DISCLAIMER AND AUTHOR'S NOTE: All Buffy The Vampire Slayer stuff belongs to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy and Warner Brothers. No copyright infringement was intended in the writing of this fiction. All other characters that appear belong to me. This story cannot be sold or used for profit in any way. Copies may be made for private use only and must include this copyright notice and disclaimer. There is some subtext in this story. If this kind of stuff is illegal where you live, if you're under 18 or if you find the notion of two women being in love offensive, then you should get something else to read. Tough luck!

Faith, Trust and Hope
By Kristjan Brezovnik

When Faith woke up from coma, she was a bit disoriented. She had no idea how long she had been out of the picture and whether the Mayor had succeeded with his plan. She rested for a while to gather her strength. Then she pulled out the wires and the IV tube and got up. She wandered around the hospital for a while, until she found a locker room. She broke in and stole some clothes. Then she left.

She didn't know where to go, so she wandered around. She noticed that nothing had changed, life was going on as it did before. When she passed a newsstand, she checked the date on one of the newspapers to see how long she had been out.

When she passed the remains of Sunnydale High, she wondered what exactly had happened. She asked a passer-by and found out that no one was sure but that the Mayor and the Principal were killed along with some of the students. Then she went to the apartment the Mayor had given her, but it was empty. She knew she needed to get rid of the clothes she had stolen and so she went to a store and stole some underwear.

In the evening, she pummeled a vampire into unconsciousness and took off her clothes before dusting her. Now she had new clothes and she got rid of the ones she had stolen in the hospital. Just when she was done, she noticed Buffy in the distance, making a round. She made sure Buffy didn't see her, she wasn't ready to see her yet.

She followed her around for a while and she saw that nothing had changed, no one missed her. She hated whoever was responsible for her lousy fate and she hated Buffy, though she wasn't quite sure why. Because she stabbed her? Because everybody appreciated Buffy and no one appreciated her? Because Buffy didn't help her? She had no idea. She was surprised that she didn't just go to Buffy and kick the crap out of her.

She finally stopped following Buffy as she realized it would be good if she got herself something to eat and a place to spend the night. She broke into a house and helped herself to some food. When she was finished, she wanted to leave the dishes where they were, but then she changed her mind. She rinsed them and put them into a dishwasher. Then she left. She wasn't quite sure why she did that. Maybe because she felt like she was given a second chance? She frowned. She got a second chance? To do what? Destroy Sunnydale? Become the number one Slayer? What? She shook her head, disgusted, and looked around. She needed a place to stay. She remembered the motel in which she was staying when she had first come to Sunnydale. She went there, broke into an empty apartment and took a shower. Then she lay on the bed, naked, and thought for a long time before she finally fell asleep.

After Giles had told Buffy that Faith was gone, her first thought was that Faith had died. She was relieved when Giles had told her that Faith was gone from the hospital, not from the living. She was surprised that she was worried about Faith after all that she had done. Sure, she felt a bond between them, like she did with Kendra, but still, Faith had betrayed them and they all nearly died because of her. Well, they were also saved because of her, Faith had given her a clue as to how to kill the Mayor. Perhaps Faith regretted what she had done.

When Buffy was returning from Willow, she noticed a familiar figure. She wasn't quite sure at first, but when the person turned a bit, she saw it was Faith. She frowned. She stared at the fellow Slayer for a while and then decided to talk to her.

"Faith!" she called as she approached her.

She saw Faith turn and frown. Then Faith ran away. Buffy was surprised. She hesitated for a moment and then ran after her, but Faith had disappeared. Buffy was a bit disappointed, but also confused. Faith was running away? Strange. She wondered what was going on in Faith's head.

Faith was confused as well. Why the hell was she running away? Was she afraid? She frowned when she realized that she was, she just wasn't quite sure of what. Of fighting Buffy? Of Buffy having to hurt her again? She frowned. Having to? Buffy didn't have to stab her. She wondered what had happened to Angel. Did he die or were he and Buffy still together? She frowned when she realized she was jealous of Angel. It's not like she was in love with Buffy or anything… Or was she? She frowned and shook her head. She was angry with Buffy and she hated her, though she still wasn't sure why. When she saw that she had lost her, she stopped running.

Buffy had told the gang that she had seen Faith and so Xander paid more attention to his surrounding than he usually did. He was lucky and he spotted Faith. He decided to follow her.

He followed Faith all afternoon and he was getting tired, not to mention that he was hungry. He was relieved when Faith finally broke into a house. He hoped this was where Faith was staying. He sneaked to a window and saw that Faith was eating. He didn't look for long because the longer he looked the more hungry he became. He did check up every couple of minutes to see what Faith was doing. He was disappointed when Faith left the house, but he followed her anyway. When they got to the motel and Xander saw that Faith had taken a shower, he was sure that this was where she was staying. He went to look for Buffy.

Faith immediately woke up when she heard noise. She looked around and immediately noticed that there was someone else in the room. She quickly got up, ready to fight.

"Faith, it's me," the intruder said and Faith recognized Buffy's voice.

She backed up and turned on the light.

"You came to finish what you started?" she asked, still ready to fight.

"I… well… I…" Buffy stammered when she saw Faith's naked body, which still showed signs of their last confrontation. "Sorry," she said and turned away.

Faith was confused for a moment, but then she remembered that she was naked. She quickly put on her pants and her shirt.

"How did you find me?" she then asked.

Buffy glanced at her and when she saw that Faith was dressed, she turned back.

"Xander found you."

"Okay, so you found me. Now what?"

"Nothing. I just wanted to see how you were and what your plans were."

"You worried I might join another psycho bent on destroying your precious Sunnydale?"

"No, I'm worried about you."

"What, you think little sis can't take care of herself?"

"I know you can take care of your body, it's your… heart I'm worried about."

Faith stared at her for a few moments, surprised.

"So, you think you know me, hmm?"

Buffy shook her head.

"No, I don't. You don't let anyone close enough." She paused. "Damn it, Faith, I thought we were friends. What happened? Why did you go to the Mayor?"

Faith thought. Why did she go to him?

"Because he didn't criticize me," she said. "He gave me a feeling I was cared for."

"Just because he let you get away with murder doesn't mean he cared about you. He used you."

The two Slayers stared at each other, Faith thinking about what Buffy had said, Buffy wondering why she was suddenly so worried about Faith when she should be angry with her.

"Why do you care?" Faith asked defiantly.

"Because we're friends."

Faith laughed.

"And Angel?"

"What about him?" Buffy asked, confused.

"How is he?"

"He's fine."

"He's still alive?" Faith asked, surprised.

"Yes."

Faith hesitated for a moment.

"How… How did you save him?"

"I made him drink my blood."

Faith stared at Buffy, surprised. She was confused when she realized that she was jealous that Buffy cared so much for Angel that she let him drink her blood. She should have aimed for the heart.

"Lucky him," she said sarcastically. She thought for a moment. "How did you kill the Mayor?"

"I lured him into school and Giles blew it up." Buffy thought. "Why did you help me?"

Faith shrugged.

"I don't know."

"Why did you shoot Angel?"

"Because I wanted you to suffer."

"Why?"

"Because you have everything I don't."

Buffy was taken aback.

"And that's why you joined the Mayor?"

"That was one of the reasons."

"You wanted to have a family?"

"Yes."

"And for that you were willing to let Sunnydale be destroyed?"

"Yes."

"If you had opened yourself to us like you did to the Mayor, we could've been your family."

"It's not the same."

"You could've moved in with me. Or Giles. That would've been more like a family."

Faith stared at her, surprised.

"Yeah, right," she then said.

"Oh, stop it, Faith," Buffy said angrily.

"Stop what?" Faith asked, confused.

"Playing a victim. You are what you chose to be. You had friends and you could've had a family, but instead you chose to go to the Mayor so he could play Daddy. You should have known he didn't care about you when he asked you to kill."

Faith stared at her angrily at first, but the anger soon turned to shame. She looked away and sighed.

"I know I screwed up," she finally said in a quiet voice. "I never had a real family and I didn't know what it felt like to have one. My mom always criticized me and the Mayor didn't." She paused. "I guess I felt family shouldn't criticize me and that I should be the center of attention."

"But when you came here, I was the center of attention," Buffy said, and Faith nodded. "And now?"

Faith shrugged.

"I don't know. I'm not gonna try to destroy Sunnydale, if that's what you're worried about."

"No, I'm worried about you. I want to help you, if you'll let me."

Faith stared at her for a few moments.

"Why?"

Buffy hesitated.

"Because I care, okay?" She paused. "Family's also supposed to care, you know."

Faith nodded.

"So, what now?" she asked.

"That depends on what you want."

Faith sat on the bed, her shoulders slumped.

"That's a good question," she said and thought.

Buffy hesitated for a moment and then sat beside her. Faith looked at her, surprised.

"If you want to make up for what you've done, I will help you," Buffy said.

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

"I guess it's a start," she said. "So, what do we do?"

Buffy thought for a few moments.

"Well, first we go to the cops and get you cleared."

"How?" Faith asked, uncertain.

Buffy shrugged.

"We lie."

Faith stared at her for a few moments.

"Why?"

"Why? Two reasons. One, I care, two, we need you."

Faith stared at her for a moment and then took a deep breath.

"Thanks."

Buffy smiled and covered Faith's left hand with her left. Faith jerked at that but didn't pull away.

"You're welcome. Anyway, we'll go to the cops tomorrow morning." She paused for a moment, hesitating. "You can sleep in my house tonight," she then offered.

Faith stared at her, surprised. She was tempted to accept the offer, but she felt too guilty and ashamed to. She shook her head.

"No, thanks."

"You sure?"

Faith nodded.

"Yeah."

"Okay." She took a deep breath. "Anyway, then we'll pick your stuff at Giles' and you, well, we, find you a place to stay."

Faith nodded.

"I think the motel would do."

Buffy raised an eyebrow.

"You sure?"

Faith nodded.

"Yeah."

"Okay." She hesitated for a moment. "I'm glad you had a change of heart," she said.

Faith stared at her for a moment.

"Me too," she agreed.

Buffy smiled.

"Em, see you tomorrow then."

Faith nodded.

"Okay."

"Will you come to my place?"

Faith hesitated for a moment and then nodded.

"Yes."

"Good." Buffy got up. "Good night, Faith."

Faith stared at her for a moment.

"Good night, Buffy."

Buffy left.

A couple of days later, after Faith had apologized to the Scoobs, things were back to normal. The gang still gave her curious looks occasionally, but there was no hate in them. Buffy and Faith practiced again while the rest of the gang bored themselves with occult books. Faith observed Buffy and thought how gracefully she moved and how beautiful her hair was and… She stopped abruptly, confused, and Buffy hit her in the face.

"Sorry," Buffy said. "You okay?"

Faith nodded and attacked. She tried not to think about Buffy, but she just couldn't help herself. She had had such weird thoughts lately and they all revolved around Buffy. She felt drawn to the fellow Slayer. She thought it was just a bond between two Slayers and she wanted to ask Buffy about it, but she changed her mind when she realized that her feelings were deeper, much deeper. It scared the hell out of her that she might start to care for someone, especially when she had behaved so badly towards Buffy. She wanted so badly to be close to Buffy, but she was also scared and it infuriated her.

She attacked Buffy viciously, letting all her anger toward her parents, toward Kakistos and toward the Mayor power her blows. Buffy barely managed to defend herself and even though she managed to score a few solid hits, that didn't slow Faith a bit. Buffy started to worry that there was something wrong with Faith. She tried to stop the fight, but Faith kept fighting until she finally knocked Buffy down. Then she straddled her and stared at her for a few moments, pinning her arms to the ground. Buffy noticed that Faith was upset.

"Why?!" Faith suddenly cried, got up and ran away.

Everybody stared after her, confused.

"Eh, what just happened here?" Xander asked.

Nobody answered.

"Are you okay?" Willow asked Buffy.

Buffy nodded and got up.

"I'll go talk to her," she said and left.

When she got to Faith's place, she knocked, but there was no answer.

"Faith!" she called again and knocked. "It's me, Buffy!"

There was no response. Buffy thought for a moment and then decided to wait for her. She sat down and thought about what had happened. She had noticed that Faith was distracted during the fight and she fought at half power, but then Faith suddenly lost it and totally freaked out. She was surprised when she saw tears welling up in Faith's eyes just before she left. She was really worried about her.

Inside, Faith lay still on her bed and thought. She had known Buffy would come after her. She still hadn't decided what to do. She heard that Buffy sat down in front of her door. A part of her wanted to go to her and explain things, but the other part, the stronger one, was too scared. She didn't want to fall in love with… She frowned. She fell in love with Buffy? Now that was a truly terrifying thought, she and Buffy as a couple. She grinned at that for a moment before she realized that she was even more scared than she was before. Not only did she care for Buffy, she loved her, and it scared her that Buffy might not love her back and break their already weak bond. She didn't want that and she decided to leave.

Buffy's behind hurt from all the sitting and she got up and stretched again. When she returned, she heard noise in Faith's apartment. She considered knocking, but after listening more closely, she realized that Faith was trying to sneak out the window. She quickly ran around the building and saw Faith walk away with her bags.

"Faith!" she called and Faith stopped abruptly.

Buffy approached her, but Faith started to walk again.

"Faith, wait!"

Faith started to run, and Buffy ran after her. She quickly caught up with her as Faith's bags slowed her down.

"Faith," she said and took her arm, but Faith simply dropped her bags and started to run for all she was worth.

Buffy stared after her, confused. If she was really worried before, now she was really worried squared. After Faith disappeared out of her sight, Buffy looked at Faith's bags. She realized that Faith was trying to leave Sunnydale and wave of sadness came over her. She really liked Faith, much more than she had liked Kendra. She had thought it was just a bond between two fellow Slayers, but she soon discovered it was more. Sometimes she thought of Faith as a sister, sometimes as a friend and sometimes she wondered if there was more.

She sighed and picked up Faith's bags. She carried them to the window and threw them inside. Then she climbed in and put the bags aside. She looked around the room. She suddenly realized that Faith might not come back and the thought scared her, she didn't want to lose Faith. She considered what to do for a moment and then decided to wait, hoping that Faith would return to pick up her bags.

Faith ran, not really caring where she was going, as long as it was away from Buffy. The longer she ran, the more she wanted to return and the more she was scared of the confrontation.

When she finally stopped, she looked around and saw that she was at a cemetery. She stared at the graves for a while and she had no idea for how long she had ran, but when she oriented herself, she realized that she was on the other side of Sunnydale. She slowly started to walk among the graves and suddenly found herself near a cross. She stared at it, surprised, it was like she was meant to come here. She thought it was really freaky, but she needed to clear up her mind and she knew the best way would be to talk, but there was no one she dared talk to, except herself, and she was sometimes too scared to do that. She went to the cross, sat down and leaned on it. Her eyes wandered around the cemetery as she thought about what she wanted to say. After a while, she finally looked up into the sky.

"I don't know if there's anyone up there," she started, feeling weird, "but if anyone is listening, I need help. I know I'm being selfish, but I don't know where else to turn to." She paused for a moment and looked around. "I'm scared," she admitted, fidgeting with her fingers. "I know I've done bad things and I'm… ashamed. But what scares me is the fact that I'm… in love with Buffy. She means so much to me and I'm afraid to tell her, I don't want to lose her friendship. I mean, I know she was always there for me, even after all I've done, but this might push her away. Damn it, I don't wanna lose her!"

She stopped, annoyed, when she realized that tears were welling up in her eyes, and she wiped them. She took a deep breath to calm down. She knew she had three options, she could leave, she could stay and lie or she could stay and tell Buffy the truth. She knew that if she left, she would lose Buffy for good, so she was faced with either lying or telling the truth. As much as she hated lying to Buffy, not that she hadn't before, but now it was different, she was also afraid of Buffy's reaction. She had no idea how Buffy felt about her, but she knew that she obviously cared for her in some way. After thinking more about Buffy, she finally decided that Buffy wouldn't push her away if she told her she loved her. She took a deep breath when she realized she had almost solved her problem, the only thing left was to tell Buffy.

She looked up.

"Thanks," she said and got up.

When she got to Buffy's place, she hesitated for a moment and then rang the bell.

"Hi, Faith," Joyce said, her face serious, when she opened the door.

"Hello, Mrs Summers. Is… Is Buffy home?"

Joyce was confused.

"No. She called and said she was at your place."

Now it was Faith's turn to be confused.

"Oh."

"Is everything all right?" Joyce asked, concerned, when she saw Faith's expression.

Faith nodded and faked a smile.

"Yes. I'll go to her now. Bye."

"Bye," Joyce said and stared after Faith.

When Faith got to the motel, she hesitated for a moment. Then she took a deep breath and entered.

"Faith!" Buffy said, lying on Faith's bed, and sat up. "Sorry, but the bed was more comfortable than the floor."

Faith faked a smile.

"You okay?" Buffy asked, worried, and got up.

Faith nodded and slowly approached her. She took a deep breath and looked Buffy straight in the eyes.

"I need to talk to you," she said.

"That's why I'm here."

"Yes," Faith said and took another deep breath. "Look, I know I've been a real bitch ever since we met and I know I hurt you a lot and I want you to know that I'm sorry," she said and looked down.

"It's all…"

"Shut up. I need to say this while I still can." She took another deep breath. "Sorry. Anyway, you know I had a tough childhood and when Kakistos murdered my Watcher, I was really scared. She was the first person who actually cared for me and I really liked her. And when Kakistos killed her, I was afraid to care again. But then I met you and your friends and your mother and you were all so nice to me, even though I tried to push you away. But there were always rules around you and when the Mayor took me in, I could do whatever I wanted. I thought he cared, but he was only using me for his own schemes. But I felt a bond between us and I thought I could never be good again, so I wanted you to join me on the dark side. When I killed that guy, I knew it was wrong, but the Mayor convinced me that it wasn't and I completely stopped caring. I didn't realize until you stabbed me just how low I had fallen and that you were actually my friend. I want to thank you for giving me another chance and I want you to know that I love you."

Buffy stared at Faith for a few moments, surprised.

"Wow. I love you too, Faith," she said.

Faith shook her head.

"You don't understand," she said. "I love you. As… As one lover… loves another."

Buffy was taken aback.

"Oh," she said and sat back on the bed.

Faith did the same and then anxiously waited for Buffy's response.

Buffy was surprised by Faith's emotional outburst. Although she knew that Faith was holding back, it still surprised her. She was glad though, that Faith had opened up.

"I'm glad you decided to stay, Faith," she said. "You know, I felt there was a bond between me and Kendra and after that with you, but it is much stronger with you. I know I nearly killed you when I tried to heal Angel, but I still care for him and it pissed me off when you poisoned him. I don't know whether I love you or not, the jury's still out on that and I need a couple of days to think it over. But if I discover that I don't love you like you love me, I would still like us to be friends."

Faith nodded, it was going better than she had expected.

"Good. I'll let you know," Buffy said and got up.

She went to the door and took one last look at Faith before leaving.

When Buffy was gone, Faith sighed and lay down. She still couldn't believe she had told Buffy all that stuff and she was surprised by Buffy's reaction, which told her that Buffy had been thinking about it before but hadn't reached any conclusions.

In the evening, both Slayers went on patrol, each on her own, or so Buffy thought. Faith had noticed how distracted Buffy was and she knew it would be dangerous to leave her alone, so she followed her.

Buffy walked slowly and thought about Faith. She had been trying to avoid thinking about her during the day, but Faith's words kept coming back to her. She loved her? Buffy's heart started to beat faster when she recalled that. She knew it was hard for Faith to admit that, but she was glad as she was finally able to answer the question she had asked herself so many times. Did she love Faith? She knew the bond between them was deeper than between her and Kendra, but she had attributed that to the fact that Faith was more like her than Kendra. But she knew now that that wasn't so. She took a deep breath as she finally reached a conclusion. She loved Faith! She looked around and then headed in the direction where she thought Faith was.

When she walked for a few minutes, thinking of how to tell Faith and how happy she will be, she suddenly heard a scream. She ran towards the scream and saw that a vampire was holding an older man.

"Hey!" she yelled and ran toward the vampire, Mr Pointy ready in her hand.

The vampire glanced at her and continued to hold his victim. Buffy found it weird that he didn't bite the man, but then she noticed the strange glow that was surrounding his right hand, which he was holding over the man's head.

The man stopped screaming and the vampire let him fall to the ground. Buffy attacked him and the vampire defended himself. He was not a particularly good fighter and Buffy quickly staked him, but the vampire grinned at her and pulled out the stake.

"You pathetic little mortal," he said, his eyes glowing, and threw the stake away.

Buffy attacked him again and tried to reach Mr Pointy. The vampire didn't even try to stop her. Buffy circled the strange vampire with Mr Pointy, considering what to do. The vampire solved the problem by attacking her. Buffy easily defended herself and even managed to stake him again, but the vampire just wouldn't turn to dust.

Suddenly, the vampire managed to grab her neck. Buffy easily slipped out of the grip, but the vampire had his hand over her head and she screamed as she felt something strange happen to her.

Faith, who had been watching the whole fight but didn't interfere, realized that Buffy was in serious trouble and her heart started to beat faster. She threw her stake at the vampire and it pierced his hand. The vampire let go of Buffy, who collapsed to the ground, and turned toward the new attacker, his eyes glowing.

Faith jump kicked him in the head and the vampire staggered back. Faith kneeled beside Buffy and shook her.

"Buffy," she called and Buffy moaned.

The vampire growled, pulled the stake out of his hand and threw it away. Then he got up and attacked Faith. Faith took Mr Pointy and defended herself. She too managed to stake the vampire, but the vampire continued to fight, so she decided to try and blind him.

Buffy slowly pulled herself together and looked around. She had heard somebody familiar call her name, but she wasn't sure who it was. She noticed Faith fighting the strange vampire and fear came over her as she remembered what the vampire did to her.

"You can't dust him!" she called and got up.

"I know!" Faith called back as Buffy tried to regain her balance. "Yes!"

Buffy looked and saw that Faith had managed to stab the vampire into his left eye. The vampire growled and put his hand over the eye. Faith immediately went for the other, but the vampire decided to retreat, so she went to Buffy instead.

"You okay?" she asked, worried.

Buffy nodded.

"I'm just dizzy."

"What happened? What did he do?"

"I've no idea. He put his hand over my head and I suddenly started to feel like I was being sucked out of my body. It was weird." She paused for a moment. "Anyway, what are you doing here? I thought you went to the other side of the city."

Faith blushed.

"Well, I noticed that you were very distracted, so I followed you to make sure you were all right."

"Oh," Buffy said, feeling butterflies in her stomach. "I'm glad you did."

"Yeah. So, where were you going?"

Buffy was puzzled for a moment.

"Oh." She blushed. "I was going to you."

"To me?"

"Yeah." She paused. "I love you."

The two Slayers stared at each other for a few moments, before Faith spoke.

"You do?" she asked, her eyes bright.

Buffy smiled.

"Yeah. I've been thinking a lot about it before, but after you told me, well, the doubts suddenly cleared up and I knew that I loved you. I was on my way to tell you."

They stared at each other for a few more moments and then Faith took Buffy's hand. Buffy smiled.

"So, does that mean we're officially a couple?" Faith asked.

Buffy smiled broadened.

"Yeah, I guess so."

Faith hugged her, happy, and Buffy felt like she was in heaven. When they broke the hug, they stared at each other again.

"Did you feel what I felt?" Faith then asked.

"Yeah. Freaky."

Faith laughed.

"Yeah. Oh," she suddenly remembered, "what about your friends…"

"Our friends," Buffy corrected her.

"Well, our friends and Giles and your mom?"

"Oh, yeah. Well, I'd like to keep it away from Mom for a while, she's still getting used to everything that had happened."

"Okay," Faith agreed. "And Giles and the gang?"

"Why don't we wait a couple of days, say, a week? Just so we get used to the idea before we let others know."

"Fine with me."

"Okay. Now, let's go tell Giles about that vampire."

Faith nodded and they headed to Giles' house, holding their hands.

"Faith? Buffy? You're back early," Giles said when he opened up.

"We met a weird vampire and we though you might give us a clue as to how to kill it," Buffy said as she and Faith passed by.

"What do you mean?" Giles asked, confused, as he followed them.

"Well, we both tried to stake it, but nothing happened."

"I see. Can you tell me something more?"

"His eyes glowed when he was angry and he had this weird power."

"What kind of power?"

"Well, I saw him hold his hand over the head of some old man and the hand glowed. The man screamed and when he stopped, the vampire dropped him. He didn’t even bite him. Anyway, he did the same to me and it felt as though I was being sucked out of my body."

"I see. I'll have to check my books," Giles said and left.

"Sure," Buffy said and sat down on the sofa.

Faith followed her example. They sat, holding their hands, and waited for Giles to return.

"Well," Giles said when he returned, staring into some old book, and Faith and Buffy immediately stopped holding their hands, "I believe it is the Soul Eater."

"Soul Eater?"

"Yes. He is a demon. He is powerless without a body and he can only possess the undead, like that vampire you met. Unfortunately, he can protect the undead and they are almost invincible. But, his power to protect them disappears when the moon eclipses. I believe that will be in about three weeks."

"Great," Faith said. "And until then we have to watch out for him."

"Yes, I'm afraid so. I think it would be better if you two patrolled together until then."

The two Slayers looked at each other, excited at the thought.

"Okay, and how do we kill him?" Buffy asked.

"Well, you have to lure him into a pentagram of fire and kill the vampire. The demon will be trapped within the pentagram and won't be able to possess another undead. Then I will have to perform a spell to expel it from this world."

"So we better find out where he lives," Faith said.

"Yes, that would be a good idea," Giles agreed.

"Well, I'm going home," Buffy declared and got up. "I'm still a bit dazed from what that demon did."

"Of course," Giles agreed.

"You wanna come with me?" Buffy asked Faith, who blushed.

"You sure?" she asked as she got up.

"Yes. I'm sure you could use something better to eat for dinner than your usual food."

"Got that right," Faith agreed.

"We'll see you tomorrow, Giles," Buffy said as she and Faith left.

"You okay?" Faith asked Buffy when they were outside.

Buffy smiled and took her hand.

"Oh, yeah. So, wanna sleep over?"

Faith was surprised.

"You sure?"

"Yes. And I mean just sleep over, nothing more intimate. I'm not ready for that yet and I don't think you are either."

Faith nodded.

"Okay."

"Great," Buffy said, excited.

"You're early," Joyce said when Buffy and Faith arrived. "Hello, Faith," she greeted the other girl.

"Hello, Mrs Summers."

"Mom, can she sleep over?"

Joyce looked at her daughter, surprised.

"Sure," she allowed, not very enthusiastically.

"Great."

"Are you two hungry?"

"Yes."

"Good. The dinner will be ready soon."

"Okay, Mom, we'll be in my room."

The two Slayers went upstairs and Joyce went to the kitchen.

"I really like your mom," Faith said while Buffy rummaged through her closets to find something for Faith to wear in the bed.

"I noticed," Buffy said. "Got it," she said when she found something.

"I wish mine was like that."

Buffy looked at her, feeling the need to console her. She sat beside her and took her hand.

"I know," she said. "But now you have me and Mom, Giles and the rest of the Scooby Gang."

Faith laughed.

"Scooby Gang?" she asked.

Buffy smiled.

"Yeah. Cordelia gave us that name before she joined us." She showed Faith the T-shirt she had taken out of the closet. "How about this one?" she asked.

Faith looked at it.

"It will do."

They were quiet for a while, not knowing what to say.

"This is embarrassing," Faith broke the silence.

"Yeah," Buffy agreed. "Why don't we go downstairs?"

"Yeah."

They got up and went downstairs, holding their hands, but they stopped holding them before they entered the kitchen.

"Ah, there you are," Joyce said, "I was just about to call you. Dinner's ready."

The Slayers sat at the table and started to eat.

"Mom," Buffy spoke after a while.

"Yes, honey?"

"I've decided that I won't live on the campus."

"What?" Joyce said, surprised.

"I'll live at home."

"Why?"

"Because I don't want to have to sneak out of the dorm every night to go on patrol."

"I see."

"And someone might notice if I came back all bloody. Besides, they probably have lots of rules and who knows how many I would break just in the first week."

Joyce laughed.

"I guess you're right. Okay then, you can stay at home."

"Thanks, Mom."

"Mom, Giles, Faith and I are going on patrol," Buffy said a couple of days later.

"Be careful," Joyce said.

"Sure."

The two Slayers left the kitchen.

"Oh, wait," Faith suddenly remembered and returned to the kitchen.

"Yes, Faith?" Giles asked.

Faith hesitated.

"I, well, I've decided to go back to school and I was, well, wondering if you could help me out. You know what people I need to see and what papers I need to have."

Joyce and Giles stared at her, surprised.

"Are you serious?" Giles asked.

"Of course I am," Faith said, annoyed.

"Of course."

"We will help you," Joyce said. "Have you finished the grade school?"

"Yes."

"Good. I assume you want to go to high school here in Sunnydale."

"Yes."

"Good. Mr Giles will ask at the school and I will check out Buffy's papers to see what you need."

"Thank you," Faith said, glad that they would help her. "Bye."

She and Buffy, who had followed her back, left the kitchen.

"You're serious about going back to school?" Buffy asked her.

"Yep. I can't live on Slaying, you know, it's a lousy job, no health insurance and absolutely no pay. And besides, I'm bored, I need something to do besides Slaying."

Buffy smiled.

"Yeah, I know what you mean," she agreed.

Joyce slowly walked to the window and looked through. She saw Buffy and Faith leave the house, holding their hands. Again. She saw how excited they both were, probably because Faith had decided to go back to school.

"Rupert," she spoke after the two Slayers were gone.

"Yes, Joyce?"

"Have you noticed anything strange about Buffy and Faith lately?"

"Well, yes. Buffy apparently likes going on patrols, and Faith, well, she's a completely different person. They both seem to have matured in a way."

"I see. And how long ago have you noticed that?"

Giles thought.

"Not long. I believe it was just last week. I recall Faith freaked out during practice, but the next day, they were like best friends."

"I see," Joyce said thoughtfully. "More tea?" she asked, noticing Giles' empty cup.

"No, thank you."

"You'll need a place stay," Buffy said as they walked down the street.

"I have a place to stay."

"No, I mean a regular address."

"Oh."

"Do you want to move in with me?"

"Into your house?"

"Yes."

Faith hesitated for a moment.

"Well, I'd like that, but what will your mom say?"

"Don't worry about her, she likes you and I'm sure she'll agree."

"I'm not sure she's particularly fond of me after what I've done."

"She'll get over it," Buffy assured her.

"Perhaps, but what about when she finds out we're lovers?"

Buffy stopped.

"Good question."

"Do we tell her before we ask her or after?"

"I don't know. I think…"

A scream interrupted her and both Slayers immediately ran towards the scream.

"It's the Soul Eater," Faith said when they spotted the vampire.

"Yes. Do we fight him?"

"We better or he's gonna find some more victims."

"Yeah, but how do we fight him?"

"Why don't we just kick the crap out of him until he runs away."

"Good idea."

"And we can use that."

Faith went to a bench and kicked at one of the boards, which broke in two. She pulled off both ends and gave one to Buffy. Then they both stormed the vampire, who had already killed his victim and was approaching them. They simultaneously attacked him and the vampire could barely protect himself. They both stabbed him with the sharp ends of the boards, but the vampire didn't turn to dust. After several minutes of beating, the vampire decided to retreat.

"Let's follow him," Faith said and ran after the vampire.

Buffy was right behind her, but they quickly lost the vampire.

"Damn," Buffy swore and stopped to catch some breath. "Faith?" she asked when she saw that Faith was thinking about something.

"I was just thinking. He ran away into that direction."

"Yes."

"And last time we were here," Faith said and drew a crude map. "And he ran into this direction. So, if we prolong these two lines, they cross here. I think we should try our luck there tomorrow."

Buffy stared at her fellow Slayer.

"My, I'm impressed. I didn't think of that."

Faith shrugged.

"I'm sure you would have."

"Maybe. Anyway… Watch out!"

Buffy threw herself at Faith and knocked her down. She moaned when she felt something cut across her back.

"Buffy?" Faith asked, worried, as she pulled herself from under her lover.

"It's one of those yellow things that can shoot projectiles from its arms."

"What… Shit."

Faith just barely ducked another two projectiles. Then she quickly helped Buffy get up.

"He's over there," Buffy said and pointed at a tree.

"I see him. Let's get out of here."

"He's coming after us."

"Can he be killed?"

"Yes."

"Good. You get out of here and I'll kill him."

"What? No…"

"Go, you're in no shape to fight. Move."

Faith let go of Buffy, ran to the closest bench, kicked at one of the boards and tore off one of the halves. Then she approached the yellow creature.

"You will pay, Slayer," the creature said.

"For what?"

"For killing my brother."

"Your brother?"

"Kulak."

"Never head of him."

"He was killed during the Slayer Fest."

"Oh, that," Faith said as they started to circle around each other. "I wouldn't know, I wasn't there."

The creature was confused.

"But you are a Slayer."

"Yep, but I guess someone screwed up and I missed the fun. Well, if he's yellow and spiky like you, then that would be that guy who was killed by his fellow competitors while trying to escape from a house. Tough luck."

The creature screamed and attacked. Faith saw his forearms open up and two projectiles came out. She quickly lifted the board and intercepted the projectiles. Then she swung the board and the creature ducked.

"If the rest of your kind are as clumsy as you and your brother, I'm surprised you even survived this long," Faith taunted him and then immediately launched a series of swings, the last of which connected with the creature's left thigh.

The creature screamed and backed off a bit. Then he growled and shot another two projectiles, but Faith intercepted one and avoided the other. Then she went into a spin and scratched the creature's left leg again.

"Faith, duck!" she suddenly heard Buffy call and she dropped to the ground.

A moment later, the yellow creature collapsed to the ground with one of his projectiles in his chest. She looked at Buffy and saw that she hadn't left but had instead gone to get the projectile, which she had then thrown at the creature. She checked the creature and was relieved when she discovered it was dead. Then she went to Buffy.

"I thought I told you to get yourself to safety," she chided her.

"Hey, we're a team."

"Yes, but you are wounded."

"I did kill the guy," Buffy pointed out.

Faith smirked.

"Yeah. Thanks. And thanks for saving my life before."

Buffy smiled.

"You're welcome. Now let's go to Giles and take care of the wound, I don't want Mom to worry."

"Okay."

Faith supported Buffy as they went to their Watcher.

"Hey, Giles," Buffy said when the Watcher opened the door.

"Buffy! Are you all right?" he asked, concerned.

"Yeah, just need to clean up the wound," Buffy said as she and Faith passed by.

"What happened?" Giles asked.

"We met the brother of that yellow spiky creature that was killed during the Slayer Fest," Faith explained. "He was pretty upset, so we had to kill him. One of his projectiles hit her. I hope they're not poisonous."

"No, they're not," Giles said.

"Good." Faith helped Buffy sit on a chair in the kitchen and then looked at Giles. "Do you have something to clean up the wound?" she asked.

"Yes, of course," Giles said and left.

Faith then gently lifted Buffy's shirt.

"How does it look?" Buffy asked.

"Nasty. Take off the shirt."

Buffy did and Faith used it to clean up the blood.

"Does it hurt?" she asked when Buffy winced a couple of times.

"Not really."

"Good. Hmm, I'll have to sew this up."

"You know how to sew wounds?" Buffy asked, surprised.

"Yeah. I had a doctor teach me when I was ten and it was useful a couple of times. It still is."

"I'm sorry."

"About what?" Faith asked, confused.

"About what had happened to you when you were little."

"Oh. Don't worry, I got used to it."

"Still, it's hard for me to think about how you were beaten."

"Then don't."

"I'm trying."

Faith gave her a kiss on the back of the head.

"I love you," she said and put her hand on Buffy shoulder.

"I love you too," Buffy said and put her hand over Faith's.

"This is all I have," Giles said as he walked through the door.

Faith and Buffy quickly broke their contact and Faith looked at Giles.

"Put it on the table. Then get me a needle and a strong thread and some old shirt for Buffy."

"A needle and a thread?" Giles asked, puzzled.

"I need to sew up the wound."

"Oh." He frowned. "You know how?"

"Yes."

"I see. I will be right back."

Giles left and Faith checked up the stuff that Giles had brought. She picked up some disinfectant and started to sterilize Buffy's wound. Buffy moaned as the stuff made contact with her wound and Faith gently blew on the wound, so it didn't burn and itch that much.

"Here you go," Giles said when he returned with a needle and a thread.

"This is going to hurt," Faith said as she prepared the needle and the thread.

"I know," Buffy said and took a deep breath.

"I'll get the shirt," Giles said and left again.

"Are you ready?" Faith asked when she was prepared and Buffy nodded. "Okay."

Faith carefully sewed up the wound and Buffy bit her teeth, so she didn't scream. When she was done, Faith took the disinfectant again and cleaned up the wound. Giles, who had returned while Faith was still sewing the wound, quietly observed Faith at work.

"Okay," Faith said when she was done. "I'll put up some salve and then bandage you."

"Mhm," Buffy said and she slowly unclenched her jaw. "Au."

"What is it?" Faith asked, concerned.

"My teeth hurt," Buffy said and she rubbed her jaw.

Faith smiled.

"Giles, get rid of this bloody shirt," she said and nodded at Buffy's shirt.

Giles picked it up and left.

"I hope Mom won't be too curious about the shirt," Buffy said.

"Just tell her it was torn in a fight, so we dropped by Giles' and he gave you one of his shirts."

"Which is the truth."

"Yeah," Faith said and took a bandage. "Here, hold it," she told Buffy as she positioned the gauze over the wound.

"Hmm, it's not exactly in, but I guess it will have to do," Buffy declared as she examined Giles' shirt after Faith was done bandaging her.

"Well, she did say old," Giles said.

"It's okay, Giles, thank you."

"You're welcome."

"I'll escort you home," Faith said.

"Okay. See you, Giles."

"Good night."

"Night, Giles."

Buffy took a deep breath when they reached her house.

"Okay, here goes nothing," she said and opened the door.

They went in and tried to sneak upstairs, but Joyce heard them.

"Buffy? Hello, Faith."

"Hello, Mrs Summers."

"Buffy, what are you wearing?" Joyce demanded when she noticed Giles' shirt.

"Giles' shirt. Mine got torn in a fight, so we dropped by Giles' and he gave me one of his."

"Oh."

"I'll change now," Buffy said and turned.

"Buffy…" Faith tried to warn her, noticing the red stain on her back.

"Buffy!" Joyce said, also noticing the stain. "You're bleeding."

"What? Oh, that's nothing, just a scratch."

"Let me see."

"Mom, it's nothing."

"Buffy," Joyce insisted and gave her a stern look.

Buffy sighed and turned around, so Joyce could lift the shirt and check out her back.

"You're bandaged!"

"Yeah."

"And you said it was just a scratch."

"Don't worry, Mom, it will be gone I a couple of days."

"Buffy…"

"She saved my life," Faith quickly interrupted and both Buffy and her mother looked at her, surprised. "I'll help her wash and then I'll bandage her again. Do you have the bandages and the rest of the stuff in the bathroom?"

"Ah, yes," Joyce said, startled.

"Good. Come Buffy," Faith said, took Buffy's hand and led her upstairs.

Joyce stared after them, confused.

"Thanks," Buffy said as they entered the bathroom.

"No problem. Now, where does your mother keep the bandages and the medicines?"

"In here," Buffy said and opened a cabinet.

Faith quickly looked through and took out the stuff she needed.

"Okay, undress."

Buffy obeyed and Faith also started to undress.

"What are you doing?" Buffy asked, confused.

"Undressing. I can't wash you in my clothes and you can't bend down."

"Oh."

When Faith was naked, she helped Buffy take of the pants, panties and the socks. Then she got up and they stared at each other, both naked, except for Buffy's bandage.

"Ah, I'll take off your bandage," Faith said, trying to hide her blush.

"Yes," Buffy said and turned around.

Faith carefully took off the bandage and the gauze.

"Hmm, not bad. It stopped bleeding. Come, let's get cleaned up. Where are the soap and the shampoo?"

"In that cabinet."

Faith fetched them and then turned on the water, making sure it was just the right temperature. Then she took Buffy's hand and they stepped into the shower cabin. Faith sponged Buffy's back, carefully removing the dried blood from her skin. The closeness of Buffy's naked body made her heart beat faster and she made sure she took the longest possible amount of time to do the job.

Buffy enjoyed Faith's touch. She closed her eyes and let Faith clean her. She didn't protest when Faith finished with her back and moved on to her front. She just couldn't believe it, she had never felt so great in her life, not even with Angel.

Faith saw that Buffy enjoyed her touch and she smiled. She was so happy that she had found Buffy, it was like she was reborn. After finishing with Buffy's front, she moved down to the legs. She slowly ran her hands up and down and she moved her head closer to the little triangle of blond hairs between Buffy's legs. She inhaled the sweet scent, but she didn't go any further because she felt that Buffy wasn't ready for that and neither was she.

When Faith got up, Buffy opened her eyes and smiled.

"My turn."

Faith smiled back and turned around. Buffy was as gentle as Faith was and she also tried to prolong the touch. She was glad that no old scars stained Faith's beautiful body, it was enough that Faith had to remember her childhood, she didn't need any physical reminders. When she was done with Faith's back, Faith turned, her eyes closed, and Buffy smiled. She slowly ran her hands across Faith's front, from her neck, past her firm breasts and down to the belly. When she was done, she gave Faith a quick kiss on the lips and Faith opened her eyes.

"I'm done," Buffy said.

Faith smiled and started to wash her legs while Buffy shampooed her hair. Faith was quickly done with her legs and she too shampooed her hair. When they were both done, she opened the water and stepped closer to Buffy. They stared at each other for a few moments and their hands slowly took hold of one another's. Their heads slowly approached, their eyes locked. Finally, their lips touched, softly at first, probing, and then more firmly. It was like a electric bolt hit them and they quickly stopped. They stared at each other for a few moments and then hugged, letting the water pour over them as it washed away the soap and the shampoo.

When the water finally got cold, they let go of each other. They stared at each other for a few more moments and then Faith turned off the water. She took Buffy's hand and they stepped out of the cabin.

"Towels?" Faith asked.

"In there," Buffy said and pointed at another cabinet.

Faith fetched them and started to wipe Buffy. She was a bit faster because in spite of the steam, it was getting a bit chilly. When she was done, she let Buffy wipe her back and her front and then she wiped her legs as Buffy wrapped a towel around herself and started to dry her hair. Faith then also wrapped a towel around herself and started to dry her hair.

"Okay, time to take care of your back," Faith said when they dried their hair as much as they could without a blow-dryer.

Buffy unwrapped the towel, pressed it against her front to keep warm and kneeled on the used towels. Faith then applied the salve, put on the gauze and then bandaged her.

"I'm done," she said when she was finished and kissed Buffy on the shoulder.

"Thank you," Buffy said and got up.

Faith smiled.

"Hey, you'd do the same for me," she said as Buffy wrapped the towel around her body again.

"Yes, I would," Buffy confirmed, smiling. "Come, let's go dressed."

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

"There you are," Joyce said as they walked down the hall and they immediately stopped holding their hands. "I was beginning to worry."

"Mom, can Faith sleep over?" Buffy asked.

Joyce observed the two girls for a few moments.

"Sure. Dinner's ready."

"Okay."

The two Slayers left¸, and Joyce stared at after them. Faith had been spending a lot of time with Buffy, and Joyce had noticed that they had held their hands again. She didn't mind that they were friends, but she was still getting used to the idea that they might be lovers. She had blamed herself for being a lousy parent at first, but then she saw that Buffy and Faith were happy together and she realized that she wasn't so bad after all since Buffy was happy. And that, after all, was all that mattered. She smiled and went to the bathroom to clean up.

"You think she suspects something?" Faith asked when they entered Buffy's room.

"I don't know. But if she is, she's handling it pretty well."

"Yeah."

Buffy rummaged through her closet and picked something for Faith to wear for the night.

"Hope these fit you," she said and handed Faith a pair of panties.

Faith dropped her towel and tried the panties.

"Yep, they're prefect," she said and grinned. "Just like their owner."

Buffy smiled back, dropped her own towel and put on another pair of panties. After they putting on night-shirts and socks, Buffy wanted to pick up the towels, but Faith stopped her.

"You shouldn't bend," she said and picked up the towels.

"Tell me about it," Buffy moaned. "Let's go to the bathroom."

In the bathroom, Joyce was still cleaning up.

"I was planning to clean that up, Mrs Summers," Faith said.

Joyce looked up.

"It's okay. Just put those to the rest," she said and pointed at the pile of wet towels.

Faith did, and then she and Buffy went downstairs.

Joyce came down just as Buffy and Faith stopped eating. She observed them as they put away the dishes and then headed out.

"Faith," she then spoke up and the girls stopped.

"Yes, Mrs Summers."

She hesitated for a moment.

"Would you like to move in with us?"

The two lovers stared at her, astonished.

"Mom?" Buffy finally asked.

"Well, she will need a permanent address when she goes to school. And besides, I noticed you two spend a lot of time together."

Both Slayers blushed and glanced at each other. Joyce smiled.

"Is there something you want to tell me?"

The lovers looked at each other, blushing, and Faith lifted her eyebrows. Then they looked at Joyce again and their hands searched for their counterparts.

"Well, Mom, Faith and I, we're, em…" Buffy thought how to put it. "Well, we're a couple," she finished and looked at Faith, who nodded in agreement.

Joyce took a deep breath.

"I thought you were," she said.

"You knew?" Buffy asked.

Joyce smiled.

"I wasn't sure, but I did notice how you held your hands a lot and how you behaved when you were together."

Both girls blushed again, and Joyce smiled.

"You don't mind?" Faith asked.

"No," Joyce said, shaking her head. "Compared to the rest of your lives, I'd say this is pretty normal. And besides, you're both happy, so what more could I want?"

Faith hugged her, feeling the tears welling up.

"I wish my mom was like that," she whispered.

Joyce, surprised and moved, hugged her back and caressed her. Apparently Faith had indeed changed.

"I know," she said.

"So when can she move in?" Buffy asked when Faith and Joyce stopped hugging.

Joyce looked at Faith.

"Do you want to?"

"Yes."

"Well, then I guess you can move in tomorrow."

"Great!" Buffy said, excited.

"Will you stay in Buffy's room or in the guest room?" Joyce asked and the two lovers looked at each other.

"My room?" Buffy asked, and Faith nodded. "In my room," she then told her mother.

"Do you want a bigger bed?"

The lovers blushed again.

"I, well, we, eh…" Buffy stuttered.

"Yes, we could use a bit bigger bed," Faith helped her, and Buffy looked at her, grateful.

"Okay. We'll go look for it tomorrow afternoon."

"Thanks, Mom," Buffy said and hugged her. Then she turned to Faith. "Come on, Faith, let's go to bed, I'm beat."

The two lovers left, and Joyce stared after them, smiling.

"I don't believe it," Buffy said as they went upstairs. "I thought she was gonna freak out or something."

"You're so lucky to have a mom like that," Faith said.

Buffy gently squeezed her hand.

"And you. And besides, you're lucky too, you have both me and my mom."

Faith smiled.

"Yeah, I guess so."

"So, do we tell others tomorrow?"

Faith considered the idea.

"Yeah, why not?" she agreed.

"Okay, tomorrow then."

"Yep."

The next day, they went to Giles to give him a more detailed report on the events of the previous night. The rest of the gang was there as well.

"I hope they have no more brothers," Cordelia said when they were finished.

"Giles?" Xander asked the Watcher.

"I don't know," Giles said. "I know of them, but I don't know their family tree."

"So, how long until the eclipse?" Buffy asked.

"Eight days," Oz said.

"Oh, Giles, do you have a map of Sunnydale?" Faith asked.

"Yes. Why?"

"Buffy and I think we know approximately where to look for Soul Eater."

"Really?" Giles asked.

"Yes."

Giles immediately left to get the map.

"What's with your back?" Willow asked, noticing how awkwardly Buffy sat.

"I got hit by one of the projectiles from Yellow Spiky. Faith sewed me up."

"And then her mother noticed," Faith said and grinned.

Buffy rolled her eyes.

"Yeah. Good thing you came with me or we'd have a really long talk."

"Here you go," Giles said when he returned with the map.

Faith looked at it for a few moments.

"Got it," she then declared. "Now, this is where we first met him," she said and pointed at the map. "He ran away into this direction. Yesterday, we met him… here. And he ran into this direction. So, if we prolong the lines, they cross here and that's where Buffy and I will be looking for him today."

"My, that was very scientific," Cordelia said.

"Nevertheless," Giles said, "it's a good plan."

"Good," Faith said, took a deep breath and looked at Buffy. "Do we tell them?" she asked.

"Wanna do the honors?" Buffy asked back.

Faith nodded and took a deep breath as her hand searched for Buffy's.

"Tell us what?" Xander asked, cusious.

Faith gave him a sharp look.

"Well, Buffy and I are a couple," she then dropped the bomb.

There was silence for a few moments as the words sank into the minds of their friends and mouths opened and closed in surprise. Xander was the first to speak.

"A couple," he said. "Like in girlfriend/boyfriend?"

"Like in girlfriend/girlfriend," Buffy corrected him.

"Yeah. Well, I mean, well…"

"You sound like Willow," Cordelia said, annoyed.

"Does your mother know?" Xander asked.

"Yep. She told Faith she can move in with us and since we had a feeling that she knew, we told her."

"How did she react?" Willow asked.

"She asked us if we need a bigger bed," Faith said and grinned.

"You're kidding, right?" Xander said.

"Nope," Buffy said. "As a matter of fact, we're going to look for it when Mom comes home."

"So you're moving in with her?" Cordelia asked Faith.

"Yes. We'll go to my place when we're done here and get my stuff."

"Then I guess congratulations are in order," Giles said and everybody looked at him, surprised.

"What? You're not gonna freak out or something?" Faith asked. "Maybe give us a lecture on morality?"

Giles smiled briefly.

"Why should I do that?"

"Well, you know, morality? Not to mention that you're a Brit."

"Well, you're not the first gay couple I know."

"You mean you know more?" Xander asked.

"Three."

"Wow."

"Anyway, we're not gay, I mean lesbian," Buffy said. "We're just in love with each other. It's not like we're generally attracted to women. We both like boys, you know, a lot, but we just happen to love each other."

She looked at Faith for support, and Faith nodded.

"I couldn't say it better," she confirmed.

There was a silence and their friends thought about Buffy's words.

"Anyway, if we're done here, we need to move Faith's stuff," Buffy broke the silence and got up.

"Yes, that would be all," Giles said.

"Do you need help?" Oz offered.

"No, I don't have that much stuff," Faith said, still holding Buffy's hand.

"Well, if you change your mind, let us know," Willow said.

"Sure," Buffy said and pulled Faith after her.

"I think that went pretty well," Faith said when they were outside.

"Yeah. I sort of expected Giles to gives a lecture or something. I guess I was wrong."

"Yeah, he can be cool sometimes."

"Yeah."

They went to Faith's and packed her stuff. Faith made sure everything was paid for and then they took her stuff to Buffy's.

"If you're a fan of someone, feel free to hang on a poster," Buffy said as they put Faith's stuff into closets. "Just don't exaggerate. I recall one of my friends from the previous High School, she had her room covered with posters of some guy, I can't remember who."

"Don't worry, I'll let you know, after all, it's your room. And besides, there aren't any posters of you."

Buffy laughed.

"Yeah. Anyway, " she corrected Faith, "it's our room. Our room, our house and my mom, well, she's my mom, but I guess she can be your mom too. Or mother-in-law."

Faith laughed at the last remark, but then her face became serious.

"You mean that?"

"Absolutely."

"Thanks," Faith said, feeling oddly warm at heart.

Buffy came closer and gave her a kiss.

"Any time," she said and caressed her.

Faith covered Buffy's hand with her own and held it pressed to her face for a few moments. Then she lifted it and kissed the palm.

"Girls, I'm home!" Joyce called from downstairs.

"Already?" Faith asked, surprised.

Buffy shrugged.

"Don't ask me. Let's go down."

They left the room and went downstairs.

"Ah, you're home," Joyce said when she saw them.

"Mom, you're early. Is everything okay?" Buffy asked, concerned.

Joyce smiled.

"Yes. I didn't have much to do, so I decided to go home. We can go look for that bed, if you have time."

"Yes, sure."

"Yep."

"Faith will also need a desk," Buffy said.

"No, I…" Faith started to object.

"Yes, of course," Joyce agreed and then thought. "Are you sure there's enough room?"

"Yes. We'll just have to move some stuff."

"Okay. Come, let's go."

"Buffy…" Faith started again, but Buffy silenced her with a kiss.

Joyce didn't see it because she was already on her way out.

In the evening, they went slaying again. They patrolled around the area where Faith figured that Soul Eater would show up. And she was right. Soul Eater was just dropping his latest victim when they spotted him. They ran toward him, their stakes ready, and the vampire turned. He appeared to be considering whether he should stay or run. He decided to stay and ran toward the two Slayers.

"Watch this," Faith said and took something out of her pocket.

"Holy water?" Buffy asked, surprised.

"Yeah. I got tired of having to kick his ass and not be able to kill him, so I went to Willow and she gave me these two bottles. Okay, here we go," she said and threw one of the bottles at the vampire.

The vampire screamed as the holy water started to burn its way through his flesh. Faith quickly threw the other bottle and the vampire started to back off. The two Slayers quickly attacked him with their stakes.

The vampire barely managed to wipe the holy water from his body and then ran away.

"Holy water, never leave home without it," Buffy said.

"Yeah. We better get some more of it."

"Yeah," Buffy agreed and thought. "He went that way. Let's go see where he might have gone."

"Good idea," Faith said and they moved on, holding their hands.

"Hm, figures, a cemetery," Faith said when they got to a cemetery.

"We'll return tomorrow with the gang and try to find out where exactly he's hiding."

"Yep," Faith agreed and turned to Buffy. "So, shall we go tell Giles the good news or do we go home and try out the new bed."

Buffy laughed.

"I think Giles can wait until tomorrow," she said.

"Yeah. Let's go."

"Race… Shit."

"What… Oh."

A group of vampires approached them and they prepared their stakes.

"Yep, we could definitely use the holy water," Buffy said and attacked.

Faith followed her example and attacked as well. After a minute or so of fighting, the number of vampires was down to half and the rest realized that it would be better if they left.

"Vampires," Faith said and she tried to catch some breath. "All they think about is food."

Buffy burst into laughter.

"How unfortunate for them."

"Yeah."

"Where's Faith?" Giles asked the next morning when Buffy came alone to Giles' house.

"She needed to buy something. She said she'll come here later."

"Oh."

"Anyway, we think we know where Soul Eater is staying."

"Really?"

"Yeah. He disappeared again, but we went into that direction and came to a cemetery. By the way, Willow, the holy water worked."

"Great!"

"Yeah. We were just returning home when we were attacked by a group of vampires. I think they belonged to Spike's gang. We dusted half of them and then the rest left."

"I see," Giles said.

"Oh, Faith and I discussed a plan for tonight."

"You did?"

"Yes. We should go out early and split into two groups. Xander, you still have the walkie-talkies?"

"Yes."

"Good. Em, does anyone have a camcorder?"

"I do," Cordelia said.

"Good, bring it along. Willow, we'll need some dust or ashes, something that the vampire won't notice."

"Okay."

"And we'll also need binoculars. Three pairs."

"I can get those," Xander said.

"Good. When the vampire leaves his hiding place, you four meet there while Faith and I follow him around. Cordelia, I want you to tape everything. Then I want someone to spread dust or ashes or whatever on the ground, but make sure you don't leave any footprints. Then hide. Tomorrow, we'll go back and check out if the vampire was really there or he just passed through."

"Sounds good to me," Willow said.

"Yeah, like a general," Xander said.

"I'll get that," Giles said when the bell rang.

"And what happens then?" Cordelia asked.

"We wait for the eclipse and then kill him."

"It sounds so simple when you say it," Xander said.

"It is."

"Faith… What is that?" Cordelia said, noticing the large water gun Faith was carrying.

Faith grinned and looked at everyone.

"Well, ladies and gentlemen, this is the newest addition to the Slayer arsenal," she said, trying to sound like a general. "It's called the Vampire Repellant 2000. It is good against vampires of any kind, against a single vampire and especially against groups of vampires. It features a large ammunition container and adjustable water stream width. It's light, easy to handle and easy to maintain. It comes in a variety of colors and so satisfies even the most rigorous fashion standards," she said and winked at Cordelia. "Since it is cheap and very simple to use, it is also suitable for use by non-Slayers, and because it's a toy, no cop can bug you about it. If you happen to run out of ammunition, well, there's always the good old stake to dust the damn blood-suckers."

Everybody stared at her, surprised.

"A water gun?" Xander finally said with disbelief.

Faith grinned.

"Yep. Willow, I'll need you to provide a large quantity of the holy water for this baby. B, I'm taking this with me tonight. I'll hit them with the holy water and you stake them."

"Sounds like a plan," Buffy agreed. "Just make sure you don't use up all the water on normal vamps, we'll need some for Soul Eater."

"Don't worry. Did you tell them about our plan?"

"Yep."

"Good. Do we meet here at five?"

Buffy looked around and everybody was nodding.

"I guess so."

"All right, then that's it."

There was a brief silence.

"So, did you get a new bed yesterday?" Willow then asked.

"Yes," Buffy confirmed, "it's almost twice as big as my old one. We also got a desk for Faith."

"You wouldn't believe how much rearranging we had to do," Faith said.

"And how much stuff went to the basement!" Buffy said. "I just couldn't believe it."

"Oh, Giles, what's the time?" Faith asked.

Giles checked the time.

"Ten twenty-three."

"Buffy, we have to go. Your mother said at eleven and I still have to take this gun home."

"Where are you going?" Xander asked.

"Mom needs some help at the art gallery," Buffy explained.

"Oh."

"Well, see you later," Faith said as she and Buffy got up.

"Bye."

"And don't forget the stuff," Buffy said.

"We won't," Cordelia said and then the two Slayers left.

"How did you think of the water gun?" Buffy asked when they were outside.

Faith grinned.

"Remember those two kids that nearly crashed into us?"

"Yeah?"

"Well, they had water pistols. Then I remembered the holy water and Soul Eater and that's when I got the idea."

"Not bad. We'll see how it works tonight."

"Yeah."

Five o'clock finally came and the gang headed out to the cemetery and surrounded it. The sun slowly set and soon the vampire came out of a tomb.

"I got him," Cordelia said over walkie-talkie.

"Where?" Faith asked.

"Down by that big group of trees where there are three benches."

"Got him."

"Tell her to record the path to the tomb," Buffy said.

"Cordelia, record the path to the tomb."

"Okay."

"He's nearing the exit," Faith said. "Okay, everybody, wait until I give the signal, then do as planned."

"Got it," came from Cordelia.

"Understood," came from Xander.

"Let's go," Faith said and then she and Buffy got up and went to intercept the vampire.

They hid away from the gate and waited.

"There he is," Buffy said when the vampire came through.

They got up and followed him. When they were a good distance away from the cemetery, Faith called Cordelia to move in.

"This is spooky," Cordelia said when they all met at the tomb.

"Yeah," Xander agreed. "Let's do it and then get out of here."

"Good idea," Willow agreed as she looked around for any signs of vampires.

"I'll stand guard," Oz said.

"Okay," Willow said and turned to Cordelia. "Okay, Cordelia, lead the way."

"Why me?" Cordelia objected.

"Because you have the camcorder," Xander said. "I'll provide extra light and when you're done, Willow can spread the ashes."

Cordelia pouted, but she went in nevertheless. She taped everything as quickly as she could and then got out. Willow then spread the ashes and made sure she didn't leave any trail.

"Let's get out of here," she said when she was done.

"We're done," Cordelia told Faith when they were out of the cemetery.

"Okay," Faith acknowledged. "Shall we kick the crap out of him?"

"No," Buffy shook her head, "let's let him walk for a while."

"Okay," Faith agreed.

"That's long enough," Buffy said a moment later. "See that old lady?"

"Yes. Damn."

"Let's get him."

Faith readied her water gun and they ran to the vampire. The vampire noticed them and decided to leave.

"Damn," Faith swore and stopped.

"He didn't run home," Buffy said.

"Guess he's hungry."

"Yeah. We better find him before he finds another snack."

They headed in the direction into which the vampire went.

The next morning, everybody, including Giles, met at Cordelia's. Cordelia played the tape and Buffy drew a sketch of the tomb.

"So, how do we proceed?" Willow asked.

"Well, we need to make a burning pentagram," Giles said.

"Inside or outside?" Faith asked.

"That is not important."

"So, we can make the pentagram outside and put it on fire when Buffy and I scare the vampire out."

"Yes, that would work."

"Good. I can lend you my water gun."

"Oh, yes!" Willow said enthusiastically. "How did it work?"

"Marvelously," Faith said and then she and Buffy laughed. "We didn't get the chance to hit Soul Eater, but we met a group of vampires later on and you should have seen the look on the their faces when I started to hit them with the holy water."

"Yeah. Unfortunately no vampire dared come closer from then on," Buffy said.

"Yeah, that's a shame. Lucky for them, I guess."

"Yeah."

"So, who wants the water gun?"

"Me," came from Willow and Xander.

"Okay, I'll give it to you, Willow. You, Xander, can fight with your hands."

"Okay," Xander said grudgingly.

"Good, then that's settled."

"Oh, Giles, Mom wants to talk to you in the evening," Buffy said.

"Good. Tell her I will come."

"I will."

"Oh, my god," Willow suddenly said.

"What is it?" Xander asked.

"My mom. I need to go home," she said and got up.

"We're leaving too. Come on, Buffy, the basement is waiting."

Buffy groaned and got up.

"I can't believe you volunteered us for the job. I mean, no one has touched the basement for three years."

Faith smiled.

"Who cares," she said and winked.

Buffy was confused for a moment and then her face lit up.

"Yeah. Let's go."

"Faith! Buffy!" Joyce called when she got home from work.

The Slayers came up from the basement.

"Yes, Mom?" Buffy asked.

"I have good news. Faith, I'm taking a day off tomorrow and we'll go and get your papers in order."

"Really?" Faith asked, excited.

Joyce smiled.

"Yes. It might take a day or two and then we can get you enrolled on Monday."

"Already?"

"Yes. Rupert, I mean, Mr Giles and I talked to the school board and they told us what papers you need. It took some persuasion, but we got them to agree."

"Great!"

"I guess we'll both be freshmen this year," Buffy said.

"Yeah."

"I'll go with you."

"Are you sure?" Joyce asked. "I mean, it will be pretty boring."

"Exactly. You'll need all the moral support you can get when you battle the bureaucrats."

Joyce laughed.

"I guess you're right."

The next couple of days, Joyce took Faith to different officials to get her papers in order and Buffy went with them to provide moral support. It was an exhausting business. First, they had to wait until it was their turn and then they had to deal with the cranky officials. Deadly glares from both Slayers seemed to speed things up a bit, so they both did a lot of glaring.

Finally, all papers were in order and they went to enroll. The school officials eyed both Slayers warily, especially Buffy. But Buffy was all sweet and Faith did her best to look harmless. This time, however, Giles went with them and he did most of the talking, which Joyce appreciated very much. At last, all papers were checked and approved and Faith enrolled.

"So, how does it feel to be in school again?" Buffy asked as they drove back home.

"Weird. But also great. Thanks for the help, Giles."

"Yeah."

"You are welcome."

"So, how about a celebration?" Buffy said. "I'm taking you to the movies in the afternoon," she said and kissed Faith.

"Like a date?" Faith asked.

Buffy smiled.

"Yeah. It seems that we haven't had a proper date yet and I'll make sure we fix that in the future."

"Oh, yeah," Faith agreed and kissed Buffy.

In the front seats, the adults glanced at each other.

In the evening, they went slaying again and Soul Eater ran again when they approached him. Faith enjoyed her water gun so much that Buffy decided to give it a try. Faith didn't mind and she lent the gun to Buffy.

"Now I know why you enjoy this thing so much," Buffy said after they dispatched a group of vampires. "This is fun."

"Yeah, but for larger groups only. I mean, they just run away and that's bad for the daily quota."

Buffy laughed.

"Yeah, I guess so. But it's good to have it around though."

"Yeah. Let's go home."

"Okay. Oh, I can't. Willow asked me to stop by her after our patrol. She needs help with a spell or something. Her parents went away for a couple of days and she wants to try out something bigger."

"Oh. I'll walk you to her place then."

"Okay," Buffy said and took Faith's hand. "Hey, isn't tomorrow the big day?"

Faith thought.

"Yeah."

"About time."

"You got that right.

As Joyce passed Buffy's and Faith's room, she was surprised when she heard sobbing. She knew it wasn't Buffy, she was at Willow's, helping her with something, so it had to be Faith. She found it a bit hard to imagine Faith crying, but she knew it was possible, after all, even her daughter cried sometimes. She stopped and considered what to do. She liked Faith and she wanted to help her, so she decided to enter. She slowly pushed the door open and entered. Faith either didn't hear her or she ignored her. Joyce approached the bed. She stood still for a few moments, uncertain, and then sat on the bed and caressed the Slayer. Faith jerked, turned around and looked at Joyce, surprised. Joyce gave her a warm smile.

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

Faith stared at her for a few moments.

"How come you still care for me after everything I've done?" she then asked.

Joyce was confused.

"What did you do?"

Now it was Faith's turn to be confused.

"You mean you don't know?"

"Know what?"

"What I've done."

Joyce was confused.

"What did you do?"

"Buffy didn't tell you?"

Joyce smiled.

"She's doesn't tell me everything, especially when it concerns her job as a Slayer. You could say she's trying to protect me from the reality of the cruel world. Though she was angry with you for a while."

Faith thought as she wiped her eyes. She was a bit surprised that Buffy didn't tell her mother the truth about her after what she had done to Buffy. She took a deep breath as she made a decision.

"Then I'll tell you."

Joyce's face got serious.

"Is it bad?"

"Very."

"You don't have to tell me, if you don't want to."

"But I need to. You've been so good to me and I don't want to lie to you. I need to tell you the truth, I need you to accept me the way I am, with all my faults."

Joyce nodded and took Faith's hand. Faith was confused for a moment. Joyce sensed her distress and let go of her. Faith stared at Joyce for a few moments. Then she sighed and looked away.

She told Joyce everything, from her childhood on, how she became a Slayer, how her Watcher was murdered by Kakistos, how she was afraid of him and how she managed to kill him with Buffy's help. She told her how supportive Buffy had been and how she distrusted her because she wasn't used to somebody caring about her. She told her about their fight when they found out that Angel was still alive and how betrayed she felt after she found out that her new Watcher was just using her. She told her about the Mayor and how he gave her everything and made her feel welcome and appreciated, she told her how she believed that she could never be good and how she tried to get Buffy on her side. She also told her about the murders, about how shocked she was after the first one and how she didn't care later. She told her about how she poisoned Angel and how Buffy nearly killed her. She told her how she tried to run away, how betrayed she felt by the Mayor and how her consciousness was making her suffer. She told her how Buffy was there for her and how scared she was because someone actually cared for her. She told her how surprised and confused she was when she realized that she loved Buffy and how it scared her even more. She told her how she wanted to run away and how she changed her mind after pouring out her soul at the cemetery. She finally told her how Buffy reacted to her confession and how they ended up together.

Joyce silently stared at Faith for a while, still absorbing all the facts she didn't know about her and about Buffy. She noticed that Faith was deeply troubled by her past and she felt the urge to help her. She took Faith's hand again and Faith looked at her anxiously. Joyce gave her a warm smile.

"Welcome back to the good side, Faith," she said.

Faith was surprised.

"You don't mind?" she asked hopefully.

Joyce smiled again.

"What's done is done. What's important now is that you regret it and wish to compensate for it. Buffy is helping you and so will I."

Faith stared at her for a few moments and then hugged her. Joyce hugged her back and caressed her.

"Thank you," Faith said, trying to contain the tears but failing miserably.

"You're welcome."

When Faith woke up in the morning, she found Buffy wrapped around her. She took Buffy's hand and kissed it. Then she lay still and thought about her conversation with Joyce the previous night. She envied Buffy for having such a wonderful mother. Not only that, she also had wonderful friends and a much better life than she herself did, although it was not a perfect one.

But her envy quickly disappeared when she realized that Buffy shared everything with her, her mother, her friends, her life, herself, everything. She kissed Buffy's hand again, happy that she had found her. She lay still and enjoyed the closeness of Buffy's body.

Some time later, Faith had no idea how much time had passed, Buffy finally moved and a few moments after that, Faith felt a kiss on her neck.

"Good morning," she said and turned around.

Buffy smiled.

"Morning."

They kissed.

"So, how did magic go?"

"Okay."

They kissed again.

"What's wrong?" Buffy asked when she saw Faith's face became serious.

"I told your mother the truth about me."

"What?"

"I was… crying yesterday and your mother came by and wanted to soothe me. I asked her how she could still care about me after all I've done and she told me she didn't know. So I told her."

"Why?"

"She's one of the few people who care about me and I want her to know the truth about me so she can accept me with all my faults."

Buffy caressed her.

"And thanks for trying to maintain my good image," Faith said.

"Always," Buffy said and kissed her.

They stared at each other for a few moments.

"Hey, isn't today the big day?"

"The eclipse? Yes."

"About time. I'm getting tired of not being able to dust him."

"Guess tonight's your chance."

"Yeah."

They stared at each other for a while longer.

"Do you wanna get up?" Buffy asked.

"No," Faith said and they both smiled.

They cuddled closer to one another and just lay for a while, simply enjoying the closeness of their bodies.

In the evening, they met at Giles' house and went through the plan again.

"Okay, everybody knows what to do?" Faith finally asked and everybody nodded. "Willow?"

"I wait until the vampire comes to the entrance and then hit him with the water gun until you kill him."

"Cordelia?"

"I wait with Giles."

"Xander?"

"Same."

"Oz?"

"I stand beside the entrance and wait until he comes out. Then I light the pentagram."

"Giles?"

"I wait until Oz lights the pentagram and then start the chant."

"Buffy?"

"You and I go to the tomb and draw a pentagram. Then we go in and scare him out."

"Okay. Everybody ready?"

"Yes," came multiple answers.

"Everybody got their things?"

Giles showed her the book, Oz the fire lighter, Willow the water gun, Buffy Mr Pointy and a canister of gasoline, and Xander and Cordelia their own stakes.

"Okay then, let's go kill the blood sucker."

They carefully approached the cemetery and then Buffy and Faith entered. They carefully approached the tomb and Buffy drew a pentagram with Mr Pointy while Faith stood guard. When she was done, she carefully poured the gasoline into the canal she had made, making sure the line wasn't broken. When she was done, she waved to the gang.

They immediately came closer and positioned themselves. Faith and Buffy entered slowly, their stakes ready. They slowly approached the sarcophagus and positioned themselves at the head and the foot. They put away the stakes and when Faith nodded, they pushed the lid aside.

"Wake up call!" Faith yelled. "Rise and shine, it's dying time!"

The vampire opened his eyes, put on his vampire look and quickly jumped out of the sarcophagus. When she saw who it was that dared disturb him, he considered an attack, but when he saw the stakes, he decided to run away. Buffy and Faith followed him.

Outside, Willow noticed the vampire and quickly started to spray him with the holy water. The vampire stopped and roared from pain. He wanted to back off, but Buffy knocked him down and into the pentagram. In the meantime, Oz lit the pentagram and backed off. Buffy stepped aside and let Faith dust the vampire.

The demon, who was now without a host, roared and tried to escape. Faith quickly stepped outside the pentagram, not wanting to risk being possessed by the demon. Giles stepped forward and started to chant. The demon roared as it tried to free itself and find another host, but the fiery pentagram held.

When Giles was done chanting, the demon's roars stopped as it died. When the demon died, the fire started to die out.

"Is that it?" Cordelia asked.

"Yes," Giles said.

"Can we go now? It's kinda creepy."

"Of course."

"Buffy and I will make a round," Faith said.

"Good."

"Do you want the water gun, Faith?" Willow asked.

Faith considered.

"Nah, you keep it."

"Okay."

"Come on, Buffy, let's go dust some more vamps."

"Okay."

Buffy took Faith's hand and they left.

"I'm surprised they manage to dust any vampires at all," Cordelia said as she stared after them.

"Why?" Giles asked.

"Because they seem to have eyes only for each other," Cordelia explained and headed towards the exit.

The others followed her.

The End