Angel put a hand on her shoulder, and to his surprise she didn't shrug it off. "For how long? Faith, I exiled myself from human contact for over a decade after I was first cursed. It wasn't until Whistler brought me back that I started fighting evil again." Faith simply gave the vampire a grin and he fought one from appearing on his face. "Like I did for you…" She nodded slowly. "Angel, I was hiding too. Hiding behind the tough girl image, and when I couldn't hide from someone I pushed them away. Well there is no way to hide in a slate gray cell." Angel closed his eyes and opened them. "That's when you decided to recant your confession?" Faith nodded. "Between Wilkins and the general cluelessness of the cops when dealing with the supernatural there was not enough evidence to convict me."

"So you get away with murder?" Faith turned angrily. "How many have you gotten away with? Maybe I should go waste a couple hundred more people first huh? Or maybe just kill a gypsy?" Angel grit his teeth. "I'm being punished in ways you can not even imagine." She stepped right up to him. "Yeah, but you also have something I don't! You have a shot at redemption! I'm not going to find it staring at the world through a set of bars!" The vampire's undying stare didn't blink as he looked at her. "Faith, I've been alive over two centuries and I still have to fight not to give in to the darkness." She didn't step back, but she allowed her posture to soften. "You're also immortal two hundred years, or two thousand unless you end up on the wrong end of a stake you'll be around. Slayers are anything but immortal Angel. The only reason I'm here is because Buffy died!"

A naked looked of pain crossed the vampires features, but it vanished immediately. "Angel, my slayer powers were able to keep me safe in jail, but how long would that last? One inmate getting a lucky shot and the next slayer is gets called. The same thing could happen with a lucky demon, but at least I will be out there, doing what I was made to do, and helping people as I do it." While it was unnecessary Angel took a deep breath as he looked into Faith's eyes, and there he saw a person very few people have seen. He saw who Faith could have been if she had been raised better, he saw the woman Faith could have been if someone had given her a chance. For Angel it was almost like seeing Buffy, a dark reflection of Sunnydale's slayer, but a reflection none the less.

"What will you do?" Faith's head dropped and she ran a hand through her hair. "Well Buffy went to all the trouble to travel here. I suppose I should return the favor." Angel's concern was blatant but Faith seemed to realize that it was for her. "Is that wise." Faith shrugged. "Kind of hard to repent for hurting people if you're not willing to face them. I don't want to open any wounds for them, but I want to let them know it's over. Give them that closure." The gaze of the vampire never flickered and Faith let out a laugh that seemed just short of a sob. "Thinking of others, has to be a good step huh?" Angel's expression softened. "Yes, it is." "Thanks for picking me up at the jail. I'll get out of your hair." Angel touched her elbow. "In the morning."

She stared at his hand on her elbow, and then back up at his face and nodded once. He took his hand away and led her further back into the office. When they reached a couch Angel stopped. Wordlessly she lay down on the couch, but before she was able to get comfortable she felt Angel drape a blanket over her. "Sweet dreams." Faith got comfortable. "For once I think that may actually happen." As he silently closed the door behind him he returned to the front area of the office. As he did he ran into Wesley, the former Watcher's eyes looking back where he came. "How is she?" Wesley was already speaking in hushed tones, and Angel did as well. "Sleeping, she's going back to Sunnydale in the morning." Angel saw the concern on Wesley's face.

"She's going there to make amends." The concern never faltered."Still, do you think that safe? I doubt the other slayer's feelings have changed. No matter how Faith's have." Angel shook his head. "She's always been able to take care of herself physically, it's her soul that needs taking care of, and that's why she needs to go. I'm just going to get her some expense money. Have you seen the check book?" "I believe Cordelia took it with her on vacation." Angel looked at the Watcher aghast as the man grinned. They both chuckled as they looked around the office. The former watcher sighed. "Do you believe she will be successful?" Angel blinked. "I think she already has." At the look of confusion Angel continued. "The fact she trying is what counts."

Wesley nodded as Angel kept speaking. "Though it will be easier if she can find the forgiveness she seeks." Both men seemed to grow frustrated at their inability to find the checkbook as the door leading father back into the office opened. They booth looked up as a sleepy eyed Faith stepped through. "Hey Wes… how's the arm?" Wesley smiled at her. "Fine, I don't even notice it any more." She returned a faint smile. "So what are you guys looking for?" Both men looked shamed as Angel spoke. "We can't find the checkbook." She looked at both of the men for several seconds as she then walked over to the chair Angel had dropped his jacket over. Even the vampire seemed to blush as she handed it over. "What do you need it for anyway?"

Angel paused as if reluctant to speak. "I'm going to give you some traveling expenses." She seemed ready to speak but he cut her off. "Faith, you think I like taking money to help people? You can't eat good intentions. Now if this money can help someone else it's worth it. Let me help you." Angel's words up until that point didn't seem to effect her, but when he asked her to let him help her she dropped her shoulders and nodded. While he had allowed himself to be shunted to the side Wesley spoke up again. "If you don't mind me saying you look as if you could use several more hours of sleep, and it is still awhile before morning." Faith nodded. "Thanks Wes… Angel." Wesley stepped close to her. "When I was your watcher there were numerous rules about keeping an emotional detachment, but I am no longer a watcher, so I can say this. I believe in you Faith."

She started blinking rapidly, and they all knew it was to keep the tears from spilling out. "Thanks… I'm going to head back to the couch." Both men nodded and wished her goodnight as she disappeared back into the office. Angel wrote out the check and tore it free. He then tucked the checkbook into a desk drawer and picked up his coat. "Will you be going with her?" Angel shook his head. "This is the kind of thing she has to do herself. Though I am going to see if she will stay at the mansion and I'll make sure she can call us if she needs anything." Wesley again looked worried. "Do you think they will try to hurt her." Angel shrugged. "It's possible, but I just want to make sure she has someone to talk to." As Angel walked out the door he was left alone and with out even thinking about it he turned back into the office.

As quiet as he was able he opened the door into the room he knew held the sleeping slayer. Though when he opened the door he saw anything but the scourge of darkness. He saw a young girl, hurting, frightened, but no longer alone, because while he could see the tear tracks on her cheeks he also saw that she was sleeping soundly. He thought it was almost a half-hour he stood there simply watching, but the tough almost made him want to laugh. Watching, while he knew the full extent of Faith's fate was not his fault he knew he bore part of the blame because he was so content to merely watch. To follow the rules and regulations of some antiquated council while he sent a young girl out to kill or die. He closed his eyes tightly, thinking that he too may cry, but instead he whispered. "I'm sorry too." Just as silently he slipped from the office and did not hear another whisper that was soft, but laden with fresh tears. "It's ok."

******

Riley Finn massaged his forehead as he examined the petite form of his girlfriend Buffy Summers. While most could see how energetic in how they walked through Sunnydale they couldn't conceive the power held in the blonde's tiny frame.

"Well Angel is over two hundred years old. He should know what he's doing."

She stopped and put her hands on her hips. "Don't tell me your siding with him now?"

He held up his hands. "I'm just saying that from the information Willow got she was released into his custody. He'll take care of her." An odd look crossed Buffy's face and Riley stepped close to her. "Your not jealous are you?" She looked offended. "Jealous? What do I have to be jealous about?" He looked at the ground. "Well you and Angel… I mean it is another girl, a slayer no less."

Buffy stopped and pulled Riley's chin up. "Riley, I'm over Angel. I'm with you. Do you know what I told him? I said that what we have is not what he and I had. It's very new. You know what makes it new? I trust you. I know you." He smiled at that, and she smiled back, but her expression darkened. "It's Faith. I mean she's getting away with murder."

He seemed to chuckle. "Well so is Angel." When he saw her expression darken he realized he had said the wrong thing.

"I thought we had went over this with Oz. Things happened that Angel had no control over."

Riley wondered where it was coming from, but he found himself defending Faith. "Yeah, but at least Faith's human." She started walking again, and he was forced to break into a trot to keep up. "I'm just talking degrees of evil, neither one of them are saints."

She stopped. "Yeah, but like you said Faith's human. I mean I tried to reach her Riley, I really did, but she wouldn't open up to me. Angel comes along and she's crying in his arms! What does he have that I don't?"

"I guess it takes a killer to understand a killer."

She turned and looked at him. "What? So I'm too good for her?"

He grinned. "Well, you are."

She smiled and swatted him in the arm. "No, I guess I just mean that Angel's been there. I mean she knew he wouldn't judge her." Buffy's voice softened. "Like I did." He seemed ready to contradict her, but she interrupted him. "I WAS there Riley. I had to walk in her shoes." He looked down again. "I remember." She absently rubbed his forearm with her palm as she continued to speak softly. "I just reached the point I couldn't let her keep hurting me."

He nodded. "Sometimes people just don't want to be helped and you have to give up on them. I mean you were just trying to protect yourself."

"That's all Faith was doing." The two jumped as a third voice spoke up. Angel stepped into the light and both glared at the vampire.

Buffy was the first to speak. "Well that, and all the killing."

Angel looked her directly in the eyes. "Yeah, it's scary what a person is capable of when they think they have no other choice."

Riley saw the effect the vampire's words had on his girlfriend. "What? Like not only drinking the blood of someone they SUPPOSEDLY loved, but drinking nearly enough to kill them?" While Angel had a nearly preternatural calm that managed to get through to him.

"That was between Buffy and me. It doesn't involve you soldier boy." Riley seemed almost eager as he stepped forward with his fists clenched, and even Angel had a dangerous glint in his eye as Buffy stepped between them.

"No Riley, he's right. What ever happened between me and Angel is in the past." Buffy was facing towards Riley and away from Angel so she didn't see the look of hurt that crossed Angel's ageless face. She put her hands on the soldier's forearms. "Riley, it's you I'm with. I love you, have faith in that." The tender expression on the petite blonde's features hardened as she turned around. "I got out of your city Angel, now what are you doing in mine?"

"She's coming, tomorrow." The already cool expression on Buffy's face hardened as she stared down Angel.

"So not only do you let her loose, but you let her loose on US?" Angel shook his head as he stepped closer. Riley Finn was about to step to intercept him but Buffy laid a hand back on his with out ever taking her eyes from Angel as he spoke. "She's not here to hurt you Buffy. She's here to help you." He continued as Buffy scoffed. "Not with slaying. She wants to apologize, and then she will go." Her eyes seem to snap at him before her voice did. "What? To find another batch of victims?" Instead of snapping back Angel's eyes met her with determination. "Buffy, all the things I did and you never held it against me. Even when I did them to you."

While her face remained locked a careful observer could notice a softening in her eyes and he took the opportunity to continue.

"Buffy, Faith is not asking you to trust her, or like her. She's not asking you to do anything at all. She's just going to apologize. You don't have to accept it. You don't even have to listen if you don't want to. SHE wanted to try. She was the one who suggested coming back here."

Buffy's voice was still firm, but it didn't seem as sharp. "Was she the one who got you to come down here and try to pave the way for her?"

Angel shook his head. "She doesn't even know I'm here. I just thought I'd offer to let her stay at the mansion as long as she is here, but I wanted to make it ready first. Running into you was just a coincidence."

Buffy nodded sternly. "I was in LA a day, but I'll give her three, and she stays at the mansion so I can keep an eye on her."

Angel looked saddened and nodded, but as he turned away her spoke. "That's a lot of hate inside you Buffy. Now just try to imagine a lifetimes worth."

As he walked from view Buffy's posture was still tensed, but as close as he was standing to her he detected a slight tremble, and while Angel was too far away to see it the hard expression was now confused and hurting. "Buffy?"

"I am NOT like her." She almost seemed in shock as Riley gently turned her to face him.

"Of course your not."

"I'm not."

"Buffy, you are NOTHING like her. You are a strong, confident woman surrounded by people who love you."

While his words were meant to comfort they only seemed to confuse and he put his arm around her waist. "Come on, let's get you back to your dorm. We can cut patrolling short tonight." As they walked he ran his hand in comforting circles on her back. "Come on Buffy. This is what Faith feeds on. If you are going to be ready for her you can't play her game." She looked up rather sharply. "Angel said she was just here to say she's sorry." Riley shook his head. "I guess she's better at playing people then we thought." She shook her head, but the movement seemed wooden. And Riley continued. "Come Buffy. It's perfect. She knows there is not case against her so she makes a confession. Then after everyone thinks she's really going to go through with it she recants it and gets set free to "make amends". It all fits."

She shook her head again and he continued to speak. "Ok, my feelings about Angel aside… if you loved him then he must be one of the good guys. Faith knows that, and she played on it. I mean you said it yourself." A look of horror crossed her face as she looked at him, and it left him looking confused. She then took up a walk that was just short of a run. "I… I gotta go." Before he could reply Buffy had made it to her dorm room and slammed the door. While it made him flinch on the outside of the door. It made her roommate jump, though not bad enough for her to loose her pace in the book she was reading. "Buffy? Buffy, are you all right?" All she could do was shake her head no as she sat down on the edge of her bed. "It's Faith."

At the mention of the dark slayer the redhead got up and whirled around as if she expected Faith to come crashing through a widow or materialize out of thin air. "She's not here, not yet." Concern warred with confusion as Willow sat down next to Buffy. "It's ok Buffy, well call Xander and Giles and well be ready for what ever she's planning." Buffy shook her head. "She's not planning anything." Skeptical would be a polite description of Willow's expression upon hearing that. "Says who?" "Angel." "Oh." They both sat silently for several minutes until Willow broke the silence. "Then what is she coming here for?" Buffy took a deep breath. "To say she's sorry." At that point simply skeptical described Willow as she looked at Buffy, and Buffy nodded. "I know, I know. I can't believe it either, but I mean how can I say no."

"Like this…" Willow took a breath to speak, but didn't when Buffy rolled her eyes. "Will, if she want to turn her life around… how can I deny that too her. I mean look at me, when I ran away you guys took me back. I had to work to regain your trust, but I had the chance." Even though it was an exclamation Willow spoke softly. "Buffy! You didn't kill anybody!" Buffy looked mournful. "I killed Angel." "You didn't kill him. He's here, he's alive." A stray tear ran down Buffy's cheek. "Ok, I sent him to hell. Is this supposed to make me feel better?" The familiar site of Willow's "resolve face" greeted Buffy Summers. "Buffy, either Angel went to hell, or the world did, and he still made it back." "Yeah, but he went to hell and got a second chance, what kind of monster would I be to deny a second chance to Faith."

Willow sighed. "You'd be a realistic one Buffy. She's a talented liar, I mean at one point she had us convinced she was you." Buffy grinned. "Well having my body had to help her." Willow grinned as well. "To be fair that helped her story." The two smiled, Willow Rosenberg again took on breaking the silence. "So do you know what you want to do?" The light slayer took a deep breath. "I told Angel she had three days, and that she had to stay at the mansion so that I could keep an eye on her." Willow again had her "resolve face" on. "So that we can keep an eye on her." Buffy couldn't help but smile at her friend's unconditional support when Willow spoke again. "Do we know when she's getting here?" Buffy's eyes were down cast. "Tomorrow."

"It's not a lot of time to get ready, but we'll do it." Buffy didn't lift her head, but she did smile. Willow's eyes looked sad for her friend. "If she is telling the truth, will your be able to forgive her?" Buffy fell backwards onto the bed. "That's the question isn't it? I mean I want to, but I'm scared." "Scared?" Buffy nodded. "Scared, I mean I'm the slayer, things try to kill me all the time, but Faith's different. I let her in. It's almost like when Angel turned, but… in LA she pleaded with me she just wanted to know how to make it better." Willow slid back on the bed so she was sitting near Buffy's shoulders. "What did you say?" Buffy sighed. "I didn't say anything, I didn't get a chance. A council guy picked that moment to come in shooting." "So you believe her?"

Buffy closed her eyes tightly. "I don't know Will, I believed her then, but I don't know about now. I want to. I'm at least going to listen." Willow then nodded. "I will too." Buffy opened one eye and smiled up at Willow. She then opened the other and sat up, pulling the redheaded hacker into a hug. "Ok, lets call Xander and Giles and let them know. We can also meet at Giles house in the morning to go over details. Willow nodded and go up to use the phone.

*****

Faith had many reasons for staking vampires. It was her duty; it was her nature, and the fact it was a rush to pit herself against them in mortal combat. It was however the first time she wanted to stake one for being so damn nice to her. While she had no intention of actually staking Angel the fact that he drove to Sunnydale, prepared the mansion, made a bank withdrawal, and even went shopping for her just blew her away. Humans weren't this nice to her, yet here was a blood drinking creature of the night doing everything he could think of to give her a second chance at life. Faith realized this was one of the first things she had to learn. That it's one thing to be self reliant, and another thing to cut yourself off from others.

She found his kindness reaffirming some belief in the kindness of others. She also was glad it was Angel she was dealing with. Of all those she mad met since coming to Sunnydale he seemed the only one with any taste in clothes, and it showed in the clothes he picked up for her. Now she was standing there in the front area of Angel Investigations as Angel and Wesley were fussing over her before she left. Angel was his normally stoic self, with only the lightest touch of warmth in his eyes, but for Faith it was obvious enough. Wesley on the other hand was fussing over her like a father whose daughter was leaving for college. While she wasn't headed for college, as least not in the typical sense, she was restarting her life. The presence of the two men seemed fitting some how.

She had a father figure, and a FAR older brother, and the fact they were there to see her off made her smile, even as she tried to hide it under her normally detached expression. Angel spoke. "Ready?" Faith took a deep breath, paused, and then nodded. "Yeah, I'll just head down to the bus station…" Both men's expressions looked like they were about to disagree and Faith stopped. Wesley spoke next. "Since the sun is out Angel will not be able to accompany you, but I would like to drive you to Sunnydale if I may." She couldn't keep the smile from her face, but she did keep it shy. "Are you sure Wes? I mean I honestly don't mind taking the bus." Wesley simply smiled. "It's not that long of a trip, and I think we would both enjoy the company."

The two stepped from Angel's office and into the rays of dawn. She looked into the vampire's face as he stood in the shade of the entryway. "Thanks Angel, Goodbye." He smiled back at her. "Good luck." She smiled and turned to Wesley as they climbed into the car and he started the engine. From that point on the engine was the only sound, both of the people seeming caught up in their own thoughts. At least until Faith expressed one of those thoughts. "Wesley, I woke up when you looked in on me." The former watcher seemed to start stuttering out an apology but fell silent when she smiled sadly. "It's ok. I just want to let you know I hold nothing against you, not any more. If I want to earn the forgiveness of others I have to be willing to forgive them, and I know all about being raised one way and thinking that was the only way things were done."

He nodded sadly as she continued. "So don't let it bother you any more. Ok?" He gave her a glance. "I don't think it's that easy. While I thank you for your forgiveness I don't think I can forgive myself, but that's good in a way. It's what led me to agree with Angel's decision to help you, and I hope the memory of how I failed you will cause me to go the distance to help others." She blinked at him several times. "Well know that I'm not holding anything against you." He smiled and chuckled softly. "Noted." The two lapsed into silence again, but it was a far more comfortable kind and it remained until they saw the sign announcing they were entering Sunnydale.

"Are you ready?" Faith laughed nervously as she seemed to focus on remembering to breathe. "Not really, but I'll think of something." Wesley smiled and laid a free hand on her shoulder. "Remember Faith, I believe in you, Angel believes in you." She nodded and swallowed as they entered town and Wesley directed the car to Angel's mansion. As they pulled up Faith's heart skipped a beat, though to her it felt like it stopped when she saw the all too familiar form sitting outside waiting. Wesley's face seemed to harden when he saw Buffy Summers, and if Faith didn't know better it looked as if he were ready to fight the small blonde slayer for her. The hostile expression and body language remained as he got out of the car and was mirrored as Buffy stood up.

It actually left Faith feeling odd, being the calm one, but it also let her know that she needed to do this. It was almost as if her anger was some infectious disease that she passed on to anyone who came near her. Buffy strode up to them. "I thought you were coming alone Faith." Wesley was the one to answer. "I thought she had been alone enough already and offered to drive her here." It was then Buffy seemed to fully acknowledge the presence of the one time watcher. Buffy tilted her head. "I thought you didn't get involved. Isn't that against policy?" He took an angry breath to reply, but Faith seemed to realize she had to head it off before either gained any steam. "Thanks for driving me Wes. I'll just grab my stuff and you can get going."

Both Buffy and Wesley seemed stunned, but the spell broke and he helped her while Buffy stood watch over the two of them. As they settled her few bags into the main living area he smiled and stepped close to her, ignoring the slayer watching them both. "You can do this Faith. Take care of yourself and never be afraid to call on me for help." Faith actually blushed and nodded, which caused then her former watcher to smile fondly. He then turned and walked out. When Faith turned to look at Buffy she could see confusion all over Buffy's face. Faith's gaze seemed to break into Buffy's thoughts and she focused on Faith once more, the hard expression slipping back like it had never left. "Don't worry B. Three days and I'm gone."

Buffy's expression never wavered, but she seemed to need to steel herself. "That's right. Three days and I want you gone." Faith nodded. "You're the boss. I can try to make it two if you would want me to just apologize to them all at once." Buffy glared back as she responded. "Again with the attitude!" Faith's eyes flickered. "Yours or mine?" As Buffy seemed about to snap back a reply Faith sighed. "I'm sorry B. That's the whole problem, your attitude, mine, mostly mine. You didn't have to let me come here at all. Thank you for that." The look of anger on Buffy's face vanished and now she looked as if she had been slapped. Her eyes wide and disbelieving and locked on Faith. "All right, your welcome." Faith kept her eyes on the ground as she spoke again. "I did mean that earlier. I can be out of your hair faster if you just want to call a Scooby meeting. I figure I can apologize there, swing by and tell your mom I'm sorry, and be out by the next morning."

She nodded. "That's probably for the best. I don't know if they would want to be alone with you." The words stung Faith, and to her surprise Buffy felt a pang of regret at that. "We were already going to meet at Giles house at noon, why don't you come by at one?" Faith nodded and when she looked up she found the other slayer staring at her. "What?" Buffy seemed startled. "Nothing." She then turned around and walked out. Faith rolled shoulders that had become uncomfortably tight and started unpacking. Though she didn't unpack much as she expected she could be leaving in the morning. Part of her wanted to lay down and take a nap, but instead she found herself moving in front of the fireplace and making herself a cleared area.

Slowly she took up the few Tai Chi maneuvers Angel had taught her before she had left that morning. He always said it helped him to focus and right now that was exactly what she needed. As she carried out the slow moving motions she found that the moving meditation was also a fine work out. Not like her sparring sessions with B, but good. Unknown to her another person was recalling those training sessions as they watched her. Buffy probably knew the mansion as well as Angel did and was easily able to find a spot that allowed her to watch Faith unobserved. She told herself it was to see if she did anything suspicious once she thought that she was alone, but all she did was that slow motion martial art Angel liked to do.

Five minutes turned into ten, ten minutes turned into fifteen and as Buffy watched she forgot why she was watching. Instead of looking for something suspicious she was remembering a time before they were ever suspicious of each other. She remembered patrolling together, and training together. Still it was more then that, Faith was not just another slayer, she was Buffy's age, and unlike Kendra she really was Buffy's age instead of just being similar in years. Her anger had faded and Buffy almost wanted to cry, this is what she had hoped for. This was what she wanted when Faith came out of her coma. Then so many things happened and Buffy got so angry, but she also got to see the world through Faith's eyes. She forgave Faith when they were in the hospital together, now she wondered if she could do it again.

Her reverie was broken as Faith stopped but it wasn't until Faith grabbed a towel and headed towards the shower that she was able to think again. It was then that she realized that she had spent an hour watching the other slayer. Shaking her head she realized she would have to break into an all out run in order to get to Giles house, and even then she was probably going to be late. Her head jerked up as she heard the shower turn on and she took that as her cue that she could start running with out being overheard. She forced her mind from thinking about Faith to thinking about what the rest were going to think about Faith.

"What? Did Angel at least set her up with one of those ankle band things?" While some of the people in the room might have agreed with Xander's exclamation they still rolled their eyes. Buffy was one of them as she spoke.

"Sorry Xander, but Vampire Slayer was not on the prison work release program." He was already pacing as most sat and he stepped close to Buffy.

"Then what is she doing out? I mean HOW many people has she killed? How many times has she tried to kill us?"

Everyone was surprised as Willow spoke up. "But she didn't. I mean if she's such a killer you would think she could have gotten one of us." Xander looked shock. "So what? Were working on the idea her luck's not going to improve?"

Tara seemed content to stay quiet, but the way Willow was squeezing her hand made her want to speak. "What if she's telling the truth?" Xander scoffed. "Mutually exclusive concepts." The cultured tones of the former librarian Giles interrupted. "Then we will listen to what she has to say." Buffy clasped her hands together. "Then she's on the first bus out of town and out of our lives." Giles took a breath as she turned to face Buffy. "You may want to reconsider that. Our encounter with the first slayer seemed to say that your slayer abilities might be developing further. That may apply to Faith as well and I don't like the idea of her having to puzzle them out on her own." Xander spoke up once more. "Well I don't like the idea of the psycho slayer getting any more powerful at all!"

Giles looked dubious. "Well unless one of us is willing to kill her I don't see any options." Everyone looked around until all eyes were on Buffy, and the scrutiny caused the fair-haired slayer the look guilty. "Ok, killing her is not an option... and if she really wants to set things right I want to help her. If it does turn out that this is all a set up it's probably better if I'm able to keep an eye on her. I mean I doubt there is a jail that could hold her if she set her mind to it."

Willow seems to stare off into space as she spoke again. "There's also the caged slayer thing." They all looked at her and she blushed under the scrutiny. "Well, I mean not only can't she hunt monsters but they could hunt her." Buffy looked shocked as if that was a point she had not considered.

Xander looked around the room, except for a silent Riley Finn and Anya he looked appalled. "So what? Just blood under the bridge? Well you were a psycho killer before, but that's ok now?" They all stared at him. "Fine, don't mind me. I'll just go barricade myself in the basement." As he sank down on the couch Anya snuggled up to him. "That sounds like a good idea. We will be able to have sex with out any interruptions." The rest of the room stared at the couple as Buffy spoke. "Not quite yet Xander. Faith should be here soon. It's like a band aid, just five seconds of pain." Xander sank down further into the couch. "Followed by five hours of agony." She wanted to be mad, but even Xander didn't seem angry. It was just one of his tantrums and Buffy responded like she usually did, with a roll of her eyes.

"So we listen to what she has to say, and then invite her to stay in town?" Each seemed to register their vote with their eyes, but left the decision in Buffy's hands. "Ok, ok we let her say her peace. Then we tell her that we'd like her to stay." Her tone was firm and it showed her mind was made up, but she still scanned the room. Willow smiled at her, and while Tara seemed to be following Willow's lead she was smiling as well. Giles smile was subtle, but his approval was obvious to Buffy. Riley would barely meet her eyes while Anya didn't seem to care. When she reached Xander he was unwilling to look her in the eye, but the stubborn set to his jaw forced Buffy to suppress a sigh.

The group seemed to stew for several minutes until a timid knock was heard at the door. Buffy was the one to answer it, and was actually able to muster a smile when she saw Faith there. While Buffy's smile was unsure it caused a shy smile to appear on Faith's face as Buffy gestured for Faith to enter. While her head stayed down as she walked in it looked up resolutely as she took a breath to speak. "I don't want to make this any more painful for you guys. So I'll say what I came here to say, listen to what you want to say to me, and then I'll go." While she swallowed nervously she was speaking again before any would have a chance to reply.

"I know sorry doesn't cut it, and I can't take away the pain I caused, but I can take responsibility for it, and I can say I don't want you guys to have to carry it around anymore. You can feel free to hate me, but you don't have to fear me." The remainder of her breath left her in a rush and it seemed the groups signal to speak. Giles was the first. "What will you do now?" Faith shrugged. "Slay, do what I was born to do, but give back to the world instead of taking from it." "You could do that here." Brown eyes opened wide and scanned the room and except for the stony silence coming from Riley Finn and the disinterest of the former demon Anya the only hostility she was from Xander Harris. What shocked her was that not only did the faces not seem hostile, but they actually seemed supportive, unsure, but supportive.

Giles took a step closer. "While slayers traditionally work alone, they have had the guidance of a watcher, and while I may no longer be one officially I couldn't allow a slayer to face the world alone." She seemed to step away. "It's cool. I've been able to take care of myself." Giles nodded sadly. "Look where it's gotten you." When he saw pain flash across her face he stopped. "Just please consider my offer. You don't have to stay, but I have spoken with Buffy and she has agreed to let you stay if you choose to." Faith turned to face the face of Buffy Summers who was at that moment trying to sink into the background. "Is that true B?"

Buffy nodded slowly. "You're a slayer. You could do good on your own, but you could do even more good if Giles is there for you." Faith slowly panned the room and her gaze next settled on the paired Wiccans. "You ok with this Red?" Willow nodded, as Tara seemed to be trying to fold herself up in the couch. "If Buffy is willing to trust you then I will too." Faith then looked directly as Tara. "What about you?" Tara seemed startled. "M...me?" Faith nodded silently. "I trust Willow." The way that sentence had come out with out a stutter made Faith smirk, but when it caused Willow to place a protective hand on Tara's knee the smirk softened to a smile and Faith spoke. "I'm glad you can. Trust is a rare commodity."

When she looked at Riley he gave a noncommittal shrug. "Buffy's the slayer. I'm not." When Faith's eyes finally met the eyes of Xander Anya spoke up. "I really don't care to be quite honest." Faith shrugged and nodded. "I don't really think we tangled anyway." Then all eyes fell on Alexander Harris as he spoke. "Sorry to spoil the love in, but one thing slipped by. Why Faith? Why did you do it? I understand the rest of us were just Buffy's weak spots to you, but why have you been so focused on hurting her?" The room's eyes swung to Faith, except for Buffy who was stepping into the way until Xander intercepted her. "Come on Buffy, if she really wants to change then she can answer the question. Come on Faith, was it because she had the friends, the watcher, or just because she was prettier then you."

That caused even the stony expression of Riley's face to look shocked as Buffy again tried to interfere. "That's enough Xander!" "No, no it's not. Why Faith? Why did you help a guy turn into a demon? Why did you try to poison Angel? Why did you steal Buffy's body? Why do you hate her so much?" Xander was shouting as he finished but as he stopped all eyes again fell to Faith, but she was only looking at Buffy, tears silently sliding down her cheeks. "I don't hate her. I never have. I love her. I loved her ever since that alley outside the Bronze, but instead of letting that love lift me up I tried to use it to drag her down." The dark slayer's words sucked the air out of the room so that not even the regular sounds of people breathing were there, only the sounds of Faith walking quickly to and out the door.

******

The sound of the door shutting broke the spell that the room was under. Buffy immediately then made her way to the door. She was stopped by Riley's hand on her shoulder. "Buffy?" Her eyes were dazed even as she focused on her boyfriend. "I, I have to talk to her." Xander stood up. "That's gotta be what she wants!" "She wants Buffy all right." Everyone turned to look at Anya. She seemed a bit surprised at the scrutiny. "I was a vengeance demon, I know all about the woman scorned and Faith has all the signs." Buffy shook her head. "I didn't know." Xander spoke. "That doesn't justify what she's done!" Giles spoke quietly. "She never said it did."

Xander shook his head. "It must be something about the Hellmouth." While he wasn't even looking at Willow or Tara the redhead gasped and the blonde's expression was blatantly hurt. Willow stood up and turned Xander to face her. "What's that supposed to mean?" Xander tried to shy away. "Nothing Will. I mean I'm glad you're happy." She was up in his face as she replied. "I am Xander! For the first time since Oz left I am happy, but that's not the issue is it? Not my happiness, or Buffy's. You attacked every guy from Angel to Riley." Xander's eyes rolled. "The souled vampire and the storm trooper. I'm just keeping an eye on her." Willow rolled her eyes. "What about Oz? He was everyone's friend and just ran into a werewolf, but you acted like he signed on!"

He stepped away. "Yeah and then when he learned you had someone new in your life he wolfed out and attacked her." Willow threw her hands up. "At least he had his curse as an excuse! He also finally understood that Tara makes me happy." Off to the side Tara was blushing furiously but smiling just as much as Willow continued. "Do you know what's the sad thing Xander. It's not the fact that we are both girls. The one things most people would have a problem with doesn't seem that much of an issue! You have your girlfriend, and she seems to be keeping your very, VERY happy." Off to the side Anya smirked at that as Willow invaded Xander's personal space further. "I LOVE her Xander." Off to the side Tara gasped and looked around the room as Willow looked back over her shoulder and smiled. "I do." Tara looked around the room, looked down, and then looked back at Willow. "I l... love you too."

Xander sank down next to Anya. "I don't see what this has to do with Faith?" Willow's steps followed him. "It means this, until Faith does something to hurt someone anything between her and Buffy is between her and Buffy." Willow turned and sat back down next to Tara, an action that didn't relieve the tensions in the room, but it stole their focus. Buffy turned to Riley. "Riley, we'll talk later, right now I need to talk to Faith." He looked confused. "Why? I mean her feelings for you are just that, her feelings. They don't have anything to do with you." Buffy looked shocked. "How can you say that?" His expression still seemed confused. "Well it's not like you return them. Do you?" Her eyes widened. "That doesn't matter!" He took her by the elbows. "Do you?"

She yanked her arms free and turned towards the door while speaking. "I have to find Faith." He looked as if he was ready to grab her again, but didn't as she sped out of the door; it slamming shut behind her. The object of her search as at another house, literally at Buffy's doorstep. "Faith?" "Mrs. S" Faith could see the elder Summer's apprehension and shook her head. "It's ok Mrs. S. I'm not here to hurt anyone. I'm just here to apologize for what I've done then I'll be out of your lives forever." Joyce's expression softened. "Won't you come in?" Faith nodded slowly and followed Joyce into the house. "You know then invitation thing only works on vampires?" The slayer's slightly jesting tone made Joyce smile as she turned to face her.

"Look Mrs. S. I know it's not like anything I would say would be enough, but I still had to say it. You know?" Joyce nodded silently as Faith continued. "You were right. I really am unhappy, but that still didn't give me the right to spread it around." Joyce looked at Faith for several seconds. "I'm a mom, and I knew that deep down you really wanted to be a good kid. I forgive you Faith." To her surprise Faith was blinking back tears. "Look at me. I decide to turn my life around and I turn into a fucking fire hose." She realized her cursing at the last second and looked ready to apologize but Joyce dismissed it with a smile. "You are finally expressing all the things you bottled up. Buffy's says that a good cry is an essential slayer skill." She noticed that Faith flinched at the mention of her daughter's name. "Have you spoken to Buffy yet?" Faith simply nodded. "It will be ok. Summer's women are notoriously stubborn, but she has too kind a heart not to forgive you. She'll come around"

Faith shook her head. "She already did, pretty much, but some things came up." Joyce scrunched her face in confusion. "Like what?" Faith shook her head again. "Nothing, thank you Mrs. S. Now is that part where I disappear into the night." Joyce stepped closer. "Do you have to?" Faith nodded. "I think it's for the best." Joyce didn't seem to agree but she followed Faith to the door. "If the night ever brings you by again please stop by." The young woman nodded as she stepped from the Summer's porch and walked into the night.

Her path took her back to the mansion where she immediately walked to her bags and began packing. She was so focused on the goal that she didn't hear Buffy as she stepped out from her hiding spot. It was not until Buffy began to speak that Faith realized she was not alone. "Running again?" Faith seized up in shock and a single word escaped her lips. "Buffy." The released breath sounded like a prayer, or perhaps a plea, but it vanished as she looked back over her shoulder. "For me to run I would have to have something to run from. Just moving on." Buffy stepped closer. "What about Giles?" She shook her head. "He's busy being your watcher, and I think Wesley deserves a second chance." Her back was to Buffy so she didn't see the blonde force herself to stop shaking.

"What about... what you said?" Again Faith shook her head. "I didn't say anything before, and I shouldn't have said anything now." She then turned around and saw that Buffy was on the verge of tears. "Please Buffy, don't cry. You've got a life. The American dream. You're getting the education, you've got the friends, the family, hell your dating GI Joe." Buffy laughed slightly at that. "The last thing you need is a repentant head case dragging you along her road out of hell." Buffy's head shook as she stepped closer to Faith. Faith looked as if she wanted to step back but the couch was already right behind her and blocking her way. "I already sent someone to hell. Now I'd like a chance to help someone back." Faith tried to make a scoffing sound. "Before or after you beat me to death?"

Buffy shook her head. "Don't Faith." With no fear the smaller slayer took the others hands in her own. "I was angry Faith. All the times I reached out to you and you turned to Angel." Faith looked like she wanted to speak but Buffy silenced her by slipping one of her hands free from Faith's and placing it on Faith's lips. "It's ok. The important thing is that you're back. Not how you got here." Both of them were on the verge of tears as Faith nodded and Buffy pulled her into an embrace. Buffy's voice was barely a whisper. "You're back." They rested the foreheads together. They stood silently in each other arms, and when they finally broke the embrace the both looked pained. Buffy looked into Faith's eyes. "Welcome Home." The smaller slayer already had a tear running down her cheeks, and that seemed to start the other crying as well.

The tears were silent tears of joy however as they both smiled at each other, until Faith blushed. "Buffy, about the other thing…" Buffy again put a finger over Faith's lips. "I don't know about the other thing, but WE will deal with it." Faith nodded slowly, smiling. While both girls had parted there would not have been room to fit a third person between them. Buffy looked down. "I left the rest of them pretty quickly. I probably should go check on them." Faith nodded. "Go be with your friends." Buffy paused. "I can't speak for Xander or Riley, and Anya. Well you got more of a response from Anya then most of us do. So that has to be a good sign." They both smiled at that. "I do know you have me, Giles, Willow and Tara, and I'm sure mom will welcome you back."

She saw the slightly guilty look on Faith's face. "Faith?" Faith kept looking at the floor. "I talked to your mom. She's cool with me now." Buffy smiled, then just as quickly she frowned. "I really should go check on them. I'll see you later." Faith nodded. "See you around B." Buffy shook her head. "No, see you later." She paused to think. "Like tonight at seven for dinner?" Faith's eyes got wide and she nodded silently. "I'm willing to bet you haven't eaten since LA." Faith spoke quietly. "Haven't really been that hungry." "Well ya gotta eat. Any idea what your hungry for?" Faith shook her head and Buffy again paused. "Ok, how bout I pick you up here at seven and then we decide?" Faith nodded. Buffy smirked as she left. "I think we need to get some food in you. You're making Tara look chatty." The last sight Buffy saw as she left was the mock look of indignation on Faith's face.

"You're going out on a DATE?" "Riley sit down! You too Xander." Considering Buffy had her back turned while she was facing Riley it was even more shaming as Xander sank back down. "It's not a date." Riley had yet to sit down. "Not to you maybe, but what about her?" Buffy had found them much as she left them except Riley Finn seemed about as upset as Xander while Willow, Tara and Giles seemed as bored as Anya normally was. On her way back she had made a stop by home where her mother had voiced her support and it made what she was saying all the easier. "Riley, I'm with you. You have to have faith in that. I'm not even attracted to other women."

From the couch they heard Willow. "Well I wasn't either until..." The entire room looked at her and she blushed. "Never mind." Buffy simply blinked for several seconds and then turned back to a triumphant looking Riley Finn. Buffy was about ready to speak when Giles interrupted. "Even if that were the case it wouldn't matter. Whether it would be another man or another woman a relationship is strong enough or it isn't." Buffy looked at her watcher gratefully while Riley's expression was far less kindly. "Riley, you trust me, or you don't." He shook his head. "It's her I don't trust." Buffy shook her head. "It's not about her Riley! Faith isn't out to kill me, and she can't make me do anything I don't want to." While he still didn't look convinced he seemed unable to come up with an argument to that.

It was perhaps predictable that Xander didn't seem to let that stop him as he stood up. "Yeah, but what will happen when she gets you alone?" Buffy openly rolled her eyes. "What? She's going to seduce me?" Xander stood back up. "Yeah but she may go all sapphic slayer on you and steal a kiss like she did in the mansion." "She didn't steal a kiss! That was different." "How?" She paused. "Faith was... saying goodbye." Xander scoffed. "What, doesn't a wave cut it for her?" Buffy looked lost in the memory as she replied. "This wasn't just a "Goodbye, See you tomorrow." kind of thing." Xander stepped close and his voice softened. "No Buffy, it was Faith saying goodbye to the woman she loves. It was at that point she went "Fatal Attraction" on you." She looked him in the eyes as he continued in a calm voice.

"I know Buffy, you don't feel that way towards her. I also know how seductive she can be, and even if you turn her down who's to say that won't set her off again?" He didn't see that his girlfriend had rose to her feet at the last part of his sentence. "WHAT?" His eyes got wide, and everyone there would say they could see his life flashing in them. He turned. "Anya, I..." She screamed "YOU!" and then slapped him and then stormed out the door as he followed right behind her. Riley's sad expression seemed touched with amusement at the scene. "He's right Buffy, and you know it. Faith may be entirely sincere, but another rejection might send her right back over the edge."

"So what would you have me do Riley? She tells me she loves me, do I just spit on her?" Unbidden that memory from when she was in the other slayer's body came to mind. It was not something she had really shared with the others because it was still able to rattle her every time she thought about it. He shook his head. "Just be careful." Her expression softened. "I will." Both of their postures relaxed and he took her in his arms. She nuzzled to his broad chest and he seemed to savor the feel of resting his cheek to her head. "So do you girls need a chaperone?" While his tone was playful the relaxed posture of Buffy Summers became slumped, and then hardened. "No Riley, that will be ok." Agent Finn couldn't help but be rattled at the coolness of her tone. The only times he had heard her use it was when talking to demons, or his superior officers.

She pulled out of his arms and took a step back. "Listen Riley, I am not one of your soldiers that you can give orders to, and right now I'm not even sure if I want to be your girlfriend." The injured expression that crossed his face caused her to pause. "We'll talk later ok?" He took a step closer. "Do you see? She already has you about to break up with me." The slayer's nostrils flared. "She" has nothing to do with it, you do. Riley, I am not just your girlfriend, I am not just Buffy Summers, I'm the slayer. That's what this is about. I am not some defenseless maiden needing you to ride up and save me." Again an outburst from Willow interrupted the conversation. "Cowboy Guy!"

Everyone stared at Willow with their confusion apparent, but Buffy quickly recovered. "I'm not looking for a protector Riley, I'm looking for a partner." Buffy then took the path that Xander and Anya had taken by storming out. Riley seemed to look plaintively to Giles. "Doesn't she understand that I'm trying to work with her?" Giles began cleaning his glasses while looking sorry for the young man. "She's never had such problems with the rest of us. If anything we have had to show her that she can rely on us." Riley nodded. "I'm going to as well." He then took the same path but more determined then angry. Giles sighed. "I suppose we should call... or "beep" Buffy." He looked plaintively at Willow and it caused her to grin as she got up and walked to the phone.

Tara followed her as Giles watched off to the side. The shy blonde's voice was even quieter then it usually was as she whispered to Willow. "Do you think Buffy feels like that for Faith?" Willow actually looked shamed when as she entered the numeric message to Buffy. "Do you remember when I said I liked having something that was mine?" Tara blushed as she nodded which caused Willow to smile at her. "That's what Buffy had with Faith. They were the "chosen two"... and I was jealous of how much time they were spending together." Tara looked upset, but Willow smiled. "Not that way, I just felt like I was loosing my best friend and instead of seeing it was giving something Buffy needed and I harped on Buffy about it. I was Xander."

Tara smiled and put her hand on Willow's. "You c...could never be that bad. S...still Faith did do all those bad things." Willow nodded. "Maybe it would have been different if Buffy had felt freer to be there for her. There's nothing I can change, but I can try to do it right this time." Tara smiled at her again and Willow smiled back. The two started to get lost in looking into each other's eyes, but they became painfully aware of Giles obviously NOT watching them. The pair smiled shyly as they turned to face him and Willow spoke. "She's got the message, and now we wait. Got any cards?" Tara was about to reach into her purse but quickly dropped her hand. Willow smiled at her and Tara looked down. "Just t...tarot." The other two grinned and Giles spoke. "How oddly appropriate." Tara seemed surprised as Giles began clearing a spot at the table while Willow took her by the arm and guided her there.

Buffy had gotten the page and was in the process of looking for a payphone. While she had felt justified in storming out it was not until she had that she realized she had three hours before she was supposed to meet Faith. Sure she had said pick up Faith, but it was just dinner, not dancing or anything. Of course the thought took Buffy back to when she DID dance with Faith and her heartbeat kicked up a couple notches. She clamped it back down as she shook her head to herself. Ok the dancing with Faith was fun, but that's all it was. Buffy believed that back then, and now she was able to believe it for all of five seconds. Of course back then she didn't think that much about it. That was what she loved about Faith, for once in her life she didn't have to wrestle with inner turmoil, she could just feel.

Buffy stopped walking and stood stunned in the middle of the sidewalk. Love? What she loved about Faith? When she began walking again it seemed to help her think. Was it her fault? Sure she had fun with Faith, but did she lead the feisty brunette on? Buffy was aware that Faith had not had much love in her life, and it sickened her with guilt to think that Buffy's friendship could have led Faith to think there could be more. The problem with that was that Faith never seemed to expect that from Buffy. If Buffy HAD been leading her on Faith wouldn't have hid her feelings so long. It was more that she loved Buffy, but had accepted that Buffy could never love her "that way". Of course Willow's slip seemed to bring that into question.

It hadn't been entirely easy when Willow... came out to her, but Willow was her friend, and if Willow was in love then Buffy was happy for her. Was that it? Did Willow's coming out hit too close to home? Did it have anything to do with Willow at all? Buffy had to resist the urge to scream. Still, Willow's decision didn't have anything to do with her. So Buffy figured it wouldn't have anything to do with Willow, but could she be considering it? Did she have feelings for Faith? She had just argued with Riley that she didn't, but then there was Riley. After you got over the whole "worked for a government agency that thought they could deal with the Devil and not get burned".

Still Riley came through in the end, but so did Faith, even when in a coma. Faith came through in a dream no less, and Buffy knew it was her. She didn't know how, but she knew it really was Faith. Not like the dreams she had of Angel where she dreamt OF him. With Faith she dreamt WITH her. It hurt to think it, but she had never dreamed of Riley, at least not in that way. The only dream she could remember of Riley was the one the first slayer gave her when Riley and a human looking Adam plotted world domination.... from their pillow fort. Of course when she dreamt of Angel it was right before he lost his soul, was that was it cost people to love her? Angel said he was in the business of saving souls, had Faith lost hers for the same reason Angel did?

It was with a sickening lurch she realized where her feet had lead her. The mansion stood before her the shadow from the house covering her both body and soul. A place filled with memories and none of them good. The place where she sent Angel to hell and where she chained him while his mind returned after he got back. It was also the place Faith chained her, or at least thought she did as she prepared to have Angel torture her. Yet it was also the place that she kissed Buffy goodbye. The same impulse that led her there led her inside. As she walked through halls, dark even in the dwindling light of day she saw a light, but it was not from the fireplace, that had fallen into cold, dead embers. The light was cast by Faith, and like a moth to that flame it pulled her forward. The other slayer was training, but with Angel's Spartan decorating that was probably all there was to do.

Faith was wearing a sports bra and sweat shorts to make it easier to move. Strong, smooth motions of the other slayer were almost hypnotic. The speed and grace that Buffy remembered were still there, but Faith had also found focus. Before Buffy used to watch it to help Faith find her weaknesses, now Buffy just liked watching it. She liked seeing the rippling of muscle along Faith's frame, and the light sheen of perspiration that had broken out seemed to give Faith a glow. The entire effect was rather soothing to her, calming. Faith seemed at peace, and Buffy felt at peace as well, and when she jumped as she turned to face Buffy, Buffy jumped as well. "Buffy!" "Faith!"

*****

"Oh, I'm sorry. I lost track of time. I'll go get ready." Buffy shook her head. "No, it's ok. I'm way early." Faith padded barefoot to the couch and picked up a towel which she rubbed over her neck and shoulders absently as she looked closely at Buffy. "Something wrong B?" They both sat down on the couch as Faith lifted her chin and rubbed the towel over her chest. Buffy had seemed in contemplation before jerking her head up. "Really big fight." "Bout me?" Buffy shook her head and Faith gave her a doubting grin. Buffy smiled rather sadly. "No, not really. I mean that's what they SAID it was about, but it was something more. Really it was just Xander and Riley. They were both freaking out over us going to dinner." Faith looked down at her feet and wriggled her toes. "Sounds like that's about me."

Buffy shook her head and placed her hand on Faith's knee just under the hem of her sweat shorts. "No Faith. It's not you. Xander... Xander is Xander." While Buffy knew that was utterly vague Faith still nodded in understanding. She pulled her hand away, but didn't notice that Faith's eyes lingered a second when Buffy's hand had been. "Riley... well you know how I've had to hide being a slayer from my dates? Riley, Riley acts like he WANTS me to hide that I am the slayer. I mean he thinks I'm reckless, but he doesn't realize that I can lift him above my head." Both of them grinned at that as Faith spoke. "Could it be the whole soldier thing? I mean they either give orders or take them, and not from women?" Buffy's face scrunched up.

"He's not that bad. I think he just doesn't realize. I mean his training was to protect people weaker then himself, and I don't LOOK that much bigger." Faith smiled. "Yeah Buffy, but you ARE. Anyone can see that the first five minutes." Buffy blushed at that as Faith continued. "I mean after watching you slay, well even Xander knows you can take care of yourself." Buffy rolled her eyes. "He just doesn't like to admit it." Faith seemed unwilling to look Buffy in the eyes. "What about the others?" Buffy smiled, but the way Faith was hanging her head kept her from seeing it. "They trust my judgement. I mean they are willing to tell me when I am making a mistake, but they agree with me being here... and I'm glad I am." Faith looked up at that point, and was unable to hide her smile.

"So what would you like to have?" Faith shrugged. "Well you probably know the scene more then I do, but we don't have to go out." Buffy perked up. "What? You want to order in?" Faith blushed. "That, or I can cook." Buffy grinned. "You can cook?" Faith continued blushing as she nodded while Buffy kept speaking. "Id like that. A nice home cooked meal." Faith rolled her eyes as she stood up and threw the towel over the back of the couch. "Do you want to eat right away? Or do I have time to hit the shower?" Buffy grinned. "No, I want to see your homemaking skills." Leading the way Faith led Buffy into the mansions normally neglected kitchen. It seemed a little dusty, but there were some fresh utensils and a small assortment in cupboards left slightly open. Buffy slipped up to the counter. "I always wondered why Angel kept a kitchen."

Faith shrugged. "Probably needed a place to store his blood supply." The two paused and looked at each other for a beat, then Faith spoke. "Let's see what's in the cupboards." They both grinned as Buffy nodded. Faith started searching the cupboards, but Buffy noticed that she had seemed to have slowed down with something else on her mind. The way Faith's muscles tensed up caused the hairs on the back of Buffy's neck to stand on end. While Faith sounded all too casual as she spoke they seemed to be sharing the silent communication like they did when they patrolled together. "I'm going to go see if Angel put anything in the pantry. Buffy knew that even if Angel was willing to keep a kitchen he would have never bothered with keep a room for food he would never be able to eat.

What she did know was that the direction the dark slayer had taken led to an outside door. She also knew that Faith excused herself so she would not alert whoever or whatever had alerted her. That meant that she had left Buffy to play the distraction, and while she didn't like it she did her best. Shuffling around the kitchen, looking like she was considering the items she found when in fact she was straining every one of her enhanced senses to pick up what ever Faith had. Heartbeats stretched into minutes until she heard it! The sound was unmistakable. It was the grunt of pain that Faith allowed herself to make when she couldn't keep a painful hit inside.

What she didn't hear was the dark slayer slipping silently out a side door. She had feared that might giver her away, but Buffy's night stalking ex had apparently made sure to keep the mansion well maintained and the well oiled hinges didn't give her away. Faith's senses had jumped into hyperactivity like Buffy's had, but instead of straining they were searching, probing the inky blackness for a sign of whatever tripped that sixth sense all slayers had. She immediately knew it was not any type of demon because air was cool and clean with impending night. In fact the scent seemed more human, she first considered Xander, but she knew Xander's scent, and it was not his. Then it clicked, it was a scent she knew, but one she smelled in another body. Riley, Buffy's boyfriend and Faith's one night stand. Part of her wanted to go in and just tell Buffy, but another part of her recognized an intruder.

Faith was sincere in her desire to turn her life around, but she had a promise to Angel and Wesley to take care of herself, and not letting someone sneak around her house seemed like a good start. It might not be actually hers, but Angel said she could use it as long as she wanted, and that was enough. Her hands clenched into fists and then spread into talons as she slunk down closer to the ground. While Angel might have maintained the house the yard did not seem high on the vampire's list of priorities and the grass felt rough under her bare feet. Yet it also muffled what little sound her fest might have otherwise made as she sniffed the wind and drew closer to Riley's hiding place. Of course she guessed it would have been where he could spy on the kitchen, but she was letting her senses prove what her mind had deduced.

She was close enough to hear his breathing, and she had to give the soldier credit. He knew how to stay concealed, how to keep quiet. If he were facing someone other then a slayer he might have actually remained hidden. Then again Buffy already said how he underestimated her, and apparently Faith rated no higher in his mind. "The doors on the other side." While Riley had been lying prone he rolled to his feet instantly as Faith smirked at him. Trying not to enjoy the look of shock on his face. "I said, the doors on the other side. Has a buzzer and everything." He continued to glare at her. "I won't let you hurt her." Faith's smirk vanished. "I have no intention to." His eyes stayed cool focused, and while it didn't show he went up several notches in Faith's estimation, her muscles tensed even further.

"You may have fooled Buffy, but she's trusting, innocent, a lot like Willow, and you managed to pull the wool over both their eyes." Faith's breathing was deep and regular. "Look, I don't give a damn what you think of me, but leave this place or I'm calling the cops." He smiled a dark smile at that. "You're the felon. Who do you think they'll believe?" She shook her head as her body shifted into a defensive position. "Correction, suspected felon, and I can call the house's owner to confirm I have the right to be here. Unless you want to call your Uncle Sam you got nobody." He seemed ready to launch another retort, but he instead launched an attack. The punch was directed squarely at her head, but she was ready for it and ducked below and outside, which put her in a perfect position to drive her knee up into his kidney. Unfortunately her hair had grown longer during her coma and it provided a perfect hand hold as Riley grabbed and yanked hard enough to pull Faith off of her feet and land hard on her back.

He was immediately ready to deliver a punch to her while she was downed, but she managed to get her hands underneath her and kick up to place both her feet into the center of the man's chest. She had been tempted to deliver the blow to the man's throat, but she knew it would have been instantly fatal. As it was it lifted Agent Finn into the air and deposited him in a sitting position on the firm ground. He quickly tried to regain his feet, but Faith did a kip up and sprang back to a standing position. The two faced each other warily trying to find an opening when they heard the outraged shout of Buffy Summers. "Riley! What are you doing here?" He never took his eyes off Faith. "Defending myself from her!" Faith looked shocked. "Liar! You attacked me!" Riley didn't reply until Buffy blocked his line of sight by stepping right in front of him.

"You still didn't answer me! What are you doing here?" He hooked a hand around her shoulder to pull her away as he kept his eyes on Faith. "I'm trying to protect you!" He found her immovable as she set her feet. "From what? Faith's cooking? I'm sure it's not that bad!" Faith looked as if she were trying to decide if she should be offended. She then relaxed her posture. "Look, B. I'm not helping. I'll go hit the shower and you two talk. Then just come tell me if I'm cooking for one or two." Riley growled. "One." Buffy puffed up her admittedly small frame. "I don't remember putting you in charge of my dinner arrangements." The yelling seemed to fade for Faith as she made her way back into the house, but it remained as loud as ever for the two still outside.

"Riley, what is it you are not understanding? I am having dinner with a friend. Ok, it's a friend with a past, but just a friend! Your acting worse then you did with Angel." When he looked away shamefully her eyes darkened. "That's it. Isn't it? Your consider her competition. What is it because my best friend is bi? Maybe you think Willow will infect me or something?" Riley looked offended. "No! Of course not!" "Then what is it Riley? Do you thin Faith's going to get me alone and sway me to the "Dyke Side of the Force?" The shamed look returned to his face. "Hey, she is capable of anything. I mean she stole your body." A light seemed to go on behind the slayer's eyes. "That's what this is about isn't it? She seduced you and now you think she's going to seduce me?" She laughed bitterly. "Go home Riley." He looked like he wanted to say more. "Go home Riley, Go home! Get away from me!"

She turned and stormed back into the house not even looking to watch as Finn turned and walked away. Buffy was still breathing heavily as she walked back into the house. At least until she walked back towards the shower. She felt the humid air, but didn't register that she no longer heard the water. What she did register was Faith, clean and slightly pink from the warm water. Buffy realized that Faith was pink all over as the other slayer had nothing but a bath towel clenched to her stomach, which did nothing to hide Buffy from seeing Faith in all her glory. She took in the familiar things like Faith's face and legs. Her eyes seemed to get a mind of their own as they looked at firm round breasts with brown nipples that had stiffened in the cooling air, and the dark patch of hairs at the juncture of Faith's hips.

She stared for several seconds until Buffy spun around and looked at the wall." Faith! Oh God I'm sorry!" The voice that answered her seemed soft, and to Buffy it felt like it slid up and down her spine. "It's ok Buffy." When the blonde didn't reply the voice seemed to draw closer, as if it were responsible for making her ears burn. "I don't mind if you see me, do you? Unless of course you liked what you see?" Buffy's only answer was a futile attempt to swallow. She felt Faith's strong hand gently grip her shoulder and turn her around, and while she was looking directly into Faith's eyes the other woman's naked body seemed to be radiating a heat directly into Buffy. "Did you?" Buffy breathing had deepened, and as she felt Faith's breath across her face she knew she was not the only one.

"All you have to do is say no. Say no and I'll stop." No words seemed to make it to Buffy's lips before Faith found them. The feeling of Faith's mouth against her own caused Buffy to gasp, and Faith took it was invitation to slide her tongue inside Buffy's mouth. Yet it was not an invasion, but a penetration, firm, but gentle first sliding up and along the top of Buffy's mouth. Then sliding along her teeth and pressing onto her tongue, and her tongue responded. Eagerly, passionately, yet Faith's tongue seemed to try to control hers. It calmed Buffy down, drew the kiss out. It had gone on several minutes with only minimal breaks for air until Buffy's hands went weak and dropped down, right onto Faith's naked derriere.

Buffy's hands immediately dropped away and the kiss broke right after, even though Buffy's mouth moved with Faith as she pulled back. All to steal another moment of contact. The women panted as they gazed into each other's eyes until Buffy spoke. "I should go." Faith's old mask of indifference slammed into place. "Yeah ok." Buffy's expression seemed confused and afraid, but then her face steeled and she grabbed Faith in her arms. Faith seemed completely stunned as she found the smaller slayer wrapping herself around Faith's naked body. "Let's train in the morning at Giles place. You can meet your watcher all over again. Then we can come back here and you can fix me breakfast." The last part was said rather shyly, but Buffy was smiling and Faith did as well as she nodded.

"Where have you been?" Buffy couldn't help but grin at her roommate as Willow's initial exclamation degenerated into babbling. "Well ok, mom tone aside. We beeped you awhile ago!" Buffy sat down at the desk. "Yeah, I got it, but I was already at the mansion." Willow's eyes got wide. "Oh?" Buffy gave her friend a pointed gaze. "You knew Riley was following me, didn't you?" Willow sat down on the edge of the bed across from Buffy. "Well, not really "following you" but that he was in a general "I'll do Buffy's thinking for her." Frame of mind." As Buffy replied she couldn't keep from sighing. "That about sums it up. He follows me to the mansion, and then gets into a fist fight with Faith." Willow looked worried. "Did she?" Buffy shook her head. "Riley was the one lurking in the bushes. Got into a big fight. He seemed to think that since Faith managed to seduce him that I was no match for her."

Willow scoffed. "That's ridiculous! You've been Faith's match ever since she got here!" When Buffy gave Willow a questioning look the redhead blushed. "I mean match in the able take anything she could give. In mean in the fighting sense NOT in the smooching sense." When Buffy seemed unable to look Willow in the face Willow's eyes narrowed. "Or do I? Where there smoochies?" Buffy blushed. "One, one smoochie one very long, very naked smoochie." "You were naked?" Buffy shook her head, as she blushed further. "No, Faith was naked. I walked into the shower with out thinking." Willow's smile grew sly. "So... how was it?" Buffy's chest rose as she breathed in deep. "It was... unbelievable. I mean I love Riley, but I haven't been kissed like that since Angel."

Willow grinned. "You sure do have a thing for the bad boys... and girls." Buffy's eyes opened. "I do not! The girl thing is not an issue. I mean it's... Faith. Ok, Faith is girl shaped, but that's not an issue." Willow looked overly innocent. "So you didn't like what you saw? Not one bit?" Buffy blushed, but didn't reply, and Willow developed a rather devious grin. "Come on Buffy. Think about who you're talking to." Buffy smiled slightly as she shook her head. "I know, preaching to the converted, but you know me Willow I mean not only have I gone for guys. I've gone for the brawny guys, Angel, Riley, even Owen had that broad shoulder thing going." "Maybe you like your girls for contrast, or maybe you were just overcompensating." Buffy rolled her eyes. "What girls Will? Girl, one, singular."

Willow kept grinning. "A chosen one huh?" Buffy arched her eyebrows dangerously, but it simply caused Willow's grin to grow. She kept grinning as she stood up. "I should probably call Giles he was the one who suggested we page you." She was interrupted however as Buffy stood up with her. "I'll do it. I need to schedule some training time for me and Faith in the morning anyway." Willow grinned and nodded as she stepped away, only speaking while Buffy dialed. "So a training date?" Buffy scowled at a still grinning Willow as she heard the receiver pick up. "Hello?" With out even thinking about it Buffy smiled at her watcher's voice. "Hey Giles, just calling to say I'm home and everything's fine." The normally cool tones shoe with obvious relief. "Buffy, good. Did Riley find you?" She nodded silently even though she knew the gesture was wasted.

"Yeah, Faith caught him playing peeping tom." Giles reply sounded slightly shocked. "What?" "Faith discovered someone was watching us. When she went out to see who it was she found Riley. Blah, blah, blah, big fight, Riley went home." His voice was now more curious then concerned. "Now when you say big fight do you mean thrown words? Or thrown fists?" Buffy squirmed; again knowing it had no effect. "Both actually, he took a swing at Faith and I took a shout at him. Speaking of which, I kinda told Faith we should meet at your place in the morning for some training." The Englishman actually seemed both surprised and pleased at that. "Yes, that would be lovely. So Faith will be staying with us?" "Yeah, you'll have two slayers to have to keep track of." He actually sounded pleased for his first sentence. "I will expect you both bright and early. We will also want to consider the reaction of Mr. Finn."

The tone had darkened for the last part and it had transmitted right to Buffy. "I know. I'm going to have to talk to him. He's going to have to see that Faith has a place here." "What if he refuses?" Buffy's voice had a trace of its slayer steel. "He wont." Her voice softened again. "I'll see you in the morning Giles." She hung up the phone after his reply of "Goodnight Buffy." She didn't bother turning to Willow. "You can wipe the smirk off your face." Willow was still smirking but she was also trying unsuccessfully to look innocent. "Jeez Will. You keep this up and people really will think you are trying to convert me." Will scrunched her face back up. "It's not that. Like you said, you haven't been this excited since Angel." "Woah, woah, I never said that." Willow made a dismissive gesture. "Still Buffy, this is someone who excites you, and I want to support that this time."

Buffy sat down next to Willow. "What do you mean?" Willow hung her head in shame. "When Faith first got here I was jealous of the time you two spent together." First Buffy looked shocked. "Oh no Buffy, not like THAT. I mean I thought I was loosing my best friend. I didn't get it then. I didn't get it until I met Tara." Buffy remained silent, but her face seemed to ask for more. "I didn't realize what it feels like to have someone who just gets you. I mean sure you have the friends and the family, and they try to understand, but like with me and Tara. She just understands me. That's what you have with Faith, were both witches, your both slayers. Tara and I are both shy; you're both outgoing. I mean sure there are differences, but what would be the point of being with them if you were identical?"

She nodded as they both wordlessly got ready for bed, but her actions were done on autopilot as she thought about Willow's words. Her and Faith were a lot alike. Approximately the same age, kind of the same personalities, both slayers. Of course they were also both girls. While Buffy considered herself a 21st century gal there was a big difference between accepting your roommate is bi and accepting you might be as well. Yet every time she tried to talk herself out of it she flashed back to Faith, specifically Faith fresh from the shower. There was no way for Buffy to deny it, she liked it, more then liked it she loved it. The look, the smooth skin and soft, yet well defined curves. She loved the scent, clean, healthy, and desiring Buffy as much as Buffy was desiring her.

She didn't allow herself to linger on when she touched Faith's naked flesh, let alone when she pressed herself to it, but found she could think of little else as Willow shut off the light. Faith was thinking similar thoughts as she laid down to sleep. Could it be that all she had to do was be honest? She knew that when she kissed Buffy, Buffy kissed back, and it had all the energy and life that had first drawn her to Buffy. Could it be that honesty would have saved her all the heartbreak, given her a chance at the life reality had denied her so far? Faith wasn't sure, but the feel of being in Buffy's arms told her she was on the right track.

Yet while the slayers started to dream Spike knew there was no rest for the wicked. Of course William the Bloody had went from as wicked as he wants to be to as wicked as he's allowed to be. As allowed as some damn peace of technology let him be. He took comfort in the fact that it was a machine and would break down eventually, but the fact was he had never been patient as a mortal, and had not learned any patience after he became a member of the undead. He wanted the damn thing out NOW. The futuristic Frankenstein Adam had promised to remove it, but got caught up in getting his technological heart ripped out by Buffy. "Teaches me right for making a deal with a demon, even a puzzle piece one." While Spike was talking to himself he wasn't worried about being overheard.

He knew that the slayer was tucked away in her dorm room with her little Wiccan friend, because people may have called Spike violent, brutal, and possibly thickheaded they never called him dumb. His bastard of a sire Angelus had beaten any dumb out of him in Spike's first half decade of undeath. Considering he had no real way of defending himself from the Slayer he contented himself with keeping an eye on her movements. Sure it wasn't precise, but in times like this it allowed him a certain measure of freedom, because while the slayer slept most of Sunnydale's demons still hid, just thinking she would jump out and strike them down. It still amused him to think about it. One tight arsed, tiny blonde and they acted like she was some damn avenging angel.

Of course after storming the Initiative Spike thought they might be right, but he had survived a tangle or two with the slayer, and he wasn't afraid. Of course with the chip in the head he wasn't her archnemesis, he was her damn lap dog. Worse off then Angel because Angel had a soul that wanted to be her lap dog, Spike had just been put on the leash. His musings were interrupted as he passed by the mansion, the place where he spent months recovering from the Slayer bringing down the roof right on his head. Of course it was also the spot Buffy first brought him to heel by getting him to attack his sire. While he actually enjoyed the hitting his sire part he didn't like that it helped the slayer, but his sire was such an ass it actually gave them something to agree on.

What worried him was the fact that the mansion seemed active again. He could see the furniture's dust covers were gone, and some window's were even open. Which was perfect in his mind because Angel hadn't been living in centuries and wouldn't be safe from Spike even in his current condition. The old hunting skills returned immediately as Spike inched closer. He stopped on the edge of the property line looking over the place. The memories of his sire, and Dru were pushed back into his memory as he looked for traps, or alarms or snares. He didn't know what Angel would plan, but the gaining of a soul hadn't done anything to his sire's tactical ability. Of course then he noticed there was no car and figured Angel was probably out covering patrol for Buffy. So he decided to head on in and set a trap of his own.

As he approached the window he stretched his hand out towards the windowsill and ran smack into the invisible barrier that damned all of his kind. He turned abruptly as she heard footsteps behind him. He looked into the sneering face of Riley Finn. "You're getting rusty Hostile Seventeen." Spike straightened out and threw his shoulders back. "Kind of stupid to call me a name given by a place that no longer exists." Riley shrugged. "Yeah but its legacy still lives on inside your head." Spike snorted and took out a cigarette. He was half way to lighting it as Riley spoke again. "How would you like it out?" Spike paused a second, and then lit. "And how would that happen? When I saw you in uniform it was not a white lab coat." Riley nodded. "True, but you forget who assistant I was. I removed my own control chip with a broken piece of glass, but I don't even need to do that. I can shut it off with a signal."

Spike blew a puff of smoke. "Now why would you want to do something like that?" Riley shrugged. "It was the whole point of the Initiative. Use monsters to fight monsters, both foreign and domestic." Spike laughed. "Ahh so I would have been some sort of super assassin?" Again Riley shrugged. "Something like that. It was the first design where would couldn't have killed a living being unless we allowed you." Spike grinned. "Now what would your slayer sweetheart say about that?" Riley shook his head. "She doesn't need to know, and she never will. Now, do you want to be able to kill again or not?" Spike held his cigarette between his first two fingers and shook them at Riley. "Lemme guess, you figure you'll set ol Spike loose on someone, and then kill me before I can hurt anyone you don't want me to?"

Riley didn't respond and Spike grinned as he took a drag off his cigarette. "You got it soldier boy. Who dies?" Riley didn't blink. "Faith." Spike did blink. "Faith? The other slayer." Riley nodded once as Spike spoke. "Ahh, afraid she'll kick your ass if you faced her yourself didn't you?" When he saw Riley's angry flush at his words he laughed. "She already did! Well you got it soldier boy. Shut off the chip I'll drive on up to where ever she is and get a third slayer under my belt." Riley shook his head. "She's in there. That's why you can't get in. Angel has pretty much given her the place so it's a new owner, new house, and a new invitation." "All right, all right, bit of a challenge, but I like a challenge. Now... SHUT OFF THE DAMN CHIP!"

Riley held up his hands. "Spike, Spike you're going to wake Faith up." Spike growled quietly. "Shut off the chip and I'll be as quiet as a bloody Church mouse." Riley nodded. "The reason I picked you is because despite your being a demon you do have some odd sense of honor. You kept your word with Buffy. Will you give it to me?" Spike rolled his eyes and held his fingers up in a Boy Scout salute. "Vampire's honor. Now turn off the chip!" Riley seemed reluctant, but he took a device out of his pocket and pressed a button. Spike suddenly felt a pressure release inside his head and automatically shifted into game face. Riley saw that and stepped back, which caused Spike's visage to get all the more terrifying as it smiled. "Don't worry Riley. I'll kill Faith for you. Then I'll turn her. Split you and blondie between us." Riley's expression darkened and he reached inside his jacket, but they were both interrupted as they heard the voice of Faith. "Some of us are trying to get some sleep!"

******

Faith stood across from the two men as Spike looked up and down her body. "I guess I heard right, you really do like slaying in the buff. Or are you here for the full gallop?" Faith's left hand was spread wide as her right gripped a wooden stake. "Sorry Spike, but the complexion problem is a big turn off." "Oh I'm hurt." He attempted to hurt her as he lashed out with two rapid right hand punches. Faith blocked both with her right arm and slashed the stake across Spike's chest, but the vampire managed to pull back just enough so that she missed him. Riley had the gun out and seemed to be trying to decide which to shoot. Something both of his potential targets noticed. Spike responded by jumping back from the line of fire. While Faith twisted and hurled her stake into his shoulder as a shot went off and to the side Faith jumped back and landed with the small of her back on the windowsill. She grabbed it with both of her hands and flipped back inside.

Riley was still standing, but he had dropped his gun. His one hand hung uselessly while the other was trying to pull the wooden stake free. He was still trying when Spike walked up to him, still grinning in game face. "Don't worry. I'll still keep my part of the bargain. I'll kill Faith, but I won't promise that you'll be alive to see it." With that he yanked the stake from Riley's shoulder. Riley gave a bitten down shout as she dropped to his knees. Spike smiled as he considered the stake. He then licked Riley's blood from it and then dropped it in front of him. He was laughing as he strode off into the night. The next thing that penetrated was the sound of Faith's voice. "He's over here!"

He tried to get up and run away, but two men were grabbing him. He brought his one good elbow up and into one person's midsection, but as he did the person on his injured side threw their weight on him and the added pain on his shoulder sent him back to his knees. He then felt a forearm clench across his windpipe. "Can't you drug him or something?" He recognized Faith's voice posing the question and it sent a fresh dose of adrenaline through his system. It was actually enough to get him starting to pry Faith's arm from around his neck, but as he did so he felt a hypodermic needle stick in one of the veins on his neck, and then he didn't feel anything else. Including dropping to the ground in a boneless heap.

What he felt next was waking up in a hospital bed with one large bandage on one arm, and a handcuff on the other. His waking was too late to hear Buffy's arrival to the hospital. "Faith? What happened?" The dark slayer looked up from her seat in the waiting room. When she saw they were alone she looked at the ground and spoke. "I staked him." Behind Buffy's shoulders Xander spoke up. "See?" He was universally ignored as Buffy sat down next to her. "Why?" She kept looking down. "I didn't want to give him the chance to decide between shooting me or Spike." Buffy blinked. "Spike? What was Spike doing there?" Faith shifted uncomfortably in her seat. "He was talking with Riley."

They all could see that Faith had more to say so Buffy asked the question. "What would they be talking about?" Faith swallowed. "I woke up and heard some yelling. So I grabbed my stake and moved to investigate." Xander piped in. "Were you naked again?" Faith shrugged. "I was thinking "grab weapon" not "grab pants". Anyway I went out to investigate, and I saw Riley pushing some button, and then Spike was in game face." Faith took another deep breath and deliberately didn't look at Buffy. Then I heard Spike tell Riley "Don't worry Riley. I'll kill Faith for you. Then I'll turn her. Split you and blondie between us." They all fell silent, even Xander seemed torn between if he wanted to call Faith a liar, or use what she said as proof of how bad Riley was. Buffy nodded. "Are you sure that's what he said? That he would kill you FOR Riley?"

Faith looked plaintively at Buffy. "Look B..." Buffy shook he head and gave Faith a tired smile. "I believe you. I want to think that you only heard part of the conversation, but I know you're not lying to me." Faith smiled in relief and as the only one looking in Buffy's eyes at the moment she was able to see a seconds softening. Just as quickly it was gone. The expression on her face was what she had when she met the Master after rising from the dead to destroy him. "I have to talk to Riley." They all nodded or looked away as a familiar, determined stride headed towards the room that held Riley Finn. After they heard the door close Faith stood up. "Can I talk to you Xander?" Xander looked to Giles, Willow, Anya, and even Tara, but none of them seemed willing to help, Anya had forgiven him for his past indiscretion with Faith, but seemed unwilling to help him avoid another one.

She led him to a stairwell. "Ok Xander. I want to make things right with everyone, including you. Now how can I do that?" "Xander stared at her as coldly as he could. "What about Riley? How are you going to make amends with him?" Faith shrugged. "I hid the gun he pulled on me. I think that about sets things right. Now Xander... what will it take to get you to trust me? Or if I can't get you to trust me, what can I do to get you to tolerate me?" He started nodding. "Stop making moves on Buffy." Her jaw dropped, then she took a breath. "Xander, I'm not making moves on Buffy. I, I just... look I can't change how I feel for her? I don't know if I would even if I could. I mean Buffy's like coming into a warm house after the snow. Like wrapping yourself up in a blanket that's all fresh and warm from the dryer. It's not a matter of making moves on Buffy, it's a matter of not being able to deny how she makes me feel."

Faith had focused on what she had been saying, and had not seen how Xander had nodded at her description of her feelings. "Well, corny poetics aside, I do understand that. I'll also forget the whole criminal past thing. I was once possessed by a hyena spirit that stripped away my morals." While Faith gave a slight scowl at Xander's "corny poetics" comment she then looked curious. "What did you do?" "I.... I ate a pig." "A pig? Was he dead and called bacon?" Xander shook his head. "No he was alive and called Herbert. Among other things." He looked ashamed. "I tried to rape Buffy." Faith's expression seemed amazed, but he saw no condemnation there. "I faked amnesia, but either way Buffy managed to forgive me... I guess I should be willing to do the same for you."

She looked curious. "Even?" He shook his head. "Friends.... loosely casual acquaintance friends, but friends." She smirked. "Anya?" Xander nodded. "She may no longer have her powers, but a millennia's worth of vengeance is not something you want to play with." Faith nodded, and the both smiled slightly as they walked back out to join the others. As the two got back they all looked at Anya, the former demon just looked up and spoke. "Xander knows better." While Xander looked slightly put out the rest grinned as they sat back down. Unaware of what was happening behind Riley's door.

When she first stepped through the door he couldn't help but smile, then he saw her expression and his smile vanished. He was not dealing his girlfriend, or with the woman Buffy Summers, this was the Slayer, and for the first time Riley was able to understand exactly what that meant. While he wouldn't admit it to anyone, let alone himself, when he looked into her eyes he felt fear. "If you want to deny what I am about to say you can, but I will go to Spike for clarification since it concerns him too." The fearful look that crossed his face at that mention answered her question for her, and while it may have caused her some sadness inside, no trace of it showed. "Why?" He seemed to be trying to think of something to say but she cut him off. "You haven't denied anything. So now it's just a matter of why. Spike's probably out there killing someone, and not only is that your fault but both slayer's are busy with you so they are not out there trying to stop him. In one minute I am going out that door to do my duty and put down that monster you unleashed. Is there anything you have to say?"

Riley wouldn't meet her eyes. "I guess Faith was successful, she broke us up." Instead of replying Buffy moved to stand right in front of his bed. "I never told you the details of my dream sent to me by the first slayer. Needless to say you were in it. You and a fully human Adam were in some Initiative designed living room plotting world domination. When I asked you why you told me it was what governments do. The Riley Finn I fell in love in would never do that and he would never unleash an animal like Spike. The Riley Finn from my dream, now he would have no trouble doing it, and wouldn't care who happened to die in the process as long as he got what he wanted." Riley looked up; any pain he was feeling was ignored. "Buffy, I swear I was going to kill him." She stepped up and rested her hands at the feet of his bed. "What? After he killed Faith? You know it was wrong and that's why you can't look at me."

The thing that seemed to be unnerving Riley Finn the most was not the look on the slayer's face, or the way she didn't walk as much as stalk, each movement laden with repressed power. What really shook him was the fact Buffy's voice hadn't changed, and she hadn't yelled. The fact was Riley had literally seen her read a menu with more emotion. "When I was in LA I told Angel I knew you. I was wrong." With that the slayer walked out of his room, and Riley knew it was for good. The cuff had been removed because he learned that Faith had refused to press charges, and even explained away his hitting of one of the paramedics as a panic reaction after being stabbed. He tested the shoulder and found the wound was not too deep, and so he started to get dressed.

Out in the other room Buffy emerged still in slayer mentality, and her eyes immediately locked with Faith's. "Spike's still out there." Faith nodded and stood up, Buffy then nodded. "Are you ready?" Faith looked down. "It's been awhile, but it's not the kind of thing I'd forget." Then to the surprise of the rest of the room Buffy smirked. "We'll start slow." Faith looked a bit shocked but smiled as she accepted a stake as followed Buffy out of the hospital. Willow was the first to speak. "Did Buffy seem a little..." Xander finished her sentence. "You Jane, Me Jane as well?" Willow nodded, and then they all did.

"You keeping up Faith?" "Look around little slayer, I'm ahead of you." What had started out as a jog around Sunnydale's vampire hot spots and turned into a footrace. Somehow they knew that Spike would not remain still on his first night back in full control of his actions, and neither were they. Yet Spike seemed to dwindle in their minds as they allowed themselves to get lost in the night. Hearing only their footsteps and their breathing, everything else was quiet around them. It was as if the night new that predators were about, but not the predators she was used to. These were the hunters of hunters, the predators of predators. Yet the night also seemed to welcome them, wrap around them, cloak them as she did all of her denizens. Night being just an observer in the contest.

They felt buoyant, light, and yet utterly aware. The very texture of night lifting them like a bird on the wing, a falcon on the hunt. Faith turned her head to see her partner's response, but only saw a blonde blur hurtling towards her, and driving her towards a patch of grass. She landed on her back and attempted to roll, but found she was pinned by knees at each of her hips and strong thighs that pressed on her to keep her immobile. "I guess I win?" Buffy's chest was heaving from the run, and something more. Her eyes were wide and dark as she leaned over Faith. While Buffy's hair hung over her face like a mane Faith's was spread out like a halo. Buffy leaned over further, examining Faith's face, and she even seemed to be sniffing her. Yet Faith was arching her shoulders to do the same.

"Buffy?" Faith's voice was dry, breathless. "What's happening?" Buffy shook her head. "I don't know, but I like it." At that point Faith's head shot up to capture Buffy's lips and they were taken. Both women kissing, pressing, and purring? They both wondered what had come over them, but deep down they didn't care, the self delusions, the illusions, the fronts they put on for others were suddenly stripped away. Faith had risen to a sitting position and taken Buffy with her when they both smelled it, blood, human, and a lot of it. While they broke the embrace on some level they never lost contact. Both of them slipping into the shadows and stealthily approaching the source of the scent.

When they recognized the familiar landscape of the Sunnydale university Buffy darkened. The choice of locales was deliberate; Spike was hunting on her territory. She tried to think who would be easily accessible in the early morning, and Buffy silently led Faith to the janitorial closet. They didn't need to go to the closet because they found the janitors cart, with its materials strewn about it and it's owner lain out on top of it. Like some post modern altar its bloody sacrifice's throat lay open, but both were familiar enough with vampires to know that no sacrificial blade had made the wound. They recognized it as a vampire "playing with their food". Some vampires would not settle for their fangs puncture wounds and would instead gnaw at the opening and tear it open wide, both to increase their victims suffering and gorge on the jetting blood, or as Buffy had called it "slamming a person".

As they both lean in to examine the corpse they saw its dead hands gain new life as it grabbed each of them by the hair. They could both see it's game face as Buffy brought her forearm across the vampire's and it's hands jarred lose. She continued the action as she grabbed onto its wrists and pulled them above its head. The vampire's struggles were shaking more cleaning products free, and as Faith staked it the struggles continued as it shook its own ashes free. The near by janitors closet splintered as it burst from it's hinges and four more newly sired undead stepped out. Buffy was the first to meet the attack as she ran forward and drove her shoulder into the midsection of the first vampire out the door. Balled fists attempted to smash down on Buffy's back in a crude axe handle but she had already drawn back enough to employ her stake and all that crashed down on her was the soot that marked another passing of one of the undead.

Faith had followed right behind Buffy, but she instead kicked what little there was left of the door back closed, and when the third vampire reached his midsection through the shattered area she grabbed him by the shoulders and forced him down on a shard of wood that impaled his heart and destroyed him. The second vampire managed to connect with the back of her head, which stole her equilibrium. When she heard Buffy move to fight she dropped prone and rolled out of the way, but before she could spring back to her feet the fourth and final vampire burst through the remains of the door and tried to attack Buffy. The older slayer didn't even have time to recognize the threat before Faith swept the creatures legs and laid the creature flat on it's back. She got back to her feet in the same motion that she drove her stake into the second vampire's chest while Buffy simultaneously drove her stake into the heart of the last vampire.

The two were looking at each other with disbelief. The fight had provided some twisted sort of release and now they were both clear headed and thinking. Even newly sired, five vampires should have left them more winded then this. Faith looked at Buffy. "Like or not, I think we need to figure out what's happening." Buffy nodded. "I don't get it. When did Spike need a cleaning service?" Faith rolled her eyes and then they both paused and spoke as one. "The only other thing would be he needed shock troops to play a diversion." "Hellmouth?" Buffy shook her head. "He doesn't want to end the world, just us." Her eyes went wide and Faiths did as well. "Scoobies?.... Hospital!" The two ran for the exit.

The night swallowed them once more, as they ran no longer a race they ran through the Sunnydale streets. The night was no longer holding sway as the earliest risers were starting to peek their heads back into the outside world. Yet even as they did they chose to ignore the two girls with the determined eyes and break neck pace. As they turned the corner they saw the hospital, and the flashing red and blue lights from both the hospital's own ambulances and from the squad cars of the Sunnydale PD. The smell of newly spilled blood reached their nostrils and in a magic trick worthy of the finest magician their stakes appeared in hand. They immediately put them back into concealment as they tried to slip around to another entrance. While they managed to find another way in they still were unable to avoid the police. "I'm sorry ladies, but this is a crime scene. The hospital has converted the main entrance into an emergency room until we finish our investigation.

Buffy was about to speak, but Faith beat her to the punch. "But I know a guy in there. He got stabbed on my friends property." The cop's expression seemed to grow sad. "Riley Finn?" With out thinking both girls nodded. "Well, who ever stabbed him must have come back to finish the job. He was dragged out of here not over an hour ago." Buffy then spoke before Faith was able to. "By who?" Though she already knew the answer. "Some pale blonde guy. Right now we are thinking some radical race group because both fit the white Aryan male image. The attacker was described as inhumanly strong, with a scarred up face. We think he was hopped up on PCP or something similar. Are you friends with a "Rupert Giles"?" The girls both nodded. "He's being questioned in the make shift ER while he's being tended to." He saw they both looked scared at that fact and shook his head. "Don't worry, just some bumps and bruises when he and your friends tried to keep Mr. Finn from getting taken."

The cop then pointed to a sign that had been set up to give directions. "You'd girls best get home and lock your doors. If you want a police escort just ask the officer present." They walked away, both looking confused, Buffy being the first to speak. "Now that was an almost pleasant conversation." Faith nodded. "With a cop." "Think we've been going about it all wrong?" Faith shrugged. "Cops are people to." Buffy looked at her sharply and Faith continued as they walked. "Well most people are assholes, and so are cops, but most of the time let them do their jobs and they'll leave you alone." They nodded and walked quickly towards the temporary ER. "Buffy." Buffy pulled Faith to a stop and smiled at her. "Faith, I was thinking about my feelings for you before I ever... well, mounted you.'

While they both blushed Faith looked uncomfortable. "Yeah, but I was the one who came up with the whole hungry and horny thing." Buffy stepped close to her and looked into her face silently until Faith met her eyes. "Yes, but being a slayer is part of me, and now I'm realizing that you are too." Faith blushed and tried to look away, but Buffy managed to catch her with a warm, tender kiss on the lips. As the kiss broke they resumed walking and Buffy resumed speaking. "It's not that you don't get me... well horny, but it goes far deeper." She reached out and took Faith's hand as Faith began to speak. "What if at least part of it is because we are both slayers?" Buffy shrugged. "I guess we'll just have to struggle on and carry that burden." Buffy was grinning and it caused Faith to grin as well. "Struggle or snuggle?" Buffy laughed. "Either way."

******

The make shift emergency room actually seemed quite calm, and in a way that was disturbing because it said Spike had set his mind on something other then carnage when he had stormed the hospital. They were able to find Giles by finding the police officer standing over him. They all looked up but it was the officer who spoke first. "Buffy Summers?" Buffy nodded with out thinking. He then turned to Faith. "Faith Pryce?" They all looked a little shocked as she nodded. "Miss. Pryce, you were listed as the resident of the home where the first incident took place. Correct?" Faith nodded as the officer continued. "Do you know Mr. Finn or his attacker?" Faith kind of glanced at Buffy out of the corner of her eye and knew that they needed to give a version that approximated the truth. "Buffy and Riley used to be dating, and I've seen the guy in some of the bad parts of town."

He gave her an arched look, and Faith looked down at her feet. "I didn't always run with the right crowd." The officer then turned to Buffy. "You and Mister Finn had been in a relationship? May I ask the cause of the break up?" This time Buffy met Faith's gaze. "I met someone new." The officer looked at her to continue, and Buffy just nodded towards Faith." The officer's eyes narrowed and he nodded. "So your former boyfriend and an unknown male were seen outside the home of your current girlfriend?" They froze as Buffy spoke. "Yes, but how do you know this guy did it?" The officer seemed to pause. "I can't say much about an on going investigation, but prints pulled from the weapon that was used on Riley Finn seem to match ones we picked up in the Emergency Room. I'll want all of you to look at some mug shots."

Giles then stood up. "Of course officer, but could it wait? We have all been up all night, and through a terrible shock. I had already given you the information to contact us. So is it something we could possibly put off?" He nodded slowly. "Sure, just stop by the station first thing tomorrow. Would you like a officer to escort you home?" They shook their heads, and he then turned to Faith and Buffy. "This added element is making us think it could be a combination of crime of passion/hate crime." They both nodded as Buffy spoke. "The other guy said you thought it was some right wing Aryan group?" He nodded. "They have been moving in steadily from the coast. Look, we don't have anything for sure, but the fact is this guy drove a wooden stake into your ex-boyfriends chest, and if he is willing to do that to someone he was supposedly working with then I pale to think what he would do to two young ladies."

Buffy nodded. "Paling would definitely be involved." "If you would be willing to stay in the same place I will have a unit keep an eye on you." They all looked at him, and saw the determined set to his jaw; Buffy sighed and then nodded. The rest looked a bit shocked but hid it well as Faith spoke. "The mansion?" They all nodded. The policeman then smiled. "All right once the doctors check you out we will get you all home and then set up shifts to keep an eye on you." Giles then spoke. "Is this standard procedure?" The cop shook his head. "Anyone who would grab someone right out of a hospital is not the kind of guy you want to let your guard down around." Buffy spoke as they began following the officer. "You have no idea."

Xander was pacing. "Well normally it would be I go to the mansion and THEN the hospital, but I still see a pattern." Buffy looked out the window and then looked back. "Ok, the cops are doing fine. Now we need to focus on Riley." She then looked directly at Xander. "What? I'm focusing on Riley. Focused right on Riley Finn." As he spoke he held his hand up and moved it in a straight line from between his eyes. She then looked between Faith and Xander. "You two come to an understanding?" They both nodded as Xander spoke. "You two?" Buffy bit her lip but Faith grinned rather slyly at Buffy. "Well if you count Buffy knocking me to the ground and sticking her tongue down my throat coming to an understanding?" The petite blonde blushed deeply, and then sighed. "Not the way I would have said it, but yes, Faith and I have come to an understanding. She then spoke under her voice to Faith. "And I was not the one with the lip and tongue action."

Faith shrugged. "My tongue down your throat, yours down mine. It was the only thing I could do with you pinning me on the ground about to have your way with me." Buffy scowled at the dark slayer, but she did not object as the rest of the group blinked in stunned surprise. Buffy then squared her shoulders. "Questions? Comments? Criticisms?" When the group remained silent Faith smiled and spoke. "Me and B. Who would of thought it?" Except for an uninterested Anya all hands raised, though Xander's was last, as he seemed to be distracted. "Oh, sorry. I was thinking about it now." Everyone shared a light laugh as Buffy quirked an eyebrow. "Everybody sure? I mean it's ME, and FAITH, and the love that dare not speak its name." Giles shrugged. "The first slayer told us that slayers are supposed to be alone, and while we will always be there for you Faith will give you the companionship that will make sure that never happens."

Buffy seemed to consider that when Willow stage whispered. "The "slayer thing." Buffy then grinned at Willow and Tara. "You mean like "spell stuff"?" The Wiccans simply blushed. Anya then spoke out. "Considering the effect it is already having on Xander I think it's a good thing." Xander blushed deeply. "Anya!" Buffy looked closely at Xander. "You sure?" Xander nodded. "She's the first of your hunnies that actually took the time to talk to me first." They both kind of blushed and Xander looked closely. "What?" Buffy shook her head. "There was one kiss." Willow grinned. "One NAKED kiss." Buffy looked offended. "I wasn't naked!" Xander's eyes got wide, but not displeased as he stared at Faith. Anya hit him in the shoulder and he stopped. Giles cleared his throat. "Well suffice it to say the details are insignificant. We are all happy for you. Now I believe we should focus on Riley Finn."

Buffy nodded. "Ok. Why did Spike take Riley?" Faith was the first to speak. "Well he took him with instead of killing him on the spot, and only took him when he had the chance to nab the rest of the Scoobies." Xander held a hand up now. "Ah, ah Faith. As Buffy's new sapphic sweetheart you are officially one of the Scoobies again." Faith made a playfully horrified face as Buffy grinned. "Faith's right, Spike was there for something uniquely Riley Finn." Xander huffed on his nails and polished them on his shirt. "Well I would say he might have wanted Riley's military skills, but those aren't uniquely his." Buffy shook her head. "Generally, but he was also part of the Initiative." Willow spoke up. "Maybe he wants to make sure the chip gets out."

Giles seemed to consider that. "It is possible that if it was turned off Spike fears it being turned back on." Buffy sat down. "Yes, but Riley probably would have done that already." Giles was distracted as he nodded. "Yes, but perhaps it's easier to deactivate it then reactivate it. Either way Spike probably would rather be safe then sorry." Willow nodded. "I can check the files we managed to get." "Good, good. We also need to consider that Spike may be using him to get to Buffy." Buffy took a breath. "Then he made a mistake. I will rescue Riley from his own mistake because it's my job, but he's just another potential victim as far as I'm concerned." Everyone looked worried at Buffy's words and the light slayer sighed. "Look, when Ethan worked with Trick did you worry about him getting bit? Riley worked WITH Spike to kill someone. The fact that it's Faith doesn't matter."

Faith looked slightly offended and Buffy paused. "I don't mean it doesn't matter, but I mean that he worked with Spike to kill someone is the main thing." Faith stood up and wrapped her arms around Buffy's shoulders, as the rest of the Scoobies seemed to find the rest of the mansion fascinating. "B, you cared for the guy, ya loved him, and I think we both know those kind of feelings don't turn on and off even when the person goes bad." Buffy tried to look away but Faith reached out and gently turned Buffy chin back to face her. "I'm not saying you should work yourself into a panic or anything because that's just not a slayer's style." The two grinned at each other as Faith continued. "But don't try to hide your feelings with rage." Buffy frowned and placed her hand on Faith's abdomen where she had stabbed her.

Faith shook her head while placing a hand on top of Buffy's. "Don't, the Mayor had to have known the cure for the poison and he knew that I couldn't kill you on my own. So he wanted me to do it in self-defense by forcing you to try to kill me. Buffy, I fired the poisoned arrow." Buffy started to shake her head, but Faith leaned in and kissed her on the forehead. "My point is that no matter what Riley did, it doesn't mean it changed your feelings towards him." Buffy smiled shyly. "Nope, you did that." Faith blushed. "That's good, because I still will kick his ass if he tries to make a move on you, but that's just a matter of protecting my territory." Buffy grinned up at Faith. "Does this mean you're the butch one?" Faith arched her eyebrows. "Was there any doubt?" Buffy puffed up her frame, and then grinned and rested her head on Faith's chest. "Ok, you can look now."

The rest turned their heads back as Giles spoke. "Faith does make a good point. Spike may have realized that there could be lingering feelings that he may try to exploit." Willow seemed to be encouraging Tara to speak, and slowly the shy blonde did. "He may also t...turn Riley." Buffy stepped forward, her face a serene mask of determination. "Ok Willow we need you to check those files. Tara, I want you to see if there is a spell that would help us find Riley. Xander and Anya, while we know that Spike can't get into the mansion since Faith is now living here I still don't want to leave them unprotected. So I need you to keep an eye on them, and on the cops." Xander spoke as he, Willow, Tara, and even Anya nodded. "Think they might check up on us?" Buffy shrugged. "If they do just tell them that the rest of us went to bed. I am more worried about Spike turning them into in appetizers and then turning you guys into a main course. As it is he might turn them in order to get a vamp inside. So be careful of ANYONE who comes to the door. Also, if we are not back by the time classes would start have Willow and Tara call the college and take personal days, tell them I am taking one as well."

She then turned to Giles. "I know you would normally been on research detail, but you've never been shy about swinging a stake, and Faith and I could use the back up. So we take your car and try to find Spike." Giles and Faith nodded as the group split to carry out its tasks. Buffy then turned to Faith as they walked out towards the car. "How's that for butch?" Faith laughed. As they climbed into the car they both noticed Giles seemed the perfect chauffeur as he stared straight ahead and pointedly was NOT looking at anything his passengers did. Buffy smiled. "It's ok Giles. I'm sure Faith and I will be able to keep our hands off each other." Faith's voice was then heard. "At least until we find Spike. I make no promises about after we dust him." "Faaaaiiiiittttttthhhhhh." The dark slayers only answer was a throaty chuckle.

While there was no laughing back in the mansion there was grinning. Both Willow and Tara were grinning at the pacing Alexander Harris as he checked the window for the 4th time in a half-hour. "Something wrong Xander?" While her voice seemed distracted she was grinning. "What? No, just worried. I mean with the super soldier in enemy hands I think we should all be worried." Willow nodded, but kept smirking. "And we are." Then in a rare show Tara spoke up as well. "We just know that Buffy and Faith will be able to take him." Since Xander's pacing had his back to the two of them Willow allowed herself to grin at Tara. "Oh, we should get food. You know how they are after slaying." Xander wiped around to look at the girls as Anya spoke up with out lifting her head from a magazine. "Girls, don't tease Xander. That's my job."

He scowled. "Shouldn't you two be working?" They both nodded as Tara spoke. "A...Angel has a good assortment of spell books, but it's almost all protection or exorcism spells." Willow peeked up from her computer screen. "I think I'm having better luck. Spike's chip is also a tracer so the Initiative could track him. " Xander nodded and sat down next to Willow. "Good, good, does it have an on switch?" Willow nodded. "It does, but the files describe a set up they would need to carry inside a van." Xander winced. "Ok, ok, what about the tracer?" "That's a smaller unit that each team leader was supposed to carry." Xander and Willow looked at each other for a long moment until Xander got up. "I'll beep Buffy and we'll get them to go get it from Riley's place." Anya looked up. "Have them get a pizza too."

For the first fifteen minutes the slayers had been keep busy by a cutthroat game of footsie. That was followed by perhaps 20 minutes of tickling, but now the playfulness had worn off and the both were bored. They started to stare rather sullenly ahead when they both noticed the quizzical look Giles was giving them. Buffy closed her eyes and then opened them. "Giles..." His head snapped back ahead. "Yes Buffy?" She slid forward on her seat. "Ok, so you noticed Faith and I are acting strangely." He shook his head. "Your young and in love, no further explanation is needed." "I wish it were so." Giles looked more interested at the worried look on Buffy's face and how Faith slid forward so there legs were touching and she could put her arm around Buffy's waist.

"With Faith and me, it feels like... we're in heat." Faith arched a brow as Giles blushed. "No, not like that. I mean like literally in heat. I mean I was sniffing Faith." Giles seemed very uncomfortable and took a moment before he spoke. "So you two are "mating"?" Buffy blushed. "Well we haven't yet, but kinda, ya." Giles considered silently. "I have to believe it has something to do with our calling upon the spirit of the first slayer, and by extension Faith." Giles didn't notice it, but Faith looked away slightly, but Buffy did notice and looked concerned. Faith seemed unresponsive so she settled for resting Faith's head to her shoulder, which seemed to help. "Faith's entirely unique status probably play a part as well." At those words Faith's head rose as they both listened to Giles as he continued.

"There has only been one slayer, until now. We had assumed that Faith simply possessed the slayer's gifts, but now that we know there was a single slayer that has been passing her power from generation to generation and slayer to slayer. So when a second slayer was activated it is possible Buffy's gifts were split." Faith looked concerned but Buffy silenced her with a hand on the knee, as Giles seemed to get on a roll. "The attraction that the two of you experience may also be tied to that. The two of you may literally be different sides of the same coin. Yin and Yang, alpha and omega, light and dark." The two looked at each other and smiled shyly. Do you think that's it?" They both blushed as Faith then spoke. "Best idea so far, but what about the jungle fever part of it?" Giles seemed ready to stammer. "Buffy channeled the spirit of the first slayer and it would seem that had unlocked some of the more primal instincts of the slayer."

Buffy looked wide-eyed. "What can we do? I mean I don't want to be collared and led around on a leash." Faith exaggerated a leer at Buffy. "You sure bout that B?" Buffy smiled and rolled her eyes as Giles took a breath. "Yes, well. I will start researching the previous slayers and put the both of you on a strict training regimen. Both for your physical abilities as well as your mental discipline." The two seemed to pout at that, but nodded reluctantly. Buffy suddenly jumped a bit and the others looked at her. "Sorry, pager started vibrating." Faith smirked and Buffy rolled her eyes again. "Can you go five minutes with out thinking about sex?" Faith looked like she was seriously considering the question. "I'll need a stop watch, and you in the other room."

Buffy smiled and shook her head. "It's Xander, we're supposed to call him at the mansion." Giles nodded and began looking around, finding a payphone to pull up to a moment later. He was actually close enough that Faith was able to lean out and do the dialing before she handed the phone to Buffy. At Buffy's curious look she smiled. "You're the leader type, I'm just your woman." Before it picked up however Buffy quickly put the phone back in Faith's hand. "Hello?" Xander's voice was distinct over the phone as Faith put it to her ear. "You rang?" "Faith, all right. Willow managed to find out the chip in Spik