Inell's Fanfiction Archive

She pushed him into the bed, her hands on his wrists. She rode him, her cunt tightening around his cock as she moved. He grunted as he thrust up against her. Her breasts jiggled from the exertion of her movements. Her eyes looked at his face, sweaty and unfamiliar. Disgusted, she looked at the bedside table.

Five twenty dollar bills sat there waiting for her. All she had to do was make him cum and she could get something to eat. She heard the sound of his flabby arms as he struggled against her grisp. Smiling, she grinded her pelvis against his causing him to moan. She tightened her grip on his wrists as he began to buck against her. She felt his cock begin to twitch and knew he had cum. She, of course, had not.

She got off of him, seeing him fall asleep immediately. She saw the condom and made a face. Moving into the bathroom, she picked up her discarded clothes from the motel room floor. Walking in, she shut and locked the door behind her. She turned the water on, making sure it was hot.

She stepped under the spray, closing her eyes as the scalding water began to wash his smell off of her. She felt no pain at the heat of the water. She was used to it now. She knew after her shower that her skin would be slightly pink and rubbed raw. It always was. She ran the wash cloth over her body, trying to wipe away the traces of his touch. She moved it between her legs, spreading them slightly. She made sure to rub the cloth until she thought all remains of his stench were gone from her. Opening her eyes, the water washed the tears from her face.

She took a deep breath, turning the shower off. She stepped into the chilled bathroom, pulling her tank top over her head. She pulled her jeans on, her body still sensitive from the washing she had given it. She walked into the bedroom, his snores filling the air. She grimaced as she took in his form. She needed the money. That was the only reason she had let him touch her. She grabbed the hundred dollars from the table and put it in her pocket.

Getting her bag, she walked into the dark night air. She pulled her coat on as she went down the stairs. A hundred dollars should be enough. She could get some food. It had been a couple of days since she had eaten anything substantial. She hadn't wanted to fuck for money, but she had gotten too hungry. That was all right though. She was nothing but a whore anyway. She had heard it so often, she knew it was true. A no good cheap little whore. She could never change. She had tried and failed. People had ended up dying. All she ever brought to anyone was bad luck. She would use her body to make it. She had survived for years doing that. It was easy. She was good at it. Never let them get close enough to really see her. Then, she would be safe.

Disgust at herself filled her as she walked across the street towards an all night diner. She had tried to be good these last few months. Yet, it hadn't helped. People had still died. Fuck it. She didn't need anyone. She had herself. That's all she needed. No one else would ever get close to her. All she ever brought to people who cared about her was death and torture. She couldn't lose anyone else. So, she had given up. She'd use anyone she needed to to make it.

She went in a took a seat, aware of the trucker's eyes watching her. She fought her distaste knowing she would have to use one of them to get her out of this town. She stretched, making sure they could see her round, firm breasts. She smiled knowingly as she looked at them and winked. She had to get to Sunnydale. She was close. So very close. The slayer there could help. Faith caught one of the men's eyes and smiled sensually. She let him know she was available, for the right price. She was good at this game. She had to be. It was her only way of survival.

**********

"Your broke my nail, you damn idiot" Cordelia said, anger going through her. She picked up a shovel and wapped the vampire over the head.

"Cordy, stake him! Through the heart not over the head!" Xander said, the vampire's grip tightening around his throat.

"Will, get out of the way!" Buffy said, seeing Willow standing in the exact path of one of the vampires.

Willow picked up a tree branch and held it out. She pierced the vampire and watched as it went poof. Smiling, she looked at Buffy. "See? I can take care of myself."

Buffy rolled her eyes as she went to help Xander. Trust Willow to try to prove her point in the middle of an attack. She easily staked the vampire that was holding Xander, watching as he started to gasp for air.

"That was not fun" Xander said, leaning his head against Cordelia.

Willow moved towards them, stopping. She felt the hairs on the back of her neck tingle and knew someone was watching them. She looked around, her face curious. Maybe she was imagining things. She went to Xander's side, "Are you ok?"

"Yeah" Xander said, holding his throat. "Gonna have a nice bruise though I fear."

"I can already see it" Willow said softly. She decided not to mention the feeling that someone was watching them. Since Buffy had returned, her friend wasn't wanting them to help as much. She seemed to think she could do it all herself.

"So, who wants ice cream?" Buffy asked, knowing it was her fault Xander had been almost killed. She regretted daily getting Willow and the others involved with her. Dying was her chosen duty, not theirs.

"I'll pass. Give Angel my best" Willow said, smiling at Buffy. She watched her friend blush at the mention of Angel's name. He had been back for a month now. Things were still rocky but Willow was confident that their love would pull them through. At least, she hoped so for Buffy's sake.

"I can use some ice cream. Shall we, Cor?" Xander asked.

Cordelia nodded, following Buffy out of the cemetary. Willow waited until they had left before turning towards the dark bushes. "I know you're there. I can feel you. Come out now before I have to get rough."

Faith smiled at the fire in the girl's eyes. She moved from her hiding place, watching as fear entered the girl's posture. That blonde chippy was the slayer? Faith still couldn't believe it. She wasn't all that good. She settled her eyes on Red, studying her. "I like em rough, Red."

Willow gulped, feeling the power in the brunette facing her. She felt something go through her as she looked into the girl's eyes. "Who are you and why were you watching us?"

Faith laughed, "The name's Faith. I'm the other slayer, little girl."

"Kendra's replacement" Willow said, making the connection. She held out her hand, "I'm Willow. Buffy's best friend."

Faith frowned at the girl's hand. Finally, she took it. She looked up in surprise at the feeling that went through her. She stared into innocent green eyes and felt fear for the first time in her sixteen years. This girl looked at her as though she could see into her soul. Faith released her hand, backing away. "See ya around."

Willow watched Faith leave, her mind confused. Something had happened to her. She had felt something go through her that she had never felt before. Good grief. What was she thinking? She must be tired. That was it. Just tired. She looked uncertainly after Faith. Why had the girl seemed scared of her? Confused, Willow headed back home. She would have to tell Buffy about the new slayer in the morning. It could wait until then.

**********

Faith looked around the room in disgust. The stench alone was enough to nauseate her. But, it was all she could afford. She grimaced knowing what she would have to do to pay the rent on it. She only had sixty bucks left though and knew it wouldn't last one night.

But, at least, she was finally in Sunnydale. She could feel the power of the town. Had from thirty miles away. It didn't frighten her. She could handle vampires and demons. A vision of the redhead came to her mind.

Willow. Such an unusual name. She knew it fit the girl. She leaned back against the headboard, trying to figure out why she had reacted the way she had. It was just some silly little girl. Yet, she had felt more fear than when she had faced the most evil vampire. Why?

She closed her eyes, bringing the girl's features to mind. Such a pretty thing. Big eyes that shone with intelligence and innocence. That red hair....made you want to run your fingers through it to see if it was as soft as it looked. Lips that made you want to taste her. Faith's eyes shot open.

She was attracted to the girl. That in itself didn't surprise her. She had been making it with women since she was twelve. It was the depth of the attraction that frightened her. This girl was one that would get to her. She knew it. She had to stay away from her. No one was going to get close to her again. Especially not some little school girl that had no idea what she was playing with.

Why, then, did she want to see her again? Faith laid down, sleep elusive as always. Thoughts of the other slayer and her friends danced through her mind. Why was she special? This Buffy? What had she done to deserve such an easy life? She was a slayer. She shouldn't have the right to have friends that cared about her. She should be alone, just like Faith. Faith hated feeling jealous of anyone, but she knew already that Buffy had more than she could ever wish for.

Faith sighed, knowing she had to meet the slayer in the morning. Red would tell the girl about her, if she hadn't already. And, again, everything went back to Willow. Faith tried to push the girl's image from her mind. Tried to forget the soft sound of her voice. Tried to forget the warmth of her hand as they had touched. Forbidden images flooded her mind as she groaned.

The girl had looked at her like they were friends. Friends. Faith had never had a friend. Why did Willow assume she could be her friend? She didn't need anyone. No one at all. Red was in for a rude awakening. Faith was no one's friend except her own. Let her try to smile so sweetly at someone else. Faith wasn't buying into it. Nope. Not at all.

She was good at being alone. That's how she had stayed alive. She needed the slayer and her little friends. That was the only reason she was in Sunnydale. The only reason she would even speak to them. The only reason she would ask for help. Tomorrow, she'd meet the little group. Also, she'd have to find some money to pay the rent on the motel for at least a week. She closed her eyes, her hand around a stake as she tried to sleep.

**********

Faith looked around the library in interest. The place was huge. She couldn't believe that it was merely a high school library. Of course, what did she know about schools? She hadn't been to school since she was thirteen. Slaying and school just didn't mix very well. Not in her life at least. She ran a hand over the spines of the books, enhaling their scent. There was something almost peaceful about this place. She felt almost safe here. Shrugging, she wondered if she was going crazy.

It was a damn library. A place for books. Books that she didn't read. She looked at the door and scowled, wondering where anyone was. She knew Buffy and her little gang of friends used the library as their headquarters. Yet, it was almost eight and no one had shown up yet. She sat on the table, sighing. She began to kick her legs waiting impatiently for them to arrive. She refused to believe the only reason she was so anxious was because it meant seeing Red again. No. She was so over that already. The girl was nothing to her. Hell, she didn't even know her.

She heard the door open and jumped down, her body instantly in a fighter's stance. She watched as three people came in laughing. The laughter died as they stared at her curiously. She recognized the slayer, the boy from that night and the whiny bitch. No Red. Disappointed, she straightened up and stared at them.

"Uh...hey." Buffy said lamely.

Faith nodded, her face closed as she regarded them seriously. She still couldn't see what the fuss was about.

"Yo." Xander greeted, smiling at the pretty brunette. He took in her wardrobe and practically drooled. Cordelia hit him diverting his attention from the girl's athletic body. "You new here?"

Faith grinned, "Might say that."

"Well, those clothes are awful. I mean, there is no way Snyder is going to let you wear something that tight and that short." Cordelia pointed out, irritated that Xander had been ogling the new girl.

"Who the fuck is Snyder and why should I care?" Faith asked the bitch.

"He's the principal. He can send you home" Buffy said, wondering why the girl was giving off such an attitude. "Did you need books or something?"

"I'm not a student here" Faith said, rolling her eyes.

"Well, then...." Buffy started, "May I ask, who the fuck are you?"

The door opened and Willow came in. She heard Buffy's words and glanced up in surprise at the hostility her friend was using. She saw Faith and moved forward, a smile on her pretty face. "Good. You made it."

Faith tore her eyes off of Buffy and softened as she looked at Willow. She couldn't help it. There was something about this girl that was getting under her skin...and she had only met her once. She should be running scared, but, in a way, it was a rather nice feeling. She smiled, "Course I did."

Willow again felt the pull to the girl. She shook it off, wondering if she needed more sleep or something. She looked at Buffy and gasped, "Oh my god...I forgot to mention her didn't I?"

Faith's smile deepened as she realized that Willow had not even told Buffy about her. It made her feel almost as if Red was trying to keep her to herself, though she knew that was nowhere near the truth. "Forgot me already Red?" She teased playfully.

Buffy looked back at the rude girl and then at Willow. She then looked back at the girl. Since Willow had come in, the girl had changed. She was no longer tense and rude. She was smiling and....Buffy's eyes widened as she realized the girl was flirting with Willow. This girl had a crush on her best friend. She would have smiled at the thought of it, if the girl didn't bug her so much. "Who is she?"

Willow looked at Faith and smiled, "Faith, these are my friends Buffy, Xander and Cordelia. Guys meet Faith, a new friend." Willow saw them look at her blankly. Faith couldn't stop the warming she felt as Willow called her a friend. Willow added, "The other vampire slayer."

At Willow's four words, pandemonium broke out.

"What? The other slayer?" Buffy said, glancing at the girl in shock.

"Kendra's replacement" Willow said.

"And when did you two meet?" Cordelia asked.

"Last night. She was watching us at the cemetary" Willow said.

Xander just sat there in surprise wondering if all slayers were good looking. So far, the ones he had met had been.

"And you didn't think it important enough to mention this to me?" Buffy asked Willow, hurt by her friend's silence.

"Sorry...it wasn't that big of a deal. I was going to tell you this morning but you were talking about Angel." Willow pointed out.

"Well, you should have called me last night" Buffy said.

"Get over it. You know now. What's the big fucking deal?" Faith asked, irritated at the blonde for making Willow seem at fault.

"The big deal? I didn't even know you were coming. That's the big deal. Does Giles know?" Buffy asked.

"He the watcher?" Faith asked, "Nope. Haven't met him."

"Great. So why then are you here?"

"Buffy, quit being so rude. She just got in town last night. I'm sure there is a reason she's here. Why are you here?" Willow asked.

Faith couldn't reply in the flippitant way she usually would. If Buffy had asked, she'd have told her where to go. But, this was Willow. The green eyed girl that could see into her soul. She said quietly, "Didn't have anywhere else to go."

"What happened?" Willow asked, taking a seat beside the girl. She could tell by the girl's pain filled eyes that something had driven her to Sunnydale. Why did she care so much?

"My watcher was killed. In front of me. I couldn't stop it" Faith said, her voice angry at herself.

"Good god" Buffy said, sitting down. She couldn't imagine watching as Giles was killed before her and being unable to do anything. She felt pity for this girl.

"Yeah well, whatever" Faith said, not looking at Willow and instead glaring at Buffy. She hated the pity she saw in the girl's blue eyes. She didn't need pity. "I dealt. Just didn't think it too wise to hang around Boston without a watcher."

Willow reached over and took Faith's hand. "Giles will watch you...I mean, he'll be your watcher. At least until the council sends you a new one."

Faith looked at their clasped hands and felt complete. She didn't like the way her thoughts were going. She nodded, removing her hand from Willow's. "Cool. I got to jet. People to do, money to make."

Willow glanced at her in surprise wondering if she had heard correctly. Seeing similar surprised looks on her friend's faces, she knew she had. "Why don't you stay here and meet Giles. He'll be in soon. He's running late today..."

"Sorry, Red. Got rent to make. Fucking is easier than getting a job." Faith said, smiling. "See ya around."

Willow watched her go, wondering what she could do to help the girl. She looked at Buffy, "We can't let her do that..."

"I really doubt we could stop her" Buffy said dryly. She couldn't believe that skanky ho was the other slayer. Of course, she had no idea what sort of life the girl had lived so maybe she was just being too harsh. Sighing, she added, "Come on Wills. Let's get to class. Don't want to be late....we can talk about your new little friend at study hall. OK?"

"Yeah...whatever" Willow said, hating the idea that Faith was having to have sex for her rent money. Maybe they had misunderstood her. Remembering the way the girl reacted to everyone, she doubted it. She found herself growing curious as to what Faith had lived through. She knew about Buffy's life but somehow she knew Faith's had been nothing similar.

She had said that about fucking for money to surprise her, she knew. It was as if Faith didn't want her friendship. But, Willow had seen the look of longing in the girl's eyes. The slayer had another thing coming if she thought Willow was that easy to push away. It wasn't going to happen. Willow would be her friend if it killed her. Which Faith just might be tempted to do if she really did want to be alone. Oh well, Willow was sure she'd figure it out soon enough. She stood and went with Buffy to class.

**********

Willow walked out Sunnydale High, her friends around her. She laughed as Xander finished telling them about his Shop teacher and the tantrum the man had thrown during class.

"And then he just threw the wood on the ground and stormed out" Xander said, shaking his head.

"There there..." Cordelia said, rolling her eyes. "I'm sure it wasn't your fault."

"I dunno. He seemed to stare right at me during the entire thing" Xander said, shuddering.

Buffy laughed as she and Willow exchanged looks. She stopped laughing when she saw Faith. "Well, well. Look what the cat dragged in."

Willow was surprised to hear such bitterness in Buffy's voice. She turned and followed the blonde's eyes, smiling when she saw Faith. The brunette jumped down from the column she had been sitting on, a smile on her pretty face. "Hey Faith."

"Red" Faith nodded, glaring at the others. "B...gang."

"Thought you had people to do" Buffy said.

Faith snickered, "Done them already. Got enough for three weeks rent. Not bad for three hours of fucking."

Willow blanched visibly, not imaging being so flippitant about being a prostitute. "You ok?"

Faith looked surprised at the girl's soft words. Was she ok? No one had ever asked her that. They all assumed she could take care of herself and that she was fine. She smiled slightly at the redhead and nodded, "Fine."

"Why are you here?' Cordelia asked bluntly.

Faith kept her eyes on Willow. "I was bored. Thought you might want to show me around town."

Willow glanced at Buffy and saw the disapproving look on her friend's face. She then looked back at Faith, noticing the hopeful look in the girl's dark eyes. "Sure. We can drop my books by the house and then I'll give you the tour of Sunnydale."

"That'll take all of an hour" Cordelia said dryly. She took Xander's hand, "Come on, we have to go."

"Nice seeing you again Faith. Hope you enjoy the tour" Xander said, smiling at the girl.

"Later" Cordelia said, smiling as she walked away.

"Will...you said you'd come over after school and watch tv." Buffy said, glaring openly at Faith. There was something about this girl that irritated her. She wasn't jealous. No, that couldn't be it. Hell, the girl looked like a refugee from some gang movie. She also wasn't upset that Willow seemed to want to be friends with the bitch. No. That wasn't it. Not at all. She just wasn't the jealous type.

"I'll come over tomorrow, Buffy. Why don't you come with us?" Willow offered.

Buffy grimaced, seeing the annoyed look in Faith's eyes. "No thanks. I'll catch you later, Willow. We can patrol tonight."

Faith smiled, "Actually, I thought Red could patrol with me. Teach me where the vamps hide out."

Willow looked between the girls, seeing the hostility. She sighed, "Buffy, I'll see you tomorrow. Ok? We can walk to school together. I'll show Faith around and maybe we'll meet up with you for patrol. Angel can go with you though. Heck, it gives you an excuse for that quality time you're always wanting with him."

"Sure...I'll call Angel. Have fun" Buffy said, ignoring Faith as she walked away.

"She's a bitch" Faith remarked conversationally. "Is she always so selfish?"

Willow smiled, "Yes, but we're used to it. She's not a bitch. You just don't know her. And, I wouldn't say you are giving them much of a chance."

"Who? Me?" Faith said, smiling as she took Willow's book bag from her, swinging it easily over her shoulder. "Nah..I give everyone a chance. I'm just a sweet lovable thing."

Willow laughed, shaking her head, "Underneath you are, but it just takes a bit of digging."

Faith glanced at her, her expression softening slightly, "Yeah...just a bit of digging."

**********

"So, this your place?" Faith asked, entering the two story house. She looked around, curiosity in her eyes.

"Yeah" Willow said, hanging her coat on the hook before she started upstairs. "Let me change and then we can walk around a bit."

Faith wandered around the house, letting her hands touch everything. She was a very hands on type of person. She loved to touch things that interested her. She couldn't believe all the pretty things. It was amazing that someone actually lived in a house like this. It was exactly what she had use to dream about. Something out of one of those fifties sitcoms that always reran Sunday mornings. She expected Mr Cleaver to wander down the stairs any minute.

"That's my mothers" Willow said entering the room. She saw the vase that Faith was holding and smiled, "Something she picked up in Berlin I think...back when I was seven."

"Berlin? That's cool" Faith said, putting the vase down. "Where are your parents?"

"I honestly have no idea" Willow said, sitting down with a smile.

"Huh?" Faith asked, sitting on the floor. She was still a bit sore from her 'work' that afternoon and knew the hardness of the floor would feel better against her ass. Besides, the angle she was in allowed her to view Willow much better. The late afternoon sun came in from the side and turned Willow's hair on fire. It was beautiful. Faith couldn't tear her eyes away.

"They travel. A lot. I think I've seen them maybe five months total since I turned twelve as was old enough to watch myself. Before that, they had to arrange babysitters and it was a huge hassle for them."

"What do they do?" Faith asked, an edge to her voice. She hated the people who would rather spend their time traveling than stay with their beautiful intelligent daughter. She saw the smile on Willow's face but she could see the pain in those lovely green eyes.

"They're shrinks. Dad is a professor and writes books. Mom used to practice when I was younger but gave it up to write with Dad and tour around the world. Last summer, they taught a lecture in Greece on the fundamentals of parenting and the effects it had on society, or something like that. A bit ironic coming from two people who seldom remember they have a child themselves" Willow said, her tone bitter.

"Fuck em" Faith said.

Willow looked at her in surprise. A small smile crossed the girls lips. "You're right. Fuck them. They're the ones losing, right?"

"Not seeing you grow up? Damn straight." Faith said.

Willow laughed, "Thanks..I think I needed that. So, what do you want to do?"

Visions of Willow naked on the couch as she tasted the redhead suddenly filled Faith's mind. She could even hear the soft cries of passion she knew the girl would call out. She tore her eyes away from the couch, shrugging, "I'm yours Red. Whatever you want."

Willow frowned wondering what Faith was thinking. The girl's eyes had clouded over slightly and she seemed to be breathing hard. Would she understand her new friend, she wondered. She decided to ignore the small shiver that Faith's statement of being hers brought over her skin. Best to think about that when she was alone and could dissect what she was feeling without an audience. "Well, we can walk around and see the town. I can give you a tour of the more popular cemetaries then we can head over to the Bronze, I guess."

"Cool." Faith said, letting her eyes drift over Willow's oversized shirt and the blue jeans that were at least two sized too big for the girl. Who the hell had taught her how to dress? She could see glimpses of the body the girl had. Why did Willow insist on hiding it? "You wearing that? To a club?"

Willow looked down at her comfy jeans and shirt and nodded, "We're going to do a lot of walking. Why?"

Faith just smiled, "Come on Red. Let's go."

"What's wrong with what I'm wearing?" Willow asked, locking the door as they walked into the later afternoon sun.

"Nothing's wrong....that I can't fix. But, not tonight. We can work on the clothes later" Faith said, a promise in her eyes as she let them rake over Willow again. "So, which direction?"

Willow cleared her throat. For a moment there it had almost seemed like Faith was flirting with her. The idea was ridiculous. Men didn't even flirt with her. Faith was a gorgeous bad girl who used men for sex and money. Why on earth would she flirt with Willow? She laughed softly at her thoughts. She was going crazy. "Let's head North. We can go Resthaven first. It's one of the largest cemetaries in town."

**********

"So, now that Angel is back...well, they're having some problems with all of it" Willow finished.

Faith leaned against the tombstone, thinking. "Guess B has had it pretty rough lately too. And you all just accept him back? Even after he killed the teacher and stuff?"

"That wasn't Angel." Willow said simply. "He would never have hurt any of us. He's saved us all several times over."

Faith just shook her head. "Forgiving lot, aren't you? I don't know if I could be that generous....he tried killing you."

"No...Angelus tried to kill me" Willow corrected. She saw the confusion on Faith's face and laughed, "Sorry. I just wanted you to know what had happened in case you met him and noticed some tension between him and the others...also thought it might show you what Buffy was dealing with."

"I've dealt with worse but I guess I'm as big a bitch as she is so my entire theory is moot" Faith said with a smile.

Willow laughed, "Come on. Let's go to the Bronze. I'm sure you'll find it fascinating."

"Do I detect sarcasm in that statement?" Faith said, smiling at the redhead. She was falling for the girl. If she hadn't been before, she knew she was now. She and Willow had spent hours just sitting around the grave stones talking about everything under the sun and more. She was scared to death because she knew she was falling in love with Willow....and she couldn't...didn't want to stop it.

"Nah..." Willow said. "Just wait until you see it. Sunnydale's only answer to a club. It's rather a joke in some ways, but in others, it is a nice to play to go and relax."

"Sounds fun" Faith said, walking beside the girl. "So, it has music?"

"Yep. Local bands nightly." Willow said.

"Cool. Music, food and you. What more could I ask for?" Faith said with a smile.

Willow smiled slightly at the girl's words. There was something about Faith that was getting to her. She really enjoyed the girls company. She was surprised when Faith took her hand as they walked.

"Don't want you getting left behind" Faith said, in answer to Willow's questioning look. She was relieved when Willow just smiled and nodded, walking beside her to the Bronze. She felt safer holding onto Willow. She didn't want her leaving her and figured that if she kept hold of her she might not lose her. She seemed to lose everyone she cared about. Not this time. She tightened her hold on Willow's hand as they began to talk about Sunnydale in general.

**********

Faith had been in Sunnydale for five weeks. It had taken Willow two of those weeks to convince the brunette slayer to move into her empty guest room. The girls had basically inseperable since that first night they had toured the town. Faith's feelings for the redhead were obvious to everyone except for said redhead.

Faith looked up at Giles' bent head and smiled slightly. She was at the library again helping him file notecards and such. She often came to help him when Willow was in school. It was the only way she would see the girl during that entire eight hour period. Besides, she liked being needed. He did need her. The place was completely unorganized.

Faith thought back over the last five weeks. It had been rather amazing. A bit surreal in some ways. She often pinched herself to make sure it wasn't another dream. She had moved in with Willow not even two weeks after arriving in Sunnydale. The redhead was very pursuasive when she wanted to be. Not that Faith could really tell her no.

Surprisingly, Willow had never once mentioned to Faith that she should quit having sex for money. She seemed to accept that as a part of the slayer's personality and had dealt with it. Of course, Faith had immediately given it up when she no longer needed rent money. But, Willow had no idea. She hadn't asked. Faith couldn't believe someone would care so much about her that they could accept all the sides of her, even the bad. But, Willow had.

Faith had even grown to care about the ragtag little gang of slayerettes. She had never seen such unconditional love between a group of people before. At Willow's urging, they had all allowed her to become a part of it. She and Buffy were nowhere near being best friends, but they had an understanding...a tentative friendship of sorts. They both loved Willow in their ways and could recognize that loyalty to the redhead in each other. Because of that, they accepted their differences and had begun to learn from each other.

Every evening, the two slayers patrolled. Often, Angel and Willow would join them. It was becoming routine. After slaying, they often ended up back at Angel's or Willow's, eating ice cream and hanging out until the wee hours of the morning when sleep became necessary for survival at high school. Lately, Cordelia and Xander were meeting them for these sessions, skipping the patrol for the food. They were some of the happiest times that Faith had ever had. She owed them all to Willow.

She seemed to owe everything to the redhead recently. Faith smiled as she thought about Willow. She was in love with her. She had pushed and pushed, trying to get the girl to give up on her. But, it hadn't worked. Willow had hung on, her friendship becoming an anchor for Faith. Faith had never felt as safe as she did when she was around Willow. It was the first time she felt cared for.

She loved Willow. Everyone seemed to know it. She was shocked at how accepting the gang was about her feelings. But, having watched them for so long now, she knew that if they thought it would make Willow happy, they would deal with it...whatever it turned out to be. The redhead affected them all in the same, yet slightly different, way that she affected Faith.

Faith sighed as she put the cards in order. She had no idea about Willow's feelings for her. She knew the girl liked her. Hell, they were never away from each other for more than eight hours, and only then on the days that Faith didn't make it to the school for lunch or helping Giles. Those times were becoming more scarce as time went by. Faith couldn't stand being away from Willow for too long in fear that she might lose her...if she ever even had her. The not knowing was killing the brunette. She knew Willow liked her, but how much? Would she be disgusted at Faith loving her or would she accept that as yet another part of her friend? Or, in Faith's greatest fantasty, would she admit to her own feelings of love and allow them the chance of happiness?

Faith frowned as she realized that there was no turning back for her. She had allowed herself to care about these people despite her vow never to care again. She had fallen in love with the one person who saw her for who she was and not what she was. She was still scared to death to trust this love for Willow, having never experienced something so huge in her short life. But, she did trust it. It wouldn't fade away. Willow wouldn't fade away like a dream she was awaking from. She wanted to be safe in the redhead's arms. Could she ever be?

Faith decided then that her life was too short. She was a slayer for lord's sakes. SHe'd be lucky to survive to see her twentieth birthday. She wanted to spend her short life with Willow. It was time to trust herself and quit running. It was time to admit to Willow how she felt and see what happened. She just hoped she wouldn't lose the girl. She nodded her head in determination, knowing that that night would decide the rest of her life. She went back to sorting cards for Giles. She wasn't going to worry. It wouldn't help anything.

**********

Willow finished the dishes and got herself some more soda. She looked at Faith and frowned. Something was bothering her friend. She had hardly spoken since that afternoon. She made her way into the living room, turning the news on. She saw Faith sit down in her dad's chair. This was their usual routine. They left school if there was no research needed. They made dinner or bought something. After that, they watched the news and then general programs while Willow did any homework. At dusk, they left to meet Buffy and usually Angel for patrol. Every night was the same thing. It was great having a routine.

"What is it" she finally asked, not being able to stand the silence anymore.

Faith looked up at her, her eyes wide. It reminded Willow of the expression a deer caught in headlights. "Huh?"

"You. Something is wrong. What is it?" Willow said.

Faith frowned and looked at the tv. "Nothing is wrong."

"Is it me? Did I do something?" Willow asked softly.

"No!" Faith said, looking back at her. "No..you didn't do anything. I'm just not here right now."

"I noticed that" Willow said dryly. She was hurt that Faith wouldn't talk to her about what was wrong.

"Yeah, you did" Faith said, looking at Willow curiously.

"What? You're being quiet. You have barely spoken since we left the library. You won't look at me. You won't talk to me. I don't like that." Willow said with a scowl.

"It's not you Red. It's me. Just thinking about some things" Faith said, a glimmer of hope spreading through her at Willow's words.

"What things?" Willow asked, needing to know that it wasn't something she had done. She didn't like Faith acting this way around her. It bothered her.

Faith shrugged, "I love you."

Willow smiled slightly, "Love you too. Now, what things?"

Faith looked at Willow. Her voice was soft but determined. "No, Willow. I LOVE you..as in, I'm IN love with you."

Willow's eyes widened as she sank back on the sofa, "What?"

Faith nodded, "Never really believed in love at first sight until I met you. What can I say? I fell in love with you the first time we touched and you were able to see into my soul. I just wanted you to know. I guess there isn't a chance that you could ever love someone like me and I hate to throw this at you but I had to tell you. I don't want to lose your friendship, but I understand if you feel weird around me now."

Willow heard Faith's words, but she was lost in her own thoughts. Faith loved her. As in, love love. Not friendly love. She was shocked. Thinking back though, she could see the emotions developing between them. She hadn't realized then what it was. She heard Faith say she was leaving and felt scared, "NO! Wait...we need to talk...."

Faith heard Willow's words and looked at her. She wondered if her expression looked as hopeful as she felt. "What?"

Willow took a deep breath, "I think I may love you too..that way, I mean."

"You don't have to say that" Faith said. "I can handle the rejection. Rather used to it now."

"Don't." Willow said softly. "I know what I feel.....So, quit lashing out!"

Faith smiled slightly, "Yes Mom."

Willow laughed, "As I was saying, I think I might be in love with you too. It's just..I don't know...this is all new to me."

"Me too" Faith said honestly. "It actually scares me to death."

"What does?" Willow asked, watching her friend.

"Love. The whole concept freaks me out." Faith replied, sitting down on the couch and facing Willow.

"Tell me about it" Willow said, knowing this would be a true test. She and Faith had shared a lot over the last month and a half. But, Faith had never discussed her past. Not the private parts. She guarded it close to her.

Faith glanced at Willow and saw the uncertain look in the redhead's eyes. She sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I've never been in love. Fuck, no one has ever loved me. The people that I do get close to tend to end up dead or leaving me."

"Your parents?" Willow asked.

Faith snorted, "More nonexistent than yours, Red. Never knew my Dad. He was one of my mother's clients. She had no idea who he was. One of dozens. My mom? Now there was a piece of work. She was a whore. A drunk abusive bitch. Never wanted me around. Said it made her seem old. I spent my childhood on the streets hiding while she serviced customers and gave me pocket money." Faith spoke softly, her eyes looking at the floor as she lost herself to her memories. "You know, it's ironic. The one thing I always vowed I'd never become was her. An uncaring whore. Now look at me. What am I?"

"You're Faith. My Faith. The woman I fell in love with..." Willow said, smiling as she saw Faith's smile at her words. "You aren't a whore. Sure, you had to make some choices that you might not have liked. But, we all have to. It's what is in your heart that counts."

"Do you really believe that?" Faith asked. "Damn it, Willow. I've fucked so many guys and girls...I don't even remember their faces. And it was all for money. Always for money. It was never about pleasure. I turned into her. Fuck, I'm even abusive. I lash out all the time. I'm not what you need."

"You never allowed anyone to get close" Willow said softly. She saw Faith's surprised look and smiled, "I can even see that. But look now. You let your guard down just a bit...You have friends. You have me....You are exactly what I need. Trust me on that."

"I am?" Faith asked.

"Yeah..." Willow said. "Forget the past. It's over and done. Promise?"

Faith shook her head, "What did I ever do to deserve you?"

Willow beamed, "Just lucky I guess. I could ask the same thing."

"You? You're an angel. My angel" Faith said, taking Willow's hand.

"Nah..." Willow said, blushing slightly. "What do we do now?"

"We live" Faith said, kissing Willow gently. She savored the moment. It was the first time she had ever kissed for pleasure. She felt Willow move away and looked at her friend.

"I think I like the sound of that." Willow said, brushing away a lock of Faith's hair. "I do love you, Faith. Just took me a bit to realize it."

"I'm holding you to it" Faith smiled, "I love you too Willow. So much...."

The two girls smiled at each other as they moved to kiss again. Faith settled into Willow's embrace, feeling safe for the first time in her short life. She had finally found a place where she belonged. In Willow's arms.



THE END