approached Buffy's house.

"Home," Faith said.

Spike scratched his head and went ahead and rang the bell.

A few moments later, Dawn opened.

"Spike, what…" She trailed off when Spike stepped aside and let Faith pass. "Faith?"

"That's my guess," Spike said.

"But… How…"

"I don't know. I saw her walking down the street, butt naked, and I followed her here. She said she was going home."

Dawn quickly followed Faith upstairs, wondering where she was going. Spike was right behind them.

Faith went straight to Buffy's room and lay on the bed, hugging Mr Gordo in the process.

"Em, my duster," Spike said.

"Spike," Dawn glared at him.

"What? I already saw her naked."

"You'll get it tomorrow. Now go, I need to get Buffy."

Spike made a face, but he left.

When he was gone, Dawn went to the phone.

"Giles?"

"Yes?"

"Is Buffy there?"

"Yes."

"Tell her to come home."

"Is something wrong?"

Dawn frowned.

"No. At least I don't think so. Just tell her to come home."

"Okay.

"Good. Bye."

Dawn hung up and went back to Buffy's room and stared at Faith, who was already sleeping, wondering if it was really Faith or if this was some sort of trick. But somehow she felt that it was really Faith.

"Dawn?" Buffy said, worried, when she got home.

"Here," Dawn said and went to the top of the stairs.

"Is everything okay?" Buffy asked and went upstairs.

"Yes. You have a visitor."

Buffy frowned.

"I do?"

"In your room."

Buffy stared at her sister, puzzled, and then went to her room. When she saw Faith, she nearly choked. Her mouth opened and closed, but no sound came out. Tears started to run down her cheeks, but she ignored them.

"Spike found her walking down the street and followed her here," Dawn reported. "He said she said she was going home."

Buffy glanced at her sister, surprised, and then looked back at Faith, who was cuddled like a fetus, clutching Mr Gordo in her arms. She looked so innocent. She slowly approached her and kneeled beside the bed. She hesitated for a moment and then gently caressed her. Faith stirred in her sleep and whimpered. Buffy climbed over Faith, lay behind her and hugged her.

"Buffy," Faith said in her sleep and seemed to relax a bit.

"Shh, I'm here," Buffy whispered and kissed her on the temple.

Dawn stared at them for a few moments and then left.

During the night, Faith woke up screaming several times. Buffy soothed her, but Faith didn't acknowledge her, except by cuddling up to her as she cried herself back to sleep.

When Buffy woke up in the morning, she almost thought that it was all a dream, but when she saw Faith cuddled up to her, she knew it was all real, Faith was back. She stared at her for a few moments and then caressed her. She lay quietly next to her until Faith started to have a nightmare again. Then she gently shook her.

"Faith. Wake up."

Faith screamed as she woke up, but she didn't register where she was, she just hugged Buffy tighter.

Buffy caressed her, and Faith whimpered.

Dawn showed up a couple of moments later, slowly opening the door. Buffy smiled at her.

"You want me to fix you some breakfast?"

Buffy shook her head.

"No."

"You gonna get up?"

Buffy smiled.

"Can't," she said and nodded at Faith, who was gripping her tightly.

Dawn nodded.

"Need anything?"

Buffy thought for a moment.

"If Spike comes, tell him not to tell anyone about Faith. I want to do it myself, when she recovers."

Dawn nodded again.

"Okay," she said and left.

Buffy lay with Faith for several hours, when Faith finally, after several more nightmares, finally had a pleasant dream. Then she disentangled from her and got up. Faith whimpered, but she didn't wake up. Buffy caressed her and then went to the bathroom to freshen herself up. After that she went downstairs.

"Buffy?"

Buffy smiled.

"Hey."

"How is she?"

Buffy's face became serious again.

"I don't know. She's still sleeping, but at least she's having a pleasant dream now."

"Oh. Want something to eat?"

"Yes. Anyone called?"

"Yeah, Giles. He wanted to know if everything was okay. I told him you were tired from yesterday. He said he wants you to call him when you wake up."

"Oh. I'll go call him."

"Okay."

Buffy went to the phone and Dawn started to prepare her breakfast.

"Hi, Giles."

"Buffy. Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine."

"Spike said Faith is back."

"Damn," Buffy swore, holding the receiver away from her face. "Yes," she then confirmed. "She's still sleeping. She's having nightmares."

"I see."

"I'll keep you posted," Buffy promised.

"Okay."

"Good. I'll talk to you later. Bye."

She hung up and returned to the kitchen.

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

"Spike told Giles about Faith."

"And?"

"Nothing. I told Giles I'll keep him posted."

"Oh."

"Anyone else called?"

"Willow. I told her you were tired from yesterday. She said she'll come by later."

"Okay." She thought for a moment and then sighed. "You might as well tell her that Faith is back."

"You sure?"

"Spike already told Giles and Giles will probably tell others."

"Oh. Okay. Here."

Dawn put the eggs she made on the plate and gave the plate to Buffy. Buffy quickly started to eat. She was surprised how hungry she was, but then she remembered that she hadn't eaten anything when she came home last night and she hadn't eaten anything today either.

She was almost done, when Faith screamed. Buffy dropped the food and ran upstairs. Dawn was right behind her.

When she got to her room, she quickly hugged Faith, who was trembling and sobbing.

"Hey, shhh, I'm here, Faith."

Faith whimpered.

"Don't worry, everything's gonna be okay now, you're safe."

"Buffy," Faith whispered.

Buffy looked at her, but it didn't look as if Faith had recognized her, it was more like she was calling her mom, only she was calling Buffy instead.

"Shh, I'm here, you're safe."

She lifted her head and put it in her lap.

"I guess you won't finish your breakfast," Dawn said quietly.

Buffy looked at her and shook her head.

"No."

"I'll clean up then," Dawn said and left.

Two days later, late in the afternoon, Faith woke up with a scream again.

"Shh, it's okay, it was just a bad dream," Buffy said and caressed her.

Faith's eyes slowly focused, but it still took her a few moments to realize she was cuddled up to Buffy. Her eyes went wide and she backed off, falling out of bed in the process.

"Faith, it's okay, it's me," Buffy said and wanted to help her up, but Faith backed off until the wall stopped her.

Faith then hugged her knees and looked around. She was surprised when she saw she was in Buffy's room. And she had been lying in Buffy's bed. With Buffy. She looked at herself. Naked, except for some… duster? She was puzzled.

"Faith."

Faith looked at Buffy.

"B-Buffy."

Buffy smiled.

"You're back," she said and came closer.

Faith seemed to shrink, afraid that she would get beaten. She nodded, scared.

"I'm so glad," Buffy said. "I missed you."

Faith looked at Buffy, surprised.

"You… You d-did?" she asked.

"Yes," Buffy said and gulped.

"Wh-What am I d-doing here?" Faith asked.

Buffy smiled.

"You live here. Spike found you walking down the street naked and you told him you were going home. The duster's his."

"H-How l-long?"

"Almost three days."

Faith gulped.

"I-In your b-bed?"

"Yes."

"W-With you?"

"Yes."

Faith frowned, puzzled.

"Wh-why?"

"Why what?" Buffy asked, puzzled.

"Wh-Why were you al-also in the b-bed?"

"Because you had nightmares and I wanted to comfort you and be there for you."

"Wh-Why?"

Buffy hesitated for a moment.

"Because I love you."

Faith stared at her, astonished.

"What? Wh-Why?" she finally asked.

"Why do I love you?" Buffy asked, and Faith nodded. Buffy shrugged. "I don't know. It's not like it's something I think about, I just do," she said and smiled.

Faith thought about that, but she had a hard time believing it.

"How l-long?"

"How long since you… died?" Buffy asked, and Faith nodded. "Just over two months." She smiled. "You saved Dawn. And the world. Thank you."

"Yeah, thanks, Faith," Dawn, who always came to check up on Faith, said from the door.

Faith looked up and saw the girl standing in the door.

"So, you wanna eat first or get clean?" Buffy asked, and Faith looked back at her.

She thought for a moment and looked at herself. She smelled.

"C-Clean."

Buffy smiled.

"Okay." She looked at her sister. "Dawn…"

"I got it covered. You wanna take a bath or a shower?"

Faith looked at her, thinking.

"B-Bath."

"Okay," Dawn said and ran to the bathroom.

Buffy got up and then offered a hand to Faith. Faith stared at it and at Buffy for a few moments and then accepted it. Buffy pulled her up, but Faith's legs were a bit weak and she staggered. Buffy caught her.

"How about I carry you to the bathroom?" she said and picked up Faith.

Faith felt a bit uncomfortable, but she finally leaned her head on Buffy's shoulder. Buffy smiled and took her to the bathroom.

"Water's warm, but I turned on the heater, in case you want to take a bath later," Dawn said when Buffy brought Faith to the bathroom.

"Thanks."

"So, you want me to try and cook up a lunch or should I just order a couple of pizzas?"

Buffy looked at Faith.

"Pizzas?" she asked, and Faith nodded. "Pizzas it is. Make it two for each of us."

"Got it," Dawn said and left.

Buffy then put Faith down and helped her sit on the toilet. When she was sure Faith wouldn't fall off, she went to the bath and checked the water. It was warm, a bit on the hot side, but that was okay. She looked at Faith.

"Em, do you need help? You know, em, with scrubbing your back?"

Faith thought for a moment and then nodded.

"Okay," Buffy said and turned off the water. "Come."

She helped Faith up and led her to the bath. Then it was time for Faith to get naked and they both stared at one another, nervous.

"I'll, em, turn around," Buffy said and turned around.

Faith hesitated for a moment and then took off the duster and climbed into the tub. When Buffy heard that she was in, she turned around and picked up the duster.

"I better have this washed or Spike's gonna have some wet dreams," she said and threw the duster to the laundry basket.

Then she returned to the bathtub, where Faith was lying, her eyes closed. She stared at her for a moment and then caressed her. Faith jerked and opened her eyes. Buffy smiled at her. Then she blushed as an idea struck her.

"Em, can… can I take a bath… with you?" she asked, and Faith's eyes went wide from surprise. "I mean, I also need to take a bath and it will be faster. And you can also scrub my back," she said nervously. "I mean, I can also take a bath later. You know."

Faith stared at her, surprised. Buffy, naked, in bath, with her? God, how long had she dreamed of that? But now it suddenly scared her. But on the other hand, she didn't want Buffy to leave, she needed her to be close. She gulped and nodded.

"I can?" Buffy said, surprised. "Take a bath with you?"

Faith nodded again.

Buffy took a deep breath and started to undress. She got a bit nervous when it came to taking off her underwear, but Faith looked away and so Buffy quickly took off her underwear and slid into the water.

They stared at one another, both nervous, and Buffy wondered if this was such a good idea.

"Maybe I should…" she started and wanted to get up, but Faith stopped her, gripping her hand.

"No," Faith said and released her hand, blushing. "It's okay."

"You sure?"

Faith nodded.

"Yes."

Buffy relaxed.

"Okay." She thought for a moment. "You wanna, em, you know, turn around? You know, so we can both just lie and soak for a while?"

Faith gulped as she thought of lying naked next to Buffy. But she wanted, needed, to be close to her, badly. She slowly turned around and leaned back at Buffy. Buffy slowly put her arms across Faith's belly, and Faith tensed.

"It's okay, I won't hurt you," Buffy said. "You're safe with me."

Faith slowly relaxed and they lay still for about half an hour, both secretly enjoying the other's presence.

"Faith," Buffy said when the water slowly started to get a bit chilly.

Faith jerked and opened her eyes.

"Yes?" she asked anxiously.

"The water's getting a bit cold. How about we wash and get out."

Faith sat.

"Okay."

Buffy took a washing-glove, put some shower gel on and then started to scrub Faith's back. Faith was a bit tense at first, but she quickly relaxed.

"Okay, here," Buffy said when she was done, and gave Faith the washing-glove. Faith started washing her front and Buffy took the shampoo and started shampooing Faith's hair. Faith was a bit surprised at first, but then she let Buffy do it.

When they were done, they both turned around, and Faith started scrubbing Buffy's back. When she was done, she gave the washing-cloth to Buffy and then started shampooing Buffy's hair. She was a bit nervous, but when Buffy didn't protest, she calmed.

When they were done, Buffy turned around.

"Ready to get out?"

Faith nodded. Buffy hesitated for a moment, but when Faith looked away, she got up and rinsed herself. When she got out, she quickly dried herself and wrapped a towel around herself.

"Okay, your turn," she said.

Faith hesitated for a moment and then got up. Buffy started to rinse her and she closed her eyes and bit her lip, nervous. Then Buffy noticed the scar on Faith's side. She stared at it for a moment and then gently ran her fingers over it. Faith jerked, startled, and opened her eyes.

"It's n-not your f-fault," she said when she noticed where Buffy was staring.

Buffy looked at her.

"Faith…"

"It's not. I pushed you too f-far and you… you b-broke. I'm s-sorry," she said and tears came to her eyes.

Buffy stared at her, surprised, and then caressed her.

"I'm the one who should be sorry."

"But…"

"We'll talk later. Let's get dressed first and eat the pizzas. Then we'll talk, okay?"

Faith hesitated for a moment, scared, but then she nodded.

"Okay."

Buffy smiled and offered her a hand.

"Good, you're clean."

Faith took her hand and got out of the tub. Buffy took another towel and dried Faith. Then she wrapped another towel around her.

"Okay, let's get dressed now," she said.

She pulled the plug to let the water out and then took Faith's hand and led her to her room. There, she rummaged through her closet and pulled out two pairs of pants, two t-shirts and two pairs of underwear.

"You'll have to wear my clothes until we go shopping," Buffy then said. "I have more in the closet, if you don't like this."

"It's f-fine," Faith said.

"You sure?" Buffy asked, and Faith nodded. "Okay then."

Buffy turned around, dropped her towel and quickly dressed. Faith was startled by Buffy's act, but she quickly recovered and dressed as well. Buffy then produced two pairs of sandals.

"See if they fit you," she said.

Faith tried a pair and they fit.

"Good," Buffy said and put on the other pair. "Come, let's go dry our hair."

She took Faith's hand and they went back to the bathroom. There, she got the blow dryer.

"Okay, turn around."

Faith turned and Buffy started to dry her hair. When she was done, they changed places, and Faith dried Buffy's hair.

"Okay, let's eat," Buffy said when she put away the blow dryer.

She took Faith's hand and they went out.

"About time," Dawn said when they came out of the bathroom. "What the hell were you doing in there, sinking the Titanic?"

Buffy blushed.

"We were bathing."

"So?" Then she looked from Buffy to Faith and back, noticing the fact that they were holding hands. "Oh," she said, guessing that they were bathing together. "The pizzas are in the oven, coke's in the fridge."

"Thanks."

"I'll clean up here."

"Okay," Buffy said and led Faith downstairs.

When they got in the kitchen, Buffy fetched the pizzas.

"You want anything with this?"

Faith shook her head.

"No."

"Okay," Buffy said and fetched the coke and a couple of glasses.

Then they started eating. Faith attacked her first pizza like a starving bear, but she stopped when she saw Buffy staring at her, smiling.

"It's okay, feel free to eat as fast or as messy as you want," Buffy said.

Faith hesitated for a moment and then continued eating. She ate fast, but not as fast as before.

By the time they were almost done, Dawn came back.

"You're fast," she said when she saw that they almost done.

"We were starving," Buffy said. "Faith ate nothing since she came back and I only ate cookies."

Faith stopped eating.

"You didn't eat?" she asked, puzzled.

Buffy smiled.

"I was holding you, so my hands were kinda full."

Faith was surprised.

"You were holding me the whole time?"

"Most of the time. I had to go to the bathroom a couple of times."

Faith stared at her for a few moments, surprised, and then slowly finished eating, thinking about what she just learned.

"I'll clean up," Dawn said when they were done.

Buffy smiled at her.

"Thanks, Dawn," she said, appreciating the help.

Dawn started cleaning up, and Buffy and Faith washed their hands and their mouths.

"You ready for a talk?" Buffy then asked.

Faith gulped, scared, and then nodded.

"Yes," she said quietly.

Buffy took her hand and they went to the living room. When they sat, Buffy took a deep breath.

"So, you wanna start or shall I?" she asked, not letting go of Faith's hand.

Faith hesitated for a moment.

"Me."

"Okay. Oh, and please be sincere. If you don't want to tell the truth, say nothing."

Faith gulped and nodded. Then she thought for a moment.

"I… I… liked you from the moment I saw you. My Watcher told me a lot about you, so when I came to Sunnydale, I wanted to impress you with stories of what I'd done. My… My love life was non-existent, but when… when I met you, I…" She trailed off, not sure if she should continue or not, but then she remembered that Buffy told her that she loved her, so she decided to continue. She gulped. "You were the first person I… I… loved," she said quietly and looked down, ashamed of what she had done. "I wanted to hang out with you, but I was never really a part of the gang. I mean, I was a loner most of my life and my Watcher was the first person I cared about, but when she… when she was… killed, I was afraid to let anyone in again." She paused for a moment. "I wanted to let you in, even though I was scared, but I was never sure what you thought of me. I mean, I knew you… you cared, in a way, but I didn't know if you would go out with me." She gulped. "And when you invited me over for Christmas, I got scared. But I changed my mind, I wanted a chance to be with you, but then someone wanted to destroy the world again and you left. And that Post woman didn't help and neither did you keeping Angel a secret. I knew I didn't stand a chance when I found out about Angel. I got reckless and I wanted you to become like me, but when I…" She trailed off as she remembered Finch. She shuddered and took a deep breath. "When I killed Finch," she continued, "I got even more scared. I know you were scared as well, but I always preferred running to dealing, so I blamed you and when that didn't work, I completely freaked out. And Wes didn't help either." She paused again. "I knew everybody thought I was evil, so I decided to be evil. That's why I went to the Mayor. I couldn't be your friend, so I wanted to be your enemy. I didn't want to be some forgotten psycho case, I wanted you to remember me, even if it meant I had to hurt you. I knew the best way to hurt you was through your friends, that's why I poisoned Angel." She paused for a moment. "I was jealous of him because he had your love and I didn't. I knew you'd come to get me and I knew you'd always remember me if you killed me." She sighed. "But you didn't. And then I woke up and Angel was ancient history and you had a new boy toy to play with. I wasn't sure how I felt before, but when I saw you with Beefstick, I freaked out. I mean, you nearly killed me over Angel and now you had someone else." She gulped and paused for a few moments to calm down. "The Mayor left me a perfect gift, so I switched bodies with you." She thought for a moment. "Your mom was very brave and she had… faith in you and she… she… was worried about me. It was… strange." She paused for a moment, remembering Joyce. "I'm sorry she died," she said, glancing at Buffy. "She deserved better." She sighed. "I wanted to run away, start a new life, but I couldn't, I… became you. That's why I went back to that church." She sighed again. "And then you came and it was all over. I ran away. I didn't know where to go, but I ended up in LA. Then some chick from some law firm contacted me and they wanted me to kill Angel. I took the job, but not because I wanted to kill him, not particularly, anyway, I wanted him to kill me, to end it all for me." She gulped. "But he wouldn't, not even after I… I tortured Wes. He… He offered help and I said yes. I'm not sure why." She sighed. "And then you came and thought I was after Angel again. And then the Council guys showed up again. I was…. I was this close to running again, but I guess Angel's little speeches rubbed off on me, so I turned myself in, I didn't want to run again." She took a deep breath. "And then I had a weird dream." She frowned. "I'm not even sure it was my dream, but some chick I met in some other weird dream told me death was my gift."

"What?" Buffy said, surprised.

Faith jerked, startled, and looked at her.

"Never mind, go on," Buffy urged her, noticing the dried tears on Faith's cheeks.

Faith gulped and looked away again. She thought for a moment.

"I called Angel and he filled me in on what was going on here. I broke out and I came here. I kept a low profile and spied on you and when you went to confront that goddess, Glory, I followed you. I wanted to save Dawn, but I was too late. I recalled what Spike said about blood and I knew that you would jump into that… portal. I also remembered the dream and I realized I was the giver, not the receiver. So I jumped." She shrugged. "I guess it worked." She thought for a moment. "The next thing I remember is waking up in your arms." She frowned. "And I think I remember Spike, but I'm not sure." She gulped. "That's it."

She tried to extricate her hand from Buffy's, but Buffy didn't let go, so she quickly stopped trying.

Buffy stared at her, still surprised about the dream. Then she pushed that aside and thought about the rest. It offered a new perspective on Faith and she understood now why Faith had done the things she'd done. She also felt guilty for not seeing that sooner. She sighed and then thought about how she had felt.

"When I first saw, I liked you, but then everybody was so wrapped up in your stories and I felt angry that they would just forget about me. But when I got over that and I got to know you a bit better, I liked you. A lot. I knew you understood me. But then Angel came back and I was all confused. I wanted to be with you, but I still loved Angel. And then that Post woman came and I felt betrayed when you turned against me. But when we realized that she was playing us, I forgave you. I knew you'd been hurt then and I wanted you to trust me, but I guess after I kept Angel a secret I wasn't the most trustworthy person." She thought for a moment. "But I wanted to spend more time with you and I became more reckless, but after you killed Finch I got really scared. But I didn't want to run. I already ran once and it wasn't a nice experience. I wanted to help you, but I wasn't sure how. And you trying to kill Xander didn't help. So I took you to Angel, because I knew he would understand you. Unfortunately, Wes interfered." She sighed. "I felt betrayed when I found out you were working for the Mayor. I wanted you back, but I had a world to save. But when you poisoned Angel, I lost it. I wanted to take you to him and let him drain you and if you wouldn't go, I was ready to kill you. But when we fought… I don't know. You could always get into my head, but still, I didn't want to kill you at the end. I was just as surprised as you were when I stabbed you." She sighed. "And when you came back, I wanted to help you again, but you got into my head again and you threatened my mom." She thought for a moment. "I tried not to think about the time I spent as you. Back then, after I escaped from those Council guys, I was too angry to think about it and later I just wanted to forget. I understand now how scared you must have felt and alone." She sighed. "But back then, when we switched bodies again, I was just mad at you for doing that to me. And when I found out you were in LA, I was worried that you wanted to hurt Angel." She sighed again. "We weren't together anymore, but I still cared about him." She paused for a moment. "And then I saw you two hugging and I got angry. And when Angel protected you and even hit me, I was even more angry, with both of you." She sighed, thinking. "When you disappeared from the roof, I thought you had ran away again and I was surprised to see you turn yourself in. I was confused, but I was still angry and I didn't really think about it. And when I got back to Sunnydale, I had Adam to worry about. And then I broke up with Riley and Mom got sick and… died." She took a deep breath to calm down. "That dream you had, the first one, it was about the first Slayer. Giles, Willow and Xander did an enjoining spell so I could defeat Adam." She thought for a moment. "Did you feel it?"

Faith thought for a moment.

"I think so. I felt like I was on steroids."

Buffy smiled.

"Tell me about it. Anyway, after that, we all had a similar dream, about the first Slayer."

"Who was that guy with… cheese?"

Buffy chuckled.

"I've no idea. Anyway, the second dream, it was actually a quest. Giles took me out to the desert because I had a… crisis. And that wasn't the first Slayer but a spirit guide." She thought for a moment. "Did Angel tell you about Dawn?" she asked, glancing at Faith, who nodded. "I know what she is, but she's still my sister, the only family I have, and when I saw you run to her, I thought you wanted to hurt her, even after you freed her. And then you jumped." She gulped. "I was surprised and I didn't understand. I mean, I understood about the gift. Your death was a gift to me. After the funeral, Dawn told me what you told her." She sighed. "Forgiving myself was harder than forgiving you." She hesitated for a few moments. "The only time I felt so down, beside when Mom died, was when I killed Angel. I felt so… empty." She sighed. "After all the time I spent hating you or trying to forget you when you weren't around, I realized just how much you meant to me and I thought I would never have the chance to tell you that." She looked at Faith. "I love you, Faith."

Faith felt strange. Buffy had said that before, but that was when she had just woken up from… whatever she was in. Now it was after a long… confession. It still scared and confused her, but she felt hope again. She felt tears running down her cheek and she wanted to wipe them, but Buffy was still holding her right hand, so she used the left.

"Em, Buffy," she said and nodded at their hands.

"What?" Buffy looked down. "Oh. Sorry," she said and let go." She hesitated for a moment. "It's just that I'm afraid if I let go of you or lose you out of my sight, you would be gone again." She thought for a moment. "Will you stay? Please. With me?"

Faith stared at Buffy, surprised. She had been wondering what would happen to her now.

"Really?" she asked. "Here?"

Buffy nodded.

"Yes."

Faith gulped as she remembered an important fact. She looked down, hating herself that she would hurt Buffy again.

"I… I would, but I can't."

Buffy's face fell.

"Why?"

"I broke out of jail. As soon as the cops find out I'm not dead, they'll be coming for me." She sighed. "I'm sorry," she said and tears came running down her cheeks again.

Buffy understood her distress and she hugged her.

"It's okay," she said and caressed her. "But you're not going back just yet."

Faith looked at her.

"I'm not?"

"No," Buffy said and wiped her tears. "First, we need to talk to Giles and the gang and you need to fully recover. And then, when you do go back, I'll come visit you as often as possible. And we can talk on the phone. And when you get out, you will move in with me." She frowned. "You will, won't you?"

Faith stared at her, surprised. She was still scared, but not as much as before. And she still wanted to be with Buffy. She nodded.

"Yes."

Buffy smiled.

"Good. So, you feel like going to Giles?"

Faith shook her head nervously.

"No."

"Tomorrow?"

Faith thought for a moment and then nodded.

"Okay."

Buffy smiled.

"Good. Dawn!"

A few moments later, Dawn came.

"What?"

"Can you call Giles and tell him we'll come over tomorrow?"

"Okay."

"And tell him to make up a story, so we can explain Faith's breaking out of jail and dying. I don't want her to get punished for saving the world."

Dawn smiled.

"Okay," she said and left.

Buffy then looked back at Faith.

"You feel like watching TV?"

Faith nodded and Buffy turned on the TV. Then she offered the remote to Faith.

"Here, pick what you like."

Faith was surprised, but then she took the remote and quickly found some cartoons. Buffy smiled. Faith hesitated for a moment and then took Buffy's hand. Buffy was surprised, but she didn't pull back.

"It's okay," she said when she saw Faith's uncertain look, and smiled at Faith.

Faith smiled back for a moment and then concentrated on cartoons.

As they watched the cartoons, Faith soon leaned on Buffy. When she realized that, she wanted to back away a bit, but Buffy put her arm around Faith's shoulder. Faith looked at her, uncertain, but when Buffy smiled at her, she relaxed and concentrated on the cartoons again. Buffy secretly observed her for a while and she felt very protective of her, especially when she noticed how innocent Faith looked when she was relaxed and unguarded. She smiled and concentrated on the cartoons again.

After several hours of watching cartoons and a movie they caught when Faith switched channels during commercials, they decided they had enough,

"You tired?" Buffy asked Faith.

Faith nodded.

"Yeah."

"You wanna go to bed?"

"Yes."

"Do you want to eat anything?"

Faith shook her head.

"No, I'm still full."

"Okay. Faith?"

"Yes?" Faith said and looked at her.

"If you want or need something, anything, say so."

Faith stared at her for a few moments.

"Okay."

Buffy smiled.

"Then let's go," she said and they got up. "Dawn, we're going to bed," she said as they passed Dawn, who came out of the kitchen with a snack.

"Okay."

"And don't stay up too late."

"I won't."

"Good."

Buffy then led Faith by the hand back to her room, which was now their room.

"I'll get you something to sleep in," she then said and pulled a pair of boxers and a large t-shirt from a drawer. "Here, try this on."

Faith hesitated for a moment, but when Buffy went to the bed to get her own sleeping attire, she quickly turned around and changed. When she turned back, Buffy was just pulling up her pair of boxers. Faith didn't want to stare, but she just couldn't help herself.

When Buffy turned and saw Faith staring, she blushed.

"You're…" Faith started, but she caught herself and didn't finish.

"What?" Buffy asked.

Faith shook her head.

"Nothing."

Buffy's face became serious and she stepped closer.

"Faith, I don't want us to make the same mistakes as we did before. Please, talk to me."

Faith hesitated, nervous.

"You're… beautiful," she finally said and looked away, blushing.

"Oh," Buffy said, surprised, and blushed as well. "Thank you. You're beautiful yourself," she said, and Faith looked at her, surprised. She smiled. "So, which side do you want?"

"What?" Faith said, puzzled.

"Which side? The bed," Buffy said and pointed at it.

Faith glanced at the bed.

"You want to sleep with me?" she asked. "I mean…."

"Yes. You might have nightmares and I want to be there for you."

Faith stared at her for a few moments.

"The far side," she then said.

Buffy smiled.

"Okay. Hop in."

Faith climbed in and Buffy followed her.

"Good night, Faith," Buffy said after she turned off the light.

"Good night, Buffy."

They lay quietly, both nervous, Faith also afraid to fall asleep, not wanting to have the nightmares. When their hands touched, Buffy took Faith's and gently squeezed gently it to reassure her.

"Do you want me to hold you?" she asked when she felt Faith move closer to her.

Faith hesitated for a moment.

"Yes. Please."

Buffy lifted her arm, and Faith cuddled up to her. Buffy pressed her closer and caressed her. Then they finally drifted to sleep.

Faith only had two nightmares and they weren't as intense as before, but she was still hurt. Buffy quietly held her as she cried herself back to sleep. She was also crying over Faith's pain.

When Faith woke up in the morning, Buffy was still holding her. Faith stared at her, admiring her beauty, feeling happy.

"I love you, Buffy," she whispered.

When Buffy started to wake up, Faith quickly closed her eyes and pretended she was still asleep, not wanting to let go of Buffy just yet.

Buffy smiled when she saw Faith cuddled up to her, she looked so innocent. And beautiful. She caressed her and, after a few moments of hesitation, kissed her on the forehead.

"I love you, Faith," she said.

That reassured Faith more than any speech Buffy could give her, because Buffy didn't know she was awake and it was an expression of love, not meant to reassure her. She felt tears welling up and she desperately tried to calm herself. When she did, she pretended to wake up.

"Hey," Buffy said with a smile. "Morning."

Faith stared at her for a moment.

"Morning."

Neither moved to get up and they stared at one another.

"You wanna lie for a while?" Buffy then asked.

Faith nodded.

"Yeah."

"Okay."

They lay still, both enjoying the other's presence.

"Buffy," Faith spoke after a while.

"Yes?" Buffy said and looked at Faith.

"Thank you."

Buffy smiled, surprised.

"You're welcome," she said and hugged her even tighter, a tear slipping down her cheek.

Faith smiled briefly and then lay her head back on Buffy's shoulder.

"Buffy," Faith said after a while, when she started to get a bit stiff.

"Yes?"

"Can we get up now?"

Buffy smiled.

"Sure," she said and lifted her arm so Faith could sit up. Then she sat up herself. "Why don't you go freshen up first. I'll get us some fresh clothes and tell Dawn to call Giles. If you're ready to meet the gang, that is."

Faith took a deep breath and nodded.

"Yeah."

"You sure?"

Faith nodded again.

"Yeah."

"Okay. In one hour?"

"Okay."

Buffy got up.

"You hungry?" she asked.

"A bit," Faith said, getting up herself.

"I'll tell Dawn."

Buffy then went to the closet and started picking up clothes. Faith hesitated for a moment and then went to the bathroom.

When Buffy was done picking up clothes, she went downstairs.

"Morning," she greeted Dawn.

"You sure took your time," Dawn said.

Buffy blushed a bit.

"Yeah. Can you call Giles and tell him to call the gang? Faith and I are going there in one hour."

"Sure."

"And can you make us something to eat?"

Dawn glared at her.

"What do you think I am, your cook?"

Buffy smiled sheepishly.

"No, but you cook better than me."

Dawn rolled her eyes.

"Okay. How much food do you want?"

"Not much, we're not that hungry."

Dawn thought for a moment.

"Okay," she said and got up, turning off the TV. "You want me to go there ahead of you, see how they'll react to Faith?"

"Yeah, that would be great. Thanks."

Dawn went to the kitchen and Buffy went back upstairs. Just as she got to the top, Faith came out of the bathroom. Buffy smiled at her.

"You can take any of the clothes," she said and went in.

Faith went to Buffy's room, where the clothes were spread on the bed. They were a bit on the pastel side, and Faith picked the darker ones. Even though she usually wore leather, she decided to stop wearing it in the future, there was no need anymore to pretend she was tough.

When she was dressed, she went downstairs. She heard Dawn bustling in the kitchen, so, after a moment of hesitation, she went there. When she entered, Dawn looked at her and smiled.

"Morning."

"Morning," Faith said, feeling a bit awkward.

"Take a seat, this will be done in a couple of minutes."

Faith sat down and observed Dawn quietly, thinking.

"Dawn," she said after a while.

"Yeah?"

"I'm sorry."

Dawn turned, surprised.

"What?"

Faith gulped.

"I'm sorry."

"What for?"

"For threatening your mom and hurting your sister."

"Oh." Dawn stared at her for a few moments, thinking. "Well, as far as I'm concerned, you made up for that by saving my life and I think Buffy forgave you too. And as far as Mom's concerned, she was never really angry with you, she was more worried. I mean, when you held her hostage, she played angry, but she wasn't, she was more scared and worried. You know how us, Summers women, are, when we're scared, we pretend to be tough." She paused for a moment. "Like you, I think," she said, and Faith looked down. "Relax. As far as I'm concerned, I'll let the past rest. And I think Mom would be glad you changed and she would forgive you."

Faith stared at her, fighting the tears.

"Thanks," she said hoarsely.

Dawn smiled.

"No problem. Here, I hope you like it."

She gave Faith her breakfast and then sat down to wait for Buffy.

"It's okay," Faith said after she tried it.

"Good."

"Hey, guys," Buffy said with a smile as she walked in.

Dawn got up."

"Oh," she said as Buffy sat down. "I case you were wondering, I'm okay with you two being together." She grinned when both Slayers looked at her, blushing. "If you are together, that is," she added and left.

The Slayers stared at the door for a few moments and then looked at one another, blushing even more.

"Do you want us to be together?" Buffy asked.

Faith gulped and then nodded, not trusting her voice.

Buffy smiled.

"Then it's official, we're a couple now."

Faith smiled for a moment and then concentrated on the food, nervous.

Buffy smiled and started to eat herself.

When they were done, Buffy washed the dishes, and Faith dried them. Then they went upstairs, holding hands, and Buffy made her bed.

"Buffy," Dawn said, peeking in. "I'm going now."

"Okay," Buffy said, glancing at her. She looked at Faith. "She's going to Giles, to see what we can expect from the gang," she explained. She smiled when Faith bit her lip, scared. "Don't worry, I'll be there for you, all the way."

"Thanks."

"You ready?" Buffy asked when the time was almost up.

Faith nodded.

"Yeah."

"Then let's go."

"Buffy," Faith stopped her.

"Yes?"

Faith hesitated for a moment.

"I love you."

Buffy stared at her for a moment and then smiled widely.

"I love you too, Faith."

They stared at one another for a couple of moments and then left.

"Hi, Giles," Buffy said when Giles opened the door.

"Buffy. Faith."

"Hi," Faith said, gathering all her will to look him in the eyes.

"Come in."

The Slayers entered and Giles closed the door. They both looked at Dawn, who was smiling at them. They both relaxed a bit, but Faith was still nervous, because Angel, Cordelia and Wesley were also there.

"You sure have luck with your orgasm buddies, Buffy," Anya said as Buffy led Faith to the sofa. "First Angel comes back from Hell and now Faith."

Everybody looked at her, surprised, most of them shocked. Dawn giggled.

"What are you talking about?" Xander asked.

Anya gave him a confused look.

"Well, it's obvious. I mean, just look at them. And besides, you don't hold your worst enemy's hand like that if you're not more than friends."

Everybody looked at Buffy and Faith, who blushed.

"Well, we're not," Buffy said. "Yet."

There were a couple of gasps as everybody stared at them as they sat down. Dawn started to laugh.

"Tough luck, Spike," she said.

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

"I'll explain later," Buffy said with a smile and a blush, and Faith nodded.

"So, you're back," Cordelia said, and Buffy and Faith looked at her.

Faith gulped.

"Yeah," she said and glanced at Buffy, who nodded, smiling, and squeezed her hand encouragingly. She took a deep breath and got up, letting go of Buffy's hand. "I'm sorry," she said, meeting everyone's eyes. "You tried to be my friends, but I betrayed your trust and you nearly died because of me. I know it's gonna take a lot more than saving the world to make up for it, but I want to, if you'll let me." She took a deep breath and turned to Giles. "Giles, I'm sorry for lying to you about my Watcher, but I was afraid you'd send me away if you found the truth and I didn't want that." She turned to Wesley and swallowed hard. "Wes, I…I was not very fond of you when I first met you and you trying to send me to England made me hate you, but that's no excuse for… for what I did to you," she finished quietly. "I'm sorry." She took a couple of breaths and looked at Spoke. "Spike." She frowned. "Are you a good guy or a bad guy?"

Spike grinned.

"I'm a bad guy."

"But as long as he's neutered, he's helping us," Xander said.

Spike glared at him.

"Could you not use that word? I swear, when I get this chip out…"

"Buffy's gonna stake you," Xander finished for him.

"Shut up, guys," Buffy ordered.

Faith then looked at Willow.

"Willow. I'm sorry for holding a dagger at your throat."

"Would you have killed me?" Willow asked.

Faith gulped. She considered lying, but she decided against it.

"If the Boss said so, yes."

"Oh," Willow said, surprised by her honesty.

Faith looked at Tara.

"Tara, right?" she said and Tara nodded. "I'm sorry for making fun of you. I didn't even know you and I was way out of line."

"When did she make fun of you?" Willow asked, surprised.

"I'll tell you later," Tara said.

"Oh. Okay."

Faith then turned to Xander.

"I'm sorry for trying to kill you, Xander. I know you were only trying to help. Thanks." She looked at Anya. "Anya, right?"

"Yes."

Faith thought for a moment.

"I don't think I ever did anything to you."

"You didn't," Anya confirmed and looked at Buffy. "You keep her on a leash, Buffy," she said and looked back at Faith. "Xander's mine now."

Faith blinked, surprised. If things weren't as serious as they were, she would have laughed. She liked the girl. She looked at Cordelia.

"Cordelia. I'm sorry for hitting you in the face." And finally, she looked at Angel. "Angel. I'm sorry for trying to kill you." She sighed. "And thanks for helping me." She looked around and then at Buffy. "Where's… Riley?"

"He's gone," Buffy said.

"Gone?"

"He left. I'll tell you later."

"Oh," Faith said and sat down again.

Buffy took her hand again and smiled at her reassuringly when Faith looked at her. Then there was silence.

"I forgive you," Tara finally said and everyone looked at her, surprised.

Willow decided to support her.

"I'm not exactly happy about what happened, but I know the old Faith wouldn't have saved the world. Or apologized. You did. I'll stop holding the past against you."

"Like she said," Xander said, "you saved the world. And as long as you don't try to kill me again, we might as well be friends."

"But nothing more," Anya added, eyeing them both suspiciously.

"Relax, Anya, I'm all yours," Xander said, smiling at her affectionately.

"Fine, I might as well be next," Cordelia said after a few moments of silence. "That really hurt, but I know you could've done a lot more to me," she said, glancing at Wesley. "But what I really hated about it was that people thought my boyfriend beat me. Duh! Like I'd date a dork like that. What?" she asked when she noticed everyone was staring at her. "So anyway," she said, looking back at Faith, "saving the world scored you some major bonus points with me and as long as you behave, I won't be bitching about you."

"I understand you, Faith," Angel said when everyone stopped staring at Cordelia. "And I think that I made it clear that I'm not holding the past against you."

Everyone looked at Giles and Wesley.

"Well, em," Giles started, "I understand why you lied, Faith. And since I've forgiven Buffy for lying about Angel, I can as well forgive you for lying about your Watcher."

Everyone then looked at Wesley, and Faith gulped.

"I suppose I should say something as well," Wesley finally said, still thinking. "I believe now that I was sorely unprepared for being a Watcher. Especially your Watcher, Faith. I knew everything about you, but I didn't know you and I didn't know how to handle you." He paused for a moment. "And when you killed Mr Finch, I felt like I had failed as a Watcher and I wanted the Council to take over my responsibilities. I realize now I was wrong." He thought for a moment. "I understand you were angry at me and while I can't just forget it, I agree with the rest, you earned a second chance."

Faith, who was barely holding back her tears, took a couple of deep breaths.

"Thank you," she then croaked.

"This is much better than any bloody soap," Spike commented after a few moments of silence and everyone glared at him. "Really," he added with a grin.

"Em, Faith," Giles ended the awkward situation, "I'd like to know more about what happened to you after you… jumped. If you feel ready to tell, that is," he quickly added.

Everybody looked at Faith, curious, and Buffy gently squeezed her hand again. Faith glanced at her, smiling for a moment, and then looked at Giles, thinking.

"I don't remember much. Except pain." She thought for a moment. "I'm not sure about any details, except that it was horrible."

"I see. And when you came back?"

Faith thought for a moment.

"I remember waking up in Buffy's arms." She frowned. "And I think I remember Spike, but I'm not sure. Buffy said he gave me his duster."

"I did," Spike said and looked at Buffy. "You didn't have to wash it, by the way."

"I so had to wash it," Buffy said and Spike grinned. She looked at Giles. "She has nightmares."

"What are they about?" Giles asked Faith.

Faith took a deep breath to calm down.

"About what I did and what was done to me. And some I can't remember."

"I see," Giles said and looked at Wesley. "We have to do some research."

"Yes," Wesley agreed, nodding.

"Speaking of dreams," Buffy said, "remember the enjoining spell we used to defeat Adam?"

"Yes," Giles said.

"She felt it too."

"You did?" Giles asked, Faith, surprised, and she nodded. "How did it affect you?"

"I felt… peace. I knew I could do things, but there was no reason to do them. I felt like I was on steroids."

"Did you have that dream afterwards?" Xander asked.

Faith nodded.

"Interesting," Giles said, thinking.

"She also witnessed my dream quest."

"You did?" Giles asked Faith, surprised.

"Yes. But I wasn't sure if it was my dream or not. When I called Angel and he told me what was going on here, I thought it was mine, that's why I came."

"Remember what I told you about death being my gift?" Buffy asked Giles. "We figured it applied to both of us."

Giles thought.

"Perhaps the spirit guide saw you two as one Slayer. Interesting." He looked at Wesley. "We'll have to investigate this as well," he said and Wesley nodded.

"So, did anyone think of a story we're going to tell the cops?" Buffy then asked.

"That's easy," Tara said and everybody looked at her. "W-Well," she said, nervous because everyone was staring at her, "you were kidnapped by the Watchers' Council, right? Only they thought it was Faith. And they later tried to kill her. We could say that the same people kidnapped her again."

"They arrested them," Cordelia pointed out.

"We could say they belonged to a larger group," Willow said. "Which they do."

"You don't mean to involve the Council, do you?" Wesley asked.

"No," Willow said, shaking her head. "We can say we don't know who they are. Or what they wanted with Faith."

"And you should say you found her, not Spike," Xander said.

Buffy nodded.

"Yes."

"There's just one problem," Spike said.

"What?"

"If Faith beat up a couple of guards while she was breaking out, nobody's gonna buy your little story."

"He's right," Cordelia said.

"How did you break out?" Buffy asked Faith.

"I climbed over the wall."

"Isn't that, like, ten meters high?" Cordelia asked.

"I stole a couple of long screws."

"Screws?" Cordelia said, puzzled.

"So I could stick them into the wall."

"Oh."

"Did anyone see you?" Buffy asked.

"No."

"And when you got out?"

"I stowed away on a couple of trucks and a train." She frowned. "But I did go to the public kitchen here a few times."

"I don't think anyone would look for you there."

"Then I guess we can safely assume that the story will work," Giles said.

"And we can give her a herbal potion," Willow said. "You know, to make it look as if she was drugged," she quickly explained when everyone looked at her, confused.

Giles nodded.

"That is a good idea," he said and looked at Faith. "When will you go back?"

Faith gulped.

"Next week."

Giles nodded.

"You should stay inside until then," he said, and Faith nodded.

"So, is there any demon crisis or can Faith and I go home?" Buffy asked after a pause.

"No, I don't think there's anything," Giles said.

"Good." She looked at Faith. "Shall we go home?"

Faith nodded and they got up.

"Wait for me," Dawn said and followed them.

"She reminds me of a puppy," Spike commented when the door closed. "What?" he said when everyone glared at him.

"You okay?" Buffy asked as they walked home, hand in hand.

Faith nodded and took a deep breath.

"I didn't expect them to be so forgiving."

Buffy smiled.

"I think they realized that you've changed."

"Yeah," Faith said quietly.

"I think you're very brave," Dawn said, and Faith and Buffy looked at her, surprised.

"I am?" Faith asked.

"Yes. I mean, how many people would have the guts to apologize like that?"

Buffy smiled.

"She's right."

Faith looked at her and then back at Dawn.

"Thanks."

Dawn smiled.

"No problem."

A week later.

"Morning," Faith greeted Buffy wen she woke up."

Buffy smiled.

"Morning." Then she remembered what day it was. "Are you ready?"

Faith hugged her even more tightly.

"I'm scared."

Buffy caressed her.

"I'll try to visit you every day and I know Dawn will want to see you too. And probably Giles as well. And you can call every day."

Faith nodded.

"I know," she said quietly.

"God, I wish we didn't have to do that," Buffy sighed. "Giles and I will try to get you out on parole as soon as we can."

Faith nodded and took a deep breath.

"Let's get this over with."

Buffy smiled and they kissed.

Two months later.

Buffy was nervously waiting outside the prison for Faith to be released. Even though she saw Faith almost every day and she heard her every day, she missed touching her, feeling her close. She was afraid that something would happen to her in prison. But then Faith came out and she smiled.

Faith was equally nervous. In spite of the fact that she talked to Buffy every day, she was still scared that Buffy wouldn't show up. She panicked for a moment when she came out, but then she saw Buffy, who was walking toward her, smiling, and she relaxed and smiled as well.

"I missed you," Buffy said when she came closer, and hugged her.

Faith hugged her back, relieved.

"You still want me?" she asked when they stopped hugging.

Buffy gave her a puzzled look.

"Of course." She hesitated for a moment. "I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

Faith gulped and hoped she wouldn't start crying.

"Me too," she croaked and hugged Buffy again.

Buffy hugged her back and held her.

"Ready to go home?" she asked when Faith let go of her.

Faith nodded.

"Yeah."

"Then let's go," Buffy said, took Faith's hand and led her the car.

The End