TITLE: Stars Never Rise

CHAPTER: One

AUTHOR: Dreiser

EMAIL: dreiser7@yahoo.com

YAHOO I.D.: dreiser3

BTVS FIC ARCHIVE: http://www.dreiser.org

CONTENT: F/F romance, sex, and minimal angst.

SUMMARY: The Alternate Universe story of Faith and her Watcher.

DISCLAIMER: I own nothing but my ultimate love of Evil King Stan in the PS2 game Okage: The Shadow King. If you like RPGs with humor get it. The game kicks so much ass! Almost better than Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure. Heheh. Giant pancake and flan attacks are cool.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Here's the deal. This is an alternate universe take off on my big fic, Neither Angels Nor Demons, in this fic Anna doesn't die. Feedback on it would be nice so I know if to continue. Thanks. Also, it's pretty much

given you have to read Neither Angels Nor Demons to understand where this

fic is coming from. You can find it at my BTVS fic website listed above.

Stars Never Rise

By: Dreiser

-One-

When Buffy entered the school library Giles was leaning against the counter,

rubbing his forehead wearing a frown on his features. It took her all of

five seconds to determine something was wrong. Then it took her two more

seconds to determine it had to do with something supernatural.

After all, when didn't it have to do with the supernatural in Sunnydale?

"Giles?" questioned Buffy, walking over to him.

Lifting his gaze, Giles put his glasses back on and gave her a small smile.

"Buffy," he murmured. "I've just received a phone call from the Council that

you'll be very interesting in hearing."

"Yeah?" asked Buffy, tilting her head. "What's the what?" She formed a mock

thoughtful expression and pressed her index finger to her chin. "Let me

guess, there's a big evil thing in town and they want me to kill it."

"You're close," Giles admitted, his tones soft and wry. He sighed then said,

"Although I'm afraid it's more along the lines of there's a big evil thing

in New Orleans and we'll be helping to kill it. It's quite urgent

apparently, which means we'll be leaving immediately," he added.

"New Orleans?" Buffy echoed, her face scrunching up. "What's in New Orleans

that they need us to go there? And do you know how much trouble I'm going to

get in with my Mom? You better be talking to her for me."

"New Orleans," began Giles slowly, unsure of how Buffy would take the news

and studying her features rather nervously, "is where the other Slayer lives."

The only response Buffy gave was to stare at Giles for a really, really,

really, really long period of time that was surrounded in silence. Then she

stared at him some more and he wasn't sure what to do. Or if this meant

anything good.

---

Meanwhile, in New Orleans, Annabel Cooper looked at her own Slayer, watching

with an equal amount of nervousness as she told her of the Council's

decision. A frown marred Faith's pretty features and she swallowed deeply,

averting her eyes to gaze out the long window in the library of their

mansion.

"I get it," said Faith hoarsely. "They don't think we're good enough... I'm

good enough to bring down Special K so they're callin' in the

reinforcements. Y'know," she stared at Annabel now, "the real deal. The

number one gun."

"Faith, no," the words tumbled from Annabel's lips as she rushed forward.

Her hands were tender and soothing on Faith's skin, pressing against the

sides of her face. Eyes met eyes and Annabel murmured, "You listen to me...

you have met and exceeded every expectation I've ever placed in you. If

there was a better Slayer, I'll never know of her, but Faith," her voice

lowered, softening as hazel eyes searched dark brown for understanding.

"Sometimes we must ask for help in this life. If we don't, if we keep our

stubborn pride, horrible things can happen. Just think of them coming to aid

us in battling Kakistos as a type of insurance." In a bare movement, the

tips of her fingers traced over Faith's cheek. "You nearly died," Annabel

whispered, "I don't want that to happen again."

"It won't happen again," said Faith, jutting her jaw, her eyes flashing. She

folded her arms over her chest and said, "I'm not gonna let it. We don't

need their help to beat this guy, Anna. We've always been fine on our own,

haven't we? Why call in the troops now?"

Hazel eyes flickered with worry, observing Faith quietly and Annabel firmly

but gently took hold of the Slayer's chin, holding it in the palm of her

hand. When a pair of dark eyes locked on her, she asked, "What's bothering

you?" Faith then opened her mouth to protest and Annabel said more strongly,

"Faith. Don't try to lie to me, you know full well I can spot the signs."

A moment of silence passed then Faith finally said, "I screwed up." She

sighed deeply and turned her head from Annabel, shoving her hands into the

pockets of her jeans. "And Buffy, from the stories you've told me, sounds

like she never does that. What's she gonna think about me?" Faith snorted

then scowled at the situation, at herself, and muttered, "Slayer number two,

the big loser, she can't even kill a vamp on her own. She's gotta get the

Council to call for help."

"She wouldn't do such a thing," said Annabel, her tones fierce despite her

soft spoken voice. She pulled Faith to her and held her close, the embrace

both comforting and loving at the same time. Running her hands over the

Slayer's back, attempting to calm tense muscles, she leaned down, resting

her face against the dark head, kissing unruly locks. "But if she does dare

to think much less say that, do you know what I'll do?"

"No..." said Faith, burrowing into the safe haven of Annabel's arms and

smiling as the taller woman made her feel better. Then again, that was what

she always did for Faith... made her feel better. Better about being alive,

about being herself, better about just everything in this world. It was all

better thanks to Annabel. She sighed with contentment and asked, "What's

that?"

"I'll kick her square in the shins," Annabel murmured teasingly, her hands

still rubbing Faith's back. Feeling the Slayer shake with soft laughter, she

smiled and continued, "Wearing those spiked high heels you're so fond of

seeing me in. I rather think those would sting quite a bit, Slayer healing

or no."

"You're bad, Anna," Faith accused, pulling back to grin widely at her.

"Mmm," Annabel's hazel eyes twinkled and she moved forward, lightly kissing

Faith on the lips and murmuring against them, "but you like me that way."

"Oh yeah," rumbled Faith, her hands dropping down to Annabel's waist,

pulling her close so their bodies were pressed together. Her lips curved

into a sensual smile as her voice dropped an octave, "I like you in all

ways."

She groaned as Faith's lips were hot on hers, opening her up, pressing and

exploring deep, their tongues entangling, while those ever skillful hands

ran under the cool silk of her blouse and splayed over the tender skin of

her belly. Pulling away with a gasp, her hazel eyes darkened into a shade of

green, looking at Faith who now showed no sign whatsoever of her depression

from earlier. It was one of the things she liked and disliked most about

Faith, she had this habit of having the funniest mood swings, shifting

easily from one emotional state to another, and often times Annabel found

herself rushing to keep up with her.

"Faith," said Annabel lowly, her hand reaching out, whispering a touch over

the Slayer's cheek, tangling into dark locks. "As much as I truly wish to

continue this we have things to take care of before Buffy and Mr. Giles

arrive."

"Yeah?" Faith quirked an eyebrow, her hands resting on Annabel's waist,

caressing the skin of her hips aimlessly as she talked. "What?"

"Cleaning the mansion for one," said Annabel. She moved her gaze from

Faith's, reluctant to go on but knowing she had to. Moving it back to Faith,

she locked her eyes on the Slayer and said, "We mustn't allow them to know

of our relationship. If they find out, they could report it to the Council

and I would be removed from my post as your Watcher." Gentle hands cupped

Faith's face while hazel eyes tinted brown, gazing deep. "I don't want that

to happen. I want to stay with you as long as you wish it, Faith." Annabel

paused, searching the Slayer's features then adding softly, so softly Faith

barely heard her, "Stay as your Watcher and your lover. I'll be them both

for as long as you want me."

"That's forever, Anna," said Faith calm and decisively, her dark brown eyes

totally earnest, reaching up to hold Annabel's hands in her own. "And for as

long as you want me too."

"I'm glad," said Annabel with a breath, looking relieved as she squeezed

Faith's hands tenderly. "I think we'll be together for quite some time

then." She formed a playful smile then added, "As long as we get started on

our cleaning."

Chuckling at this, Faith tugged on Annabel's hand, leading her out of the

library. Turning to look back at her, she smirked big and said, "I think we

gotta start with our bedroom..." Her eyes flashed and she drawled slowly,

"Or should I be sayin' that it's your bedroom again?"

"For the time being," Annabel smiled, following Faith into her large bedroom

that had become their sleeping quarters for the past three months. "I

wouldn't worry so if I were you," she murmured, moving against Faith,

smoothly wrapping her up in an embrace from behind, sighing as the Slayer

leant into her. Dipping her head down, Annabel murmured into Faith's ear,

"We'll correct the situation. Soon as we rid ourselves of Kakistos and are

on our own again."

"Sounds good," Faith replied, relaxing into Annabel's hold.

And it did sound good. She really had no fondness for the idea of people

invading the nice happy cocoon she and Annabel had created. If Buffy and her

Watcher found out, if they spilled to the Council, she knew Annabel was

right about what would happen. They would fire her. Faith felt herself go

cold at the idea. Although she knew that no matter what, Annabel would never

leave her completely, the idea of Annabel not being her Watcher chilled

Faith to the bone. It was unthinkable, she needed Annabel in all ways

including as a mentor in slaying.

"This will take some time," Annabel sighed, reluctantly pulling away from

Faith and crossing the room, gathering up some of the Slayer's clothes that

were all over the premises, scattered in various places. She smiled softly

and looked back at Faith. "It seems we've made quite the mess."

"Yeah," said Faith, grinning sheepishly as she noticed how her things were

all over the place, having no rhyme or reason, but looking simply like they

belonged there. That it was where they were meant to be. Probably because

that's where they were meant to be, Faith realized. In here with Annabel.

"Looks like."

Picking up her clothes with Annabel, it took Faith only a few minutes to

realize something fairly significant. That if most of the rooms in the

mansion looked even a little like this one, with bits and pieces of their

relationship spread all over it, and she was pretty sure they did, they had

one hell of a cleaning job to do.

---

So far Buffy wasn't having a very pleasant trip. First she had to go through

the hell of explaining the situation to her mother and receiving first

strict orders then a deluge of worry over the entire trip. Then there was

the airplane ride, something she had been happy about...

Until she found out the cheapskates at the Council had booked them in coach

and she spent the whole flight with her seat being kicked by an obnoxious

little kid who Buffy wished with all her being was a vamp so she could stake

him. Too bad for her, Giles reassured her several times he wasn't a vampire

or some form of evil incarnate, he was just another spoiled child. Which, he

added, was in a lot of ways far worse than anything they ever dealt with

daily.

Now they were driving in the teeny weeny rental car, trying to locate

wherever the other Slayer and her Watcher resided in New Orleans. Looking at

Giles, she heaved a sigh then asked, "Are you sure you read the map right?"

"For the fifth time, yes," Giles clenched his jaw, starting to get annoyed.

He knew very well that Buffy wasn't happy about this trip of theirs but it

seemed to him she didn't realize neither was he. The constant complaining

was starting to get on his nerves and he wondered what sort of company

they'd be for their colleagues if this kept up. "New Orleans is a fairly

large city, you realize."

"Yeah," said Buffy, peering out the window again. "It's nice here though. A

lot prettier than Sunnydale." She looked back at him and frowned. "Do they

get tons of demon activity down here? Is that why the other Slayer's here?"

"New Orleans has always had a good deal of supernatural activity," replied

Giles, relieved Buffy had taken a break from complaining. "From what I

recall, this is the fourth largest center for it in the United States."

"Sunnydale's the first, right?" asked Buffy, smirking when Giles nodded yes.

"Give it up then... what are the other two?"

"Los Angeles and New York," said Giles. "One would suppose that is due to

their large populous, making it easy for demons to shift in and out of

society. It's not so in New Orleans, this being a smaller city, but still...

rather like Sunnydale, it has a history in the supernatural, drawing demons

to it."

"Huh," murmured Buffy thoughtfully. She looked out the window again, staring

at the crowds of people on the street, chatting happily, smirking at the

tourists that were gathered around a local voodoo shop. "What's she like?"

"I'm not quite sure," said Giles, frowning as he thought on this question.

"I've received minimal reports on their activities from the Council, just as

I'm sure they have about us, but they don't really describe her personality

as such. Her name is Faith Spencer, though, and her Watcher is Annabel

Cooper." He paused to smile softly and said, "Lovely girl. I knew her

father... stupendous man."

"You don't have any info on her?" Buffy asked skeptically, looking to him.

"Come on, I just want a crumb here. Nothing big."

"Well," Giles began slowly. "Faith and Annabel live together. Apparently

Faith's home life wasn't the happiest and when she was approached to train

as a Slayer in waiting, she was quite eager to leave Boston for New Orleans.

Also," his voice had a slight ring of disapproval, "she doesn't attend

school."

"No school?" Buffy asked, her tones tinged with envy. She wasn't exactly

school's biggest fan, especially with Snyder riding her all the time but

still... now that she considered it, it would be strange not to go. A

thought occurred to Buffy and she frowned then asked, "She isn't another

Slayer soldier like Kendra is she?" She was quiet for a moment then sighed

at this. "I mean... I liked Kendra and all but she was sorta gung ho'ey

about the whole Slayer deal. I'm not sure how well I can work with this

chick if she's like that too, you know?"

Pondering how wrong the word gung ho'ey sounded, Giles shook his head before

he replied, "Yes, I understand your feelings perfectly well, Buffy. However,

I think it's safe to assume Faith is nothing like Kendra."

"Yeah? Why's that?" asked Buffy.

"Because," said Giles with a smile as he parked the rental car on the

street, looking past Buffy and at the building before them, "Kendra would

have never lived in a dwelling such as this."

"No way," Buffy breathed, her eyes going wide. "They have a mansion." She

stared at it in shock for a long moment then she whirled around to face

Giles. "I want a mansion! Why don't you have a mansion? We deserve a

mansion!"

Rolling his eyes, Giles got up and out of the car, closing the door quietly,

and smiling benevolently as Buffy rushed out of the vehicle and began

bouncing in her inspection of the mansion. "Annabel's family is fairly

wealthy," Giles said in dry tones, he sighed as he watched Buffy pulling at

the winding vine of flowers on the large wrought iron gates. "Buffy!" he

chastised. "Don't do that."

"Do they have gardeners? They must have gardeners. No way could they do the

slaying thing and garden, it would take too much time," Buffy said, standing

back and staring at the huge white mansion. "This place is so cool."

"I'm sure they'll be happy to hear that," Giles said, shaking his head and

walking past Buffy and towards the front steps. "Now hurry up, if what I was

informed on their enemy is true, it isn't safe for us to stand about out

here."

"Pfff, Khaki Trousers, no big, I'll stake him easy," Buffy dismissed,

following after Giles, bounding up the large steps to the front walk. She

squirmed around him to knock loudly on the front door. "You'll see," she

beamed at Giles who raised an eyebrow at her, "this'll take no time at all."

"Faith said as much herself," a lilting voice said in humorous tones. Buffy

whirled around and came face to face with a tall woman with wild fawn

colored hair which was pulled back, piled haphazardly in a bun that would

look horrible on a normal person but somehow looked entirely sexy on her

figure. Dressed in a pair of dark brown slacks and a light blue blouse that

clung to her frame, she was a picture of quiet elegance. "You must be

Buffy," she continued, smiling. "I'm Annabel, it is a pleasure to meet you

but why don't we get acquainted inside?"

Standing to one side, Annabel held the door open as they walked in, closing

the door with a resounding click, putting the locks in place and turning to

them. A pair of hazel eyes focused on Giles and she smiled again. "Mr. Giles,"

she said with clear fondness. "It's good to see you. How have you been?"

"I've been quite well, you?" asked Giles warmly.

"Better days have been seen," said Annabel dryly, she reached her hand up,

pushing a stray lock of hair from her eyes. "Come," she said, "lets go into

the library. I'll explain everything to you there." She started to walk but

paused on seeing Buffy's curious expression as she searched her

surroundings. Smiling at this, she remarked, "Faith is showering. She just

finished training, you see."

"This late?" asked Buffy with surprise. Usually she only trained with Giles

after school. Hardly any other time than that. She wondered how different

the life this other Slayer led was from her own.

"Faith tends to train three or four times a day, depending on her mood,"

Annabel informed, walking up the wide and sweeping stairs. "She enjoys being

active."

Ignoring the look Giles was shooting at her and becoming more and more

convinced that despite the ultra cool mansion, Faith could very well be a

Kendra clone, Buffy studied the library they were now in. It was a lot

bigger than the one in the school, with twice as many books, although like

the library at Sunnydale High, half of them appeared to have nothing to do

with the supernatural. Must be a Watcher thing, she supposed, liking to read

a lot.

"As far we've been able to tell, Kakistos moved his operations best he could

to New Orleans. Including taking up temporary residence with his entire

legion of followers," said Annabel. She leaned back against her desk,

gesturing towards the various furniture about the room and they took notice,

Giles sitting down in a leather chair and Buffy plopping onto the

comfortable couch. "Faith and I came upon some of his followers on our Mardi

Gras patrol, I'm afraid. We killed a good many, but not all, and the few

that lived ran back to him, informing him of our actions." She sighed deeply

and her eyes were solemn. "He wants revenge as such. Kakistos happens to be

one of the rare Master Vampires that cares about his followers. Also," her

hazel eyes shifted into brown, holding a definite look of worry, "he doesn't

like the idea of a Slayer being in his territory. It just won't do in his

opinion. Which leads us to the situation we're in right now."

"The Council said that you attacked Kakistos," Giles began slowly.

"Well, yes and no," said Annabel, she shifted in her position, folding her

arms across her chest, covering her lengthy frame. "We wanted to see his new

base of operations, seek it out, search for weaknesses for when we would

attack but we were discovered. A battle was inevitable in such a situation,

and so battle we did." Annabel shifted her eyes away from Giles, looking at

the wall of books, her expression tightening slightly. "Faith was injured

and we retreated. I contacted the Council and they felt that you should aid

us in destroying Kakistos. I agreed to it, of course." She looked to them,

her expression honest and unwavering. "Because it is what would be safest

and smartest for us right now."

"Makes sense," Buffy commented and was rewarded with a soft smile from

Annabel that made her blush lightly on seeing it. "Faith got hurt?" she

asked, hoping to distract herself from this reaction.

"An alligator bit her," said Annabel, giving a wry smile. Her hazel eyes

twinkled and she chuckled on seeing Buffy's face scrunch up. "I know," she

murmured. "It is rather odd, I admit. Apparently Kakistos keeps them for

pets. Heaven knows why. Horrible creatures, even when they're meat on a

stick."

"Awww, Anna," a slow drawl sounded in the air and everyone turned, looking

towards the door to the library. Faith stood there, leaning against it with

an easy smile on her features. She was clad in a pair of black jeans and a

cream colored mans dress shirt, unbuttoned just enough to show a bit of

cleavage. "I thought I was finally gettin' you to appreciate the wonders of

gator on a stick."

"Not quite," said Annabel in droll tones, smiling fondly at the Slayer. She

looked over at Giles and Buffy and murmured, "Mr. Giles, Buffy... this is

Faith." Turning her attention back to Faith who was strolling over to sit on

the desk that she was leaning against, Annabel then said, "That's Mr. Giles

and Buffy."

"No," said Faith, gasping a bit, wearing an expression of false surprise,

"really?"

"Smart aleck," Annabel accused, smiling. She reached out to tap Faith on the

nose. "Be good." Looking over to Giles and Buffy, she shifted back into

serious mode and asked, "What do you suggest in way of a plan of attack? I

had thought we might begin training first... ready Faith and Buffy for

battle, so they could learn to fight together before we strike out at him."

"Yes," Giles said, giving a cough, darting his gaze over at Buffy who looked

just as baffled as he was. They got along well, yes, that was true, but they

didn't get along that well. Still... different Slayer, different Watcher,

that much was clearly true. "I think perhaps that would be the best route to

take."

"Well then," Annabel smiled softly, "lets get started, shall we?"

"Yeah," chuckled Faith, hopping off the desk, walking backwards out of the

room as she waggled her eyebrows at the British woman. "We shall do that."

"I said be good," chided Annabel, following after Faith.

The two of them exited the library completely unaware of the curious looks

they were getting from both Buffy and Giles who were wondering how different

things really were in this part of the slaying world. And what it all meant.

---

"You have an impressive collection of swords," Giles murmured, inspecting

the walls while Faith and Buffy kicked off their shoes in preparation for

sparring.

"It suffices," said Annabel, dipping her head and giving a smile. She

approached him quietly, dropping her voice as she said, "Faith is fond of

them. I found it best to simply keep them about. Makes patrol more enjoyable

to have some variety."

"Buffy doesn't have a preference in the way of weapons," chuckled Giles,

adjusting his wire rim glasses. He paused to think on this and murmured,

"She enjoys a good swing of an ax sometimes though. Then again," his lips

moved into a smile, "I think so does any fighter of evil."

"Axes can be rather fun," Annabel agreed, chuckling as well.

"Horrible to clean though," said Giles, shaking his head, facing Annabel.

"Once took me five hours to get one back to half its original state after

Buffy killed some Rievaw demons with it. Dreadful creatures," he muttered.

"I know," said Annabel, her eyes lighting up. "We destroyed a nest of them

only a few weeks back. Simply took the longest time of any slaying, not

because they're particularly hard to kill but because they're just so

messy."

"The explosions, god!" Giles exclaimed, making a childish face of disgust.

"Splatters of green and blue everywhere. I can't stand even thinking of it

and the smell," he ducked his head, whispering to her, "Buffy smelled for

days after."

Nodding her head, Annabel replied, "Faith as well."

The Watchers would have continued in their conversation if a loud and

irritated cough hadn't sounded in the air. Turning, they looked at the

Slayers who had on peevish expressions as they stared at them. At least

Buffy had a peevish expression, Faith just looked amused about something.

"I smelled for days?" Buffy repeated, putting her hands on her hips,

scowling at Giles. "You said it wasn't that bad! I thought the springtime

fresh aerosol helped me get rid of that? You said it did!"

"Yes, well... it wasn't that bad?" offered Giles lamely, looking

uncomfortable.

Narrowing her eyes at him, Buffy said huffily, "Whatever." She turned her

attention to Faith who was smirking big at Annabel and said, "You don't have

anything to say to her? She said you smelled too, you know."

"Oh, she already got punished for that," Faith drawled, her dark eyes filled

with humor as she recalled their activities that night. "Had to smell me

plenty."

"Indeed," said Annabel, turning red. She coughed a bit then clapped her

hands together, nearing the mat as she said, "Why don't you start with a

simple sparring match? Skills against skills, no weapons." Quickly looking

back to Giles, she had sudden expression of worry. "Unless you have another

suggestion, I don't--"

"No, no," Giles waved his hands, giving a warm smile, "I think that would

make a fine starting match. Let them test each other, see how the other

fights." Walking to her side, he murmured, "You make a fine Watcher,

Annabel. It seems that you have the instincts for it." He paused then added,

"Your father would be proud."

"Yes," Annabel said quietly, watching with lidded eyes as Faith stood across

from Buffy on the middle of the mat, moving into position. "I hope as much

myself."

The Slayers stared at each other for a long moment, then Faith's lips formed

the barest hint of a smile and then she arched an eyebrow, as if to say,

"Well? I'm waiting." That was when Buffy's eyes darkened and she made the

first move, a sharp high kick aimed at Faith who ducked it as her smile

widened.

And so it began, an elegant and deadly dance as kicks and punches were

exchanged with blinding speed, moving and ducking blows, coming close to

defeat but always rising back towards victory. It was an even match that had

merely one element that stood out of place, to attention.

Faith was having fun and Buffy... well, Buffy wasn't. While the dark Slayer

had an easy smile during the entire fight, one that kept spreading wider and

wider, with happy laughter even escaping her lips at some points, Buffy's

frown deepened as the look in her eyes grew darker yet. After just a few

scarce moments it became clear to their Watchers that the two girls had

severely different temperaments that sprung from their opinions on slaying

and just fighting general.

While Faith enjoyed being a Slayer, enjoyed the life it gave her, and

enjoyed the battles she fought, Buffy, with everything that was in her, did

not. Giles knew this, it was hard not to when you were close with Buffy, but

he hadn't realized just how extreme it was until he watched her spar with

someone who did enjoy it.

Perhaps it was Buffy's lack of enjoyment and her anger at Faith on seeing

how the other Slayer obviously felt the opposite, which caused her to win

the match. A strong punch to the stomach sent Faith falling and Buffy was on

her, pinning her to the mat as dark eyes met light and Faith gave her that

infuriating smile again.

"Good match, Buff," breathed Faith, not appearing a little bit disturbed

that she had just been beaten. She moved her gaze over to Annabel who was

watching her with a look of concern. "How'd I do?" she asked, softer now.

"Okay?"

"You were splendid as usual," murmured Annabel, walking forward, lightly

clasping Buffy's shoulder, causing the blonde to move backwards. Leaning

down, she offered her hand to Faith, pulling the Slayer to her feet. Pushing

back a few stray locks of dark hair, her hand lingered on Faith's cheek.

"Simply splendid."

Annabel pulled away from Faith, regarding Buffy with even eyes as the Slayer

stood up and stared Faith down, her gaze harsh but somehow confused. "You

like it, don't you," said Buffy after a long moment.

"The slayin'?" asked Faith, wanting confirmation before she answered. When

Buffy nodded, she shrugged and said, "Yeah, I guess I do."

Another moment of silence passed then Buffy replied starkly, "I don't."

The ring of the doorbell sounded and Annabel turned to look out the gym.

"That must be our food," she informed, fixing a concerned gaze on first

Buffy then Giles before heading out of the room. "I'll get it."

"Wait up, Anna," said Faith, following quickly after Annabel, her voice

trailing in the air as she left Buffy and Giles in the gym. "You don't know

that for sure. What if it's Special K and his cronies of evil?"

Once they were alone, Giles moved to stand in front of Buffy and she looked

up at him. Smiling sadly, he asked her, "What's the matter?"

"She likes it," said Buffy quietly, her voice echoing with confusion.

Looking up at him with troubled eyes, she asked, "How can she like killing

things? We hunt and kill monsters, we deal with everything that's bad in

this world. How can she like that, Giles? It isn't something you should

like, it's wrong and... okay, it's just wrong and it isn't something that

someone should like."

"Buffy," murmured Giles, his tones solemn, "you must understand that some

people have never had the life that you do. That their lives are in many

ways worse, filled with a type of evil you've yet to experience, and I hope

never will. From what I've been told, Faith is one of those people. Becoming

a Slayer has made her life better, which is why she enjoys it." His voice

was soft, seeming to ask her to try and understand. "Not because she likes

to kill."

"I guess," said Buffy slowly, trailing off. She sighed and shrugged her

shoulders, offering him her brightest smile. "Didn't they say something

about food?"

"Yes," said Giles, returning the smile, walking with her out of the gym. "I

believe they did mention something along those lines."

They entered the foyer to find Faith and Annabel chatting with a handsome

young man of Creole descent. Wearing a pair of sleek black tailored pants

and a red dress shirt, he made a dapper picture. Arching a black eyebrow, he

locked his dark gaze on Buffy and formed an oh so slow smile.

"Mais," he drawled, tilting his head to one side, "who dis?" Looking over at

Faith, he smirked and said, "You hidin' ladies from me, beb? Dat what goin' on?"

"Yeah, right," Faith chuckled deeply. "Like I could do somethin' like that."

Shaking her head, she made a fancy sweeping gesture towards Buffy and Giles.

"T.Paul, these are our new pals, Buffy and Giles." She stepped closer to

him, whispering in his ear, "The girl is Buffy, since I know that's all your

interested in, huh?"

"Oh, beb," T.Paul's voice was rich with laughter, "you knowin' me so well,

ne?" Strolling over to Buffy, he smiled widely at her, easily lifting her

hand in his own and pressing his lips gently to it. Looking up at her with

twinkling eyes, he said, "Pleasure t'meet such a pretty lady as you, petit."

"I... yeah... okay," Buffy said, blushing and looking rather flustered.

"Shy one too," T.Paul said with pleasure, eyeing Buffy closely. He walked

backwards, his gaze still firmly on her and his smile spreading. "Is good,

the shy ones." Looking to Faith, he drawled, "A sign of a true lady, Mama

says."

Rolling her eyes, Faith whapped T.Paul on the shoulder, laying her hands on

his back, propelling him towards the front door. "That's what you say about

nearly all qualities a chick has, T.Paul," she accused with humor. "Now get

outta here."

"Aw beb," said T.Paul in overly sad tones, "don' you love me no more?

Pushin' me outta your life like this... I don' think I can survive th'

rejection."

"Dork," Faith said with a laugh, watching as he exited the house, still

talking about how he was abused by her. Closing the door, she shook her head

then locked her eyes on Buffy who was still looking shocked. "Sorry Buff,"

she said sheepishly, "he's always like that. Likes flirtin' and all."

"I getcha, it's fine, flirting," said Buffy quickly, offering a huge smile

that wasn't all that convincing. "Fine... flirting fine, fine with the

flirting, and... fine."

They were quiet then Annabel held up the bags of food. "Shall we eat?" she

suggested, giving a soft smile. "I ordered plenty for all."

With that, they convened to the kitchen, Buffy and Giles still wondering at

just how different things were and could get in the lives of their

counterparts. Though the answer to that question was certainly not one they

would ever expect.

---

Once they finished their meal, Annabel putting the dishes away in the washer

with the help of Faith, she broached the question that she was sure was on

most of their minds. "When do you think we should attack?" she asked.

"Not anytime soon, certainly," murmured Giles, leaning back in his chair,

observing as Annabel shut the washer. She rested back against the counter,

her eyes on him as he went on. "Buffy and Faith must be trained properly

first, learn how to fight well together before we're ready for such action.

That will take time, perhaps in a week or so, I'd consider that best."

"I was thinking as much," said Annabel with a nod.

"Man," Faith groaned, closing the cabinet door and setting down two coffee

mugs. "That's bullshit, Anna. We should attack him now, before he has time

to plan anymore whacked out crap on us. The more time we spend to prepare

the more time he's got to prepare too. And you know that's not good." She

looked back at Giles and asked, "What do you take in your coffee?"

"Cream, thank you," said Giles, smiling at her. He soon frowned though,

removing his glasses, cleaning them as he said, "I would agree to a point,

but taking action like that would be much too dangerous, Faith."

"Exactly," said Annabel, her eyes on Faith. Her tones were soft and almost

pleading as she murmured, "I don't want you hurt..." Drifting her gaze over

to Buffy, she added, "Or Buffy as well. This is safest for us."

"Safe," Faith snorted, pouring the mugs of coffee for Annabel and Giles. She

crossed to the refrigerator and pulled out a container of cream, pouring a

bit into Giles' coffee. Walking over to him, she handed him the mug and

locked her eyes on Buffy who had been quiet through all of this. "Slayin's

not a safe occupation, dontcha agree, Buff? We're not gonna be safe no

matter when we attack. I just say that sooner is a hell of a lot better than

later."

"Yeah," said Buffy, nodding her head. Looking over at Giles, she watched him

take a sip of his coffee and said, "Why wait anyway? What's the point? We go

in, we stake him, we go out. End story and end of my Mom's worries."

"Buffy," said Giles with a sigh. "It wouldn't be wise. We must train first,"

he locked his eyes with hers and said firmly, "and that is that."

Making a face, Buffy looked at Faith who shrugged, saying silently that they

had done their best. Forming a grin, Faith said, "Look on the bright side,

Buff. You're getting yourself a nice vacation from school."

"Hey," said Buffy slowly, her voice tinged with amazement. Her eyes lit up

as she regarded Faith, smiling at her. "You're right. School vacation!" she

bounced up in her seat. "That's always a good thing."

"Really, Buffy," Giles sighed again. "School is something you should enjoy."

"Should, would, could, but I don't," said Buffy, sticking her tongue out at

him. "And don't try to ruin my happiness about not having to go. Now I might

just do my training here without complaining at you."

"Revolutionary concept, that," Giles shook his head, sipping his coffee

again.

"Yup," replied Faith in knowing tones, crossing back to Annabel who was

holding her coffee mug and watching her with a droll expression. "That's the

key, y'know. To look on the bright side." Her dark eyes glittered with

amusement, her voice dropping as she murmured to Annabel, "In everything."

"I quite agree," said Annabel, wearing a secret smile, her eyes twinkling as

they met Faith's before she had a drink of her coffee.

---

She couldn't sleep and it was strange for her. All of her life, Annabel had

never found sleep to be an elusive friend, it was always there for her when

she needed it but now it was lost to her. Something was missing, she

realized, looking back at her large bed, the sheets a mess from her tossing

and turning.

Faith was missing.

Stranger even still was that she couldn't sleep because Faith wasn't with

her. She had other lovers... ones less serious than Hannah and James, and

even with the two of them as well, she could sleep when they weren't with

her. It didn't matter how much she loved them, how strong their relationship

was, when she was tired and they weren't around, she could sleep, everything

was fine.

That simply wasn't the case in her relationship with Faith. For hours she

tried to sleep but she couldn't, it didn't feel right, her body and mind

were restless and it was so empty in the bed without her. A big gaping hole

was there and she knew full well only Faith could fill it.

Annabel sighed in resignation. It seemed she would have to deal with a case

of insomnia and run on a tired system until they dealt with the Kakistos

situation. No solution could really be given, after all. Certainly Faith

couldn't return to sleeping with her while Buffy and Giles stayed with them

and without Faith... well, it didn't seem likely she'd be able to sleep

anytime soon.

She wondered at it though. The depth of the relationship, the amount that

she needed Faith, it continued to surprise her. Never had she experienced

anything quite like this before and it frightened her at times. Faith was

just a girl, younger than her by a few years, and at times Annabel felt, no,

she knew that she truly did want to spend the rest of her life with her.

Was that right of her though? To ask such a thing of someone that young,

with their entire life ahead of them? Settling down at such an age...

Annabel couldn't fathom it, having run wild for some time herself before the

death of her father caused her to create a change in her life.

Shaking her head, Annabel sighed, leaning back to rest against the wall by

the windowsill. Gazing out the window and at the street, she decided to stop

thinking on it. What would happen would happen, there was nothing she could

do to stop it. She found a good deal of comfort in the thought of fate in

times like this, when the dark and sad thoughts would overtake her. Fate

would steer her right, would take her on the path she was meant to walk, she

just had to believe in it.

Believe in herself as well, in Faith, and in the love they shared. If she

did that then perhaps it would all work out, despite all the odds she knew

they would one day have to face.

She looked out the window, absorbed in these thoughts, when she heard a

hesitant rap on her door. Blinking at this, she rose to her feet, the blue

silk of her pajama pants pooling around her feet as she crossed the room.

Opening the door just a tad to look at the figure who stood shyly in front

of it.

"Faith?" said Annabel with quiet surprise. The Slayer was dressed in her

makeshift pajamas that she hardly ever used, a pair of boxer shorts and a

black tank top, which were rumpled on her figure, making her look adorable.

"What is it?" she continued softly, her voice echoing with worry. "Is

something wrong?"

Looking down at the floor, Faith shrugged her shoulders, lifting her eyes

reluctantly and admitting in husky tones, "I couldn't sleep." She shifted

foot to foot, averting her gaze from Annabel's. "I missed you, y'know."

A slow smile spread on her features and Annabel felt her heart lighten as

she stepped to one side, reaching for Faith's hand, pulling the Slayer into

her room then quietly closing the door behind them. Locking it smoothly, she

looked to Faith who still had her gaze fixed away from her, looking

embarrassed.

"Faith," said Annabel again, cupping the Slayer's face in her hands, smiling

as dark eyes looked to her. She caressed Faith's cheek tenderly and she

pulled the girl to her, ducking her head down to whisper in her ear, "I

missed you as well. Why do you think I answered the door so quickly?"

"You couldn't sleep either?" asked Faith with surprise, burrowing into

Annabel's arms, sighing as she breathed in the familiar scent of lavender.

Hands stretched over the cool blue silk of Annabel's pajama top, holding her

close. "Weird."

"Yes," Annabel chuckled, moving back to place a gentle kiss on Faith's

cheek. She nuzzled the Slayer for a moment then looked into her eyes as she

said, "I think we have a problem between us, don't you? Sleep is important."

Faith frowned at this, her hands playing with the edges of Annabel's shirt,

unbuttoning the bottom button, her fingertips tickling over the bare abdomen

that was now revealed to her. "Well," she said thoughtfully, "you did lock

the door and we got pretty thick walls around here."

"Faith!" Annabel exclaimed, bursting into quiet but delighted laughter that

held a trace of reprove. "We were discussing our lack of sleep, not that."

"Yeah," admitted Faith, giving a little grin, "but we always sleep after,

right?"

Shaking her head, Annabel murmured, "We shouldn't do such things. Not while

Mr. Giles and Buffy remain with us. It's far too dangerous, you realize."

"I guess," said Faith slowly. She lifted up dark eyes and peered at Annabel

before she formed a small smile as her hands reached down, holding Annabel's

hips, stroking her pale skin softly. "We could always be reaaaaaaal quiet."

"Faith..." said Annabel again.

She began only to stop and gasp as those hands moved up and under her shirt,

popping it open, cupping her breasts as Faith stood higher, pressing into

her. Lips were soft, so very soft on her skin, kissing and nipping, moving a

burning path to her own, seizing them with a quiet passion, opening them up,

tasting deep and leaving nothing unexplored, pulling away slowly to leave

them bruised. Dark eyes searched hers deep and she could see the love and

desire in them, and it wasn't something Annabel wanted to deny herself, not

now or ever.

No matter who happened to be staying in the mansion with them.

"We must be very quiet," said Annabel, allowing her shirt to slip off of her

tall frame, falling to the floor. She moved her hands, pulling up Faith's

tank top, removing it from the Slayer, dropping it next to her shirt. Then

she ducked her head, meeting their lips for a deep kiss, relishing Faith's

groan as she eagerly moved into her and they backed towards the bed. They

parted and rose dusted lips curled up in a smile, sitting Faith down on the

bed, pulling her boxer shorts and underwear off then peering into dark brown

eyes. "Quiet as a mouse."

"I'm Mickey, you're Minnie, no problem," said Faith hoarsely, reaching for

Annabel, pulling the woman to her. They went tumbling onto the bed, Annabel

pressed down onto Faith, smiling gently at her as Faith pushed locks of fawn

colored hair from her eyes.

"I'm Minnie?" questioned Annabel, her voice echoing with humor.

"Yeah, y'know, the Mouse," said Faith, squirming out from under Annabel,

tenderly pushing the British woman onto her back. She slowly slid down her

body, removing the blue silk pants with her as she did, repeating a similar

action with the panties she had on. When she was finished and they were both

naked, Faith wore a quirky smile on her features as she laid her body on top

of Annabel's. "Don't you watch Disney or anything, Anna?"

"Not really," Annabel chuckled, reaching her hand up to tangle in dark

locks, pulling Faith to her. Lips were inches apart as she murmured, "And I

don't think this is the time to be discussing children's cartoon characters

at that."

"Oh yeah?" Faith arched an eyebrow, smirking. "What is it time for then?"

Instead of replying, Annabel captured Faith's lips in a searing kiss, her

hands tracing down over the Slayer, grasping and holding her buttocks,

pulling her up strongly, giving a soft smile at the groan Faith released

when they slid against each other, feeling the wetness of their excitement.

The Slayer was turned and moved and she was on her, lips hot, kissing with

an ardent desire, hands cool, caressing Faith, filling her with need as

Annabel dipped down to taste her.

Faith moaned, tossing her head as that tongue entered her, always insistent,

skillful, knowing what she wanted and needed and giving it to her time and

time again. It pressed in deep and she felt her orgasm upon her and

suddenly, soft fingers, they were on her lips, pushing a gentle entrance

into her mouth and Faith sucked on them, holding back the urge to shout her

joy, knowing they had to be quiet, she had to be quiet... then it was there,

she was climaxing, sucking on those long fingers, lost in the pleasure as it

seized her completely.

After this happened, as the feelings faded away, she opened her eyes to look

deep into pools of hazel that shifted green as they gazed at her, seeming to

see into her very soul. Fingers slipped from her lips and she said hoarsely,

"Anna."

"I love you, Faith," was all Annabel said and it was all that she needed to

say because it was all Faith ever needed to hear from her.

Her body trembled, losing strength, and Annabel spread over her, pulling

Faith down and onto her, holding her close, hands tangling in her hair,

soothing her with murmurs and Faith felt herself drifting off before she

could help it. Her body was tired and spent, but she felt so good, so

perfect. Only she didn't want to sleep, no, she wanted to be awake, she

wanted to make love with Annabel but she could feel herself drifting. That

voice, that gentle voice she loved so much, it was urging her to go ahead

and do that, to go to sleep, and so she did.

Pulling the covers up and over them, Annabel leaned back into the softness

of the bed and smiled down at Faith, wrapping her arms around her. Releasing

a soft groan, Faith buried her face in the crook of her neck, holding

Annabel more firmly to her then she sighed and relaxed into the arms that

embraced her.

Kissing dark locks, Annabel smiled again, rubbing the Slayer's back gently

in a circular movement, feeling herself drawn into the lull of sleep as

well. As she did, she felt relieved that she set her alarm an hour earlier

in order to make a large breakfast for four. They definitely had to wake up

early now, so Buffy and Giles wouldn't know the truth of where Faith had

spent her evening.

Although, Annabel realized, turning to look at Faith's features, at peace,

filled with a rare vulnerability and sweetness that few got to see, even if

they were to find out, it was worth it. Being Faith was worth anything.

Even losing her position as a Watcher.

---

Research wasn't something that Slayers enjoyed. Maybe somewhere in their

long history there was one very special Slayer that liked reading huge and

very boring books on monsters for hours on end but if there was she was dead

and her preferences were most definitely not carried on in Faith and Buffy.

Which was precisely why they were wearing identical expressions of boredom

while Annabel and Giles commiserated on Kakistos' colorful history. They

frankly didn't give a damn what country he was born in or why he had chosen

to name himself 'the worst of the worst' in Greek. All they wanted to know

was the best way to kill him. Something that wasn't currently being

discussed.

Hence the boredom.

Sighing heavily and only finding enjoyment in watching Annabel's eyes light

up with excitement as she talked with Giles about their enemy, Faith rested

her chin in the palm of her hand. She formed a tiny smile as the taller

woman waved her hands about, emphasizing her argument while Giles reached

for his glasses and cleaned them. Faith wondered about that, it was an odd

habit he had, doing it so often she wondered if they were perpetually dirty.

She felt a tiny bump on her shoulder and looked over at Buffy who gave her a

conspiratorial look. "Want to get out of here?" she asked. Pausing a moment,

she nodded at Annabel and Giles. "They're not about to stop anytime soon."

Following Buffy's gaze and knowing she was right, Faith sighed again,

shrugging as she rose to her feet. "Might as well," she drawled. Looking at

Annabel, a smile spread on her features as she called, "We're headin' out,

Anna! Spend awhile in the garden with the flowers that don't talk about

monsters."

"Wonderful," said Annabel absently, darting her gaze to Faith and smiling

warmly before she turned back to Giles to continue their conversation. "Have

fun, Faith."

"I lost her," Faith chuckled, shaking her head and walking out of the

library. Sparing a look at Buffy, she said, "C'mon, Buff, lets get outta

here before we get sucked into their weirdo world of analyzing the bad

guys."

"Fine with me," said Buffy.

They wandered downstairs and into the garden, Faith easily hopping onto her

usual sitting place on the thick marble railing. Pulling a nearby ashtray

closer to her, she reached into the pocket of her jeans, pulling out a

silver tin. Opening it, she removed a slip of paper and rested it on her

thigh, sprinkling tobacco over it before rolling the paper up with smooth

efficiency. While this went on, Buffy was at her side, climbing up on the

railing to sit next to her, watching Faith work.

"You smoke?" asked Buffy as Faith lifted the hand rolled cigarette to her

mouth before shoving the tin back into her pocket.

Retrieving her lighter, Faith sparked it up and took a drag of her cigarette

before removing it from her mouth and smirking at Buffy. She blew a smoke

ring up and over their heads before she said, "What do you think?"

"That you shouldn't," Buffy replied with a frown.

"Man, first Anna now you," said Faith, giving a groan. She leaned back on

her hands and reached out to ash her cigarette. Looking back at Buffy, she

said, "Is it just somethin' about me that chicks wanna order me around?"

"Smoking is bad for you," said Buffy, unconsciously parroting everything

she'd ever heard about the subject since she was a child. "Plus it smells

icky."

"Icky?" Faith echoed, laughing. She moved her cigarette closer, so Buffy

could smell the light smoke emerging from it. "Take a whiff of that, huh?

Doesn't smell so icky to me. In fact, it smells pretty damn good."

Unable to help doing what Faith said since the cigarette was so close, Buffy

was surprised to take in the scent of chocolate which was all in all, very

appealing. As she looked at Faith with confusion, the dark Slayer smirked.

"Fancy imported tobacco," supplied Faith, taking another drag. "I got tired

of hearin' Anna talk about the smell, so I found this shop in the Quarter.

Real nice place, I go there so much that the owner gives me a deal." Forming

a quirky grin, she drawled, "So now I only smoke the nicest smellin' cigs

around." Leaning in close, Faith arched an eyebrow mischievously. "Taste

nice too."

"I'm happy for you," said Buffy in dry tones, trying to calm the fast beat

of her heart and ignore the fact that Faith and her chocolate cigarette did

smell very good indeed. In fact, they smelled a little too good for Buffy's

comfort. "But it doesn't change that they're still bad for your health."

"Right," said Faith slowly. Taking a drag of her cigarette, she blew a smoke

ring then looked at Buffy. "Tell me this, Buff, are we or are we not Slayers?"

"We're Slayers," said Buffy, looking at Faith like she was stupid.

"Bingo!" Faith smirked. Ashing her cigarette, she looked back at Buffy then

continued, "As Slayers we got that nifty healin' deal going on, don't we?

Who's to say that it doesn't work so our insides get healed just as fast as

our outsides? I figure with the amount of times I've been kicked, punched,

stabbed, and bitten it's gotta work that way. And goin' further," Faith's

smirk widened as she watched Buffy gain a look of understanding, "that means

any bad crap I suck in when I'm smokin' my smell good cigs goes away thanks

to that healin'. Hence smoking not being bad at all." Regarding Buffy with a

charming smile, Faith arched an eyebrow and gave her a wink. "Least when

you're Slayers like us."

"That actually makes sense," said Buffy with a hint of amazement.

"I got my moments," said Faith humorously, taking another drag. She paused

to take notice of Buffy's close gaze on her. Dark brown eyes glinted and she

offered the cigarette to the blonde Slayer at her side. "Wanna try?" Her

lips quirked up and she drawled, "Y'know it's not gonna kill you."

Looking from Faith to the cigarette then to Faith again, Buffy found herself

returning that infectious grin and reaching for the cigarette in her hand.

Taking a long drag, she breathed in the smoke, then coughed loudly which

caused Faith to chuckle as she shook her head at Buffy.

"Don't inhale at first," advised Faith, reaching out to cover Buffy's

fingers with hers. "You're a newbie, so just take a drag then blow it on

out." She moved the cigarette back up to Buffy's lips and smiled

encouragingly. "Go again."

Taking another drag, Buffy did as Faith said, and was pleased with the fact

that she didn't end up hacking uncontrollably and the sweet taste of

chocolate was on her lips and in her mouth. It was an incredibly nice and

strange feeling, causing her to relax as she leaned back. Turning to Faith,

she grinned widely and offered the cigarette back to her.

"Not bad, huh?" asked Faith, taking the cigarette and smiling.

"Weirdly enough, it wasn't," said Buffy, returning the smile. They were

quiet for a moment then Buffy shifted in her seat, watching as Faith rubbed

the cigarette out as it got to its end. "So..." Buffy began hesitantly. "You

don't go to school?"

"Nope," said Faith easily, looking over at Buffy. "I stopped goin' before

Anna found me, y'know? When she recruited me for the whole Slayer gig, I

asked her if I'd have go start goin' again and she said no." She wore a

goofy grin and shrugged her shoulders. "Haven't gone since."

"Don't you miss it?" asked Buffy, wondering if the question sounded as

idiotic to Faith as it suddenly sounded to her. As idiotic as it was, she

did wonder about it, as much as she disliked Snyder and homework, she did

like some aspects of school. Like hanging out with her friends.

"Not really," Faith said, her eyes darkening. Focusing out on the garden,

she stared at the variety of flowers, feeling their beauty calm her soul. "I

mean, when I went I didn't learn much... the teachers were never into it

where I was from. Was more like a prison than a school with the gangs and

stuff." Sighing deeply, Faith smiled then went on, "Anna's taught me more

than any school could anyway. And I like learnin' what she has to teach.

Stuff on the Slayer histories." Looking back to Buffy, she grinned and said,

"Monster research is borin', yeah, but a lot of junk having to do with the

slayin' can be pretty cool, Buff."

"Like what?" asked Buffy, genuinely curious in what Faith had to say. The

concept that this girl was like Kendra, some sort of emotionless slaying

machine was drifting further away in her mind. She didn't know what to make

of Faith but she did know that she was starting to like her.

"Huh," Faith's face screwed up in thought, considering everything Annabel

had talked with her about over their time together. She formed a huge grin

and her eyes lit up as she looked to Buffy. "All right, there was this

Slayer who lived in this hick backwards town outta Germany and the citizens

of it actually tried to burn her alive because of her powers. They thought

she was a witch or somethin' sent from the devil because of what she could

do." Faith laughed at this and said, "What the hell did they know, huh? She

was the chick meant to save them from crap like that and they go and try to

kill her."

"What happened?" asked Buffy, her eyes wide.

"Her Watcher shows up, right?" Faith turned around so she was straddling the

railing and facing Buffy. Her face was animated as she continued with the

story and she said, "And he beats back the crowd. Bam wham!" Faith smacked

her fist into her palm for emphasis. "He kicks all their asses then he runs

outta town with her on some horse he swipes while he was there. Thing is,

the girl is so fucked up after the town tries to kill her, own damn family

included, she doesn't believe in people and he has a hell of a time trying

to convince her to spend her life savin' them. He has to spend all this time

with her, trainin' and such, living in this tiny cottage away from most

folks to get her back on track so she can do the job." Leaning back on her

hands, Faith grinned big at Buffy. "Cool, huh? That's part of the story of

Elsbeth, one of our most kickin' Slayer predecessors."

"That is pretty cool," said Buffy, forming a grin to match Faith's.

Mimicking Faith's posture, she leaned back on her hands. "I didn't think

anything related to slaying could be interesting like that. It's kind of

like a soap opera, isn't it?"

"Sorta," acknowledged Faith with a nod. "I mean, you read the diaries and

histories and it's their lives, down to all the tiny details, just written

there for us to find out about. Like... it's sorta heavy, if you think on

it, Buff. Our entire lives are gonna be down on paper for people to read

when we die. So maybe some Slayer later on can read it and learn somethin'

from everything we've done. Even after we're gone, we'll still be helping

people somehow."

Studying Faith with lidded eyes, Buffy found herself speaking before she

could help it. "You're really smart," she said softly, "why don't you go to

school? I can get that you don't like it but I'm sure you could pass."

"It's not my scene, Buff," said Faith, her eyes dark on Buffy's. She was

quiet then formed a gentle smile. "Thanks for the compliment though, I don't

get those a lot. It's just... I don't fit in with the school stuff." Faith

shrugged and directed her gaze back out at the garden. "But maybe I'll get

my GED or somethin'."

"I think you should," Buffy murmured. When Faith looked to her, she smiled

at her and continued, "You could do a lot, Faith, more than just be a

Slayer. I know it's what we have to do but part of me still hopes I can do

other things too. I'd like to go to college someday." Buffy's face scrunched

up and she sighed. "That's if I can get any college to actually accept me

with my grades."

"Got it rough, don't you?" asked Faith, studying Buffy. "I don't wanna pry

or nothing, Buff, but I've heard stuff... about your situation and all. I

know we just met but I just wanna tell you I think you do a kick ass job

back there in that town of yours. The stuff you handle, it's the real deal."

Meeting Faith's gaze, Buffy was quiet for a long while then she found

herself telling someone something she never thought she would. "I hate the

slaying, I hate doing this job, but I can't imagine my life without it.

Sometimes I want it to all go away but I wonder what I would do if it did,"

Buffy ducked her head and sighed softly. "It's the weirdest thing. Like

being a Slayer is all tangled up with who I am now and I can't separate the

two." Peering up at Faith whose dark eyes were on her, almost comforting.

"Do you feel like that?"

"All the time," said Faith honestly. Her gaze was lidded and she wore a sad

smile. "Thing is, I don't much mind that's how it's gonna be until I die and

you do. I think the only thing you can really do is work that out for

yourself, Buff. But," she formed a mischevious smile, reaching out to clasp

Buffy's knee and shake her leg back and forth, "that's gonna have to wait

till we waste Kakistos."

"Don't you mean Taquitos?" asked Buffy impishly, her eyes twinkling.

"Kakistos," repeated Faith, deciding to play along, wearing a fake frown.

"Kissing Toast?" continued Buffy, looking like the atypical dumb blonde.

"Kakistos," repeated Faith a bit louder, smirking with amusement.

"Tacky Ho's?" said Buffy, bursting into laughter right after she said this.

"Tacky Ho's?" repeated Faith, bursting into laughter along with Buffy.

After a few minutes, she calmed and pushed Buffy on the leg. "What the hell

was that? Of all crap you coulda said you go and call him Tacky Ho's?"

"I was making a comment on his possible choice in female companions," said

Buffy, sniffing and trying to look stuck up but ultimately failing.

"Right," Faith shook her head, smirking again. She looked at Buffy for

a moment then said quietly, "You're good people, Buff. I'm glad we got to

meet, y'know?"

"Yeah," said Buffy, smiling fondly, a feeling of happiness surged in her as

she looked at Faith. "I'm glad that I got to meet you too, Faith. I think

that we could be friends and I'd like that... being able to talk with

someone who can understand about being a Slayer. I couldn't really do that

with Kendra."

They sat in the garden, smiling at one another, delighting in the feeling

that they now knew someone else that would get what it was like to be a

Slayer and what it all meant. It was a feeling they both liked and liked

quite a bit at that. Enough to make them want to fight their very best

together.

---

Holding the punching bag, Giles winced and backed up, hoping that next time

Buffy punched it wouldn't fly back at him quite so hard. Seconds later, he

found himself sadly disappointed and let loose a sore groan.

"I think that's enough for now," said Giles, walking out from behind the bag

and rubbing at his midsection. "You've trained quite a bit so why don't we

wait until Annabel and Faith join us?"

"They're taking awhile, aren't they?" Buffy commented, sitting down on the

mat cross legged, looking up at Giles who sat on an exercise machine. "We

said we'd train at one o'clock, didn't we?"

"I believe so," murmured Giles, cleaning his glasses. He paused in his

action to look at Buffy and smile. "I'm sure they simply got involved with

their reading and became distracted. It's one of their favorite pastimes and

according to Annabel, Faith enjoys hearing about the various histories."

"Yeah, I know," Buffy nodded, "Faith was telling me about some of them the

other day. They were pretty cool." When Giles looked at her with surprise,

she gave a sheepish grin. "At least the ones she talked about were. I'm sure

that there's a lot of boring histories she left out for the sake of my

sanity."

"Quite," said Giles in dry tones. He looked away from her, studying the wall

of weapons and murmured, "I was surprised at them though. Annabel is doing

an excellent job as a Watcher. I had hoped as much but all the same, I did

find it surprising." He seemed to be saying this more to himself than Buffy.

Unfortunately for him, Buffy was in the room also. "Why's that?" she asked,

grinning when Giles looked at her, appearing startled. "Forget I was here?"

"No," Giles huffed. Shaking his head, he said, "Annabel has a colorful past,

that's all. She was rather like myself at that age."

"Oh, so she was a bad magic using punk too then?" Buffy teased.

"I wasn't that!" exclaimed Giles, looking offended. When Buffy stared at him

hard he rolled his eyes and said, "Fine. Perhaps I was but that's not

Annabel. She's just what I said she was... a bit wild, nothing more. Her

father's death turned her around though. I wasn't there for that, I'd

already been assigned other duties then."

Buffy looked at Giles thoughtfully then said, "You like her, don't you?"

"She's a lovely girl," said Giles, focusing on Buffy and smiling. "She was

then and she is now. Reminds me of you in some ways, always has the best at

heart."

"I like Faith," said Buffy suddenly and Giles blinked at this. Ducking her

head, Buffy looked down at the mat, picking at it with her fingers. "We've

been talking and she's really nice. Plus she's nothing like Kendra... she's

more human, you know?" Buffy looked up at Giles. "And she understands."

"About being a Slayer," finished Giles for her.

"Yeah," Buffy nodded solemnly, looking shy, "it's nice... to have someone

understand. Someone who will actually talk to me about it." Looking at him

she smiled and said, "I guess if we ever have serious big bad trouble back

home we can call on them for help now. Sort of like an exchange program."

"That's a shrewd idea, Buffy," complimented Giles, returning the smile. "One

I think we shall end up endorsing before too long."

"Knowing Sunnydale, I've got to agree," said Buffy wryly. They were quiet

for another moment and then Buffy sighed, flopping onto her back and staring

up at the ceiling. "They must really like those histories," she remarked.

"Yes," said Giles, wondering about their absence as well, "they must."

---

Meanwhile, in the library, two figures scurried around behind a closed door,

the book they were supposed to be reading long forgotten, lying next to the

couch. It had started innocently enough, Faith curled next to Annabel as she

read, nothing unusual, something that always happened. Then her fingers had

wandered during the reading, playing over Annabel's midsection.

Annabel continued reading, trying her best to ignore the sensations as Faith

leaned into her, resting her head on her shoulder. The feeling of the Slayer

now pressed further into her caused a fire to ignite in her belly, but

still, Annabel did her best to ignore it. Although it got very difficult as

Faith moved up more, her voice husky as she whispered that she smelled nice,

that she felt nice.

And it was even more difficult still as those soft lips pressed down on her

jaw line, kissing her sweetly and tracing a path down to her neck, tasting

delicate skin. As she turned her head, Annabel looked into dark brown eyes

that expressed a pure love and desire as Faith gave a small and sweet smile.

Immediately after which she told Annabel that she loved her.

Now, this was something that Annabel was used to hearing due to their

relationship together but it was something that never failed to stir the

feelings she had for Faith deep in her heart, mind, and body. Which led them

to have what started off as a rather chaste and loving kiss. However, that

kiss led to another kiss and another kiss and as the kisses continued, they

got less and less chaste. Especially once they were naked and making love on

the couch, the book Annabel had been reading long since tossed aside.

It was lucky for them Buffy and Giles weren't interested in pursuing why

they were so late for training. Just the thought of them coming upstairs and

opening the unlocked library door... well, it didn't lead to a very nice

scenario afterwards, in Annabel's head. Sighing on thinking of what could've

happened if they had come in, Annabel buttoned her black pants, reaching her

for shoes and slipping them on. Straightening her shirt, she looked at Faith

who was busy shimmying into her brown leather pants, having already put on

her white t-shirt.

"Faith," said Annabel softly, soon rewarded with the Slayer turning her

attention to her and offering a bright smile. "We shouldn't be doing this,"

she said in sad tones, wincing on seeing the hurt expression form on Faith's

features. "At least not while they remain with us. Each time the chance they

could catch us grows a little bit greater. Faith," Annabel gentled her

voice, walking to her, cupping her face in her hands, "I don't want to lose

you, not now or ever. If that's to be true, I think we must keep our

relationship a secret from the Council." She tipped up Faith's chin, sensing

an unconscious worry in her mind and hazel eyes were full of love as she

murmured, "Were things different, were we simply two women in love, not

Slayer and Watcher, I would shout from the rooftops I loved you. In fact,"

Annabel's lips moved up in a smile, "I will even do that for you once they

leave the city. But as of now, with them here, we must be discreet. However,

when they depart things will go back to normal."

"Promise?" asked Faith, her voice rather small as she looked at Annabel.

"I promise," Annabel smiled, reaching out and pulling Faith to her, holding

her close in a loving embrace. She kissed dark locks and murmured, "It won't

always be like this, Faith. One day we won't have to worry of such things."

"Yeah?" Faith asked, sounding clearly skeptical. "When's that?"

Chuckling at Faith's attitude, Annabel pulled back and brushed her fingers

over Faith's cheek. "When you turn eighteen and I'm no longer 'robbing the

cradle' as it were," she said with a touch of humor. "The Council won't be

pleased with our relationship, certainly, but they'll have no legal aspects

to make referrals of."

"That's over a year off," said Faith plainly, staring at Annabel with a

blank look. "I gotta wait more than a year?"

"Faith," said Annabel softly, "they won't be with us for the entire time. As

soon as we defeat Kakistos, Buffy and Mr. Giles will return to Sunnydale."

She smiled and her hand fell from Faith's cheek, caressing her neck.

"Leaving us to ourselves." Then she frowned, seeing the sad expression on

Faith's face. "It bothers you," Annabel stated more than asked, her voice

troubled.

Looking up at Annabel with surprise on hearing the pained tones in her

voice, Faith said quickly, "Anna... it ain't like that. I just don't like

hidin', you know? I just love you so much it feels wrong that other people

don't know it too. I dunno," she gave a sigh and shrugged her shoulders.

"I'm probably not sayin' it right."

"I think you said it perfectly right," murmured Annabel, sighing. She walked

away from Faith, sinking onto the couch, meeting the Slayer's dark eyes. "I

hate hiding as well. I want more than anything to not have to worry about

how I feel for you, I don't like feeling guilty... as if what we're doing is

wrong." Pushing aside a lock of fawn colored hair from her eyes, Annabel

said, "Particularly when it feels so very right for me. Like this was how

things were meant to be for us." Lifting her gaze, she looked at Faith

steadily. "I don't wish to hold you back, Faith. If you ever think that this

is too much for you and you rather not be with me..." Annabel moved her eyes

away, unable to look at Faith and say the words. "I won't hold it against

you, certainly. You're young and your whole life is before you. Just tell

me, is all. I'll do whatever you like... I promise that I will."

"Yeah?" Faith growled and Annabel jerked her head up in surprise as she

heard the anger in her voice. Stalking forward, Faith knelt in front of

Annabel, her eyes flashing as she said, "Don't ever talk like that again

then. Me and you, we're in it for the long run. I never loved anybody before

you, Anna, and I sure as hell don't plan on lovin' anyone after. You're

mine, I'm yours, and that's that. It sucks, yeah, havin' to hide how I feel

for you but I can deal. I can deal with most anything long as I got you by

my side. Includin' you being dumb like right now."

"I'm being dumb, am I?" asked Annabel with a hint of a smile on her lips.

"Yeah," Faith nodded, a smile of her own quirking on her lips as she leaned

forward, her hands resting on Annabel's legs, pushing them apart so she was

nestled in between them as she rose up. "Real dumb if you don't get how much

I love you," she murmured, moving forward and offering her lips to Annabel.

The tall woman accepted the offer, taking Faith's lips in her own, meeting

them for a passionate kiss that was soft and tender at the same time.

Seeking and full of knowing, tasting deep and pulling away slowly, lingering

for the very longest they could, not wanting to part from one another.

Resting her palm on Faith's cheek, Annabel's eyes shifted green and gold

sparks shined and she murmured, "Then I shall have to do my best to refrain

from being dumb from now on." They twinkled at Faith and she teased, "Won't

I?"

"Yup," Faith drawled, her brown eyes merry, "I think that you gotta. If you

wanna stay with me, that is." Rising to her feet, she took Annabel's hand to

draw her up. "Because you know that I don't go for the dumb chicks. I like

my women to have a nice brain in them."

"Is that so?" said Annabel playfully, chuckling softly, heading towards the

library door and opening it. "Here I wasn't aware of that fact. I'll have to

store that piece of knowledge away for later use."

Following Annabel out of the library, Faith jogged after her and called out

in equally playful tones, "What're you gonna do with that info anyway, Anna?

You aren't plannin' something naughty on me are you?"

The only response she got was another soft chuckle, one that was ominously

filled with a mischevious quality that deep down, Faith delighted to hear

coming out of her girlfriend's lips. Because, really, all it meant was more

fun for her.

---

Waking up with the urge to eat a sudden snack was something that happened

fairly often to Giles and so he didn't find it very surprising when it

occurred during his stay in New Orleans. That's why he wandered downstairs

and into the kitchen with thoughts of raiding the refrigerator for a light

meal. Perhaps a sandwich and a drink before he headed back to bed.

Only when he entered the kitchen someone was already in there. Sitting at

the large and round oak table, Annabel was dressed in her sky blue satin

pajamas that had been a gift from Faith several months ago. They were a tad

too small, making them rather tight, something that Annabel was sure Faith

had planned for her own enjoyment, but despite that they were her favorite

bedtime clothes when she did wear anything to bed. Putting her glass of milk

down on the table, Annabel turned to face Giles and smiled softly.

"Mr. Giles," murmured Annabel in greeting, "couldn't you sleep either?"

"Midnight snack," Giles explained. His eyes darted towards the large clock

on the nearby wall, seeing that it was past one in the morning, his lips

lifted in a smile as he revised, "Or a twenty past one snack, as it were."

"I can make you something if you like," volunteered Annabel, rising to her

feet hurriedly, crossing towards the refrigerator. "What would you like?"

"I had planned on a sandwich but it isn't a problem for me to make it

myself," Giles said, watching Annabel with wide eyes as she gathered the

ingredients for the food with smooth efficiency. "I am able to do such

things."

Pausing in her walk towards the pantry where the bread was kept, Annabel's

shoulders slumped and she shook her head. "Yes, of course," she gave a weak

laugh, "I realize that. It's just... I could use something to preoccupy

myself with."

"It's about tomorrow," said Giles wisely, his eyes knowing, "you're feeling

nervous knowing that soon we'll be attacking Kakistos."

"Yes," Annabel admitted quietly. She looked slowly to him, her expression

bleak and she continued in the barest tones, "He nearly killed Faith the

last time we did battle. I can't help but think," she squeezed her hazel

eyes shut, "what if he tries to finish the job? I'm supposed to protect

her..." She opened her eyes and looked at him, her gaze shifting brown.

"It's part of our job, of being a Watcher, of caring for them as people, not

just Slayers, but still... I worry that protecting her is beyond my

capacity. Especially against an enemy such as Kakistos."

Giles watched her for a moment then walked to her side, clasping her

shoulders, meeting her gaze with a warm expression. "We can only do our

best, Annabel. To try and do more than that is suicide," he murmured. "We're

not Slayers, we haven't powers as they do. We are, for the most part, normal

people who simply know more than most about the evils that exist in the

world. It is our duty to try and protect them, yes, but we're also meant to

teach them as well." He paused and cupped her chin, holding it gently. "You

must take it day by day. That's all we can do besides remain strong for

them, because we are their support for as long as they should need us.

Which," he smiled softly, "is quite some time, I imagine."

Dropping her head as Giles' hand slipped from her chin, Annabel released a

shaky breath before she looked up at him and smiled. "You're right, of

course," she said quietly. "I just can't help worrying at times, is all."

"Worry all you like," said Giles, eyeing her carefully, "only don't do it

around Faith. She has far enough things to deal with. Our troubles are our

own and they must remain as such. Their lives are already terribly

complicated and that's without having to deal with their Watchers furthering

the concerns they have."

Paling at these words, Annabel turned away from him, walking towards the

pantry and retrieving the bread. "Yes," she said tightly, her voice empty,

"I know that as well. Our lives are our lives and theirs are theirs... we

shouldn't let ourselves get too involved, that's what the Council says."

"Annabel, no," Giles breathed in shocked tones, quickly moving to her side.

He lightly touched her back and she looked at him sadly. "I didn't mean to

sound as such. We can't help becoming involved... caring for them, I rather

think it's impossible not to in our circumstances. They're extraordinary

young women who deal with what many would call impossible odds every day and

they beat them back to win." He formed a gentle smile as he gazed into

watery eyes. "How couldn't we care for them? We would be monsters if we

didn't."

"It's difficult though," said Annabel hoarsely, tears in her voice, "when

they face danger each night and day. I find myself wondering if this will be

the time she doesn't return... that I fail at my duty and Faith is the one

to pay for it." Annabel paused then, sounding small and helpless, she said,

"Like Father did."

"That was an accident," said Giles firmly, cupping Annabel's chin once

again, lifting her eyes to his. "Your father wouldn't blame you for what

happened and neither should you. And to worry that such a thing might happen

to Faith serves no purpose other than tormenting yourself. Something," his

tones were low and understanding as he went on, "Lawrence wouldn't have

wanted."

"He wouldn't, would he?" asked Annabel, laughing a bit, her voice catching

in her throat. Rubbing at her eyes, she shook her head, thinking of him. "He

would say, 'Annabel this is part and a parcel of your duty, learn it well

for there will only be more difficult things to come in this life of

yours.'" Laughing again, she looked at Giles and smiled quietly. "Then he

would tease about my horrid habit of causing unneeded trouble for myself."

"He did do that quite often," Giles replied, smiling with her. "I think

teasing you was one of his favorite pastimes in fact." His smile widened as

he saw a twinkle emerge in Annabel's hazel eyes. "Reading poetry, playing a

round of golf, and teasing his daughter mercilessly, yes, those were his

favorite things."

"Father always was a simple man," Annabel chuckled. She paused to look at

Giles for a long moment then smoothly moved forward, hugging him gently as

she whispered, "Thank you for this. I did need someone to talk with."

Squeezing her tenderly, Giles smiled as he pulled away, lightly touching her

cheek as he murmured, "It was my pleasure. Anytime you feel the need I want

you to give me a ring, all right?" When she nodded, his eyes softened and he

looked at her quietly. "I still can't quite get over it," he said, looking

at her still. "How much you've grown over the years. I can recall when you

barely reached my knee and were already playing football with the boys."

"And I always won," said Annabel with a smile. "Father did have a handful

with me, I'm afraid." She sighed and walked over to the counter, making

Giles' food as she continued, "Just as I have my hands full with Faith.

Although," she formed a fond expression, "I wouldn't have it any other way."

"I'm sure that he felt the same about you," said Giles in reassuring tones,

his voice warm and comforting.

Looking back at him, Annabel's eyes softened and she smiled slowly before

giving a small nod of her head. "Yes," she said with a quiet confidence, "I

believe that you're right and..." she trailed off, searching for the answer

within herself. "I think Father would understand my circumstances with

Faith." Nodding her head with certainty, she turned back to the counter,

making his sandwich. "Yes," she repeated, her smile widening, "I know that

he would."

Watching her as this went on, somehow Giles felt there was more to Annabel's

circumstances than he was aware of but at the same time, he couldn't help

but agree with her sentiments because he had known Lawrence Cooper as a

close friend. As such, he knew, with all of his heart, there wasn't much

that he couldn't, when he truly tried, understand about his only daughter.

Or accept.

---

The vampires didn't know what hit them. One moment they were trying to get a

meal out of some defenseless people and the next, they were being dusted by

a pair of very eager Slayers. Grinning as they watched the dust fall to the

ground, Faith and Buffy looked at each other.

"Synchronized slaying," Faith drawled, grinning widely.

"New Olympic category," Buffy finished for her, returning the grin.

Their Watchers observed as the Slayers high fived, Giles rolling his eyes

and Annabel smiling in soft amusement. Walking forward, Giles looked at

Buffy and said dryly, "I'm pleased you're finally learning to enjoy

yourself."

"Hey, it was easy," said Buffy, her face mischevious. She looked over at

Faith and poked the dark Slayer lightly in the side. "Once I took lessons

from Faith."

"I'm the Master of fun," said Faith in knowing tones, blowing on her

fingernails then polishing them on her shirt. Tilting her head, she looked

at Annabel who had a tender expression on her face. "Isn't that right,

Anna?"

"At times," murmured Annabel playfully, moving towards her. She stopped in

front of Faith and adjusted her shirt which was slightly askew. Cool hands

were motionless, lingering on the bare flesh of her neck as she said, "You

did well."

"As usual," Faith grinned big, winking at Annabel. Reaching for the taller

woman's hand, she held it in her own, squeezing it gently. Still holding it,

she looked over at Buffy and said, "We make a good team, huh, Buff?"

"The best," said Buffy, smiling at Faith and trying her best not to stare or

think about Faith's fingers entwined with Annabel's in an easy gesture of

affection. The two did a lot of things like that though, just little signs

they were close, and Buffy wondered if she had a female Watcher, who was

more open with her emotions, instead of male one, would their relationship

be the same? "Yesiree bob, we're Slayers with," she scrunched up her face,

"nothing rhymes with Slayers."

"Slayers with layers?" suggested Faith, smirking now.

"Ohh, that's good!" Buffy laughed, bouncing a bit. She turned happily and

grinned at Giles who looked at her with a droll expression. "Because I have

sooooo many layers, don't I, Giles?"

"You're practically a conundrum," said Giles dryly.

"A what what?" Buffy's face scrunched up more and she blinked at him.

"Never mind," said Giles, rolling his eyes again, his tones fond. He looked

over at Annabel who smiled softly at him and he said, "I tried to convince

her to purchase a thesaurus once but it all ended with me being forced to

listen to her theories on dinosaurs and the big budget films they're placed

in."

"Lost World was a rip!" exclaimed Buffy indignantly, folding her arms over

her chest. She looked at Faith who was smirking at her and said, "Don't you

think?"

"Big rip," Faith nodded, her voice echoing with laughter, "and it sucked

too." Peering at Annabel who wore a quietly amused expression she drawled,

"But Anna liked the special effects in it." Faith bumped her hip against the

taller woman's and her grin widened. "Didn't ya?"

"The dinosaurs looked real, is all," said Annabel, defending her stance on

the movie and her enjoyment of it. "I found it rather fascinating to watch

because of that. I shouldn't think that would be a crime of some sort."

"How did this conversation begin?" Giles murmured to himself, removing his

glasses and rubbing at the bridge of his nose.

"You were complaining about me and evil scaly thesauruses," Buffy smirked at

him. "So this entire discussion can be blamed solely on you, Watcher man."

"Wonderful," said Giles in droll tones. Sighing, he put his glasses back on

and focused on Annabel, wearing a serious expression. "We should tell them."

"Tell us what?" asked Buffy, blinking in confusion.

"Anna?" questioned Faith, looking up at Annabel whose hazel eyes darkened

brown on seeing the Slayer wear a quiet face of concern.

"It's nothing," Annabel assured, tenderly squeezing Faith's hand and smiling

softly at her. "Mr. Giles and I simply feel that you and Buffy are more than

ready to do battle with Kakistos. If you like... we shall strike tomorrow

evening and be rid of him, once and for all."

There was a moment of silence, then Faith grinned widely and she drawled

happily, "All right! Special K is goin' down!" Turning to look at Buffy, her

brown eyes sparkled as she said, "Ain't that right, Buff? We'll take him out

easy."

"Take him out easier than a... uhm..." Buffy's face scrunched up yet again

and she said finally, "An easy girl on a date!" There was a long pause as

everyone stared at her blankly after she said this. "What?" she whined. "I

can't help it, there's something about this city that makes me lose my

punning ability!"

"At least you tried, Buff," said Faith with a chuckle. "Even though I'm not

real sure you should give it a try when that's all you're gonna come up

with."

"Hardy har har," said Buffy sarcastically, putting her hands on her hips.

"You shouldn't pick on me. I'm your partner in slaying, remember? I might

just forget to back you up and then you'll end up kibbles and bits."

"Right," Faith snorted, shaking her head.

Annabel and Giles met their eyes, forming similar expressions of affection

as their Slayers bantered back and forth. Somehow as they watched them, they

knew deep down that tomorrow they would succeed. They would defeat Kakistos

and everything would go back to normal in New Orleans. Well... as normal as

a city where a Slayer lived could get anyway.

---

Kakistos was a vampire of resources. He had to be, having lived as long as

he had but still... even with his resourced he didn't know there were two

Slayers to contend with and that they were in the same city, planning to go

after him. At least, he didn't know this until they broke into his new base

of operations.

Raising an eyebrow as the large doors broke down, he stared at the two

girls, only one of which he recognized. Behind him he saw the Watcher and

another, but he smiled just on seeing the Watcher. Yes, he had plans for

her, his loyal followers had informed him of her relationship with the

Slayer and to take his vengeance out on her would hurt the Slayer far more

than anything he could physically do to her in battle. Only, who were these

newcomers?

"Faith," Kakistos drew her name out, his voice rumbling. Hooves clicked on

the floor as he rose to his feet, standing to his full and massive height.

"You've come back. I can't begin to say how happy that makes me."

"Yeah, I bet, wrinkle puss," said Faith harshly, her dark brown eyes

narrowing. She reached down, pulling her jade knife out of her leather

pants, unsheathing it so it glittered in the light of the room. "You're just

dyin' for me to finish the job, aren't you? Well, it's gonna go quicker this

time, because I got back up."

"These two?" Kakistos laughed loudly, shaking the room. Glowing yellow eyes

fixed on Buffy who arched an eyebrow and smirked at him. "Who are they?"

"Oh, nobody much," drawled Faith, her tones highly amused. "She's just

Buffy, y'know... the Slayer that came before me. And him?" She jerked her

head over at Giles. "That's her Watcher. They're here to help me and Anna

dust you."

"Two Slayers?" said Kakistos in shocked tones. "How...?" He shook his head

and growled deep, hooves clicking as he neared them. "It doesn't matter, two

Slayers or a hundred, I'll kill you all." His cloven hand traced up to the

long scar on his face and he snarled, "I'll make you pay for what you did to

me!"

"You can try," Faith said in low and harsh tones, eyes glinting.

Simultaneously, Faith and Buffy ran towards him, fighting with a flurry of

kicks and punches, raining down on his body time and time again. Then his

followers flocked to Kakistos' aid, pulling Buffy away so it was Faith and

Kakistos, facing each other one again.

"Slayer," Kakistos rumbled, forming a frightening smile, "so it's to be you

and I? You know what I'm going to do to you aren't I? And..." he trailed

off, directing his gaze over to Annabel who was fighting with Giles on the

other side of the room, trying to free the human prisoners. "What I'll do to

your precious Watcher as well." His smile widened and a low rumbling laugh

emerged from his lips. "I'm going to torture her, and torture her, and then

I'm going to torture her some more, all while you watch. Now," he chuckled

again, "won't that be fun?"

Twitching with barely restrained rage, Faith released a great bellow of

anger, delivering a strong blow to his face, screaming at the mere thought

he would try such a thing. Kakistos stumbled backwards, slamming flat

against the wall and Faith gave a vicious smile, her eyes glinting with

satisfaction as she brought back her jade knife and stabbed him in the

heart.

But nothing happened.

She stabbed him and he stood there, smirking at her as she stared at her

knife, sticking out of chest, out of his heart, something that should have

killed him but for some reason didn't. Looking up at him with shocked eyes,

she didn't see his hand move until it was around her neck, squeezing the

breath from her as he held her aloft, glowing yellow eyes boring into her.

"Perhaps I should kill you first," Kakistos murmured, looking from Faith

over to Annabel who wore a horrified expression on her refined features. "I

imagine the thought of leaving your Watcher alone and guilt ridden over your

death would be just as pleasurable as torturing her in front of you on some

level. And," he smiled slowly at Faith who gasped for breath, "I would get

to enjoy your death."

His hooves clicked as he walked forward and just as he prepared to squeeze

the last time, snapping her neck, a figure tackled him from the side. Faith

dropped in a heap to the ground, gasping for breath, looking up to see Buffy

facing Kakistos with an angry scowl on her features.

"You," said Kakistos, eyeing Buffy carefully, "I don't know you. But," he

smiled harshly and moved towards her with surprising speed, "a Slayer is a

Slayer."

Watching as Buffy battled Kakistos, ducking and dodging his punches,

managing to get a few good ones in herself, Faith shook her head, regaining

her senses. A panicked voice cried out her name, and she looked over at

Annabel, hazel eyes full of worry as she fought her way through the crowd of

vampires and to her.

"Faith!" Annabel repeated again, dropping to her side, hands gentle but fast

in their examination of her, checking for injuries. "Are you all right? You

aren't hurt?"

"No," said Faith hoarsely, shaking her head. She stood to her feet, wobbly

and grateful for Annabel's assistance as she did. Directing her gaze over to

Buffy who was still fighting Kakistos, she said, "But Buff will be if I

don't help her quick." She looked over at Annabel, her eyes helpless. "The

knife didn't work." Laughing ironically, she went on, "He's still got it in

him."

"Perhaps something bigger then," Annabel suggested, looking over towards a

large section of wood belonging to a shattered piece of furniture. Seeing

Faith's worried expression, she cupped her face gently, drawing dark eyes to

her. "Faith," she murmured softly, "you can do this."

Nodding her head and gaining a look of resolve, Faith marched over to the

broken furniture, hauling up a nearby piece, settling it over to her

shoulder and running towards where Buffy and Kakistos were battling. "Buff!"

she shouted at the top of her lungs. The blonde Slayer looked back towards

her and grinned on seeing what she was carrying. In a smooth movement, she

kicked Kakistos hard in the chest, slamming him yet again into a wall. He

stood flat against it for a mere second, but that was all Faith needed.

Yellow eyes went wide with disbelief as the wood sunk into him and a moment

of pure silence passed as he looked from Faith to the large stake in his

chest and then he was dust.

The only sound was the clang of Faith's jade knife hitting the floor and she

smirked as it did, dropping the large piece of wood with a shattering crash.

The vampires about the room scattered, not really wanting to deal with the

two angry Slayers who had just killed their Master. After all, if they had

defeated an ancient vampire such as him, they didn't stand much chance did

they?

Picking up her knife, Faith tucked it into her pocket, sheathing it then

turning to face Buffy with a huge grin. "We make a pretty good team, huh,

Buff?" she said, her eyes warm and happy as she looked at her.

"The best," Buffy beamed and then the two Slayers high fived.

"I think this will become a habit for them," said Giles dryly, though his

expression was fond and clearly proud as he observed them.

"I tend to agree with you," Annabel smiled, her heart feeling lighter with

the battle behind them and Faith standing before her, alive and well.

Perhaps things would work out for them, past mistakes would stay there,

instead of returning to haunt her in her life with the Slayer. "Well then,"

she said, her eyes soft as she looked at Faith who turned to her, "I think

it's time we celebrate."

Knowing full well what this meant, Faith formed a huge grin and her eyes

sparkled with excitement. Buffy and Giles in the meanwhile, looked fairly

nervous about whatever the two of them had planned.

---

Since they were doing their best to keep their relationship a secret from

Buffy and Giles, they had to take to them to one of the more restrained

dance clubs they sometimes frequented. Over the past months of their

relationship, they'd gotten used to dancing at the local gay clubs, feeling

most comfortable and less stared at in them, able to simply be themselves as

they had fun. But tonight, as they weren't really allowed to do that, it

wasn't so much an issue.

The Slayers were living it up on the dance floor, lost in the music, swaying

against one another, caught in the pounding beat, and looking utterly

beautiful to most anyone who looked their way. Including Annabel, but she

only had eyes for Faith. Something that was definitely returned as Faith

would search her out during the dance, brown eyes dark with desire and

burning into her as she moved to the music. She was dancing with Buffy, yes,

but the look in her eyes told Annabel very well that Faith wanted to be

dancing with her.

Only they both knew that wasn't possible. At least, not dancing the way they

wanted to... they way they were used to. Tonight they had to be good. It was

too bad being good wasn't something they were accustomed to doing.

Blinking on hearing her name said, Annabel turned to Giles and offered an

apologetic smile. "I'm sorry," she murmured, pushing a lock of fawn colored

hair from her eyes, "I drifted for a moment. What did you say?"

"I said that Buffy and I will be leaving tomorrow," said Giles, returning

the smile. "Our flight is at three o'clock so I imagine that we should

depart around one just to make sure we get there well in time to return the

rental car and such."

"We can take care of that for you," said Annabel, looking at him warmly. She

looked towards the dance floor and smiled on seeing Faith and Buffy.

"Besides," she went on, "I rather think Faith would be disappointed if she

didn't get to see Buffy off. It seems they've bonded as it were."

"I'm glad," said Giles softly, watching the Slayers as well, "she didn't

have such a relationship with Kendra. She was..." He trailed off, searching

for the best way to word it politely. Finally, he settled on, "A bit aloof."

"Yes," Annabel nodded, recalling Kendra. "She was that." Hazel eyes locked

with dark brown and Faith gave her a wild grin, waggling her eyebrows. She

chuckled and shook her head as she looked to Giles. "Faith certainly isn't

that."

"No," Giles chuckled along, "she isn't. I think that's why Buffy is so

pleased to have met her." He was quiet for a moment, then looked at Annabel.

"Buffy had a interesting suggestion," he began slowly, "that perhaps if we

were to have any troubles as you've had here, we might contact you for

assistance. Do you think an arrangement like that would be of interest to

you and Faith?"

"Certainly," said Annabel, smiling wide just at the idea. "I know that Faith

would welcome a chance to see and work with Buffy again and I myself quite

enjoyed the time I've spent with you, Mr. Giles. Also," her hazel eyes

twinkled, "I should think that Slayers should stick together. They are two

of a kind, after all."

"Yes," said Giles fondly, "they are that."

"Who's what?" asked Buffy breathlessly, dumping herself down in the seat

next to Giles. Reaching for her bottle of water, she took a deep drink and

smirked at him. "You're not talking about me behind my back, are you

Giles?"

"No, I prefer to do that in front of your face," said Giles dryly.

"Ouch," Faith gave a wince and held her hand over her heart, "he got you

good, Buff. Score one for the G-man." Ignoring Giles as he pointedly raised

an eyebrow at his new nickname, Faith turned to face Annabel. "Hey," her

voice softened with affection. "You gonna dance now? You deserve to have

some fun."

"I'm not sure," said Annabel hesitantly, looking to Giles. "We were--"

"Go on," Giles encouraged, smiling at her. He directed his gaze to Buffy who

was still gulping from her water bottle. "I have this one to keep me company."

"Cool," said Faith with a big grin. She grabbed Annabel's hand in her own,

leading the taller woman onto the dance floor. "Lets live it up, Anna."

Giles observed as they disappeared into the crowd then turned to Buffy who

was finishing off her water with a loud noise of pleasure. Smiling wryly at

this, he said, "Thirsty?"

"No, I just faked it," said Buffy, rolling her eyes. Leaning back in her

chair, she smiled at him and said, "Faith's pretty crazy. I got worn out

trying to keep up with her out there. I have to wonder how well Annabel's

going to do."

"She should be fine, I imagine," said Giles, looking out onto the dance

floor but not spotting them anywhere. "This is something they do quite a

bit, she said."

"Yeah," said Buffy, nodding her head. "Faith said the same thing. Helps them

blow off steam after patrols or something. Makes sense," she stretched her

arms over her head, loosening her muscles, "slaying does get you wired. And

on top of that," she grinned impishly at Giles, "Annabel is younger than you

and she's a girl. Her and Faith have more in common than we do. Like having

fun."

"We have fun," said Giles in offended tones. When Buffy looked at him

skeptically, he searched his memory and snapped his fingers. "What about the

time that we slayed that cult of vampires who took over a circus? That was

fun. They had clowns and rides."

"Clowns freak me out, Giles," said Buffy in dry tones, shuddering at just

the memory of those pasty white faces and nasty blood covered fangs. "And

vampire clowns freak me out even more."

Sniffing at this, Giles focused back on the dance floor and gaped as he

caught sight of Faith and Annabel dancing together. Certainly there wasn't

anything too explicit about the entire thing but the way they moved against

each other, like poetry in motion, there was an undeniable intensity to it.

As if they were off in a world all their own, one that no one in the club

could possibly invade.

Including a very shocked Buffy and Giles.

"Well," Giles coughed, clearing his throat and tearing his eyes away from

the scene before them, "they appear to be having fun now."

"Yeah," said Buffy dimly, nodding her head. "Lots and lots of fun."

Only this sort of fun wasn't the kind they expected to see from their fellow

Slayer and Watcher. They didn't know what exactly it meant and they weren't

sure they wanted to know at that. The problem was, they were about to find

out.

---

Buffy was restless. She didn't know what it was but something just wouldn't

let her sleep. Unable to take lying in bed and staring up at the ceiling

anymore, she wandered out of her room, hoping that maybe a quick work out in

the gym would tire her enough so she could get some sleep.

Walking into the hallway, Buffy gave a bleary blink of confusion on seeing a

soft light emanating from the library. Apparently someone besides her

couldn't sleep. Preferring the idea of spending time with another person

rather than working herself ragged in the gym, Buffy headed towards the

library.

Seconds later she froze at what she saw.

Faith and Annabel, together, gazing deep into each others eyes in a moment

of quiet romantic perfection. Annabel sat on the couch, leaning back, her

hand soft on Faith's cheek, caressing it as Faith rested in between her

legs, nestled snugly as she rose up, leaning into Annabel's touch. They were

still for a moment, then the edges of Annabel's lips lifted in a loving

smile.

"Faith," she murmured, her voice throaty with want.

The dark Slayer returned the smile, her eyes glinting and then she pressed

forward, resting her length against Annabel, meeting their lips for a slow

kiss of passion that left Buffy shocked beyond all means. She couldn't

leave, she couldn't interrupt, she couldn't do anything but watch as they

opened their mouths, deepening the kiss, low moans entering the air.

Annabel pulled Faith up and she sat on her lap, smiling down at Annabel, her

dark hair obscuring her face as she ducked her head for another kiss. This

time, Buffy could and did move, dashing silently and quickly down the

hallway, hoping with everything in her they didn't notice her presence.

Closing the door to her room, Buffy thumped her head back against it. Trying

her level best to regain her breath and control the sudden bout of hormones

she was suffering from. Faith and Annabel... Annabel and Faith... they had

been, they were, god... why didn't she see it before? The looks, the

touches, the signs left and right that they cared for each other far deeper

than she did for Giles.

Thinking of her Watcher, Buffy made a face and shook her head. Ugh. It was

just creepy thinking of him in that context. She did love Giles, yes, but as

a father, not as a... well, whatever Annabel was to Faith. A lover, a

friend, a girlfriend? Buffy had no idea what they were now.

She did know that they were very close though and that they were obviously

attracted to each other and... Buffy frowned, thinking back on the kiss she

had seen. Even now her body heated up, responding to the passion that was in

that embrace. Oh yeah, they had definitely slept together, and if they

hadn't... it wasn't too far off. But still, Annabel was Faith's Watcher.

Walking over to her bed, Buffy flopped down on it, resting a pillow under

her chin and thinking on it. Annabel was younger than Giles, closer to their

age, but that didn't change the fact that she was a Watcher, the same as

him. Was it right for her to be involved with Faith that way? And Faith,

Buffy's frown deepened.

How could she think about her Watcher in that context anyway? Buffy couldn't

wrap her mind around it. Annabel was beautiful, Buffy couldn't deny that,

but she was a woman... she was a Watcher... she was a woman Watcher...

Then again, Faith hadn't spoken about boys around Buffy. She'd made a few

flirting remarks here and there, nothing big, but she hadn't once talked

about romance in any form. Buffy supposed that had to do with Annabel.

Certainly they kept their relationship a secret, or tried to anyway.

Was that because of the Council? It had to be, Buffy realized. If they found

out that Faith and Annabel were... well, whatever they were, they would

probably fire Annabel and get Faith a new Watcher. Something they wouldn't

want.

Hearing the soft sound of footsteps, Buffy scurried to her feet, pressing

herself against the heavy door, using every bit of her Slayer hearing to try

and make out their muffled words. There was a quiet thump and amused

chuckles, then Buffy heard Faith, voice husky as she murmured, "I love you."

God... oh god... they really did love each other, Buffy marveled, barely

hearing Annabel's echoing reply, speaking the words as well. What was she

going to do? She couldn't keep this quiet... not something this big. I mean,

she knew that she should but this, this was huge, and Buffy wasn't good at

keeping secrets.

Besides, just because they loved each other didn't make it right, did it?

She loved Angel and their love wasn't exactly right. Not when giving him a

happy turned him evil and made him want to stalk down and kill all her

friends.

Not that the situation with Faith and Annabel was anywhere near that bad.

Despite that, it wasn't normal, it wasn't something they should be doing.

Obviously they knew that or they wouldn't have tried to hide it. Sitting

numbly on her bed, Buffy frowned and wondered what to do.

She didn't know what the answer was but one thing was for sure. Tomorrow she

was going to be talking to Giles about it. Just because she didn't know what

else to do, not in a situation like this.

---

When Buffy walked into the kitchen, Giles was sitting at the table, drinking

tea and reading the paper. Faith and Annabel, however, were making

breakfast. At least, Annabel was making breakfast, Faith was hovering around

her, cracking jokes and smiling big as she held the eggs out of the British

woman's reach.

"Faith," said Annabel with fond exasperation. She put her hands on her hips

and arched an eyebrow slightly. "Hand them over or I won't be able to cook

your food. And I know very well that you wouldn't want that."

"Scrambled?" Faith continued to hold the eggs out of reach and formed a

pouting expression. "That's what you'll make if I give them to you, right?"

"Honestly," Annabel huffed, "we have guests and I've been told our guests

prefer their eggs over easy. Perhaps you should think of them."

Instead of replying, Faith jutted her lip out and her brown eyes got huge.

There was a moment of silence as Annabel stared at Faith, her lips moving up

slightly in a grin. Then she released a sigh and shook her head.

"I swear you are a master manipulator," accused Annabel in affectionate

tones, tapping Faith on the nose before she took the eggs from her hands.

"I'll make two batches, how is that? One over easy and one scrambled." She

face was droll as she added, "Does that solution please her highness?"

"For now," drawled Faith, smirking at Annabel. Turning to look at Buffy, she

grinned and said, "Hey Buff. You sure slept long enough." She quirked a dark

eyebrow and wore a teasing expression. "Have yourself a good dream?"

Laughing nervously, Buffy replied, "Yes... I dreamed, but they weren't good,

they were just dreams and dreams should stay that way." Side stepping over

to where Giles sat, she leaned down to whisper in his ear, "I need to talk

to you."

"Buffy?" questioned Giles, looking rather confused.

"Now," Buffy hissed, tugging on his arm hard, pulling him to his feet. She

gave another nervous laugh and a large fake smile as she looked at Faith and

Annabel who stared at her blankly. "We have to talk," she explained.

With that, Buffy dragged Giles out of the kitchen, leaving Faith and Annabel

utterly perplexed about her actions. Looking to Annabel with a frown, Faith

gave a shrug and leaned forward on the counter. "That was weird," she said.

"Yes," murmured Annabel, frowning softly, "it was."

Watching Annabel for a moment, Faith smiled then reached out, touching her

chin lightly and meeting their gazes. "So," she said in husky tones that

rumbled with desire, "you gonna make me eggs?"

Hazel eyes darkened into green for a response.

Meanwhile, outside in the garden, Buffy shut the patio doors quickly and

whirled around to face Giles who looked at her strangely. "Buffy," he began,

"what in the world is all of this about? You're being--"

"Annabel's sleeping with Faith," Buffy interrupted quickly.

There was a long moment of unending silence and Giles stumbled back,

bumping into the marble railing, wearing an expression of total shock. He

took in several deep shuddering breaths then he looked at Buffy with

wide eyes.

"I'm sorry," Giles cleared his throat, "what did you say?"

"Annabel's sleeping with Faith," repeated Buffy, looking entirely anxious.

She strode to him quickly and went on, "I saw them in the library. They were

being all kissie and Faith sat on her lap. Then I went to my room and they

walked past in the hallway and I heard them talk, because you know, Slayer

hearing and they were all 'I love you' and stuff but she's her Watcher,

Giles! Watcher!"

"This is... I'm not..." Giles removed his glasses and pinched his brow.

He peered at Buffy doubtfully and murmured, "Are you positive about what

you saw, Buffy? I can't imagine Annabel doing such a thing. It's entirely

improper."

"Yeah, well, so is sucking face with your young Slayer!" Buffy exclaimed,

waving her hands around. "I know what I saw Giles and I saw making out! I

mean, yeah, I also heard them being all lovey dovey, but it isn't right."

She paused to frown at him and looked more unsure. "It isn't right, is it?"

"No," said Giles slowly, rubbing his forehead, "it's not, if what you saw

is the truth of matters." He looked up at her again. "You are sure of what

you saw?"

"Very sure," said Buffy with a nod. "But... not really about the

sleeping together part of it. I didn't see that, I just saw making out.

It's assumptions on the sleeping together issue. You know, guess work."

"They are rather close," said Giles, his expression drifting as he thought

back on how Faith and Annabel acted while together. "I suppose I can see it.

I would have never thought Annabel would do such a thing though. It isn't

like her..."

Snorting at this, Buffy folded her arms over her chest. "I don't know what's

like her anymore. Except the making out with young Slayer thing." When Giles

gave her a scolding look, she huffed, "What?! She could be taking advantage

of Faith. Anybody can see Faith hangs on every word she says." Buffy looked

pointedly at Giles then continued, "It's not normal. I don't do that with

you."

"You truly think that?" asked Giles honestly. He drifted his eyes away from

Buffy and stared out at the flowers in the garden, thinking back to the

times he'd spent with Annabel since she was a child. It didn't add up to

him. He'd known her for so very long and it wasn't like her to take

advantage of anyone. Then there were the moments he had seen between them.

That look in her eyes... it was familiar. It was like the one that caused

the falling out with her father. "I'm not positive."

"Giles?" asked Buffy, frowning. She walked closer to him and looked into his

eyes with concern. "What are we going to do?"

Meeting her gaze, Giles cleared his throat and formed a solemn expression.

"Perhaps we should talk with them about it first. Before going to the

Council. I..." He looked sad, facing the garden again. "I wouldn't want to

cause unneeded troubles for them when we could be wrong."

"We aren't," said Buffy strongly. "I know what I saw, Giles." She was quiet

as his eyes locked on her and she said, "I'm just not sure what it is to

them. So I guess talking with them, letting them try and explain it would be

a good thing to do."

"Very well," said Giles, taking a deep breath. "That's what we'll do."

Catching Buffy looking at him closely, he asked, "What is it?"

"I really hope it's nothing bad," said Buffy in quiet tones, her expression

lost. "I like Faith and Annabel, I do... and I know they're happy. But Faith..."

"You're worried for her," Giles supplied, his eyes soft. "I understand

perfectly, Buffy. It's good that you came to me with this. Something of this

magnitude could be potentially damaging to Faith and if it turns out to be

that way..." He sighed and his expression grew distant. "I'll contact the

Council."

They walked back into the kitchen together and found Faith sitting at the

table, hastily shoving food into her mouth while Annabel watched her fondly.

Standing in the doorway, they observed as Faith pulled back, taking a long

drink of orange juice before she grinned at Annabel.

"What're you looking at?" Faith drawled, a teasing tone in her voice.

"You in a speed eating contest with yourself," said Annabel, smiling at her.

"Honestly, Faith, you'll choke one day at the rate you eat." Napkin in hand,

she wiped a piece of egg from the dark Slayer's face then murmured, "There.

You look much better now."

"How much better?" asked Faith, raising an eyebrow.

Buffy shot Giles a look and he sighed softly, wondering just like her, how

they could have ever missed it. The signs were there and painfully clear at

that. Faith and Annabel might as well have 'romantically involved' stamped

on their foreheads with the way they acted together. It was just a matter of

looking.

Clearing his throat, Giles took a step into the kitchen and looked into

Annabel's eyes, wearing a solemn expression. "Annabel," he began hesitantly,

darting his gaze over to Faith for a moment, "may I talk with you?" Giles

was quiet for a moment then added, "Alone."

"Certainly," said Annabel with a frown, rising to her feet. Meeting Faith's

dark eyes, she tried to wear a reassuring expression despite the confusion

she was currently feeling. "I'll return shortly," she murmured, "I promise."

"Okay," said Faith slowly, looking from Annabel to Giles, then observing as

they walked out of the kitchen together. Turning to face Buffy who remained

in the room with her, she narrowed her eyes and took in the nervous stance

of the other Slayer, knowing that whatever was going on, Buffy was in on it.

"What's the deal?" she asked in hard tones that surprised Buffy.

"Faith..." said Buffy sadly, searching for the best way to approach this.

"Don't 'Faith' me," Faith growled, standing abruptly, pushing her chair back

and stalking towards Buffy. "I wanna know what this is about. You're up to

something, you and G-man, I can tell. I just can't figure out what it is."

"I saw you last night," Buffy decided to spit it out, anxiously looking at

Faith as the dark Slayer paled and stepped away from her, "in the library."

A moment of silence passed then burning brown eyes fixed on her and Faith's

body was trembling as she clenched her hands into fists, fingernails digging

into her palms. "And you... you told him," Faith said softly, her voice

dangerous. "Do you got any idea what he's gonna do? He's gonna lecture her,

put her down, basically make her feel like shit for bein' with me! And

then..." She squeezed her eyes shut and released a hoarse barking laugh. Her

eyes opened and focused on Buffy, making the blonde Slayer ache at the pain she

saw in them. "Then he'll tell them and they'll fire her, Buff, they'll fire

her!" Taking a slow and deliberate step forward, Faith growled, "They'll try

and take away the only person that has ever gave a damn about me and you

know what?" There was only a breath of space between them as she finished,

"I'm not gonna let them."

"Faith, I don't want that, I swear that I don't," said Buffy quickly. "I

just..." She sighed and ran her fingers through blonde hair. "I don't know

what I want. It was shocking, okay? I couldn't sleep and I saw the light so

I walked over. You know, seeing the two of you making out wasn't something I

expected." Buffy looked plaintively at Faith, hesitating before she reached

out to clasp Faith's arm. "Listen, I had to tell Giles... to get his opinion."

"On what?" Faith snarled, shaking off Buffy's touch. "Lesbian love affairs?

It didn't need to be this way. Me and you... I thought we were friends or

startin' to be. But a real friend wouldn't snitch me out, a real friend

would talk to me first before they go and cost me the one thing that matters

most in my life."

"Faith," Buffy echoed again, voice full of sadness and eyes tracing over her

features carefully. "Don't you see? She's your Watcher but you shouldn't be

this dependent on her. It's not healthy."

Drawing further away from Buffy and releasing a caustic laugh, Faith shook

her head and stared out the window as she muttered, "I can't believe this

shit." Then she locked her gaze on Buffy and said in cool and decisive

tones, "I'm in love with Anna. How the hell am I supposed to act? Like I

don't wanna be with her?" Seeing Buffy pale and look even more shocked,

because hearing it very muffled and through a door is a lot different than

hearing it being spoken confidently from Faith's lips, the dark Slayer

snorted. "You don't know a damn thing about what we got, Anna and me." Her

expression softened a bit but Faith still said harshly, "You shoulda come to

me first, instead of turnin' us in."

"Yeah," said Buffy dimly, looking at Faith haplessly, "I'm starting to think

that."

---

Following Giles across the foyer and into the living room, Annabel's worried

expression remained in place as she asked, "What's the matter, Mr. Giles?"

He was quiet, his back towards her, looking out the long bay windows before

turning to look at her. "Annabel," murmured Giles, his gaze earnest. "I'm

not quite sure how to say this and I suppose it's for the best that I simply

must speak the words."

"Mr. Giles?" Annabel repeated softly, frowning at him.

"Buffy saw you last night," Giles said, watching her carefully, "she saw you

and Faith in the library and what you were doing. This morning she came to

me, not positive of what she should do about this, hoping I would know. But

Annabel..." he trailed off, inspecting her features. "If this is true, I

haven't a clue. Not one. If that is case." He stepped forward, looking at

her with eyes that told her that he wanted to believe, that he'd accept the

lie if she told it. "Is it?"

She knew what was be easiest, what would cause the least trouble, what he

was begging her silently to tell him, she knew that and yet, she couldn't do

it. Because if she told him what he wanted to hear, she'd be denying Faith

and the love she had for her. That wasn't something Annabel could make

herself do.

"It is," Annabel said calmly, matching his gaze. "Faith and I are involved

romantically and I..." She wavered, seeing the disappointment in his eyes

and feeling her heart clench at it. "I love her. I'm in love with her."

"Oh Annabel," said Giles in tones that echoed of a deep sadness. Shaking his

head, he drew back, walking away from her and pulling his glasses off.

Holding them at his hip, he looked up at her and said, "You realize it's

wrong."

"No," said Annabel, her voice clear and decisive, hazel eyes hard as they

looked at him. "I realize that the Council will think it improper and that,

yes, perhaps it is improper but what I fail to realize is that it's wrong."

She paused then she gentled her tones, trying her very best to explain how

she felt. "I love Faith... I truly do and I tried... god," Annabel laughed

weakly and squeezed her eyes shut as she thought back to her first reaction

to her feelings, "I tried to deny how I feel. I tried my damndest for months

but it all came crashing down on me. I couldn't help it, I just couldn't..."

Her expression was helpless as she continued, "How couldn't I fall in love

with her when I watched her risk her life every night without a thought for

herself? When I saw her bravery, her loyalty..." Looking at him with hazel

eyes darkening into brown, she whispered, "I do love her and she loves me.

Whatever it takes, we'll remain together. That's the truth of the matter."

"What does that mean exactly?" asked Giles cautiously.

"I don't know," Annabel said abruptly, pushing back several locks of fawn

hair. Her expression was closed as she said, "We've spoken on this, Faith

and I, and being separated isn't an option for us. We care far too much for

each other to allow such a thing." She paused and looked at him, seeing past

the look of sad disappointment in his eyes and catching a glimpse of

understanding. "You don't approve but you can see my position, can't you?"

she said quietly, walking to him, reaching out to lightly touch his arm. "I

didn't want this, I didn't plan this, but when it happened... all the same,

I couldn't deny it." Annabel looked into his eyes and saw the understanding

grow as she murmured, "You know what it is to love a Slayer. It isn't

something one can easily control."

"Buffy is like a daughter to me," said Giles stiffly, his gaze warning

again. "I should think the feelings I have for her are far different than

yours for Faith."

"I realize that," said Annabel, undeterred by the shift in his emotions,

knowing that it wasn't him doing it, but rather the voice of the Council in

his head. "But all the same, you care for Buffy in a manner that the Council

wouldn't approve of. Just as they wouldn't approve of my feelings for

Faith." Tenderly, she squeezed his arm and said in unbearably gentle tones,

"We both know what it is to love a Slayer and fear for what that love will

bring us." Annabel paused for a long moment and then said in severe tones,

"Their judgment."

Silence enveloped them and Giles looked at Annabel, his eyes lidded before

he drew away, putting his glasses back on. Quietly, he walked from the room

only to stop in the doorway and look at her with a veiled expression.

"I won't inform the Council of your... activities," Giles worded warily.

"Mr. Giles--" Annabel began, a warm smile spreading on her features as she

walked towards him, only to freeze as he raised his hand.

"That isn't all," interrupted Giles sternly. "I don't approve of this

relationship you have with Faith, I truly don't, but all the same I do

realize that is exactly how the Council would feel... does feel about my

relationship with Buffy." He gave her a small, hesitant, smile. "We both

know what it is to love Slayers, I suppose. Although," he said wryly, "your

way is far different than my own."

Giving a sudden laugh, filled with choking surprise and happiness, Annabel

pressed her hand to her mouth, trying to restrain the relief she felt going

through her body. "Yes," she whispered, "it is that."

Looking at her for a moment, Giles sighed then nodded his head. "Go on," he

encouraged. "I'm not that much of a stickler in my old age."

Releasing a wavering breath, Annabel fell into him, embracing him in a hug,

nerveless against his body, shaking as he held her close, his arms

comforting around her as he caressed her hair. He felt her sobs trembling

into him and with them, he knew how much this had torn at her.

"Shh," Giles soothed, murmuring in her ear. "It will be all right. Buffy and

I will keep your secret, I promise that we will."

"I can't lose her..." Annabel sobbed, holding onto Giles, speaking into his

neck, taking in his scent, so much like her father's. "Not as I lost Father,

I love her so much, Mr. Giles, I truly do..."

Giles was about to reply when he heard the sound of booted footsteps

rushing into the room and he turned his gaze, looking at Faith in the doorway.

She wore a panicked expression on her features and behind her stood Buffy,

appearing altogether surprised about the situation.

"Anna," Faith breathed hoarsely. Rushing forward, she moved Giles aside then

clasped Annabel's arms, ducking her head down and peering at the tear

stained face above hers. Gently wiping the tears away with her thumbs, Faith

cupped Annabel's face in her hands. "Don't cry, Anna... I'm here."

"Faith," Annabel sobbed, allowing Faith to gather her tight in her arms,

well aware of how the Slayer trembled against her, now crying along with

her. They clutched desperately to one another, finding their shelter, their

comfort in the storm, totally unaware or uncaring of those watching them.

Watching them, seeing the tidal wave of emotions caused from the simple

fear, the idea of being separated, Buffy and Giles finally saw and

understood. The love they had for one another... it was just like any other

couple.

The only thing that made them different was the fact that they just happened

to be a Slayer and her Watcher. Should such a tiny thing really prevent them

from finding their happiness together? And did they want to be responsible

for that?

No and no again.

Which was exactly why they walked out the living room, heading quietly into

the garden, sitting in silence for quite some time before speaking. But when

they did speak, it wasn't of Faith and Annabel, or what was right and wrong.

It was about their flight and exactly when was it leaving?

---

"Well," said Buffy after a long moment, her expression scrunched up as she

tried to think of the perfect words. Finally, she gave up and shrugged her

shoulders as she moved forward to hug Faith tightly. "It was something

else!" she laughed.

After a few hours of talking and serious bonding in a crowded airport

waiting for their ever increasingly delayed flight, Buffy and Giles heard

the sound of their final departure being called. That meant it was time to

say goodbye. Which was turning out far friendlier than they would've

expected from earlier in the day.

"Yeah," Faith chuckled, resting her chin on Buffy's shoulder then pulling

back slowly to give Buffy a grin. "I gotta say that it was that." Dark brown

eyes twinkled and she drawled, "You remember our promise, right? You're

keepin' my fabu love life on the way down low aren't you, Buff?"

"Yep! On my kicked out Girl Scout's honor," Buffy chirped, saluting Faith

with a bounce and a happy smile.

"Kicked out?" Faith raised an eyebrow, smirking at Buffy. "What in the heck

did you get yourself kicked outta Girl Scouts for, Buff? Burning down a

tent?"

"It was a sleeping bag and no!" said Buffy indignantly before flashing Faith

a grin. She was quiet for a moment, studying Faith, then she moved forward

for another hug and murmured in her ear, "I'm glad we got to meet and...

well, I guess I'm glad you have someone like Annabel here with you."

"Gotta say that I feel the same way," replied Faith softly. She stared at

Buffy then formed a small and sweet smile, reaching for the blonde Slayer's

hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I'm gonna miss you, Buff. You give me a

call sometime, huh?"

"Definitely," said Buffy sincerely, blinking back the tears she felt.

Releasing a cough, she turned to Giles who was looking at her fondly and

whacked him hard on the shoulder. "C'mon, old man!" she declared. "Lets get

back to the bad breath mouth of Hell already."

Sighing at this, Giles observed as Buffy walked towards the loading gate and

shook his head before turning back to Annabel and Faith. Smiling at them, he

said dryly, "She's entirely obnoxious, you realize."

"Yes," murmured Annabel, hazel eyes flickering gold with amusement. "I also

realize that you love her very much and you wouldn't want her any other way.

And even though she's obnoxious as well," her voice was throaty and teasing

as she wrapped an arm around Faith's waist casually, "I feel the same for

Faith."

"You're just askin' for trouble," Faith accused, lightly swatting Annabel's

stomach before she looked at Giles with a serious expression. "Thanks," she

began softly. "Thanks for doing this for us. I know you didn't have to...

that maybe even a part of you didn't wanna but still, you did. So, y'know,"

Faith looked uncomfortable and shrugged. "Thanks for doin' it."

"It wasn't what I wanted at first, that is true," said Giles, matching

Faith's gaze steadily, his voice echoing with honesty, "but I have revised

my opinions since then." Looking from Annabel to Faith, he smiled tenderly,

looking like he wanted to say something more when Buffy shouted his name

irritably. Shaking his head, he looked towards her and called out, "I'm

bloody well coming!" Then he turned back to them and sighed wearily. "I'll

be going now," he announced.

Chuckling at this, Annabel murmured, "It was good to see you again,

Mr. Giles. Do call us if you should ever need a hand on that Hellmouth of

yours."

"It isn't mine but sometimes it feels as if it were," said Giles dryly,

walking towards Buffy and the boarding gate. Still walking, he said over his

shoulder in almost dooming tones, "And I wouldn't say such things if I were

you. It's just inviting trouble to besiege us so we'll have to give you a

ring."

"A ring?" Buffy questioned, walking with Giles onto the plane, her voice

drifting out towards Faith and Annabel. "What kind? Diamonds or rubies?"

"Buffy... honestly, it's a saying, that's all," said Giles, his tones

exasperated but affectionate as their bodies and voices disappeared into the

tunnel.

They were quiet for a moment then Faith looked up at Annabel and formed a

quirky grin that was returned with a fond smile. Reaching her hand up, Faith

then pushed locks of fawn hair from Annabel's eyes and drawled, "I think

we'll be seein' those two sooner than we think."

"Yes," murmured Annabel, eyes darkening green, holding Faith's hand in her

own and pressing it gently against her lips, smiling around it. "I think so

as well."

Her breath hitching at the wet softness of Annabel's lips against her skin,

Faith said in suddenly husky tones, "I think we oughta get goin' now, don't

you?"

"I think I agree," said Annabel playfully, taking Faith's hand in her own

and leading the hurried way out of the airport.

And home they went.

To be continued...