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. Some of the dialog is from the episodes Faith, Hope and Trick and Beauty and the Beasts.

When We Were Young
By Kristjan Brezovnik

Little Buffy looked around the park, but her mommy was nowhere to be seen. She got scared. She tried to remember where she had last seen her and then she tried to find her. But the longer she searched, the more scared she became.

"Oh, look at the little missy," someone said and Buffy jerked, startled.

She saw a small group of rugged looking children about her age, two boys and a girl.

"Are you lost?" one of the boys asked.

Buffy nodded, scared.

"Lost your mommy?" the girl asked.

Buffy nodded again and started to back off, but the children surrounded her.

"My, what a pretty dress you have," the girl continued. "I want it."

Buffy realized she was in trouble and she started to run. One of the boys managed to grab one of her pigtails and she yelped.

"Leave her alone, Mark."

The children looked at the newcomer.

"Faith," Mark said. "Why can't you mind your own business?"

"And why can't you mind yours? Let her go or I'll kick your ass."

"Then my brother's gonna kick yours."

"He'll have to catch me first. And if he does beat me up, I'll beat you up again. Got it?"

Mark became nervous and he let go of Buffy's pigtail.

"Just wait till I tell my brother," Mark said and then he and his friends quickly left.

Faith stared after them until they were a safe distance away and then looked at the girl they've been harassing. She was dressed in a whitish dress, she had blond hair and she was very pretty. And those eyes.

"Are you an angel?" she heard herself ask.

Buffy was surprised by the question. Angel? Her? She shook head.

"I'm Buffy," she said.

Faith frowned.

"Buffy? What kinda name is that?"

Buffy shrugged.

"My full name is Elizabeth-Anne, but everyone calls me Buffy."

Faith scratched her head.

"Okay. My name is Faith."

"Hello," Buffy said, finding the dark girl very pretty.

"Are you lost or something?" Faith asked.

Buffy nodded.

"Mommy and I came to the park while Daddy was at a conference, but I can't find her."

"Come on, I'll help you find her," Faith said.

She took Buffy's hand and started walking.

"Do you live here?" Buffy asked after a few moments.

Faith nodded.

"Yeah. Where are you from?"

"Los Angeles."

"That's on the West Coast, right?"

Buffy nodded.

"Yes." She thought for a moment. "What did they want?"

Faith looked at her.

"Mark and his friends?"

Buffy nodded.

"Yes."

"Nothing. They just like to annoy… Oh, no."

"What is it?" Buffy asked, worried.

"Mark's brother. Come on, let's hide."

Faith started running and Buffy had no choice but to follow her.

They ran toward the bushes. Faith led Buffy through them and Buffy quickly lost her orientation.

"Where are we?" she asked when they stopped in a small clearing in the middle of the bushes.

"This is my secret place," Faith said. "You're the only one who knows about it. Come, let's sit down."

She led Buffy to a makeshift bench, which had thick branches over it to shelter it from the rain, and they sat down. Buffy looked around anxiously.

"I'm scared," she said.

Faith put her arm around her.

"Don't worry, we'll find your mommy. I promise."

Buffy leaned her head on Faith's shoulder and tried not to cry.

"How long do we have to stay here?" she asked.

"Not long. They'll probably get tired of looking soon."

Buffy nodded.

About fifteen minutes later, Faith decided that the danger was over.

"I'll go check if they're gone," she said and got up.

Buffy nodded and Faith left. Buffy anxiously awaited her return and was relieved when Faith finally showed up again.

"They're gone," she said and took Buffy's hand. "Come, let's go."

She led Buffy through the bushes and they were soon out.

"Mommy!" Buffy exclaimed when she saw her mother in the distance. "Come on!"

She started running and since she didn't let go of Faith's hand, Faith had to run as well.

"Mommy!" Buffy called when they came closer.

Faith saw the woman turn, her eyes wide.

"Buffy!" she called and ran toward her.

Buffy let go of Faith's hand and let Joyce pick her up and hug her.

Faith stared at the two, wondering what it would be like to have a mother like Buffy's. She sighed. It was no use thinking about it.

"Where have you been?" Joyce asked and caressed Buffy.

"I got lost and then some children wanted my dress, but then Faith came and they left, but then Mark came back with his brother and we had to hide."

Joyce raised an eyebrow, confused. She looked at the girl who had come with Buffy.

"Are you Faith?"

"Yeah," Faith said, nervous.

"What happened?"

"Some kids were bugging her, but I chased them away. But then they came back with Mark's older brother. Mark was one of the kids who was bugging her. We hid and waited for them to leave."

"Oh."

"Oh no, they're back," Buffy said.

Faith looked, worried.

"I have to go," she said and turned.

"No, wait!" Buffy called and Faith stopped. "Come with us. They won't bother you with my mommy around."

Faith hesitated for a moment.

"I don't know."

"Come on, Faith," Joyce said with a smile.

She put Buffy back down, and Buffy took Faith's hand.

"Come," she said and took her mother's hand as well.

Faith was nervous, but she knew that as long as she was with Buffy, Mark's older brother wouldn't touch her.

"Okay," she said.

When they got to the hotel, Faith wanted to leave.

"Can she come up?" Buffy asked.

Joyce looked at Faith.

"I don't know. What about your parents?" she asked her.

Faith shrugged.

"Mom's drunk and I've never met Dad."

"Oh. Do you want me to call your mom?"

Faith quickly shook her head.

"No," she said, afraid.

"Okay. Come then."

They went to the hotel room and Buffy led Faith to her room while Joyce ordered pizzas for them.

Faith was nervous, she had never been in a place so fancy and she was worried she might break something. But Buffy quickly put her at ease and they played. Faith had never played most of the games, but she was a quick learner. They only stopped when the pizzas came. Mr Summers came in to see how Buffy was when he returned from the conference, and Faith wished she had a father like that.

"Okay, girls, it's getting late," Joyce said when she came to Buffy's room in the evening. "Faith should go home."

"Already?" Buffy asked, not wanting to part with Faith. "Can she stay overnight?" she then asked.

Joyce considered the idea.

"I don't know, honey."

"Do you want to stay overnight?" Buffy quickly asked Faith.

"Here?" Faith asked, surprised.

"Yes."

"I don't know," Faith said, uncertain, and glanced at Joyce.

"Do you want to stay or go home?" Joyce asked.

"Stay," Faith quickly said, not looking forward to going home.

"Then you better call your mother and let her know."

"She's drunk," Faith said.

"Oh." Joyce thought for a moment. "Very well, you can stay," she then decided, not wanting to send Faith home to a drunk mother.

"Yes!" Buffy said, excited, and Joyce smiled.

"Okay, you two take a bath now."

Buffy took Faith's hand.

"Come on," she said.

They got up and Buffy led the way to the bathroom.

Joyce shook her head, smiling. Then she prepared an oversized T-shirt and Buffy's panties for Faith.

"What's with them?" Hank asked when Joyce came back to the main room.

Joyce smiled.

"I allowed Faith to stay overnight."

Hank raised an eyebrow.

"Why?"

"Her mother is drunk and I don't want to send Faith to her."

"I see."

They heard giggling and shrieks of pleasure from the bathroom.

"Do you need any help?!" Joyce asked.

"No, Mommy, we're fine!" Buffy answered and she and Faith both laughed again.

Joyce shook her head.

"It's amazing how quickly they became friends," she said.

"Mhm," Hank said, reading a report.

When they were both clean, Buffy led Faith to her room.

"You can wear that," Buffy said and pointed the T-shirt and the panties that Joyce had prepared for Faith.

"Okay," Faith said and they dressed.

"Faith?"

Faith turned.

"Yes, Mrs Summers?"

"I'll have your clothes cleaned, so you can put them on in the morning."

Faith stared at her, surprised.

"Okay," she said.

Joyce nodded and left.

Faith looked at Buffy.

"Where do I sleep?"

Buffy gave her a puzzled look.

"In my bed, where else?"

Faith couldn't help but smirk.

"Fine with me."

Buffy hopped in and Faith followed her. Then they talked again, but this time the conversation was more intimate as Faith felt more comfortable around Buffy. They only stopped when Mr and Mrs Summers came in to tuck them in and Faith again wished she had parents like that.

In the middle of the night, Buffy woke up. She was confused for a moment, but then she felt Faith toss around the bed, saying something. She quickly realized Faith was having a nightmare.

"Faith," she said and gently shook her.

Faith gasped as she woke up.

"No, please," she said.

"It's okay, you're safe," Buffy said and hugged her.

Faith instinctively hugged her back. Buffy quietly held her until Faith fell asleep again, cuddled up to her. Then she fell asleep as well.

When Joyce came into the room in the morning to wake up the girls, she was surprised to see Faith cuddled up to Buffy and Buffy holding her protectively. It really amazed her how close the two girls have became in such short time they've known each other. She decided to let them sleep a while longer. She put Faith's clothes on a chair and left.

When Faith woke up and found herself cuddled up to Buffy, she was a bit worried, but then she noticed that Buffy was holding her as well. She remembered the nightmare and that Buffy had held her and she realized she had nothing to fear. She cuddled even closer, but that woke Buffy.

"Morning," she said with a smile.

Faith smiled back.

"Morning. Sorry for waking you up."

"It's okay. Has Mommy been here?"

"I don't know." She noticed how bright it was. "I really should go."

"Already?" Buffy asked, disappointed.

"I have to. Mom's gonna wake up soon."

"Oh," Buffy said and sighed. "Okay."

She let go of Faith and Faith got up.

"You know," Faith said as they were dressing, "this was the best time of my life."

Buffy beamed.

"Really?"

Faith smiled.

"Really."

Buffy thought for a moment.

"You know, I think it was the best time of my life too," she said.

"Really?" Faith said, excited.

Buffy nodded.

"Really."

They smiled at one another.

There was a light knock and then Joyce looked in.

"Ah, you're awake. Breakfast will be in five minutes."

"Okay," Buffy said and Joyce left.

"Will I see you again?" Buffy asked when Faith was about to leave, after assuring Joyce that she knew her way home.

Faith shrugged.

"I don't know. Are you gonna come to the park?"

Buffy looked at Joyce.

"Can we go to the park today?"

Joyce thought for a moment.

"Later, honey."

"After lunch?"

Joyce smiled.

"Okay."

"We'll be there after lunch," Buffy told Faith.

"Where we first met?"

Buffy nodded.

"Yes."

"Okay. I'll see you later then."

"Okay."

Faith hesitated for a moment and then left.

When Buffy and Joyce came to the park after lunch, Faith was not there. They waited for a while and Buffy became worried.

"I don't think Faith is going to come," Joyce finally said.

"She will. She said she will." Then a thought struck her. "Maybe she's in her secret place," she said and ran toward the bushes.

"Buffy!" Joyce said and quickly ran after her.

Buffy tore through the bushes like they weren't there and she quickly got to the central clearing. There she stopped, shocked, when she saw Faith cuddled up on the mini bench all beaten up. She slowly approached her, feeling the tears well up in her eyes.

"Faith?" she asked and Faith moved a bit.

Buffy sat beside her and put Faith's head into her lap.

"Shh," she said, caressing her, "I'm here," she said.

Joyce, who had a bit of trouble getting through the bushes, was surprised by the sight of Buffy holding the beaten up Faith. She wondered if Faith's mother had done the beating. She considered doing something, but she decided to wait instead.

Faith's body hurt from the beating and she didn't want Buffy to see her like that, but once Buffy came and put her head in her lap, she didn't care anymore, she knew she was safe. As the pain subsided a bit and she calmed down, she sat up. She looked into Buffy's eyes and she saw concern there.

"Are you okay?" Buffy asked and took Faith's hand.

Faith nodded.

"Yeah," she said and wiped her tears.

"What happened?"

"Mark's brother caught me."

"Oh."

"Come, Faith, let's get you cleaned up," Joyce said and Faith looked at her, startled.

She nodded and got up. Buffy got up as well. Joyce started to fight her way through the bushes, and Buffy and Faith followed her, hand in hand.

"Can she stay here until we leave?" Buffy asked when Faith was cleaned up.

"I don't see why not," Joyce said. "How is your mother?" she asked Faith.

Faith shrugged.

"Cranky."

Joyce gave her a thoughtful look and then left.

"How do you feel?" Buffy asked again.

"Better," Faith said and flashed a small smile.

Buffy smiled back. Then her face became serious.

"Did I tell you we're leaving today?"

Faith sighed and nodded.

"Yes."

"I wish we could stay longer."

"Me too."

"Come on, let's go watch some TV."

Buffy took Faith's hand and they went to the sofa. They sat down and Buffy put her arm around Faith, who cuddled up to her.

Finally, it was time to leave. Buffy and Faith stood hand in hand as the Summers family waited for the cab to show up.

"I'll miss you, Faith," Buffy said when the cab finally showed up.

"I'll miss you too," Faith said.

"Come on, Buffy," Hank said.

Buffy hugged Faith, and Faith hugged her back.

"I'm gonna find you," Faith promised.

Buffy nodded.

"I know."

They stared at one another for a few moments and then Joyce took Buffy's hand and Buffy had to board the cab. As the cab drove away, she stared through the back window at Faith, who was staring after the cab. When the cab turned around a corner, Buffy sat and leaned on her mother, thinking about Faith.

Ten years later.

"That's not what making out sounds like, unless I'm doing it wrong," Willow said as she and the gang went to the rescue of a girl they had seen at the Bronze.

But when they arrived to the scene, the girl was kicking the shit out of the vampire they had seen her leave with. Buffy stared at her. She had thought the girl looked familiar, but now that she saw her up close, she was certain.

Then the girl noticed her and smiled.

"Hey, Buffy. It's okay, I got it."

Buffy was about to say something when the vamp came again and Faith had to concentrate on fighting again.

"I'm gonna go out on a limb and say there's a new Slayer in town," Oz said to Willow.

Everyone watched as Faith pummeled the vamp.

"Can I borrow that?" Faith said and took the stake from Buffy's hand.

Buffy opened and closed her mouth as the girl concentrated on the vamp again. A few moments later, it was all over and the girl walked up to Buffy.

"Hey, Buffy, long time no see."

"Faith," Buffy finally said.

"You two know each other?" Xander asked, but the Slayers ignored him.

Faith smiled.

"I said I'd find you."

Buffy smiled back and hugged her.

"I knew you would," she said.

Faith was surprised for a moment, but then she hugged her back.

"What am I missing?" Xander asked.

"I think we're all missing something," Oz said.

"Faith! I can't believe it," Buffy said, excited, when she let go of Faith. "It's been so long. Are you a Slayer too? When did you arrive? How long are you staying? Where are you staying?"

"Em, guys," Xander said, interrupting Buffy's babbling.

"Oh," Buffy said and turned to the gang. "Guys, this is Faith. Faith, meet Xander, Willow, Oz and Cordelia."

"Hey, guys," Faith said with a grin.

"So, are you a Slayer too?" Willow asked.

"Yeah."

"When did you arrive?" Buffy asked.

"Today. I knew you lived in Sunnydale, but I didn't know where exactly. So I went to the Bronze."

"How long are you staying?"

Faith shrugged.

"I don't know. A while."

"Great! Where are you staying?"

"At a motel."

"What?! No way. You're moving in with me."

"Buffy…" Faith started to object.

"Don't worry, I'm sure Mom will be glad to see you again. And we have a spare room. Not to mention it's for free."

"Em, excuse the interruption," Cordelia said, "but do you two know each other?"

"Yes," Buffy said. "We met in Boston when I was eight. My Dad was there for a conference and Mom and I went with him. I met Faith in a park where she saved me from a couple of kids. We haven't seen each other since." She looked back at Faith. "Come on, let's get your stuff and go home," she said and took her hand. "Guys, we'll see you tomorrow."

Buffy and Faith left, hand in hand, and the gang stared after them.

"I am the only one that's missing something here?" Xander asked after a few moments.

"Mom! Mom!" Buffy called when she and Faith came home.

"Yes, honey?" Joyce said as she came in. "Oh, hello," she said when she noticed Faith. She frowned. "Have we met?"

"Mom, this is Faith."

"Faith? Oh, Faith! From Boston," Joyce remembered.

"Yes," Buffy said excited.

"Welcome to Sunnydale, Faith," Joyce said and shook Faith's hand.

"Actually, Mom, she's a Slayer."

Joyce looked at Buffy.

"Like you?"

"Yes. Em, can she move in with us? I mean, we have a spare room and all."

"Sure, I don't see why not."

"Great."

"Thanks, Mrs Summers," Faith said, a bit nervous.

Joyce smiled.

"Joyce. You're welcome."

"Okay."

"Come on," Buffy said and led the way upstairs.

"Dinner will in be in fifteen minutes!" Joyce called after them.

"Okay!" Buffy responded.

Joyce stared after them, surprised that after so many years, they were still friends. And both of them Slayers. What a coincidence.

"Okay, this is your room," Buffy said when they got to the spare room.

"Neat," Faith said as she looked around. She hesitated for a moment and then looked at Buffy. "Em, this is embarrassing, but do you think I could borrow an oversized T-shirt? I kinda don't have anything to sleep in."

"Sure." Buffy frowned. "Then what do you usually sleep in?"

"Buff."

Buffy was confused for a moment, but then her eyes went wide.

"Oh," she said, blushing a bit. "Do you need panties too?"

"Em, that'd be nice, yeah."

"Come on, I'll show you where things are in my room, so you'll know where to find stuff."

"No, really, Buffy, I just need something to sleep in."

"Nonsense," Buffy said, took Faith's hand and went to her room. "I saw how many clothes you had, or rather, didn't have. I better show you now, so in case you do need something else, you'll know where to find it."

Buffy quickly gave Faith the tour of her closets and Faith wondered how it was possible that Buffy still made her feel the same way as when they had first met. And how was it possible that Buffy still cared about her. It was like they had known each other for eternity, not just a day or so. And now they were both Slayers. Who would've thought.

"So, Faith, do you like being a Slayer?" Joyce asked as they ate.

"Oh yeah, love it," Faith said.

"Really? Buffy never talks about it. Why do you love it?"

"Mom," Buffy groaned.

"Well, when I'm fighting, it's like the whole world goes away and I know only one thing, that I'm gonna win and they're gonna lose. I like that feeling."

"Well, sure, beats that dead feeling you get when they win and you lose," Buffy commented, not exactly thrilled by the conversation.

"I don't let that negative kind of thinking in," Faith said.

"Right, that could get you hurt. Buffy can be awfully negative sometimes," Joyce said and looked at Buffy. "See, honey, you gotta fight like that."

Buffy rolled her eyes.

"I'm working on it."

"Hey, she could take over for you," Joyce said.

"Mom, no one can take over for me."

"But you're going to college next year and…"

"Mom, the only way you get a new Slayer is when the old Slayer dies," Buffy explained and quickly regretted it.

The information quickly registered with Joyce.

"That means you… When did you die? You never told me you died."

"No, i-it was only for a few minutes." She sighed. "Could we not talk about slaying, Mom?"

Joyce sighed.

"I don't want you to die, Buffy," she said.

"I don't want me to die either, Mom. And besides, now I got Faith to cover my back," she said and smiled at Faith, who smiled back, glad that Buffy trusted her.

"Are you going on patrol later?" Joyce asked.

Buffy and Faith looked at one another.

"No. I mean, I'd like to talk to you, catch up, you know," Buffy said.

"Okay," Faith agreed.

"Okay."

"How about we turn in early?" Buffy suggested after dinner.

Faith raised an eyebrow.

"Already?" she asked.

"Yes. So we can talk. You know, about the past. I can tell you about what I've been up to and you can tell me what you've been up to."

Faith considered the idea.

"Okay," she then said.

"Good. You take a shower and then wait in my bed, I'll go call Giles."

Faith smirked.

"You asking me to sleep with you, Buffy?

Buffy blushed.

"No, just lie. So we can talk."

"Mhm."

"I'm serious," Buffy said and gently slapped Faith on the arm.

Faith winked at her.

"I know, just teasing you."

Buffy stuck her tongue at Faith, and Faith laughed. Buffy then went to the phone, and Faith went upstairs to take a shower.

When Buffy came to her bedroom after taking a shower, Faith was sitting on the bed, waiting. Buffy smiled.

"Okay, hop in," she said.

Faith rolled to the far side, and Buffy lay beside her. They both realized the situation was a bit awkward, since they were both grown up now.

"I still can't believe you found me," Buffy broke the silence. "And that we're both Slayers. I mean, what are the odds for that?"

Faith smiled.

"Yeah," she agreed. "My Watcher told me about all that crap about there being only one of us per generation and she mentioned Kendra, but then she told me about Buffy and that she was still alive. So I got curious, I mean, Buffy? How many people have a name like that?"

Buffy chuckled.

"Yes."

"She told me you were from LA but had moved to Sunnydale. So now that she's taking a break, I've decided to come see you."

"A break?" Buffy asked, curious.

"Yeah. She's gone to England to some retreat or something."

"Really? I didn't know Watchers could take a break."

"Me neither."

Buffy sighed.

"I wish we could take a break."

"Yeah. So how come you moved to Sunnydale?"

Buffy sighed.

"Well, after I became a Slayer, things sort of went downhill between Mom and Dad and they divorced. Not to mention that I burned down the gym at my old school."

Faith laughed.

"You're kidding!"

Buffy smiled.

"No. Some vamp master wanted to add me to his collection and I killed him. The gym was an accident."

Faith grinned.

"I'll bet."

"It was! So anyway, my first day at school. I come to the library and the librarian starts giving me books on vamps and demons. I nearly freaked out. I mean, I came here to get away from slaying and then I find out I can't."

"The librarian, he's your Watcher?"

"Yes."

Faith frowned.

"Didn't he follow you from LA?"

Buffy sighed and rolled on her back.

"No. My first Watcher killed himself so that vamp master wouldn't turn him."

Faith's face became serious as she recalled the death of her own Watcher. She also rolled on her back.

"Oh," she said.

"Yes." Buffy took a deep breath. "So then Willow and Xander found out about vamps and all and they stood by me. And Cordelia too, even though she's still in denial," she said and Faith grinned. "And Oz, he's a werewolf."

Faith raised an eyebrow, glancing at Buffy.

"Yeah?"

"Yes. He locks himself up during the full moon so he doesn't kill anyone."

"So he's off the kill list."

"Yes."

"Okay."

"What about you?"

"Me? Well, nothing much." She grinned. "I did kick Mark's ass though. And a couple of years later, I also kicked his brother's ass."

Buffy chuckled.

"Payback's a bitch."

Faith grinned.

"Oh yeah."

They talked for a while longer, discussing various demons they had killed and the most important events in their lives. Buffy even told Faith that Angel's soul had been restored before she killed him. When they could think of nothing else to talk, they quietly lay side by side, thinking.

Buffy was the first to fall asleep. Faith considered remaining in bed with her, but she knew it wouldn't be appropriate, even though she very much wanted to sleep with Buffy. Just sleep. For now. But just when she decided to slip out of the bed, Buffy rolled to her side and threw her arm over her. Faith sighed. Things were becoming better and better, but she knew she really should leave. She started to move Buffy's arm when Buffy suddenly cuddled up to her. Faith knew she was stuck. She didn't mind the position she was in, she just hoped that Buffy wouldn't be angry about it in the morning. She slowly moved her left arm and put it around Buffy's shoulder. Buffy immediately snuggled closer. Faith couldn't help but smile, Buffy looked so adorable.

Faith was the first to wake up in the morning. She was puzzled for a moment when she felt someone lying next to her, but then she remembered. Buffy. She opened her eyes and saw that it wasn't a dream, Buffy was there. She smiled at the sight, but she was also worried about Buffy's reaction.

Buffy apparently sensed her unease and she woke up. She smiled when she saw that she was cuddled up to Faith.

"Morning," she said.

"Morning," Faith said.

"Sorry you couldn't go to your own bed," Buffy said and let go of Faith.

Faith smiled.

"I'm not," she said.

Buffy raised an eyebrow.

"How long have you been awake?"

"A couple of moments."

"Oh." She took a deep breath. "How about we get up now? I have school in…" she checked the clock, "one hour and a half? Wow, I'm early."

Faith smiled.

"Early to bed, early to rise," she said.

Buffy rolled her eyes.

"I hate getting up this early."

Faith nodded.

"I know what you mean and I totally agree."

Buffy thought for a moment.

"So we stay in bed for another half an hour?"

Faith grinned.

"Fine with me."

Buffy smiled and cuddled against the surprised Faith.

"You know, I've been thinking," Buffy said during breakfast.

"You have?" Faith asked with a smirk.

Buffy mock glared at her.

"Yes, I have, about something we talked about last night. You said you're not going to school."

"Nope."

"I think you should at least get the GED."

Faith blinked.

"What's the point? I mean, I'm probably not gonna live till I get a decent job."

"You don't know that, Faith. I know that I intend to graduate, go to college and then get a job."

"You already have a job," Faith pointed out.

"I meant a day job, one that actually pays."

Faith thought about it.

"I don't know," she said, "I hate studying."

"I can help you," Buffy offered.

"Then I'm definitely not gonna learn anything," Faith said, and Buffy raised an eyebrow, puzzled.

"You have to be positive, Faith. I know I intend to live a hundred."

Faith chuckled.

"Aren't you a bit too optimistic?"

Buffy shrugged.

"It doesn't hurt to be optimistic. And I'm sure Mom could get you some job at the gallery."

"I don't have a clue about art," Faith pointed out.

"No, but you can shuffle crates."

Faith laughed.

"Thanks."

Buffy grinned.

"You're welcome. I mean, you can't just stay home all days and go out slaying at nights."

Faith made a face.

"I hate school."

"So do I. But at least you won't have to go to school, you can study at home. Though you will have to go to college."

Faith groaned.

"I'm so happy. Not."

Buffy smiled.

"Morning, girls," Joyce said as she came in.

"Morning, Mom."

"Morning, Mrs… eh, Joyce."

"Em, Mom, do you think you could get Faith some sort of job at the gallery?"

"A job?"

"Yes. She can't stay at home all the time."

Joyce thought about it.

"I'll see. I'll let you know when I get home."

"Okay."

"Thanks, Joyce," Faith said.

Joyce smiled.

"Are you staying home today?"

"Actually, I have to see this Giles guy. And I have to ask him about the GED."

"You're taking the GED?"

"Yeah. Buffy thinks we're gonna live forever. And since you can't get a job without an education, I need to get the GED before going to college."

Joyce nodded.

"That's a good idea."

"Hi, guys," Buffy said as she and Faith arrived to the library.

"Hello," Giles said. "You must be Faith," he said, looking at the brunette.

"That's me," Faith said.

"I've been trying to reach your Watcher, but she doesn't answer."

"Oh, she's in England. She went to some retreat or something."

"Ah, yes," Giles said thoughtfully.

"You guys have a retreat?" Buffy asked.

"Eh, yes. In Cotswolds. It's a lovely spot."

"Okay, before you get all misty-eyed, Faith wants to take the GED."

Giles looked at Faith.

"Really?"

"Actually, she wants me to take it," Faith said with a grin, and Buffy rolled her eyes.

"It's not like you put up much of a fight."

"Hey, you can be pretty convincing."

"I'll see what I can find out about the GED. Oh yes, could you check out the Sunset Ridge District?" Giles said and gave Buffy the newspaper. "It seems several people have disappeared there."

"No prob," Faith said.

"Hey, don't you have that health science makeup?" Willow asked Buffy.

"Oh, yeah. Actually, I could use a little coaching."

"So, Faith," Xander spoke, "how's life on the East Coast?"

Everyone turned to Faith and Buffy guessed that there was going to be no coaching. She sighed and took out her notes while Faith related her adventurous tales. Buffy noticed that Faith was exaggerating and that everyone was impressed, but she didn't interrupt.

When the bell rang, everyone but Buffy left the library.

"Em, Buffy," Giles said, "I-I've been having a little problem with the, uh, binding spell for Acathla. I-I'm lacking the, the requisite details to perform it correctly. Now, physical location. Acathla was facing south?"

"Mhm," Buffy said and pointed to three positions on the table. "Acathla, Angel, me." She made a stabbing motion through the three positions. "Sword," she finished and looked at Giles.

"Now, see, that's what I thought, but…"

"Giles, look," Buffy said and got up, "I've got makeup tests to pass," she said, pulling on her backpack, "and missing people in Sunset Ridge." She grabbed her books. "Next time I kill Angel, I'll video it."

She walked out of the library as Giles stared after her, confused.

"Well, I'm two for two with makeup tests," Buffy said as she joined the group. "Proud, yes, but also humble in this time of…" she trailed off when she saw Faith talk to Scott.

"Does anyone believe that is her actual hair color?" Cordelia asked.

"It is," Buffy said.

Cordelia looked at her, rolled her eyes and left.

"I haven't seen him laugh like that," Willow said. "Hey, maybe Faith and Scott could hit it off." She said and Buffy looked at her. "I mean, if you're done with him." She frowned. "Not that you used him."

Willow sighed and shut up while she still could.

Buffy looked at Faith and Scott and she felt a pang of jealousy. But then she frowned as she realized she wasn't quite sure which one of them she was jealous of. She sighed and went to them.

"Hey."

"Hey, Buffy," Scott said. "Uh, Faith has been telling me tall tales."

Buffy smiled.

"She's funny. And she's leaving. We have to go."

"Oh," Scott said, disappointed.

"Bye," Faith said as Buffy pulled her away and down the hall. "He's a cutie. Is he seeing anybody?" she asked.

"Me," Buffy said.

Faith's face became serious.

"Sorry, Buffy, I didn't know."

Buffy sighed.

"I don't think it's going to last," she admitted.

Faith raised an eyebrow.

"Why not?"

"Well, you know, he doesn't have a clue about vamps and stuff and it seems like every time he wants to talk to me, I have to go save the world." She sighed again. "You know, after all the crap that has happened, I just wanted to have a normal relationship. I guess it's not meant to be."

"Oh. I'm sorry to hear that."

"Yeah, me to." She looked at Faith. "You know, I noticed that you were exaggerating back in the library."

"Well, yeah, I…"

"You don't need to impress anyone, Faith, not them, not me."

Faith sighed.

"You know, I never had friends. You were the only friend I had for years and I only knew you for less than two days. And they're pretty impressive, the way they stand by you, and I also wanna be their friend."

Buffy smiled.

"You are. But I don't think Cordelia will appreciate you giving Xander more material for his wet dreams."

Faith laughed.

"Okay, I'll watch my mouth then."

"Haven't we been here already?" Faith asked as she and Buffy patrolled in the evening.

"Yes."

"Then why are we here again?"

"Because vamps have no manners. They hit a street even after you've been there."

Faith grinned.

"I guess we should teach them some rules then. No hitting a street when a Slayer's been there."

Buffy chuckled.

"I don't think they'd abide by them."

"Probably not," Faith agreed.

"How about we ask them?" Buffy said and pushed Faith aside as vampires attacked.

Buffy was immediately engaged by two vamps. Faith quickly got up and joined the fight. She picked up a trashcan and crammed it down the vamp who was endangering Buffy. Then she slammed the vamp against the wall. The vamp quickly recovered and attacked her, but Faith didn't even flinch at being hit.

"My dead mother his harder than that!" Faith taunted him.

She attacked him again and when the vamp went down, she straddled him and started to beat him, completely ignoring Buffy, who was in dire straits by now.

Then, suddenly, Buffy was pulling her off the vamp and staking him.

"What's wrong with you?" Buffy asked, upset.

"What are you talking about?" Faith asked innocently.

"I'm talking about you living large on that vamp."

"Gee, if doing violence to vampires upsets you, I think you're in the wrong line of work."

"Yeah, or maybe you like it a little too much."

"I was getting the job done."

"The job is to slay demons! Not beat them to a bloody pulp while their friends corner me."

Faith shrugged.

"I thought…" She trailed off as it finally hit her that Buffy had counted on her to protect her back and she had let her down. She sighed. "I'm sorry," she said and walked away.

Buffy stared after her for a few moments, puzzled. Then she sighed and followed her.

"Are you okay?" she asked when she caught up with her.

Faith smiled.

"Five by five."

"Ah, Faith," Joyce said when the Slayers came home, "I have good news. I can get you a job, but I'm not sure whether you will like it."

"What kind of job?" Faith asked.

"In our warehouse. There are many objects that need to be sorted and moved."

Faith shrugged.

"Sounds okay."

"You can start tomorrow."

"Okay," Faith agreed. She looked at Buffy and smiled. "Looks like I got a job before you, professor."

Buffy mock glared at her.

"Very funny."

The next day, Buffy talked to Giles and found out some pretty disturbing news. She wondered what Faith would say about it. She wanted to confront her as soon as she came home, but neither her mother nor Faith were home yet, so she had to wait.

"Hey!" Faith smiled when she came home. "What's up?" she asked, noticing Buffy's serious look.

"Cloven Guy. Goes by the name of Kakistos."

Faith paled.

"What do you know about him?" she asked.

"That he's here," Buffy said, and Faith's face became ashen. "Not happy to see an old friend, are you? What'd he do to you?"

"It's what I did to him," Faith said and ran upstairs.

Buffy sighed and slowly followed her upstairs.

"Everything alright, Buffy?" Joyce asked, having seen Faith run upstairs.

Buffy looked at her mother.

"Faith's Watcher is dead," she explained.

"Oh my," Joyce said, worried. "Does Faith know?"

"I think so. I'm gonna go talk to her."

Joyce nodded, and Buffy continued up the stairs. By the time she reached the top, Faith was already done packing.

"What's going on, Faith?"

"I'm going to take care of this," Faith said and went past Buffy.

"Like you took care of your Watcher."

Faith stopped and slowly turned.

"I…"

"He killed her, didn't he?"

"They don't have a word for what he did to her," Faith said angrily. "Believe me, I'm doing you a favor. I shouldn't have come here in the first place."

Faith turned and continued down the stairs.

"Faith, you came here to get help. I wanna help you."

"I don't want you to die, Buffy," Faith said without looking at her.

"I don't want me to die either, Faith. We have to…"

She trailed off when she heard an explosion outside. She ran past Faith and opened the door.

"Buffy?" Joyce asked.

"Looks like someone blew up a car," Buffy said. "I think someone is wounded," she said and ran to help the person.

"Be careful!" Joyce called after her. Then she looked at Faith, who came to the door and stopped. "Faith?"

Faith briefly glanced at her, biting her teeth.

Joyce wanted to say something else, but then the wounded person turned out to be a vampire and they both looked at the fight. Four more vampires quickly joined the fight and Buffy was having problems. Faith hesitated for a moment, but then she dropped her bag and ran out to help Buffy. Joyce stared at the fight, worried.

The two Slayers quickly dispatched the vamps and stared at one another for a few moments until they heard someone clasp their hands. They turned and Faith's eyes went wide.

"Impressive," Mr Trick said.

"Hello, Faith," Kakistos said and ran one of his cloven hands along the scar on his face.

"Mom, close the door!" Buffy called.

Joyce quickly complied and then called Giles.

Outside, the vampires that came with Kakistos and Trick started to approach them.

"No," Faith said, terrified.

"Let's get out of here," Buffy said and started to run, pulling Faith after her.

They ran for a while, but they both had the feeling that the vamps were everywhere. They finally came to an alley, which Buffy knew was not a dead end. But, unfortunately, when they got to the middle of the alley, vamps appeared on the other side. They turned to run back, but there were vamps behind them as well.

"No, no, no, no," Faith whispered, scared, while Buffy looked around for a way out.

"Up there," she finally said and pointed at the trash containers, above which there was the fire escape ladder. "Go."

Faith ran to the trash containers, jumped on them and then climbed the ladder. Buffy was right behind her.

When they reached the top, Buffy looked down. She was relieved that the vamps weren't following them. Then she got worried about it.

"They're not following us," she said. The she looked at Faith. "What happened, Faith?"

Faith gulped as the bad memories came back.

"I… I was there when he killed my Watcher, and I saw what he did to her… what he was gonna do to me. I tried to stop him, but I… I couldn't. And I ran."

Buffy took Faith's hand and squeezed it gently.

"Faith, first rule of slaying: don't die. You did the right thing. Okay? You didn't die. Now you do the math. One of him, two of us."

"You're forgetting the other vamps."

"We kill him, they'll leave."

"Not if they kill us first," Faith said.

Buffy noticed that Faith was looking past her and she turned. She saw that the vamps came up the fire escape after all. She quickly started to kick them off the roof. While she roundhouse kicked one of the vamps, she saw Kakistos come up behind Faith.

"Faith! Behind you!"

Faith turned and her eyes went wide. She started to back off, but Kakistos quickly moved and grabbed her by the shirt and lifted her off the ground.

"No!" Faith screamed.

Kakistos then started slapping her and Faith didn't even defend herself as she was too scared.

Buffy quickly kicked the last vamp off the roof and ran to help Faith. She kicked Kakistos in the back of his knees, causing him to tumble and let go of Faith. Then she tried to kick him in the head, but Kakistos blocked the kick. Buffy jumped and jump kicked him with the other leg. Then she tried to slap him, but Kakistos blocked her hand. Buffy quickly spun the other way and staked him. Unfortunately, the stake had no effect on him. Kakistos grabbed her hand and twisted it, causing Buffy to let go of the stake. Buffy rolled and managed to slip out of Kakistos' grip.

"I guess you need a bigger stake, Slayer!" Kakistos said and laughed maniacally.

He moved to pull the stake out of his chest, but Faith, who was on her feet again, jumped and kicked the stake deeper into his chest. Kakistos looked at her, then at the stake and finally turned to ashes.

Buffy stared in amazement at the pile of dust and then looked at Faith.

"Are you okay?" she asked as she approached her.

Faith glanced at her.

"Five by five."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

Faith looked away.

"I… I didn't want you to think that I was weak."

"You're not weak, Faith, I know that. Remember what I told you about my first Watcher? I saw him kill himself. And I ran. Believe me, I know how you feel."

Faith sighed.

"I know," she said quietly.

Buffy took Faith's hand.

"Remember when we were young?" she said. "We didn't even know one another and yet we trusted one another."

"I've learned not to trust anyone."

"Not even me?"

Faith bit her teeth and sighed.

"I'm sorry, Buffy, it's just… I'm not good with trust. I don't want to trust people and I don't want people to trust me. That way they can't let me down and I can't let them down."

"Is this about your Watcher?"

Faith gulped and nodded.

"She trusted me and I let her down."

"Faith, believe me, if it were just me and a Watcher, I'd probably fail as well. I mean, Kakistos was one scary vamp. And believe me, I know scary vamps, one of them was responsible for my first Watcher's death and the other one killed me."

Faith looked at her, and Buffy smiled.

"I…"

"You're not alone anymore, Faith, you have me, my friends, my Watcher and my mom. We'll all be there for you, but you have to trust us."

Faith sighed and looked away again.

"I don't know. I… I'm scared."

Buffy hesitated for a moment and then hugged Faith. Faith jerked, surprised, but then she hugged Buffy back.

"So am I, Faith," she said, "so am I." Then she let go of her. "Let's go home," she said and took Faith's hand.

Faith sighed and followed her. She looked around.

"Where's the black vamp?"

Buffy looked around.

"I don't know. I guess we'll see him around."

"Buffy! Faith! Are you alright?" Joyce asked, worried, when the Slayers came home.

"Yeah, Mom, we won. The big bad vamp is now a small pile of dust, thanks to Faith."

Faith sighed and picked up her bag.

"Are you leaving?" Joyce asked.

Faith shook her head.

"No."

"Come on, let's take a shower," Buffy said.

"I'll call Mr Giles," Joyce said.

"Okay, Mom," Buffy said as she and Faith went upstairs.

The next couple of days, Faith avoided the gang, still trying to get to terms with the fact that she had lied to Buffy. Buffy had trusted her and she lied to her and thus endangered her. And even though she knew that Buffy understood what she had been going through, that didn't make her feel better. And in spite of her belief that it was better not to trust anyone and not have anyone trust you, she wanted to trust Buffy and she wanted Buffy to trust her.

Buffy, on the other hand, had other problems. After everyone was worried that Oz might have escaped and killed a student, she came across Angel. Fortunately, it turned out that neither Oz nor Angel were responsible for the murder. But then it turned out that Pete, a fellow student, was responsible. Of course, all that didn't particularly matter when all she could think about was Angel and why he had returned from Hell. And then Scott had broken up with her and she missed the picture taking. It was depressing, especially since all her friends were working for Cordelia, who happened to be her competition for the Homecoming Queen. Depressing. At least Faith offered to be her date for the Homecoming.

But then even the Homecoming turned out a disaster. First, a whole bunch of hunters were trying to kill her and Cordelia, and then she didn't win either. At least Faith was there to cheer her up.

In the evening, she went to see Angel again and his condition really brought her down. Sure, he was better now, but it still hurt her to look at him.

After Buffy came home that night, Faith was already in bed. She usually didn't go to bed early, but now that she lived with Buffy, she had to adapt. She was also worried about Buffy, she had noticed that she was depressed. But she didn't expect Buffy to come into her room with a lost look in her eyes. Faith immediately guessed that Buffy needed to be comforted and even though she wasn't a cuddly person, she didn't mind cuddling with Buffy. Not to mention that she wanted to comfort Buffy. So she uncovered the blanket and let Buffy lay beside her. Then she covered them and Buffy cuddled up to her. Faith put her arms around her and she felt that Buffy was trembling a bit.

"Do you want to talk about it?" she asked softly.

Buffy nodded. She didn't immediately speak and Faith patiently waited.

"Angel's back," Buffy finally spoke.

Faith frowned.

"What do you mean?"

"He's back, from Hell."

"Oh," Faith said, realizing that she didn't stand a chance with Buffy anymore. Then she frowned as a thought occurred to her. "Is he good or bad?"

"Good."

"Then why are you crying?"

Buffy sobbed for a few moments.

"He… He's so hurt."

"You feel responsible," Faith guessed.

"Yes. I mean, if I hadn't slept with him, he wouldn't have become Angelus again. And then, when he became Angel again, I killed him."

"You didn't know, Buffy, and you had no choice either."

"That doesn't make me feel any better."

Faith sighed.

"I know." She thought for a moment. "Does the gang know?"

Buffy shook her head.

"No."

"You should tell them."

Buffy sighed.

"I don’t know. He tortured Giles and hurt the others. I wanna find out why he's back before I tell them."

"You won't be able to hide him forever. And if they find out on their own, they're gonna be pissed. They'll feel betrayed."

Buffy sighed again.

"I know. I'm just worried that if they find out about him, they're gonna kill him."

Faith thought about for a few moments. She wasn’t very happy that Angel was back, but if he made Buffy happy, she was damned if she won't help her.

"Why don't you take me to him first, you know, so I get my own impression, and then we tell the gang? At least then I can tell them that he's not a psycho or something."

Buffy thought about it and then nodded.

"Okay."

"Good. Good night, Buffy."

"Night," Buffy mumbled as she buried her head into Faith's shoulder.

The next day after school, Buffy took Faith to Angel. Faith had to admit that he was a hunk. She saw the haunted look in Angel's eyes and she wondered what he must've gone through in Hell. She realized he was scared. She figured she would be too if she had just come from Hell among her friends after having messed around with them the way Angel had. Or his demonic self. She wasn't quite sure where Angel ended and Angelus began. But even though she had some reservations about him, she decided to trust Buffy and support her, while keeping an eye on Angel, just in case.

The silence in the library was deafening, Faith thought, after Buffy told Giles and the gang that Angel was back. The silence was bad, but then the gang, except Oz, started to yell all at once. Faith felt Buffy flinch and she gently squeezed her hand to reassure her.

"Guys," she said. "Guys!" she yelled when the yelling didn't stop. "I've seen him and I'd say that, considering the fact that he just came back from Hell, he's pretty normal. And since he has a soul, I'd say that makes him a good guy." She raised her hand when Giles wanted to protest. "Yes, I know, Giles, Buffy told me all about it. I'm not saying you should all run to him with your arms open, I'm just saying that you should give him a chance. I mean, the guy went to Hell for what he did and he wasn't even a demon then. Give him a chance to make it up to you. What?" she said, annoyed, when everyone, including Buffy, stared at her, surprised.

Buffy gently squeezed her hand and smiled at her gratefully when Faith looked at her. Faith smiled back and then looked back at the gang.

"I think we all need to think about this," Giles said when Xander wanted to say something.

"That's all I ask," Faith said and then led Buffy outside.

"Thank you," Buffy said outside and hugged her.

Faith was surprised, but she hugged her back.

"No sweat."

Buffy then let go of Faith, blushing a bit. Then she sighed.

"I hope they'll get around," she said.

"They will," Faith said. Then she hesitated for moment. "Do you mind if I keep an eye on Angel? You know, just to reassure the guys that someone impartial is handling the situation."

Buffy nodded.

"Okay. Thanks." Then she slumped. "I need to go recharge my batteries before we go slaying."

Faith smirked, wanting to say something funny, but she decided against it.

"Shall we go home?" she asked instead.

Buffy took a deep breath.

"Yeah."

Several days later, Buffy was on speaking terms with the gang again and she decided to talk to Willow about something that has been nagging her for a while.

"Hi, Willow," she said as she sat down beside her on a bench.

Willow looked at her.

"Hi, Buffy."

Buffy hesitated for a moment.

"Em, I need some advice."

"Sure."

"Well, it's of a personal nature."

"Oh."

"It's about love."

"Love?" Willow asked, interested.

"Yeah."

Willow frowned.

"Does it have to do with Angel?"

Buffy sighed.

"Yeah."

"Oh," Willow said, not very excited. "What's the problem?"

Buffy hesitated for a few moments.

"Well, I love him, but ever since… Faith showed up, I find myself having feelings… for her."

Willow's eyes went wide.

"You're in love with Faith?"

Buffy blushed.

"Well, yeah, I think so. I mean, I love Angel, but whenever I'm around Faith… I don't know. I mean, even when we were young, we just seemed to click, you know? And now, after ten years, we're still friends and we still trust one another. I mean, you're my best friend, but she… I don't know, I can tell her things that I can't tell you or even Mom." She sighed. "It's so confusing."

"Why don't you talk to her?"

"No!" Buffy said, her eyes wide. "I mean, what if she doesn't feel the same way? And I'm still not completely sure. I mean, I love Angel."

"Oh." Willow thought for a moment. "I'm not exactly an expert on love affairs, but if you do love her, tell her."

"But what if she doesn't feel the same way?"

"What if she does?" Willow countered.

Buffy sighed.

"This is so complicated. Why can't I have a normal love life?"

Willow smiled.

"Because you're a Slayer. And so is she."

Buffy raised an eyebrow. Then she took a deep breath.

"I need to think about this," she said and got up. "Tell Giles I'm… thinking."

"Okay," Willow said, and Buffy walked away.

"What's wrong, Buffy?" Faith asked when Buffy came home from school.

Buffy sighed.

"It's just… I'm in love," she said and Faith felt her heart crash through the floor and splatter on the basement floor.

"Oh," she said and took a deep breath. "And what's the problem? Has Angel…"

"It's not Angel," Buffy interrupted her and sat on the sofa.

Faith frowned, puzzled.

"It's not?" she asked and sat as well.

Buffy shook her head.

"No."

"Oh." She frowned. "I don't understand."

Buffy sighed.

"Don't get me wrong, I still love Angel, in spite of what he did as Angelus, it's just I… I love someone else."

"Scott?"

Buffy shook her head.

"No, he's history."

"So there's someone else."

Buffy nodded.

"Yes."

"And you can't decide between Angel and this other guy?"

Buffy sighed again.

"Yeah, I guess."

Faith thought for a moment. She didn't like the prospect of Buffy being with another guy, but if it would make Buffy happy, well, she'd help her.

"Well, I think it's pretty simple," she said, and Buffy raised an eyebrow. "Which one of them makes you feel safe? That you can talk to him about everything, even the things you wouldn't tell Willow or your mom, and that you trust with your life. Which one of them can take you fears away just by being there, just by holding you? Oh, and let's not forget the butterflies."

Buffy stared at Faith, realizing that it was exactly how she felt about her, including the butterflies. Then a thought struck her. Was that how Faith felt about her? She sighed.

"I don't want to hurt Angel," she said.

"So it's the other guy," Faith said.

"It's a girl," Buffy admitted.

Faith's heart started to race. Could it be? Could it possibly be?

"Really?" she asked.

Buffy nodded, nervous.

"Yes. She…" She trailed off and took a deep breath, deciding to get to the point. "You, Faith, you make me feel safe. You always have," she admitted, and Faith stared at her agape. Buffy smiled. "I love you, Faith."

Faith stared at her, speechless.

"Oh Buffy," she then said and hugged her, not giving a rat's ass about the fact that she usually didn't display emotions openly, this was far too important. "I love you too," she said as Buffy hugged her back.

They remained hugged for several minutes and then Buffy slowly let go of Faith. Faith felt that and she let go of Buffy too. They stared at one another for a few moments and then Faith leaned in to kiss Buffy. Buffy's eyes went wide, but then she leaned in as well and their lips touched. It was a soft, gentle kiss and Faith thought it was the best kiss ever.

"Wow," she said when they stopped kissing.

Buffy smiled.

"Yeah, wow," she agreed.

Faith smirked.

"I've never been so nervous in my life."

Buffy's smile widened.

"Me neither."

"So now what?"

"We go out on a date?"

Faith grinned.

"Cool." Then she frowned. "I've never been on a date," she admitted and blushed. "I mean, not on a real date."

Buffy chuckled.

"Don't worry. All you have to do is look pretty, I'll take care of everything else."

Faith raised an eyebrow.

"Shouldn't be a problem," she said.

Buffy rolled her eyes.

"If only you knew."

Faith stared at her for a few moments, puzzled.

"So when do we tell the gang? And your Mom?" She hesitated for a moment. "And Angel?"

Buffy's face became serious and she took a deep breath.

"Well, I think we can tell the gang, tomorrow, but I'd like to wait awhile before we tell Mom. And Angel. Especially Angel."

Faith nodded.

"Okay."

The next day, Buffy and Faith told the gang that they were an item. After the gang calmed down, Buffy answered Xander's questions, and Faith took Willow on the side.

"Willow, I need your help," she said.

"You do?" Willow asked, curious.

"Yeah. You're, like, Buffy's best friend and you know her better than I do. I'd like to take her out on a date, but I'm not exactly an expert on dates. Hell, I've only been on one."

"That was your first date?" Willow asked, surprised.

"Yeah," Faith said, slightly embarrassed. "I mean, I've been with others, just not on a date. At least not one that was important to me."

"Oh."

"I mean, don't get me wrong, we talk about lots of things, it's just, you know, I need to find out the simple things, the details, you know, and I want her to feel special. I mean, I think she already feels special, it's just, you know, the romantic stuff."

"Ah, I see," Willow said and smiled. "Look, I have a free period in two hours, we can talk then."

Faith smiled.

"Thanks, I appreciate it. And 'm sure Buffy will as well."

"She better," Willow said with a smirk and they rejoined the gang.

"Are you two a couple?" Joyce finally decided to ask, curious, having noticed their behavior.

The Slayers looked at her, surprised, and then at one another. Faith did a small shrug as if to tell Buffy that it was her mother.

"Em, yes?" Buffy said.

"Oh. Okay," Joyce said.

Buffy frowned, surprised, and Faith had to bit her lips so she didn't laugh.

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

Joyce smiled.

"You're a Slayer, honey, you both are. And after that, there are not many things that shock me anymore. And if she makes you happy, I don't mind."

Buffy looked at Faith, who was wearing a huge grin. She smiled and looked back at her mom.

"Thanks."

Joyce nodded.

"I'll be late tonight," she said. "There's a new shipment and I have to go through it. Faith, there will be a lot of work tomorrow."

"Okay," Faith said and Joyce left. Faith then chuckled. "I guess we won't have to worry about her anymore."

Buffy smiled.

"Yes."

"Okay, today is your turn to look pretty. I mean, prettier than usually."

Buffy raised an eyebrow, blushing.

"What do you mean?"

"Tonight, I'm taking you out."

"You are?" Buffy asked, excited.

Faith smiled, glad that Buffy was excited.

"Yep. I mean, I'm not exactly an expert on dating, but I figured I'd take a chance. I mean, a girl's gotta make her girl feel special."

Buffy beamed.

"You already make me feel special," she said, sidling up to her.

"I meant more than usually."

"Oh."

"And after the date, who knows," Faith said and wiggled her eyebrows.

"Faith!" Buffy said, blushing, and slapped her gently on the arm. "Is that all you think about?"

Faith grinned.

"Not anymore. As a matter of fact, there's a certain blonde that I can't get my mind off. And if the way she looked naked ten years ago is any indication, then she's an absolutely gorgeous babe today."

Buffy blushed, remembering the time when she and Faith had taken a bath together after meeting for the first time. Then she smiled.

"You sure know how to flatter a girl. And I'm sure that blonde remembers a certain brunette's body."

Faith felt herself blush. It was an unusual experience, she never blushed.

"Well, girlfriend, I guess we'll see soon enough."

Buffy smiled.

"Oh yes," she said seductively.

"Good. Now go make yourself pretty… eh, and then we'll go on a date."

"Okay. Do you want me to wear panties?"

"Buffy!" Faith said, her eyes wide. "You don't have to pick every bad habit off of me."

Buffy grinned.

"This is not necessarily a bad habit, you know, especially if…"

Faith quickly covered Buffy's mouth with her own.

"Wow," Buffy said when Faith broke the kiss.

"Now go dress," Faith said. "I'd hate to go through all the trouble of trying to impress you for nothing. And we'll talk about the no-panties habit later."

Buffy smirked.

"I don't think we'll do much talking."

"Buffy!" Faith groaned. "Your mom will be home."

Buffy frowned.

"Oh. Damn."

Faith grinned.

"You need to take a cold shower, girl."

Buffy shuddered.

"I guess so. Damn," she said and went upstairs.

Faith stared after her, chuckling. She wondered how on Earth she and Buffy had ended up together. She didn't complain, oh no, but still, she wondered, especially since Buffy had been waiting for her for ten years. It was amazing, just like Buffy. She sighed, happy, and then went to her room to get dressed.

The End