WARNING: This fic has high levels of angst, f/f romance, sex scenes, and even some gory death thrown in for fun. If you can't handle this, don't read it but if you can, read on and I hope you enjoy the fic.

TITLE: Neither Angels Nor Demons

AUTHOR: Dreiser

EMAIL: dreiser7@yahoo.com

YAHOO I.D.: dreiser7

MY WEBSITE: http://www.dreiser.org

CONTENT: F/F romance, sex, and death. Faith/Annabel.

SUMMARY: The story of Faith and her Watcher.

DISCLAIMER: I own nothing but my angst.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I said I was going to do it and so I shall. I blame this entirely

on Ruth. Love scenes included. But seriously, she encouraged me to write this fic and so I did, so it really wouldn't be here without her.

Neither Angels Nor Demons

By: Dreiser

Certainly this wasn't where she pictured meeting her Slayer. Perhaps some would be put off at the idea of their prospective ward being in such a place but not her. No, Annabel Cooper was intrigued and even a bit proud.

The others, they were now approaching their Slayers. Introducing them to the possible life which could await them. One filled with fighting and dying and everything horrible in the world. While she was inside a local jail house in South Boston, bailing hers out.

All because her Slayer in waiting had already met and defeated the enemy, and in the nude at that. Forming a slight smile, Annabel murmured, "A firecracker."

"You sure you wanna do this, lady?" asked Police Officer Robert Jenkins for the sixth time. For the life of him he couldn't figure out what this woman wanted with the kid. She was dressed in an impeccable dark blue tailored outfit, her jacket sleek and her skirt short but not too short, just enough to show off a pair of almost endless legs. Not to mention a pair of high heels that made him wonder yet again how women could manage to walk around in those things. "We've seen her around the neighborhood plenty. She's nothin' but trouble."

"I'm quite sure," Annabel replied. Her hazel eyes narrowed by the smallest degree, a hint of warning in them. "However, I've paid the bail, haven't I now?"

"Yeah, you did," Officer Jenkins replied. Walking into the holding area with Annabel trailing after him, he muttered under his breath, "Foreigners."

Ignoring his comments and sighing in irritation as a lock of fawn colored hair fell into her eyes, Annabel released a puff of air, blowing it to one side. It moved away in time for her to lock eyes onto her Slayer in waiting. Faith Spencer was a girl who possessed an instinctively tough exterior but at the same time, to Annabel, looked unbearably vulnerable in the oversized clothes they had given her to wear.

Deep brown eyes turned steel and Annabel knew she was trying to intimidate her. It was unfortunate that just wasn't going to be easily done.

"Time to go kid," said Officer Jenkins gruffly as he opened the cell.

Ignoring his words, Faith stayed exactly where she was and bore a cold stare deep into Annabel. "Who the hell are you?" Faith demanded.

Raising an eyebrow, Annabel formed a knowing smile. "Would you be interested in discovering what you battled tonight? You might say I've come to tell you."

On hearing this, Faith's entire demeanor changed and a curious light appeared in her eyes. "You got the 411," she said slowly. "On what those things are?"

"I know everything there is to know about what they are and where they have originated," Annabel replied. "Well?" she tilted her head to one side, causing a few strands of hair to fall into her eyes. "Shall we go?"

"Yeah," said Faith, looking vaguely amused. "I'm thinkin' that we shall." Faith rose to her feet, walking out of the cell and past Officer Jenkins, pausing to smirk even wider. Giving him a hard whap on the shoulder, she then drawled, "Nice seein' you again, Bobby boy. I hope that your memory is damn good because tonight's probably the only time you'll ever see someone as good lookin' as me naked."

"Get outta my sight," Officer Jenkins growled, trying to be threatening but ultimately failing as Faith chuckled at his attempt, walking past.

"Be seein' you!" Faith called out, turning around saucily and blowing him a kiss before disappearing from sight.

Looking at Annabel who remained, watching Faith with lidded eyes, Officer Jenkins said, "You be careful with her. I don't know what your angle is lady but that kid isn't one to be messed with. That much is for sure."

"I'll do my best to remember that," Annabel murmured, not sparing a glance in his direction as she followed after Faith. "One must always be careful when handling firecrackers, after all."

Watching her go, Officer Jenkins shook his head then muttered, "Women."

---

They stood outside the Police Station, ignoring the people coming and going, the sounds of the sirens, and the glare of the lights that aimed their way. They did all that while they stared at each other, matching their gazes.

Finally, Annabel decided to speak. "Vampires," she said simply, her refined features calm and decisive. "Those are what you killed tonight, Faith."

"Vampires?" echoed Faith. She stared at Annabel for a long moment then burst out into incredulous laughter. "I dunno who you are but you're fucking insane," she said through her continued laughs. "Vampires," Faith shook her head then snorted derisively. "Right."

"I assure you, I'm not insane," said Annabel, not looking bothered at all by the reaction Faith just had. "And you know very well what you saw tonight. Their faces... they changed didn't they? One moment they were normal as you or I and the next they were horrible creatures, twisted and evil."

Seeming to withdraw, Faith frowned deeply, staring hard at Annabel. "How do you know that?" she asked harshly. "I never told the cops."

"It's because of my work," said Annabel, moving closer to Faith but in an altogether cautious manner, her body language a calming influence. "I'm meant to battle against them and other creatures that would harm mankind but I can only accomplish this task with your help."

"My help?" Faith repeated as her dark brown eyes narrowed. "What the fuck are you talking about? Just because I fought those things tonight doesn't mean that I'm gonna make a habit of it." Her eyes narrowed by another notch and she growled, "Who are you anyway?"

"I'm Annabel Cooper and I am your Watcher," said Annabel in firm and decisive tones that left no room for argument. Except where Faith was concerned.

"My what?" Faith said, drawing slowly backwards and away, staring at Annabel like she was some sort of anomaly. "I dunno what a Watcher is but I sure as hell don't need one. I can take care of myself without anyone watching my back."

"I'm quite sure that's true," murmured Annabel. "Nevertheless, I am your Watcher and you are my Slayer in waiting. It's my job to train you so you will be ready to assume your duties in the event that you are chosen as the next Slayer in the line." Her eyes softened and her voice turned gentle as Annabel took the smallest step towards Faith. "We haven't time to waste, Faith," she said. "You know what you saw tonight, what you fought, and I'm quite sure that you are aware it is evil. We need your help to fight against that evil, we need it so very badly. Please," Annabel said softly, hesitantly reaching out to touch Faith's hand which was hidden in the long sleeve to the flannel shirt she wore. "Help us, help me... help yourself."

A long and seemingly endless moment passed before a tiny smile flickered across Faith's features. "I dunno what it is," she said quietly, her eyes searching Annabel's face. "But there's somethin' about you that makes me believe what you're saying."

"Then you'll work with me?" asked Annabel, she managed to keep hope restrained from showing on her features but not from appearing in her voice.

"Might as well," Faith shrugged, slowly disengaging her hand from Annabel's, who had still been touching her, and shoved both her hands deep into the pockets of her worn jeans. "Not like I got any other offers comin' my way. Besides," she drawled, forming a jaunty grin. "This could be fun. Being a superhero and all, savin' the helpless, being useful. If that ain't cool crap, I dunno what is."

"Well," Annabel matched Faith's smile with one more reserved in nature. "I'm not sure how cool it will be but you certainly are more than useful. You're important, Faith, terribly important. Not only to me and the Council but to humanity itself." She paused and hazel eyes sought out dark brown ones. "We need you."

Faith blinked and suddenly, everything was at a standstill as she heard this stranger say the one thing that she had wanted to hear for all of her life. Say it so easily and so very naturally that she couldn't help but believe it was the truth.

Turning her eyes away from Annabel and coughing roughly, Faith replied, "It's cool." Slowly looking back at the other woman, she grinned. "We're five by five."

As they walked towards Annabel's car, heading into the future uncertain as it was, they both felt a good degree of hope for what was to come. Feeling that somehow bright days would be ahead, helping them leave the dark ones from the past safely behind. Where they couldn't hurt them again.

Several moments passed and Annabel found herself unable to help asking, "What does that mean exactly? Five by five?"

The only response she got was another jaunty grin from Faith. One that didn't answer her question but at the same time, in a strange way did.

---

Faith shifted in the plush leather seat of the Mercedes Benz, trying her best to get used to the fact that she was actually in a car this nice. It was probably worth more than the crappy rat and roach infested apartment building she used to live in with her mother and her countless dealer boyfriends.

Then again, Faith directed her gaze at the woman driving the car, it did suit her. She couldn't see someone as fancy as this lady driving around in any other type of car. Annabel screamed class and the idea that she would drive some piece of junk used car didn't fit.

No, it was nothing but the best for her. Which left Faith to wonder why exactly she was in the car with her. Annabel said she was a Slayer in waiting and as such, Annabel was supposed to train her so she would be ready in case she was called as the next Slayer.

All right, she got that. The only thing was, she had absolutely no idea what this all meant. Studying Annabel's sculptured features, Faith asked, "What's a Slayer?"

Blinking at this question which, to her, came entirely out of left field, Annabel glanced at Faith. "I'm sorry," she said in slow tones. "What did you say?"

"What's a Slayer?" Faith repeated, her gaze hard. "You said that I'm a Slayer in waiting. I wanna know what I'm doin' waiting around for. Oh yeah, and I wanna know where we're going. I've spent a shit load of hours in this Richie Rich ride of yours but I still got no idea where we're headed."

"A Slayer in waiting is someone who has the chance above all others in the world to be chosen as the next Slayer," murmured Annabel. "Before you ask," she aimed a soft smile at Faith. "A Slayer is the Chosen One, the girl whose destiny is to fight against the evils of this world. She is blessed with incredible abilities an ordinary person could never possess and is a fighter the likes of which few could imagine."

"And you think I could be that girl?" asked Faith with a good degree of shock.

The idea that she could be someone so important just didn't seem possible. She wasn't anyone, she was just some poor girl from South Boston, not some sort of mystical warrior for the forces of good. The entire concept seemed unreal to her.

"Yes," Annabel nodded. She darted her eyes to the side of the road, smiling as she saw they had just a few miles until they reached their destination. "You're very special, Faith. You would do well to recall that."

Snorting at this, Faith looked out the car window, trying her best to fight the feelings of hope and pride that ran through her at Annabel's words. She wanted to believe it but she couldn't let herself, she had way too many disappointments in her life to believe in what people said at face value. If this chick was on the level she'd have to prove it.

"Hey, you never said where we're headed in this loped out Benz," said Faith, turning to look at Annabel who, instead of replying, nodded at a passing sign. Faith's eyes went wide and she read it out loud, "New Orleans." She faced Annabel and said excitedly, "You're taking us to New Orleans? Mardi Gras central? Flash your tits for cheap ass beads the biggest of big time party towns New Orleans?" Faith appeared to almost begin bouncing around in the car as she formed a huge grin. "No shit?"

"New Orleans is a city with a great deal of supernatural activity," informed Annabel, deciding to ignore that Faith always used a continuing choice of vulgar adjectives. "It's where the Council decided we would be best assigned."

"Kick ass," Faith breathed, whirling around to peer out the car window with excitement. She pressed her face up against the glass, her breath steaming it up as she said, "Girl can have plenty of fun in a place like this."

"I'm quite sure that's true," said Annabel in droll tones. "However, the reason which we are here in the first place is to work, Faith. Do not forget that."

"Yeah, yeah," Faith dismissed, her face still pressed against the window as she took in the lights of the city.

It was surprisingly mellow at night, she noted. Everything about it was old and there was a sense of deep history to the buildings and landmarks. Faith darted her eyes back at Annabel, realizing the city was like her, echoing of class and things that Faith knew were too good for her. That was when Faith saw several hookers on the corner.

Then she burst out laughing, because nothing was as it seemed. Not even a city as beautiful as New Orleans. Or, she spared another look at Annabel, this woman.

"I'm glad you find streetwalkers so terribly amusing," Annabel commented. "Personally I find their lives and situations entirely sad. It disrespects them and the people who frequent their services. Then again," she sighed, "one supposes they think that's all they can do to earn the money they need to live."

There was a moment of silence then Faith said, "That's bullshit." When Annabel arched an eyebrow and looked at the brunette with surprise, she continued, "They want cash and that's how they get it. Usually it's spent on drugs. We make our choices and we gotta live with it. I don't feel sorry for them." Faith looked back out the window, her expression hard. "They put themselves there."

"A very apt argument," said Annabel softly. She kept her gaze fixed ahead and murmured, "I still find it sad."

They were quiet for a few minutes then Annabel smiled and ducked her head to get a better look at the address on the mansion she was slowing her car in front of. It was at least three stories high with massive pillars and Faith had never seen a building so white, covered entirely with winding vines and flowers of all shapes and colors. Looking at the mansion, Faith was reminded of the fairy tale castles she had dreamed about as a kid.

"Here we are," said Annabel, parking the car in the narrow driveway located on the left side of the mansion. "Lovely, isn't it?"

Faith made no attempt to reply and remained frozen, staring at the mammoth building as Annabel got out of the car. Shaking herself out of this state, Faith followed suit, numbly closing the door to the Mercedes as she kept staring at the mansion. It was shaded and intimidating in its classic beauty that was revealed in the bare light of the street lamps. Tall and proud as it stood before her.

"Damn," Faith breathed. "Damn..." She jumped on hearing the loud slam of the trunk and turned to Annabel who was holding a large leather suitcase in her hand. "We're really gonna live here?"

"Yes," Annabel said with a nod. "We really are."

"Damn," said Faith again, her eyes wide as she continued to gape at the mansion. Looking back at Annabel, she confessed almost sheepishly, "I've never been this close to something this nice. Looks like it's out of some kinda story."

"I'm pleased you approve," said Annabel, her eyes soft. "Come now," she touched Faith's elbow lightly to steer her towards the mansion. "Lets go inside. It's late and we ought to get some sleep."

"Yeah," said Faith slowly, allowing Annabel to lead her forward, her eyes still wide as she looked at the building she would now live in. "Sleep's a good thing."

Looking at Faith's features, filled with an innocent and childlike delight, Annabel couldn't help but smile. This would work out, she knew it would.

It simply had to, for both their sakes.

---

Faith woke up to the smell of food being cooked and not just any kind of food. Good food... food that wasn't being burned by a person who was half drunk and hungry in the morning. It wasn't something she was used to happening.

Stretching in the large bed, Faith groaned with satisfaction and smiled as the soft covers brushed against her toes. The sheets were a tangled mess, like always. Faith tended to have nightmares and even if she was granted a peaceful sleep she had a natural tendency to toss and turn. Which usually didn't mean anything good for the state of her sheets.

She waggled her toes and buried herself further underneath the covers, delighting in the softness of the bed and the smell of breakfast. This entire thing seemed like a dream, one of the nice ones she sometimes had where her life was different, she had people who cared and everything was simple, not a daily struggle.

Then again, the lady... Annabel, had said she was a Slayer in waiting and because of that she would be getting trained in the art of battle. Some might think that was the price she had to pay for living the life that was presented here, but not Faith. The idea that she was going to be taught how to fight better, to defend herself and how to protect others, she welcomed it. Because she knew for a fact it was something she could definitely use.

The things people said were important, going to school for that oh so precious idea of improving yourself, served no purpose for her. What was the point of her going to school when all that happened there was drama, people just after her ass for a throw down? Faith couldn't even remember the last time she actually learned anything from her teachers. The entire situation saddened her. When she did go she could see that dead look in their eyes that reminded her of her mother, and that look told her they just didn't care anymore. That they were tired of their jobs, of the kids, and of the world in general.

Faith didn't have anything to learn from people like that. So she simply stopped going. This was right around the same time she had stopped going home as well. There wasn't anything there for her either. Her mother didn't love her. Hell, she wasn't sure if her mother even knew what the word meant. For Faith home was just another word for pain.

She damn well had enough of that to last a lifetime.

Her nights and days were spent in the company of her people. Other runaways who took care of each other by checking out which abandoned buildings were safest from the ever prying eyes of the cops or finding a hook up for free food that maybe, just maybe, wasn't half eaten. It was a hard life, yeah, but it was better than what Faith was used to. At least her people didn't call her a worthless shit and let their boyfriends... no... no she didn't want to think about that now. Faith shivered, instinctively moving even further under the covers, surrounding herself with their warmth. She didn't want to think about that here, where she was safe.

This was her chance to make a fresh start. To leave all that long behind just like she'd left Boston. She was in a new place with a new person and she had a new purpose, something to live for. Something, if Annabel was right, gave a reason for why she had been born into this world and maybe, just maybe, justified her entire shitty existence.

A light rap sounded on the door and startled by the fact that someone would bother being polite enough to knock for her, Faith slowly pushed herself up on her elbows. "Yeah?" she called out almost hesitantly.

"Breakfast is ready," Annabel's voice was muffled through the heavy wooden door. "I wasn't sure what you fancied so I made a bit of everything. Come join me? Or would you perhaps like to shower first?"

Considering her options and trying not to be stunned she had some, Faith frowned thoughtfully. Her stomach rumbled seconds later and Faith smirked. Seems her body had made the choice for her. "I'm eatin'," Faith replied loud enough for Annabel to hear, getting up and out of bed, stretching her naked form. "Lemme get decent and I'll be down in a few."

"As you like," said Annabel pleasantly.

Very soon Faith heard the sound of footsteps descending down the stairs. Grinning widely and feeling truly happy for the first time in a long while, Faith found herself heading over to the large walk in closet, pulling back its doors. But when she did this, she suddenly found herself recalling that she brought no clothes.

When they left Boston all Faith had with her were the clothes on her back. Annabel asked Faith if there was anywhere she wanted to stop first and Faith had shook her head no. All she wanted was to get the hell out of there. It wasn't like she had anything there that would make her feel like staying.

Yeah, she had her people and all but they would understand her leaving without saying goodbye. People left all the time in their circle, either by choice or by death. The latter mostly due to overdoses. Shivering unconsciously, Faith hugged herself for warmth. She'd vowed a long time ago to never touch that crap. Not after seeing what it led to with her mother.

Much to Faith's surprise, the closet wasn't empty. It was filled with an endless row of clothes. An unlimited amount of styles of jeans, leather pants, and even the tank tops and tight half shirts Faith that liked to wear. They were all there in full force. Not to mention the three pairs of Dr. Martens, all steel toed as she preferred. And belts! The over sized belts Faith delighted in wearing when she could manage to swipe them from the right place were here.

Reaching out hesitantly, Faith fingered the soft material of the black leather pants and smiled. It was brand new... she could tell from the feel and smell. She joyfully yanked it from its hook, tossing it onto the bed and quickly shoved through the various tops trying to find the right one.

Finally deciding on a dark red button up shirt, Faith tossed it next to the leather pants and smiled widely at her chosen outfit. Yeah, she'd have some fun tonight. A thought occurred to her and Faith went tearing towards the nearest dresser, opening the top drawer, and laughing on seeing stacks of underwear. All kinds of colors and materials, red cotton, purple silk, white satin. It was like a fucking store was living inside her room. She quickly picked a pair of black satin panties and flung open the second drawer, seeing the same thing but instead with bras. Picking out a bra to match her panties, Faith opened the final drawer and wasn't disappointed, finding it full of socks of all types and colors.

Tossing the socks on the bed, Faith looked at her outfit and laughed long and loud. It was too much... way too much. She'd never had things like this before. Suddenly, despite how hungry she was, Faith had the urge to take a shower, just because she wanted to put on her new clothes and never take them off.

That was when another realization hit Faith. She had her own bathroom. Her own honest to god bathroom. Laughs came longer and louder, echoing with sheer delight as she ran quickly into the large bathroom, taking in the piles of clean towels, the smell of fresh soap, and the shiny colors of the full bottles of expensive shampoo and bubble bath.

Hearing the laughter from her place at the bottom of the stairs where she'd been standing for the past few minutes, Annabel smiled softly. She then turned on her heel and headed into the kitchen, preparing to reheat breakfast.

It being cold when Faith was done just wouldn't do.

---

When Faith emerged in the kitchen, Annabel had just finished reheating the eggs and was setting the plate down on the round oak kitchen table. Like everything else in the house, the kitchen was large and extravagant, echoing of history and a sense of elegance.

"Did you enjoy the shower?" asked Annabel with a smile. She set the large plate full of sausage patties and toast down on the table. "I wasn't quite sure what products you most favored so I chose what I use myself. Was that all right?"

"Yeah," Faith shrugged, not sure how to reply to this question. Never in her life had anyone cared about stuff like that. Hell, Faith wasn't even sure what it would be like to have a favorite shampoo and soap. She just used whatever she got and was happy to have it. "It's cool."

"I'm glad," said Annabel, sounding pleased.

She handed Faith a plate full of food then walked towards the refrigerator and pulled out a carton of orange juice. As she did this, Faith quickly and covertly piled more food onto her plate. When Annabel turned back, the brunette had just finished adding three more huge piles of eggs to her plate. Raising an eyebrow, Annabel didn't comment and instead handed Faith a tall glass of orange juice which the dark brunette accepted eagerly.

Annabel began to pour her own glass but paused on seeing Faith turn on her heel and begin to walk out of the kitchen. Blinking at this, she said, "Where are you going?"

"To my room," said Faith in matter of fact tones, looking at Annabel strangely. "I wanna eat."

"As do I," said Annabel in dry tones. "Which is why I plan on sitting at the kitchen table to do so. Much like you should be doing as well."

Darting her eyes from Annabel to the table then back to Annabel again, Faith said rather sardonically, "You're kiddin', right?"

"Study this face," Annabel said slowly, her expression droll but very much amused as a lock of fawn colored hair fell into her eyes. "Now tell me, do you honestly believe that I'm kidding?"

"Man," Faith heaved a huge sigh.

She looked down at the plate of food and came to a internal decision. Stomping over to the table, Faith set the plate and glass of juice down, pulling back a heavy wooden chair and sitting with a good degree of huff. Then she proceeded to pick up the fork that was lying on top of a white tailored napkin and began stuffing the food into her mouth at a blinding speed, pausing only to take big gulping drinks of her juice. Annabel watched this go on for several moments, eyeing Faith carefully. Then she picked up her glass and set the carton near Faith for possible refills. Annabel then took her place next to Faith and started eating her own meal but with far more restraint than her companion. She wasn't halfway done when Faith finished her plate off, releasing a slight burp and a great noise of pleasure. Pouring herself a new glass of juice, she looked at Annabel with lidded brown eyes.

"Good food," remarked Faith almost reluctantly. "I haven't had somethin' that good in awhile. Didn't expect you to know how to do stuff like that."

"Let me guess," said Annabel with light humor, her hazel eyes showing a hint of a twinkle. "I don't appear to be the type of person who would know such things."

"Yeah," Faith said, looking surprised as she nodded.

Blowing a lock of hair out of her eyes, Annabel murmured, "I take care of myself. Cooking is all a part of that." She met Faith's eyes. "Wouldn't you agree?"

Dark brown eyes reflected a quiet respect and Faith replied, "Yeah. I gotta say that I do."

"Things aren't always what they seem, Faith," said Annabel wisely, taking a bite of her eggs. "People are rarely what they appear to be on the surface. I would imagine you'll discover that on your own soon enough." Hazel eyes locked with dark brown and Annabel paused to study Faith for a moment then murmured, "Or perhaps you already have."

Eyeing Annabel quietly, Faith inspected the woman. She wasn't dressed up like yesterday but still, there was a sense of simple elegance to her which intrigued Faith. The soft blue cashmere sweater she wore clung to her willowy frame, as did the black pants which were cut to perfectly accentuate long legs. In fact, to Faith, the only thing about this woman that didn't seem perfect was her pale brownish blonde hair that seemed to perpetually fall into her eyes every few minutes. Which was odd when you considered the fact that she had it pulled back in a ponytail. Not once in her life had Faith met someone like this. Annabel had an understated grace in her movements. Even in how she moved her utensil from the food to her mouth and in the delicate wipe of the napkin, not a snotty gesture as Faith had seen some do, but one of natural born sophistication. It was more than she could fathom that a woman like this could need her for something.

The situation was entirely too strange.

"Yeah," Faith shrugged nonchalantly. "I know some stuff. Seems like you do too."

"Yes," said Annabel with a hint of a smile, rising to her feet and picking up her plate and Faith's. "It would seem that I do." She washed the plates of what little scraps of food that remained, then placed them in the dishwasher. Turning it on, she looked over at Faith and smiled again as she brushed her hands against her black pants. "Well," she tilted her head to one side. "What do you say? Are you ready for a spot of training?"

"Definitely," Faith replied, her dark brown eyes glinting.

---

Faith trailed after Annabel as the tall woman walked out of the kitchen and headed towards the small area hidden underneath the massive staircase. There rested a door so innocuous that most people would simply walk past it. Standing in front of the door, Annabel produced some keys from her pocket and unlocked it.

Opening the door wide, she arched an eyebrow at Faith, making a sweeping gesture and bowing just a bit. "After you," she said graciously.

"Funny," Faith snorted, walking past Annabel.

She had only gotten a few steps into the room when she froze at everything she saw. It was gigantic... bigger than any gym she had ever seen. Hell, it was bigger than the place where her ex-boyfriend, Tony the Boxer, used to train for fights. Plus all the equipment and weapons, Faith had only seen stuff like it on TV or in museums and some of it not even in there.

"Holy shit," said Faith in certain shock. She whirled around to look at Annabel with a huge grin. "This is it? I get to train in here?"

Giving a nod, Annabel smiled again. She smoothly walked past Faith and stood in front of the mat, slipping off her shoes and taking the keys from her pocket to place them on a nearby table. Turning to face Faith, she said, "I think we should begin now, don't you?"

"What?" Faith looked altogether shocked, drawing backwards. "You mean you want me to fight you?"

"That is how one tends to train," said Annabel dryly.

"Lady," said Faith as she shook her head and shoved her hands into the pockets of her new leather pants. "That isn't a good idea. I'm grateful and all, for what you've done, the new clothes, fancy house, food..." Faith looked bemused and almost arrogant at the same time. "I don't wanna hurt you, and that's what's gonna happen if we fight."

Hazel eyes flashed in a very dangerous warning, the gold specks becoming all too evident. "I can assure you that won't be the case," Annabel said slowly. "Now come," she moved into a traditional fighting stance with fluid ease. "Fight."

Shrugging her shoulders, Faith untied her boots and kicked them off before standing on the mat across from Annabel. Seeing that the other woman wasn't going to make the first move, Faith narrowed her eyes then made the usual charge that signaled her entry into a new battle.

Except Annabel wasn't like her usual opponents. The fast pace and ferocity of her initial movement didn't throw her off balance. Instead, it was Faith who found herself being thrown as Annabel smoothly grabbed Faith's arm, controlling her lower body and flipping her easily onto the mat. Leaning down, she looked into shocked brown eyes and smiled almost mischievously.

"Well then," Annabel murmured gently, her breath hot on Faith's skin as their faces were inches apart. "Do you still think that you'll be able to hurt me?"

The only response she got was a determined look in Faith's eyes and her chin jutting out in defiance. Seeing this reaction, Annabel smiled again.

She was a firecracker indeed.

---

It was night and at night Faith always got itchy. Part of her supposed it was because of how she grew up. She never had a life where people stayed home at night. No, in her home daytime was for sleeping and night? Night was for going out and having yourself a good time.

Which was exactly what she planned on doing. No matter what Annabel thought. Yeah, the lady had been nice to her so far and yeah, she had managed to keep her on her toes during the training session but still...

It was night and she wanted to go out.

So she walked down the hallway towards the dim light that was shining and paused to stand in the doorway to the library. Annabel was sitting, curled up in a fancy looking red loveseat, busily writing in a book. Sensing Faith's presence, she looked up and smiled softly.

"Yes?" asked Annabel curiously, tilting her head slightly and causing a lock of hair to fall in her hazel eyes.

"I'm going out," Faith stated, leaving no room for argument, at least where she was concerned.

Annabel arched an eyebrow at this and pursed her lips slightly. With a small sigh, she shut the book and gave Faith a long and decisive study. "Very well," she murmured, rising to her feet, taking the book with her as she went.

She paused to unlock the middle drawer of the desk on the far side of the room. Annabel set the book down then turned around and walked towards Faith. Her stance the very essence of calm, she pressed a wooden stake into Faith's left hand then a cell phone, keys, and some money into her right.

Looking into Faith's dark brown eyes, Annabel said, "You may come and go as you please. Certainly I would like it if you always told me when you did so, but all I really request of you is to have these with you at all times."

"Okay," said Faith slowly, frowning as she looked at the objects. "I get the cell phone, keys, and cash deal. I mean, cell to have a way to keep in contact, keys to get back into the house, and cash is always good..." She held the stake up rather haplessly. "What's this for?"

"Vampires," Annabel smiled. In an elegant and seamless gesture she retrieved the stake from Faith and twirled it in her hand before moving forward swiftly and stopping it an inch before her heart. "Quite the useful weapon."

"Yeah," said Faith breathlessly. Their faces were so close she could feel Annabel's breath on her skin and it caused her body heat rise, making Faith all the more certain she needed to leave for a party soon. She met Annabel's eyes, searching them for several moments, looking doubtful. "So you're cool with this? Me goin' out? You're not going to pitch a shit fit or nothin'?"

Sighing deeply, Annabel closed her eyes and pulled away. When she opened them, her gaze was soothing. "I can't control you, Faith, it would be impossible to try. The best that I can do is hope to influence your actions in some way." Annabel formed a small smile. "I assume that if you want to go out, you'll go out. No matter what I say or think on the matter, am I correct?"

"Yeah," Faith drawled, smiling in return. "You are."

"Then why waste valuable time in a futile effort to stop you?" Annabel replied, shrugging her shoulders. She paused and reached out to touch Faith's hand, hazel eyes concerned. "But do be cautious. It is terribly dangerous at night."

Looking surprised at this request, Faith blinked then shook her head and grinned widely. "Tell you what," she said. "If there's any sorta trouble, I'll give you a ring on the trusty new cell phone." Faith frowned suddenly, looking at the phone in her hand then up at Annabel. "Only..."

"Only what?" Annabel broke in quickly.

"Only I dunno the number here," said Faith sheepishly.

"Ah," Annabel breathed a sigh of relief. "It's on speed dial number two." She took the cell phone from Faith, tapered fingers brushing up against the brunette's palm as she did so. Turning it on, she demonstrated how to use the speed dial function. Smiling as she looked at Faith who wore a dazed expression on her features. Frowning at this, Annabel said, "Faith?"

Snapping back into reality and shaking her head, trying her best to rid her mind of that delicious feeling of electricity, Faith looked at Annabel. "Five by five," she reassured. "I'm all cell phone educated now. It'll be cool."

With that, Faith took the cell phone, shoving it into one of the back pockets of her leather pants before shoving the wooden stake in the other. Then she pocketed the keys and money, walking out of the library.

"Later!" she called in farewell.

Staying motionless, Annabel found herself wondering about the feeling she had gotten when they touched. Something quite similar to a very pleasing tickle running throughout her body. Dismissing it, she walked over to the desk and retrieved her diary, going back to her task of recording the second day with her Slayer in waiting.

---

Midnight was when Faith returned and Annabel sat in the window seat of her bedroom, content to read until she arrived home. That's where she was as she watched Faith pull a young man towards the door step, laughing recklessly at whatever he said.

Faith smiled, her full lips curving in a seductive motion, drawing near, her body pressed close. The young man seemed to barely be breathing as her hands began to learn him intimately. Then she paused to lean forward, whispering in his ear and as she moved backwards, her lips brushed against his cheek. This was something that obviously drove him wild because after she did this, he pulled her to him, meeting their lips in a passionate kiss.

They remained like this for several moments, mouths exploring insistently as they walked backwards to the mansion. Finally they stood on the door step, Faith fumbling with her keys, laughing as the young man kissed her neck and ran his hands over her body and under her shirt as she did so. Then they tumbled into the mansion and Annabel lost sight of them.

She heard them clearly though. The husky sound of Faith's laugh, hushed whispers to be quiet, and the stumble of footsteps up the stairs before the click of a door firmly shut.

Sighing deeply, Annabel leaned her head against the wall, peering at the ceiling as she did so. It wasn't her job as a Watcher to lecture Faith on her personal life but still, it didn't seem right to her. Lazily, her eyes moved and rested on her diary, lying next to her bed on the night stand. Rising to retrieve it, Annabel returned to her place on the window seat and did the only thing that her job and duty would allow and approve of.

Write her feelings and opinions regarding her Slayer in waiting down for future generations to read and learn from. Though Annabel wasn't sure she had anything significant to teach.

---

Annabel was sitting at the kitchen table, drinking coffee and reading the paper when she heard the sound of what was supposed to be quiet footsteps. Keeping her eyes focused on the newspaper, she asked, "Have a pleasant sleep?"

In an instant, the footsteps stopped and silence enveloped the general area. Turning her head, Annabel gave the young man from last night a closer study. In the light of day she could see he was a handsome young Creole fellow, his skin a dusky brown, features smiling and round. Dressed in a pair of tailored pants and a rumpled dress shirt that was buttoned halfway up his muscular chest with the sleeves rolled up, he made a very attractive picture.

"Mais, I'd be lyin' if that I told you I did, ma'am," he greeted, forming a crooked smile. "Seein' as I didn't get myself a wink of sleep."

"Is that so?" Annabel arched an eyebrow.

They remained still for a moment then Faith's voice entered the air as she hurriedly said, "T.Paul what are you doin' hanging around here? I--" She paused in her sentence and her step once she noticed Annabel's presence. Blinking in surprise, Faith quickly recovered and slid all the closer to the young man, moving seductively as she hung onto his arm. T.Paul quirked an eyebrow and a smile played on his lips as he looked at Annabel with wry amusement. "Hey."

"Good morning," replied Annabel, smiling softly. "Your friend was just telling me what an enjoyable night he had. Isn't that so... T.Paul, was it?" Hazel eyes were thoughtful and she tilted her head to one side. "Or is that Tee Do?"

Releasing a rich and delighted chuckle, the young man grinned widely. "Yeah," he drawled. "Mama, bless her, she calls me that. I just ain't grown, she says. I'm always gonna be her little sweet one. Too bad that name don't get me anywhere with the ladies, ne? Gotta shorten it or they'll figure too soon I'm a Mama's boy."

"Quite the dilemma," Annabel said warmly. "Well, it was nice meeting you T.Paul." Looking at Faith, her hazel eyes flickered with humor. "Perhaps I'll see you again."

"Hopin' you just might," T.Paul grinned big. He leaned down to face a stunned Faith and dropped a sensual kiss on her lips and pulled away. "Bye bye, beb. You come on and visit me at work soon. Make you some bouillee."

Having said that, T.Paul ambled out of the mansion whistling a happy tune and closing the door behind him. As he did, Annabel turned and went back to reading the newspaper. Faith, in the meanwhile, remained frozen.

Then a massive scowl passed over her pretty features. Stomping loudly over to Annabel, she pushed down the newspaper in her hands and was rewarded with a fawn colored eyebrow raising speculatively.

"Yes?" asked Annabel politely.

"That's it?" Faith demanded, her eyes narrowing. "You don't got nothing to say to me? Not about bringing T.Paul here or screwin' some guy I just met? Nothin'?"

Hazel eyes regarded Faith calmly and after a moment of silence, they softened. "Did you use protection?" Annabel finally asked, her voice concerned.

Dark eyes narrowed further and Faith demanded, "Why do you care?"

"Faith," murmured Annabel, she heaved a great sigh and rubbed her forehead lightly, dropping her gaze while she did so. After a moment, she looked back up at the brunette. "I do realize we've only just met, but I do care. The chances of contracting a sexual disease are numerous and it isn't safe. Now," her voice was firm. "Did you use protection?"

"Yeah," Faith admitted moodily. She folded her arms across her chest and clenched her jaw. "I'm not stupid. Last thing I want is to test positive or have a kid. I just wanna have some fun, y'know?"

Folding the newspaper on the table, Annabel rose to her feet and smiled at Faith as the girl looked at her with uncertainty. "I know," she said, sounding supportive. "I would ask you a favor though."

"What?" asked Faith, her attitude immediately turning defensive.

"Your personal life is your own," Annabel said softly, ducking her head as she spoke, causing her hair to fall in her eyes. "I'm well aware of that and I won't argue with you on the issue. However, I would appreciate it if you didn't bring your young men here." Hazel eyes met dark brown ones. "This is our home. Not theirs."

Faith seemed to pull back into herself, reeling in shock before a mask fell to conceal her emotions. "That's cool," she allowed. "I can do that."

"Wonderful," Annabel said, pleased. In a smooth movement, she walked over to the pantry and opened it. "What would you like to eat? Pancakes perhaps? Or something else?" She glanced over her shoulder, frowning on being faced with a desolate look from Faith, one that made her emotionally exposed. "Faith?"

"I always use it," said Faith quietly, her eyes searching Annabel's and her voice forceful, wanting with everything in her to convince this woman of her words. The problem was, she didn't know why she felt that way. She never cared what people thought about her. Never. Somehow it was different with Annabel but she didn't know why. "Protection, I mean. You're not sayin' anything about that because you don't wanna get on my case, right?" Annabel didn't reply and simply gave a tiny nod that caused Faith to look relieved. "I figured. You're right, we haven't known each other long but I also figure in the time we have known each other you've done more crap for me than folks I've known since I was a kid." She shrugged, shoving her hands into the pockets of her jeans, directing her gaze across the room. "That's why I might as well tell you. Make you worry less, if that helps."

"It does help. Thank you," said Annabel quietly, holding Faith's gaze.