TITRE : Lives Are Like Cigarettes suite de Chosen AUTEUR : Vincent Fretin FEEDBACK : vincef2001@yahoo.fr RATING : PG-13 DISCLAIMER : Les personnages appartiennent à Joss, Mutant Enemy, etc. RESUME :

PARTS 1-4

PARTS 5-8

PARTS 9-13

PART 1

The sun was shining above Sunnydale, a brand new day had just begun but Dawn was not really enjoying it. It was school day and she had to wake up early, too early for her own taste. She was walking the streets of Sunnydale as if her feet had gained 30 pounds in a night.

"Looking at your good mood, I'm pretty sure that you have no classes with the young bio stud today."

Dawn looked at Faith and blushed a little bit. Every morning Buffy, Faith or the two of them joined her for the morning walk to school to take the bread at the baker's whose shop was based near the new Sunnydale High. Today, it was Faith as Buffy was still asleep when they had left.

"Huh... What stud?"

"Oh, come on, Double M, last Friday, you were the first up, put you ass in a pretty dress... short one... and when I left, you were in glee, tongue to the ground just by looking at him. You looked like a toon evaded from Tex Avery. Am I wrong?"

Geez, Faith and her ability to see anything related with sex and crush... sometimes it was funny... sometimes it wasn't.

"That's none of you business... and my tongue wasn't on the ground."

"Oh, believe me, it was... you couldn't see it, your eyes were too glued on his butt."

"Faith!" said a totally red Dawn now.

"You know you're cute when I tease you on this matter... almost as cute as B."

"Almost?" and in saying it, the 'payback' nerve tilted in Dawn's brain.

"Well, for me yes but, you know, I'm not really objective here."

Faith then noticed something in the eyes of her girlfriend's sister. A little something that she had already seen in Buffy's eyes when she had thought of something to tease her. Seeing the same spark in Dawn's eyes could only mean two things, trouble and embarrassment.

"Well, Double M, we're almost there. I'll go buy flowers for B before going to the baker's so, bye."

"Fai-ai-aith, did you do it?"

"Do what?"

"Well, when you and Buffy told me about your new relationship, two weeks ago, I was expecting you and her would play Matrix every night in Buffy's bed. Looks like you missed the film and played Dr Jivago instead... without the sex part, of course."

"That's none of your business, Double M."

It was Faith's turn to blush.

Dawn put her arm around Faith's shoulder and said:

"Come on, Faith. I understand the let's go slowly attitude but you've spent the last three nights in Buffy's bed... don't tell me nothing happened..."

"You know, if your sis hears that we are talking about it, she's gonna kill you... and me at the same time."

"Not my problem... so? Did you do it?"

Faith sighed loudly before answering: "Not yet. It was close last night though."

"What prev... oh, right..., the demon."

"Big, ugly and with a breath that could make someone asleep for hours. Ask B if you don't believe me."

"OK, OK, last night was a bad timing but you had the two previous nights."

"You can't understand, Dawn. My whole life, sex had been a way to achieve a goal or to relax myself. I needed it, then get done, get gone, I didn't even know the names of my partners and didn't care. With B, I want it to be different, to do it when it'll be time, when I'll feel it's time."

"And when would that happen?"

"Why do you think you are going to sleep at Xander's tonight? Oh, sorry, I haven't told you about that yet, right?"

"YOU-ARE-EVIL, you know that?"

"Yep, it's part of my charm. Now, I'll go buy my flowers and you go to school. Deal?"

"Deal. See you tomorrow then."

"See you, Double M."

And the two brunettes split up.

The wind was blowing inside the labyrinth, zigzagging between the stalactites and the stalagmites, trapped in this dark place with these natural pillars as only companions. It had been locked in this labyrinth for more than a century now and knew that it would not see the outside before at least another hundred years. Inside, the five were feeding the Outcast, asleep as he had often be for the last millenniums but ready to strike again, fulfilling his cyclic and eternal charge.

The wind met another crossroad and let chance guide its way, the labyrinth changed every time he entered it, preventing anyone to draw a map, preventing anyone to escape before they decided that it was the right time to release the prisoner or allow the butterflies to pass.

The wind was blowing inside the labyrinth, zigzagging between the stalactites and the stalagmites but it was not impatient, its time would come... sooner than expected.

Buffy woke up in her bed, a little bit stoned after last night's fight. She was back in her room, a good sign, the demon had probably been destroyed. She quickly wondered where Faith was, missing her presence in the bed but then remembered the day and after looking at her clock, she guessed that her girlfriend had joined Dawn for her walk to school. She knew that Faith was unhurt, she could feel it.

Thinking at her girlfriend, she remembered the previous night, just before this stupid demon tried to eat half of the town. She remembered the soft and sensuous kisses they had shared, the hands that were groping their bodies, slowly taking each other's clothes off before Willow stormed into the room causing a big embarrassment time for the three of them. Yes, yesterday, it was closed and she was really mad at this demon, she had wasted the moment, their moment but it was not really the time to regret anything, today was another day. Thinking about what today could bring her, she decided it was time for breakfast.

Buffy went thus downstairs to find Willow in the kitchen. Her best friend was finishing her own breakfast and smiled at Buffy when she noticed her.

"Hey, Buffy. Did you sleep well?"

"Well, actually, yes. Who would have guessed that demons could make good soporifics?"

"Fortunately, we knew it was only temporary."

"Yes? Faith is with Dawn, isn't she?"

"Yes, she said that we have to coddle you while she was away."

"Really? Doesn't sound like Faith."

"Well, actually she said: Will, could you take care of B?, then she added: No groping with my girlfriend... so, I kinda understood that I have to coddle you."

"That's more like Faith."

"B... Buffy? About yesterday..."

"Wasn't your fault, Will."

"Yes but, I should have knocked..."

"Next time, we... well we will lock the door."

"No, you won't."

"Huh?"

Willow smiled at her friend then said:

"We had a big meeting this morning, Faith, Tara and I... Faith asked us to... well, she wanted to spend the whole day... and the whole night... alone with you in the house and asked us not to come today... so, I'll go to Tara's and Dawn will sleep at Xander's."

"She did what? I can't believe she did that."

"She wants it to be special."

"Yes she wants..."

"I can hardly imagine the two of you in the same bed without doing naughty things... How could you... you know... resist?"

Buffy's skin was way redder when she answered.

"What can I say? It's really important for Faith to go slowly so, we dated, went to restaurants, went to romantic and lovely walks, saw movies, spent nights in separate rooms... But when she first slept with me, I felt she was scared... her past was still there so, I didn't push, we slept in each other's arms the first two nights. Each night, we moved further and last night, I didn't feel any fear coming from her... actually, I felt other feelings that I was too glad to share."

"I noticed."

"If you say another thing about yesterday night, I'm gonna give you a spanking."

"Oh, you scared me to hell."

They laughed a bit, then Buffy began to eat while Willow drank her coffee.

"Buffy?"

"Yeah?"

"I've never seen you that happy, just wanna say it to you."

"Thanks, Will."

"And Faith, even if she still has her tough girl attitude, I can see that she is too."

"Yes, she can't hide this kind of things. You can't imagine how loving, caring and romantic she can be."

"Faith, romantic?"

"Yes, she is with me. I don't know if she will drop the tough girl attitude with you or anyone in the Gang but she is completely open with me and that's what matters to me... she let me see the real Faith, see how wonderful she is and I love her in a way I can't describe... she is the one, Will."

"I know."

"You know?"

"Tara analysed your auras. When you are together, she said that there is a harmony she had never seen in any couple before. You're meant to be together, Buffy... enjoy it."

Buffy took Willow's hand in hers and said:

"Thanks, Will and I will and nothing will separate us... nothing has the strength to do it."

The wind was blowing inside the labyrinth, zigzagging between the stalactites and the stalagmites. Its surroundings were different now. There was no change in the tunnels, no changes in the pillars made of rocks, no, the changes were in the luminosity. It was not dark anymore, shadows could be seen, it could see it for the first time since the 19th century and it could feel it, feel other winds that were still weak but increased in power with every inch it gained. The exit was close and it was not the only one to notice it. The Outcast had moved and the wind pitied his future victims.

PART 2

Buffy and Willow were still discussing in the kitchen when they heard the front door opening. The two friends exchanged a glance. It could not be Faith, it was impossible for her to come back that soon, even if she was a Slayer. Then, they saw Tara appear in the kitchen.

"Hi guys!" she then went down and gave Willow a quick kiss then sat on a chair.

"So, Buffy, how are you feeling this?"

"She is good, honey. A bit excited now that I have told her that she will spend the whole day with Faith."

"I can imagine."

The two witches could not prevent a smile when they saw Buffy blushing again.

"Would you guys stop making fun of me? I think I achieved my blush quota of the day."

"So, what do you think, Tara? Should we stop?"

"Mmh, let me think about it..."

Fortunately for Buffy, the front door opened again and she was too pleased to run to the hall to see who it was... and she was not disappointed.

"Fairy!"

"Hi, B!"

Buffy jumped into her girlfriend's arms and they shared a long and loving kiss before pulling away. They stared at each other for long seconds before joining the two other girls in the kitchen, holding their hands.

"So, B. I suppose Will told you everything."

"Oh yeah."

"So, what are you waiting for... time is running."

She pulled Buffy to her, gave her another kiss before saying:

"I want this day to be unforgivable... so, you (kiss) shower (kiss), get dressed (kiss) and (kiss)... surprise."

Buffy did not answer, she smiled with all her teeth, then ran to the stairs, feeling Faith's hand clapping her butt right after her first step. Faith waited to hear Buffy slam the door before saying:

"Tara, you get it?"

"Yes, it's in the bag, near the TV."

Willow who did not know what they were talking about asked then:

"What's in the bag?"

"Not your business, Will. It's a secret between Tar and me. Now, if you don't mind... it's not that I don't appreciate your company. It's just that I don't need it now."

Willow looked at Faith who winked at her.

"Oh... oh, yes, I'm ready, Tara, you're ready?"

"Yes, let's go, honey."

The two witches wished Faith a good day then left the house.

Once alone, Faith sighed then smiled... a whole day just with Buffy... a whole day just for Buffy. After the events of the previous night, she had spent lots of time thinking about this day, she wanted it to be perfect and had thought at all the things that could please her girlfriend... and the first one was in the bag Tara bought at the mall today... she went to the TV, took the bag and looked at its content... it was perfect. She dived into the bag to grab it.

Willow and Tara were walking in the streets and Tara had some trouble to keep her mouth shut against Willow's insatiable curiosity.

"Come on, Tara! Please, tell me what's in the bag."

"I repeat, Willow. I can't... I promised."

"Yes, but it doesn't count with me? I'm your girlfriend, you can't resist me and I'm sure Faith would understand."

"No, I can't and she wouldn't."

"We won't tell her, it would be our secret."

"N... no, if I tell you what's in the bag and why Faith asked me to take it, y... she would know that you know just by looking at you."

"Why would she?"

"Be... because... it's so not like her."

"That's getting interesting... Tara you told me too much, you have to tell me what's in the bag. Flowers? Jewels? It's a gift, I'm sure of it."

"No... no... it... it's not... really a gift, well in a way it is but..."

"Tara, please."

Tara looked at Willow and sighed, she was in "puppy dog eyes" attitude and she knew that she would not resist very long, she had never been able to resist Willow's puppy dog eyes.

"All right... all right. There is a relation between what's in the bag and Buffy's new fascination and I won't say anything else."

"That's not a clue, we both know that Buffy is fascinated by Faith as much as Buffy is Faith's fascination. They just can't stay in a room without staring at each other as if there was nobody else."

"Well, yes but... rhaa, I thought Buffy told you."

"Told me what?"

Buffy looked another time at her reflection in the mirror. She wanted to be as pretty as possible. She knew that Faith had scheduled the day to be the "unforgettable" as she had said but Buffy wanted that day to be Faith's day. So, she was wearing a white dress, the same one she had worn for their first real date. She knew that Faith liked her in that dress and it was the reason why she had chosen it. She had also put on her the vanilla perfume, the one that Faith could not resist, the one that drove her crazy... she knew that it would probably arouse her girlfriend but, hell, it was the goal. She could feel that Faith and her would play with each other the whole day before going back home... the temperature would increase during the day to reach the highest degrees when the night would come.

Buffy looked a last time at her reflection, then went out her room to go to the living room where Faith was probably waiting for her. Once downstairs, she entered the living room and was taken by surprise by the sight she had in front of her. No word could come to her lips, it was so... so unexpected... her brain was definitely on holidays because only three words could come in her mind, three words that illustrated what was in front of her:

Faith... skirt... leeeeggggggs.
Faith... skirt... leeeeggggggs.

Then, some adjectives came to her mind to complete the previous words.

Faith gorgeous... tiny leather skirt... oh my God, her leeeeeggggggs.
Faith gorgeous... tiny leather skirt... oh my God, her leeeeeggggggs.

Buffy could not do anything but look at Faith who was just in front of her, sitting on the table with her legs crossed. She was wearing a black leather skirt and a ravishing top and for Buffy it was just the most magnificent sight she could imagine. She could not move, could not say anything, fascinated by her girlfriend who had not lost the wicked smile she had had since Buffy had entered the room.

Faith looked at Buffy but did not move. If Buffy was in admiration with Faith, her girlfriend had noticed that the blonde Slayer had decided to wear the dress she had on their first real date... Faith liked Buffy in this dress, it was as if it had been created to take the exact shape of Buffy's body... then, she could not refrain the smile that had crossed her lips at the moment Buffy had noticed her own outfits... and especially her skirt.

Faith did not like skirts that much but since she and Buffy were a couple, the older slayer had told her again and again how she loved Faith's legs, and Faith had noticed that every time Buffy had seen it, she could not detached her gaze from it. As today was Buffy's day, Faith had decided to give her a whole day peep on her legs and the only way to do it was to wear a skirt... a leather skirt of course, after all, she was still herself.

"Like the view, B?"

Buffy was still unable to say a word. So, she just nodded. Faith stood up and moved to put her hands on Buffy's cheeks.

"It's for you, all for you... my love."

"Oh God, Fairy, you're so beautiful... and this skirt..."

"I'm not the gorgeous one here, B. You are."

Then they shared a long kiss that was soft and loving at first then became wilder and it was only when oxygen was missing that they split up.

Retaking her breath, Faith said:

"Naughty, B... vanilla drives me crazy, you know that."

"We... we're even thus, Fairy... your legs do the same to me. What's next? I bet we're not gonna stay home... at least not right now?"

"Hungry, B?"

Locking her eyes in Faith's, the blonde Slayer replied:

"Very! Starved!"

Oh God. Faith thought... playtime had just begun and she was not sure that she would hold till the night.

"Picnic?"

PART 3

If the wind could scream, it would probably express its joy. Finally, after more than a century locked into the labyrinth, it was free, free to go wherever it wanted, free to track the potential victims for the Outcast, free to release him once it had found the perfect host.

The wind was blowing under the hot and merciless heat given by the sun. Sands and dunes surrounded it, it was in a harsh desert but it knew that it was close to a town. It had always been like that. The labyrinth had only one exit that changed several times a day, trapping the poor walkers who had decided to explore it but there had always been a constant, it was never far from a high concentration of living beings and among them, the occasional victims of the Outcast. Thinking about him, he looked inside itself to find him. His spirit was fully awaken now, he was ready to strike. The five were still feeding him as they were supposed to do, as the five had always done.

A road sign crossed the wind's path, a name was written on it, the name of a town, the name of the place that would support the Outcast's curse this time. Sunnydale, a place of evil, the wind could sense it but it doubted that a soul as twisted, cruel and insane as the Outcast had ever lived there.

For what remained of the morning, they had walked and bought food and drinks for the picnic... when they were not too busy staring to each other, groping or kissing. They were continually playing with each other by teasing each other sensuously or telling innuendoes. For both of them, that was how life should be, enjoying the presence of the other, enjoying the teasing game that promised so much more for the last part of the day. They both knew that and, until that time, it was enough for their happiness.

They were running to their tree, the tree that had witnessed all their picnics since they had returned in Sunnydale. Buffy could not believe how fond Faith was of picnics now. Since Buffy's declaration of love, they had picnicked two to three times a week and Buffy enjoyed it more after each one of them. During picnics, they were together, during picnics, Faith was much more open than inside the house... even in their room, and yes, it was theirs now, Faith had never opened herself as much as during their picnic times well, until the night before. Buffy smiled while she remembered this time and even if Willow had interrupted them, she considered it as a very good memory.

Faith was running in front of her, holding her hand. Buffy could have easily run faster but she was glad to be behind her girlfriend, she could stare at her legs in this place. Yes, it had become her obsession but, damn, what legs, they were perfect. Faith was a gorgeous woman, shaped by the gods but, damn, her legs were so soft and beautiful, she could stare at them all day long and never got bored. She wanted to caress them, lick them slowly bite them and she knew she finally would... when the time would come... and it would come very soon... oh, yeah, life was good.

Buffy could see the tree now, they were close. She wondered why Faith was so in a hurry but didn't want to ask... the smiling and relaxed face of the woman she loved was all she needed... oh, yeah, life was good.

They had finally arrived at the tree. They quickly prepared everything for the picnic then, Buffy sat between Faith's legs and slowly put the back of her head on her girlfriend's shoulder, enjoying every part of this ritual. She loved being between Faith's arms that were now around her waist. It wasn't the ideal position to eat during a picnic but who cared, it was the best to feel the other and, today, Buffy had a bonus... in that position, she had the most unique view on Faith's legs... oh, yeah, life was good.

The wind was now blowing in the street of Sunnydale. It was a nice and pleasant town of the northern part of the New World or of the United States of America as it was called now. If the wind could smile, he would... it had never blown in this continent. It had seen many regions of Europe, Asia or Africa but had never crossed the Atlantic Ocean... or the Pacific one, it depended on where it had been.

Other places same modus operandi. Nothing really changed when humans were concerned. If humans had rejected evil, the Outcast would have been gone a long time ago but they hadn't. Locating twisted and Machiavellian humans had been as easy as before, all the wind had to do is to turn the corner of a street and it would find one of them. But it had already made its choice. It could feel him, could feel his selfish soul, could feel his glee when he lured his victims before taking advantage of them. He was just a beginner but the wind didn't care, the Outcast didn't care because fresh souls had always been the best ones.

Doors and windows were closed. There was no entry possible for the wind and it couldn't see anything because of closed shutters but it didn't care. He could feel him inside and patience was a quality. Soon, the Outcast would be free to follow his passion... to kill, to torture and other funny and pleasant activities. Soon, the five would be unleashed in the streets of Sunnydale. Soon, this town would bow under havoc.

They hadn't changed their position even if the food and the drinks were gone; they were just too comfortable as they were Buffy's head still resting in Faith's shoulder. The brunette's left hand was in Buffy's right, their fingers entwined. They were just enjoying the moment with the tree, their tree as only witness.

Before, silence had always been awkward between the two slayers, now, they enjoyed it as much as everything. There were moments were no words were necessary and it was such a moment. Which word could replace the sensation of the presence of a lover in the arms of the other? Which word could replace all the sensations that the two women were experiencing at that moment, the fragrances that were just theirs, the sounds of their breaths, the incomparable feeling they shared when they kissed? Even a dictionary couldn't content enough words to begin a description of these moments, these sensations.

Buffy had closed her eyes, enjoying all the little things that were Faith, moaning thanks to the brunette right hand that was playing with her hair, massaging her neck. Faith was so good at this. She was in heaven.

Faith enjoyed doing this to Buffy also and felt Buffy's left hand tracing patterns on her left leg. She felt so good, Faith thanked God for her girlfriend fascination for her legs. She could wear skirts every day just to see the spark she had seen in Buffy's eyes the same morning, just to feel Buffy's hand massaging her legs.

Faith felt Buffy's head move and locked her eyes in the blonde ones. She lost her breath a second just by seeing all the love these eyes contained, then she bowed her head to kiss those magnificent lips that were both sensuous and soft, answering Buffy's silent request. Another request for which words weren't useful.

"I wish I could stop the time right now to live these moments forever."

Faith smiled and kissed her girlfriend's forehead before answering:

"So do I, B. So do I."

Then the younger slayer looked at her watch, they still had plenty of time but she really wanted to give her gift to Buffy now.

"B. I have something for you. A gift."

"Fairy, you shouldn't have. I don't need you to buy me gifts, I have you, you're the only gift I need."

"Thanks, B but, don't worry. This one didn't cost a thing. Wanna see it?"

"Yes, do I have to move?" said Buffy with some regrets in her voice.

"Unfortunately, yes... but I won't be long."

Buffy moved and Faith stood up. She gave then a quick kiss to Buffy before grabbing one of the lower boughs of the tree. She pulled and soon began to climb the tree. She had hidden her gift in it the same morning. She hadn't hidden it very high but it took her a full minute before reaching the spot. She extended her hand and was a bit relieved to find it at the exact same place.

It was when she began to come down that she remembered something, something she hadn't noticed when she had climbed because she was so absorbed by her gift for Buffy: she wasn't wearing pants but a tiny skirt. It wasn't the ideal outfits to climb... especially with your girlfriend below. She gave a quick glance to Buffy who quickly looked anywhere but at Faith when she noticed that the brunette was looking at her.

Faith felt so embarrassed. In climbing like a crazy lunatic in the tree, she had offered an unintentional show that the petite slayer had probably been too happy to watch. Faith had never been the kind of girl that was easily embarrassed but, with Buffy, it was different. This girl had softened her bad ass attitude and she liked it. As staying there wouldn't do any good for both of them, Faith came down.

When she reached the ground, she noticed that Buffy was still avoiding her glance. When Faith approached her, she looked down but seeing Faith's legs again, she quickly looked up and was caught by Faith's eyes. She had nowhere to look at, as she couldn't prevent herself to look at her girlfriend. Both girls were blushing, red like tomatoes and seeing that the other was also embarrassed made them burst into laugh. Buffy was the first to regain her senses.

"Sorry! I didn't mean to..."

"Should have thought about it, B... Besides, if someone had the right to see it, it's you. Hope you enjoyed it."

The red that covered Buffy's cheeks then didn't need anymore comments.

"You also know that, as you've had an appetiser for tonight, you would have to find something to make us even."

"What?" Buffy rolled her eyes. "And what would I have to do?"

"Don't know, B. Surprise me... I know you're damn good at it."

"We'll see... but you would have to behave."

"You're sure you want me to behave, B?"

"Er..."

A smile crossed Faith's lips and, since Buffy didn't know what to do, she decided to change the subject. She grabbed Faith by the arm, pulled her to her and they shared another kiss that would certainly not be the last of the day, in fact, both slayers could spend the whole day just doing that, kissing each other.

"Mmmh Beware the mmmmh gift, B."

Buffy quickly but gently pushed Faith away. She had been so embarrassed herself that she had forgotten the gift. Fortunately, Faith had managed to preserve it from being crushed by their bodies. It was 50 to 60 centimetres long for 20 centimetres width. A red bend covered the white box. Faith gave it to Buffy.

"This is for you, B. Open it."

Buffy took the present and carefully opened it. She began by the bend, then slowly began to pull the above part of the box. When she had completely opened the box, she couldn't prevent a huge shout of surprise. Inside the box were flowers but not any flowers, roses, green roses, no, hazel ones, the roses perfectly matched Buffy's eyes. With the flowers, a note, just a few words written by Faith.

Thanks for existing, B.
Thanks for being you.

Faith

"Oh God, Faith, they are beautiful. I... how did you find these, I've never seen... it should have cost you a fortune."

"Come, Buffy, let's sit down? I'll tell you everything."

Gently Faith took the flowers from Buffy's hands, gave her a kiss, then grabbed her girlfriend's right hand and led her to the tree, then she began to sit and pulled her to retake the position they had. Once it was done, Faith answered Buffy's question.

"Since the end of our fight against Nefer guy, I wanted to give you something special, something that would only be for you. And I remembered a talk I had with Eona a few months ago. She was talking about another witch who had specialised herself in... in... fuck, I can't remember the name... well, in a job in which she creates new kinds of flowers. She uses her magical skills to help her. So, I've sent Eona a note and a picture of you, asking her to contact Mother Nature to see if she could create roses with the colour of your eyes. I received a positive answer two days ago and I went to pick the flowers up this morning."

"So... these flowers are unique? I... I don't know what to say except... thank you which seems so lame now..."

"Look under them, B."

Buffy quickly found a note under the flowers. It was a certificate for a new kind of flowers called "Buffy Hazel".

"You... you gave my name to... roses?"

"Well, yeah. Like roses, you're wicked cool to look at and you have spines..."

"Spines?"

"Yeah... spines but, me, I just see a splendid woman with a damn hot body, sensuous eyes, the woman I dreamed about for so long, the woman I love."

"I might have spines but they won't hurt you. I would never hurt you because all the things you've just said are valid for you too. I love you, Fairy."

"I love you too, B. Can I have a kiss now?"

"Only one kiss?"

"Hell, no. If you want to give me 100 kisses, I'm ready to go."

"100 is not enough, honey. Let's go blow the figures."

PART 4

Patience was a virtue but it was boring in the long run. The wind was fed up to blow in the same streets for hours. The sun was on its peak now and the shutters were still closed. The guy had potential but he had to learn to wake up sooner. If it was the wind's decision, it would have gone and would have looked for a new candidate long ago but the Outcast wanted him to be his host, wanted him because of his twisted soul, wanted him probably because he reminded him his former self.

The wind and the Outcast were linked together for centuries now and every time the Outcast had chosen a host, he had always done it according to several criteria's: Youth, cruelty, a total absence of remorse, Machiavellism and a strong appetite for life. This young man seemed to fulfill the criteria adequately.

Suddenly, the wind saw the shutters move, saw the curtains that were hidden behind them and, finally, could see the host. It didn't need to wait longer, it increased its speed, rushed towards the now open window and entered the room, going through the young man's body, crushing his soul and replacing it by the one of the host. Then, freed from him, it began to fade away, letting five smaller winds, barely breezes, move away. Its job was done, theirs had just begun.

The young man's body had trembled for a few minutes but the necessary adjustments had been done. The Outcast was full again, he had a body, a perfect, healthy and useful body. He had drained in his new brain the information he needed about this world, this new world, this new period, the events that had occurred during the last century... he knew everything, or everything he needed to know. He let his gaze wandering the town.

Sunnydale, California was very pleasant indeed. The progress in the new technologies and the communications would be very helpful for his passion. Before, he could have spent precious days just by looking for his victims. Now, he was damn sure that he would be able to locate them easily which meant that perhaps, this time, he would be able to solve his problem and let this community appreciate his art. This town smelt evil, this town had probably experienced evil for a long time now but they had never seen him in action. Soon, the show would begin, soon...

He then let his senses go, he smelt the air just to feel it in his lungs, he touched the outline of the window, just to feel something under his fingers then, he noticed something, a small and tickling feeling that he knew too well. It was too soon though. He had other things to do first. He slowly moved from the front of the window to the kitchen. During his move, he noticed his clothes on the floor. "His clothes," he liked the sound of it. For the last century, the only thing that had been his was the air the wind was taking away with it and the Five. He didn't miss the Five though, he never missed them, they were just tools for him, tools to remain "alive" even if he was trapped in the wind. The Five had fed him, the Five were almost dead, long live the Five. He smiled at his joke, it was an old one, older than he could remember but it was a kind of ritual, it had always been the first joke after his "resurrection".

He then felt a slight draught from the door and it reminded him of the wind, his only real companion when he was in it. It was the only regret he had. Centuries of wandering had strengthen their bond, centuries of wandering had changed their relationship. They had a kind of symbiotic relationship now. The Outcast darkness and his evil thought had tainted the once gentle and good wind. Now, he expected his new damage with almost the same joy than the Outcast himself.

He looked into the fridge - what a marvelous invention - and found a cold part of pizza that he quickly ingested. It was nothing compared to what he used to eat in London, the last time but it felt so good to be able to eat something again. He opened a can of beer and drank, savoring every sip, letting the liquid rest in his tongue. It was good to be alive again.

He quickly dropped what remained of his breakfast in the dustbin then, he gave a last glance at the kitchen, looking for something. Smiling, he opened a drawer and took a knife, a long, curved and sharp knife that had probably a use for cooking but he didn't care. He weighed the knife, appreciated the feeling of it in his hand then, went back in the bedroom.

Walking slowly, making as less noise as possible, he entered the room. His eyes were locked at the sleeping form he could see in the bed, hidden by the sheets. He could felt his hand press the knife because of his excitation.

He stopped near the woman who was still asleep and looked in the boy memory. He remembered every detail of the previous night, remembered every detail of them making love. It had been a long night and the two lovers had had lots of pleasure. This memory ravished him. Soon, he would feel this pleasure too but it wasn't the time yet.

He gently removed the sheet from the woman and admired the curves of her body. He had to admit it, the boy had a good taste, she was splendid maybe a little too thin according to the Outcast but she was beautiful. He put his hand on one of the girl's shoulder and pushed her slowly. She woke up, looked at her surroundings and began to panic.

"Shhh. Mary Ann, it's me."

"Wh... who are you? Wh... where..."

"So many questions in your head."

He gently caressed the woman's cheek before continuing. This gesture seemed to comfort Mary Ann a little bit.

"So many questions and, unfortunately, no answer."

And the woman had no time to scream because she barely had the time to notice the knife that cut her throat open. Her body convulsed a little on the bed before remaining still. The Outcast praised himself. He hadn't lost it. Now, it was time to perform his art. And, without losing his smile, he approached the knife to Mary Ann's body and began his disturbing passion.

The two slayers were still leaning against their tree. The "Buffy Hazel" were in a vase that Faith had brought with her the same morning. The dark slayer seemed to have thought about everything, she really wanted everything to be perfect and Buffy could see that her girlfriend was happy like she had never been before... and so was she.

Buffy's hand was tracing crazy patterns on Faith's right leg again while Faith's left had retaken possession of the blonde's neck. They were happy and nothing else mattered.

"So, B. What do you want to do next?"

Buffy blushed a bit at the question. The things that were coming in her mind were all related to bed and well, let's say "clotheless."

"We can go to the Magic Box and train or..."

Buffy's index was now on Faith's lips and suddenly the dark slayer had trouble to remember how to breathe, how to swallow, there was so much love in the hazel eyes that were looking at her, so much... lust also.

"What I want to do is... YOU."

Was Faith blushing? Oh, yes, she was and Buffy found it the cutest thing in the world... Faith blushing because of sex, that was in complete opposition with the tough girl attitude but, hell, she had dropped it a long time ago with Buffy.

"If you can catch me, I'll be yours for the rest of the day... you wanted us to be even. This is my way. I don't want picnic anymore today, I don't want anything but you. So, you catch me, we go back home and... do I have to continue?"

Faith shook her head, still unable to speak. She wanted it as much as Buffy and she knew that now, she had the same lust and love in her eyes, reflecting Buffy's. She saw the petite slayer stood up, then saw her running. She counted till three then stood up and began the chase.

Both girls were giggling watching the other running. Buffy was still a few feet ahead but she knew that Faith would eventually catch her...even if she had to slow down... it wasn't a chase she wanted to win... even if in that case, she would finally win. She could hear Faith's laugh behind her and it was so good to hear. Finally, Faith had given up all her fears and doubts, and was enjoying the present moment like it should be.

Faith had glimpse of Buffy's smile in front of her and her happiness increased with the sight. She was the one who made Buffy happy, she was the one she loved and it counted so much for the brunette. Life was worth it, since she had been with Buffy, she had discovered it and the older slayer was responsible for this discovery and Faith was so thankful for that. They were in love and nothing else mattered, they were together and they would remain together.

Finally, Faith jumped and grabbed Buffy. The slayers were on the ground now and were rolling together still giggling, still laughing and enjoying the presence of the other's body on theirs.

"Now, can I take you in my arms and bring you home, B?"

"I'm all yours and you know it, Fairy."

"Oh yeah but, before..."

Faith slowly put her lips on Buffy's and they began a long and so sensuous kiss, the kind of kiss that could melt clothes just because of the increase of their bodies heat, the kind of kiss that always made them see stars, the kind of kiss both of them wanted to freeze into.

Faith was sweating but didn't want to be the first to break the kiss. It was a contest that she wanted to win and she knew that Buffy felt the same. Then, a shiver. She wasn't supposed to feel a shiver in her state, what did it mean? And Buffy? Why the hell had she suddenly stopped kissing her? Faith slowly removed her face from Buffy's, locking her gaze in her girlfriend's and immediately saw that there was a problem.

"You've finished?"

"Er... B..."

"OK, lady. As I can see, you're not very talkative. So, I don't know where we are and why you're kissing me like that and I don't care, was probably too drunk to remember. I don't mind doing girl as long as I get paid. So, it's two pennies."

"But... B, what's wrong we you?"

The blonde pulled Faith away and continued while standing up.

"I repeat, I don't mind to be your "bee" as long as you pay me," and saying it, she extended her hand.

"What are you talking about, B? Is it a game? I don't think it's funny."

"OK, lady. You don't want to pay, I'm done with you. See you," and a shocked Faith saw her girlfriend move away.

Faith's mind was in torment. What the hell had just happened? Why was B behaving like this? Her mind was checking the events of the previous minutes and she perfectly remembered the happiness and the kiss then... the shiver... magic, that was the only explanation. And, thinking about it, Buffy didn't act like Buffy. It wasn't Buffy's way of behaving for sure but it wasn't her way to move, her way to speak. She had a curious accent now, a British accent, since when did Buffy speak with a British accent? And her gaze, it was so un-Buffy. Then, she ran after the thing that had just stolen her girlfriend's body.

"B, wait!"

She didn't have to run for long before joining the blonde. Faith noticed right away that something was wrong. The other girl seemed lost.

"B, what..."

"It's you, isn't it. You are the one who brought me here."

"What the fuck are you talking about?"

The blonde ran again and Faith followed her, she could see distress in the other woman's eyes, and fear. She finally caught her in a small street, grabbed her hand and forced her to listen to her.

"What did I do?"

"You... you are a sorceress... help, please help."

"What's wrong with you?"

"Look at this place, these chariots that moved without horses, these buildings that are so high and your clothes? This isn't London, this isn't Britain. Where are we?"

"But... In Sunnydale, America."

"Oh, I see, so, what the colonists told us was true, you have accepted the devil's help to gain your independence, this place is indeed a place of evil, I can smell it, all of you, you're evil."

"B? What are you..."

"And stop calling me your bee! My name is Eddowes, Catherine Eddowes. I'm not your toy... I... Oh God, I'm lost in Hell."

Faith put her hands on the blonde's shoulders, she wanted to comfort her, or to comfort Buffy, she couldn't prevent herself to think about her as Buffy. But the girl pulled her away and began to run shouting.

"You're evil, you're a sorceress, you're the offspring of Satan. Someone help me, please..."

Faith was lost again, the blonde was running and soon would vanish in the streets. Looking around her, she noticed a dustbin with its metallic cover. She took the cover in her hand and throw it- to the blonde like a freesbee, tears in her eyes.

"Sorry, B."

The Scoobies were gathered at the Magic Box, as usual. Dawn wouldn't be long before coming back for school but the other were there. Anya was busy with fellow and pro-American customers while Willow, Tara and Xander were sitting around the table. Xander was the most excited of all.

"Faith, in a skirt? Oh, I so want to see it."

"No... you're not supposed to know it... W... Willow, you shouldn't have..."

"I know, honey. You should punish me." Then, noticing the strange look in the two other's eyes, she added. "Oh... I... I... wasn't... It was just a joke, a metaphor or something... Nothing... Well.."

"Well, we... We should be careful. If Faith learned that we know it..."

"Big trouble for us, yes, I know and I bet Buffy wouldn't help us."

The phone rang and Xander took it to see if his new gadget worked. He had just installed the little device that could read the caller's number.

"It's from House Summers. Guess the little slayers have found time to call us...Do you think they are making a break."

"Hello, Magic Box. What can we do for you? Aphrodisiacs?"

"Xander!" and the carpenter feel suddenly two elbows in his ribs. One by witch.

"Aouch!"

It was at that moment that he noticed that something was wrong. There was no answer at the phone. He quickly switched the speaker on and asked:

"Buffy? Faith? Is everything alright?"

Then, they heard a tiny teary voice answering:

"I... I hit her!"

Suite PARTS 5-8