TITRE : Sister Slayers AUTEUR : Tidal Wave FEEDBACK : TidalWave@wanadoo.fr SPOILERS : Right after 'Enemies' (except that Faith did kiss Buffy on the mouth instead of the forehead like it was originally written) RATING : NC-17 DISCLAIMER : Faith, Buffy et tous les autres personnages appartiennent à Joss Whedon, WB, etc. RESUME : After unmasking Faith and choosing to take hindsight with Angel, Buffy is being brought to the Bronze by the rest of the gang who tries to cheer her up...

PARTS 1-5

PARTS 6-10

PARTS 11-15

PARTS 16-19

PART 1

The Bronze was crowded when they entered it. Willow, Oz, Xander and Buffy.

"Guys I really don't think that's a good idea. I know you're trying to help but-"

"No turning back Buffy, I promised you'd have fun tonight and you will."

"Thanks Will but that's ok, I'm ok." Buffy said very distractedly.

Xander frowned, "Yeah you sure look very happy."

"It's been a very rough night for you, and with Angel and, well... just wanted to cheer you up."

"I know Will but really I'm ok. Angel and I, well, I just need some time apart to deal with that, but it's really not a big deal."

Buffy didn't seem really focused on what she was saying while they were still moving deeper inside the Bronze.

"Not a big deal? All this stuff with the Mayor, Faith and Faith?!!" Willow suddenly exclaimed staring straight at the dance floor on which the brunette slayer was dancing wildly surrounded by several guys.

"She's got a cheek!!!" Xander exclaimed in his turn.

"Yes. Coming here now after what happened, she's venturesome."

"What are we gonna do? We can all lay into her and beat her or not, yes not really a good idea." Willow shied away.

"No, no..." Buffy slowly said, still absent-minded.

"You're right Buffy, it wasn't a good idea to come here, you should go back and deal with her later. I don't think you're in a good state of mind for a fight with her now and here."

"Huh?" Buffy said then she shook her head. "No that's ok, I'm ok."

"Hey where are you going?!" Willow grabbed Buffy's arm as this one started to move forward to the dance floor.

"To Faith."

"But you can't Buffy, you don't seem... Xander's right you should wait." Willow sounded worried.

Buffy looked at the dance floor, Faith was now rather leaning on the guys around her than dancing with them as she seemed to be very drunk.

"No that's ok, there'll be no problems, don't worry, wait for me here and oh Xander?" she asked, "Go search for Cordelia please, I saw her in the corner, we're gonna need her."

"Need Cordelia? Buffy are you alright?"

"Yes just do it please."

"Ok but why am I always the one with the worst task?"

Buffy didn't pay attention to him as she was already on her way to the heat of the Bronze.

A blond guy was almost holding Faith completely, he and two of his friends were surrounding her, their hands NOT in their pockets. He looked at his friends then talked to Faith.

"Hey babe let's go to a quiet place don't you want?"

The red head one moved forward, "Just take her there you stupid while she-"

"-huh I think I should go, huh, I feel sick." she looked half conscious.

"That's ok babe, we're gonna take care of you." The blond one said with a wicked grin.

"Well that's really nice of you guys but I don't think she's gonna need your help, thanks anyway and good night."

"Who are you?" They all stared at Buffy who was just beside them.

"Wanna join us?" the red-head guy added while putting his arm on Buffy's ass which he shouldn't have done.

She restrained herself from breaking it but at least she put his shoulder's out of joint and punched the blond one that was about to hit her, it caused him to let go of Faith who landed into Buffy's arms, the three guys left very fast.

Faith after this little rush tried to fix her eyes open and saw Buffy, she immediately pulled apart and threw her fist at her but with the level of alcohol that was currently running in her blood, Buffy could have been wearing a lightening pumpkin on her head that she still would have missed her face, instead she turned round on herself, carried along by her run-up, and would have fallen on the ground if Buffy had not caught her again. She blocked her against herself, Faith's back against her chest and held the brunette's hands crossed on her belly.

"You're offside Faith."

"Lemme go!" Faith said barely trying to free herself.

"No. You're staying with me."

"Why are you here? Thought you'd be celebrating your victory with your vamp..."

"How did you manage to put you in such a state?"

But Faith couldn't hear her anymore.

"Let's go." Buffy whispered as she carried Faith by the waist as she could hardly walk.

When she arrived to her friends they all stared at her with wide eyes.

"Wow, she's had more than she can take I believe." Oz said looking at Faith whose face was paler than a vamp's one.

"I know. Xander did you get Cordy?"

"I'm coming I'm coming so what- God Faith, what's wrong with her? And more importantly why did you interrupt me when I was about to be invited by Chad for his big party? So whatever it is make it fast."

"Do you ever breathe?" Xander asked sarcastically.

"She's done, I'm bringing her home. I need you to drive us back please."

Cordelia raised an eyebrow, "You must be kidding me right?"

"For once she's right Buffy. After what she's done? Why are you doing this? Bringing her to her place, to the police or a locked up place I would agree but-"

"I wasn't talking about that though the sneeky witch is right too, I was talking about letting a very drunk psychopath in my car... my very expensive car... She's gonna vomit everywhere, that's impossible!"

"Please Cordelia, you can't leave us here and by the way we're not bringing her to her place, but to mine."

"This time you're really mad" Xander's eyes widdened.

"No that's ok. I know what I'm doing, it's the last chance we have to-" she trailed off.

"To what exactly Buffy?" Oz asked, intrigued.

Buffy hesitated while looking at Faith who seemed unconscious now. Cordelia looked at her, at them.

"Alright, let me just get my invitation and-"

"I think it's over for the big party fiesta Cordy." Xander said pointing out Chad kissing a blonde girl.

"You know what, I hate you... all of you." Cordelia started walking straight towards the door, they all followed.

PART 2

"Here Xander, help me get her feet there, yes like that." Buffy said as she pulled Faith towards her while Xander sat beside.

"Sorry guys but one of you will have to walk home."

"No it's good Cordelia, there like that, see?" Buffy lifted an unconscious Faith onto her lap and against her chest, putting her arm around her waist to hold her still.

"Ok." Willow nodded though giving Xander a skeptical look then she sat beside him. Oz then sat on the passenger seat, next to Cordelia.

"Let's go and fast." Cordelia told them as she started her engine.

"Oh God." Willow looked paler after the first bend.

"Yeah Will, C.C. driving; I bet you're really thanking God you didn't drink or eat before."

"The thing is that... I did." Willow said in embarrass.

"Oh please, you can all walk back if you want? After all I'm doing you a favour there, so shut up will you? And if you vomit I swear I-"

"B..."

They all stopped to look at the younger slayer, but no, she seemed still unconscious.

"It's ok just watch the road Cordelia please." Buffy said as she slowly lifted Faith again a little bit in order to settle her more comfortably.

"You can't take me..." Faith mumbled in her confusion.

She opened an eye and saw Buffy just above her and closed it as soon.

"No one can take me..."

"Yeah I know that already, Faith." Buffy sighed as she put a stroke of hair out of Faith's face.

"There you are; revello drive. I think that's the stop. Everybody out!" Cordelia claimed without looking at them.

"Ok." Xander raised his brows and Willow opened the door.

Buffy did the same on her side and got out with Faith in her arms.

"Wait Buffy, let me help." Willow headed to Buffy.

"No that's ok. I'll handle her, you can go home."

"Buffy? We're not gonna leave you with her. And I think she's getting awake."

"Hey I'm a super girl, with supernatural powers remember? I really can handle her for tonight, don't worry guys."

"Well yes maybe tonight but what about tomorrow?" Oz jumped into the talk.

"Tomorrow..." Buffy repeated with a look on Faith. "Don't worry guys. I'll call you. Cordelia since you're still here, could you please bring them home? That'll be SO very nice from you."

"I'm never very nice with you, only when I don't have the choice, which obviously I don't since mister goofy is behind my car, and despite the pleasure I would feel running over him I have other plans than joining your sudden friend in jail. So if the only way to get back to my home is bring them to theirs then I don't have the choice. But fast, I want to get out of here, and far from you."

"That's so very nice queen C!" Xander said while jumping on the passenger seat.

Willow and Oz climbed behind.

"Be careful Buffy. And don't forget to call."

Cordelia started her engine and they disappeared in an amazing bend.

"Poor Willow, she's really gonna throw up."

Buffy turned Faith back to her and took her by the waist to help her walk.

"Faith can you hear me?"

"B? B-Buffy w-what are you doi- what am I doing here?" Faith tried to free herself from Buffy's arms but Buffy held her tight, luckily for the brunette who would already be on the ground otherwise.

"God Faith. Let's help you get inside."

"What are you doing there miss Summers... getting on well with the enemy." Faith half laughed.

"You're not the enemy Faith, not mine, only yours."

"Oh please, drank too much for your two cents philosophy B, just let me go now."

She pushed Buffy aside then lost her balance and almost tripped on the few steps to the porch but Buffy caught her again. Faith burst out laughing.

"Just like my mother. Stumbling around at 4 a.m, being thrown out of a car after a cheap fuck. That wasn't cool, had to carry her inside ya know cause the neighbors could've thought she was an alcoholic huh huh..."

Faith laughed ironically and missed a step, luckily Buffy was still there to catch her again. She stepped inside the house with Faith still laughing.

"Shh hush please. You'll be better tomorrow Faith, you'd better-"

"Yes just like my mom except I didn't screw anyone tonight but you did, you really fucked me... but not the right way."

Buffy let go of Faith who tried to climb, rather try to creep the first stairs leading upstairs then she turned around. Buffy was still stunned and trying to figure out the meaning of what she just heard.

"What? I'm drunk I can say whatever I want and I- ohhh..."

She fell but Buffy had the reflex to hurry and catch her before she hit the floor. Faith just crashed in her arms. An upstair's door opened and the lights were turned on.

"Buffy? Buffy what's happening? It's Faith. Is she sick? Something went wrong with the mission you had tonight with those books?" Joyce asked while closing her bathrobe and trying to keep her eyes open.

"No no it's ok mom. She's, she's ok. Go back to sleep."

"Oh hey miss S," Faith laughed, "Everything went smoothly with the books miss S. You've got a good girl, she did a good job. Fight the evil and keep justice in the world." Faith tried to emphasize with big gestures.

"Faith stop it!" Buffy had to hold her tighter as her legs weren't holding her anymore.

"Buffy she's drunk?! What have you done? Did you drink too? Who drove you back?" Joyce looked half furious, half worried.

"It's ok mom I didnt drink. She's just, please mom go back to bed. I'll explain later, please."

"Well... ok then." Joyce said seeing the sudden distress on both girl's eyes.

"If you need me..." She closed her door again.

Faith was silent now. Buffy inhaled deeply.

"Let me go, it's better that way." Faith tried to move away, thinking Buffy would let her go after that scene but instead the blonde girl lifted her and took her in her arms to carry her upstairs.

"But why B? Lemme go, kick me out of here." Faith barely mumbled through her teeth though she hung strongly at Buffy's shoulders and let her head fall in Buffy's neck.

Once in the room she carried her to the bed, Faith barely pushed Buffy away as she put her onto it then collapsed, asleep.

**My God Faith. How did you do to put yourself in such a state? Why?... Anyway, you won't be awake until a long moment, got a phone call to make**

PART 3

"You realise what you're asking me to do Buffy?"

Angel was standing straight in the Summer's living room, looking at Buffy who was sitting in the armchair, elbows on her knees and head in hands. She looked up at him.

"I know what it means, well I-I know it's hard but it has to be done. If we want to help her. It's the last chance to get her back."

"So you really want her back?"

"This isn't the point, we can't let her take that path. I'm doing that for her."

Angel gave her a very inquisitive and suspicious look.

"Angel I know what I'm asking is really-"

"No it's fine. Yes it has to be done and I'll never let you do it but what bugs me, well not bugs me but..."

He paused for a short while then went on,
"This evening you told me you needed time. Time to forget about all this, to forget about Faith and now-"

"It's because it's a chance, she's not, I can't..." Buffy stopped.

"You don't have to explain to me and I'm not arguing. I just wanted to make sure you really know what you are asking me and most of all that you are asking that for her, for Faith, Buffy. Now I'm on it. It'll be done, tonight if I can."

Angel turned around and headed to the door. He gave her a last gaze as she was now standing up in the living room.

"Thank you." she said as she walked forward a little bit.

"Yes." he sighed then he left.

She closed the door and looked upstairs then walked up. She slowly opened her bedroom's door and carefully entered inside. She was sleeping, across the bed, flat on her stomach, an arm around Buffy's pillow.

How threatening!

Buffy smiled at that thought.

**So what do I do now? Don't wanna wake her up, well I think that would be hard in the state she is but... maybe I should sleep in the spare-room in order to... but what if she wakes up? That really wouldn't be careful from me to leave her alone in the room, with my weapons and all... and with mom in the other room. I really should sleep with her, I mean beside her, yes that would be more careful. Yes, gonna do that... just because it is more safe, the only reason**

Once convinced she went to the bathroom and came back in her pajamas. She walked towards the bed and climbed slowly onto it. She carefully removed Faith's arm from the pillow and pushed her leg aside a little bit in order to get under the sheets and then finally turned off the light. Faith moved on her right side and was back to her. Buffy was lying on her back, staring at the ceiling. She didn't dare looking beside her, looking at her. Not sure of anything anymore, the situation seemed quite unreal to her now. Why had she done this? It was Faith, she'd done all that. She was... bad, she hated her, then why? And most importantly what now? What was the next step, when she'd wake up tomorrow.

**I'm probably not gonna find sleep tonight**

Faith turned around again on her left side this time, face to Buffy and her arm automatically went back where it was, but instead of the pillow it found Buffy's chest this time, across her chest, then took its final place for the night around her waist. Buffy gave a jump at first but didn't move as to not wake her up. She waited, Faith was still peacefully asleep... And after only a few moments Buffy in her turn easily fell into a peaceful sleep as well.

Sunbeams pierced through the window but way before they appeared Buffy felt an intense warmth around her. That kept her asleep very long, it was now noon. She slowly moved her arm and yawned.

**Mmm summer's coming!! How good it feels, so warm**

Then she frowned, more and more, then opened her eyes. This time she remembered the night's event and that... she was just beside her. Buffy was seized by a little fear first but Faith's warmth cleared that feeling and quickly got all of Buffy's attention again. And she realised where Faith's hand was. Her arm had moved again during the night and her hand was now just on Buffy's left breast. Buffy was a little embarrassed but did not move it away.

**She's sleeping**

She felt her moving, she was slowly waking up and she finally opened an eye.

"Buffy..." she said while struggling to open the other one and suddenly she jumped out of bed.

"What the fuck-!! Ahohh my head God what did you do to me bitch?!!" she took her head in between her hands.

Buffy was astonished first but quickly came back to reality, out of bed too.

"What YOU did to yourself psycho!!"

"Fuck off! What am I doing here? And ya'd better not scream at me again!! God my head's gonna explode, your fault!!"

"I didn't get you drunk missy and for your guidance I'm not screaming but you must have the worst hangover ever seen considering the state you were in yesterday evening."

Faith seemed a little calmer now, in fact she had to because of the hurt in her head, but she was still gazing angrily at Buffy, she was trying to think a little bit.

**Yesterday? With Buffy? God I can't remember... Oh yes...**

"That still doesn't explain to me why I'm here? And what you were doing to me right now, abusing my sleep and-"

"Abusing you-what?! Hey! Whose hand was on my-"

"Ok stop it now!" Faith gestured with her arms to stop talking, and she walked backwards a little bit as if to think. Buffy calmed herself down too.

"Listen Faith y-"

"Why'd you bring me here, Buffy?"

Buffy looked bothered.

"I thought, I thought I could- there was a way... to... I don't know."

"I do. Thought there was a way for you to be again miss holy saint, savior of all lost souls and bad asses in Sunnydale and the world. Well give up the bad ass. I'm not gonna be another one of your feat barbie."

She moved to leave but Buffy stopped her by the arm.

"Hey back off, you wanna fight?"

"I don't."

"Then back off and go on with your perfect life."

She moved again but Buffy tightened her grip and looked at her.

"Is that what you really want, Faith? If yes then don't take me as an excuse to do so. If I am so wrong about you then go, but I think I know you Faith, it is not what you want. Not what you wanted at least, now I'm not sure anymore. You'd rather fuck up your life totally, hurt people who care for you, be mean just in order to not accept some help, my help. Do you hate me that much Faith?"

"I don't ha-" Faith stopped abruptly and turned her look away from Buffy.

"This is not for me. All of this. Thought we'd worked this clean, we've been through that already and it's obvious-"

"We've been through nothing! You barely tried to fit in with us and I barely tried to help you to. But we've spent most of the time watching our respective failure in both cases. Avoiding each other, apart from the slaying. We've been trying our best not to be close because I think... we are. Being slayers I guess, anyway, for a reason that I don't explain to myself we've kept trying to break this sort of bound that was innate. And for this I'm really sorry because none of this would've happened."

Faith looked up, breathing deeply then looked at Buffy again.

"Beautiful speech. But the thing is; it happened. This isn't like in the movie, you can't turn back time. Erase the wrong by finally realising it, admitting it. This is not gonna work, Buffy. I go now."

"No you don't." Buffy placed herself in front of Faith, back to the door. "'Cause if you do I know... I know I'll regret it for the rest of my life and you will too. I wasn't sure yesterday of what I was doing by bringing you here. Wasn't sure it was good, it was right but I didn't think, for once I listened to your advice, you know the you think too much one, so I didn't think, I've just felt. I felt I had to do it. But today I know that it was right. I'm not letting you go anywhere. Even if I have to tie you up for that."

"You know you're not gonna keep me against my will, B?"

"I count on you not to have to try."

Faith sighed, moved backward and sat on the bed.

"Don't have much time B. Better hurry. What's your plan?"

PART 4

Buffy seemed a little confused now.

"Well err...a plan, I need a plan? Err yes of course err I thought to start err... maybe you could stay here."

Faith got up.

"This is not funny, Buffy. What game are you playing at? Must be the headache made me stay here all that time. Enough messing up with me. Either we fight or you get out of my way NOW!"

Buffy did not move.

"We're not friends, Buffy. Get away from my face."

She pushed her aside and opened the door. Buffy rushed to follow and grabbed her arm again in the corridor.

"Stop now Faith, I swear I'll kick-"

"Girls you're awake. About time!"

"Mom!"

"Miss Summers!" they both said in surprise at the sound of the older Summers. Buffy let go of Faith's arm.

Joyce was in the stairs, coming to them.

"How are you feeling, Faith? Not very well I bet, so you'll get away without sermon this time but that's really not reasonnable to get you sick by alcohol that way."

Before either Buffy or Faith could talk Joyce added, "Anyway, I heard you were awake at last, no time for breakfast anymore but there is broiled chicken waiting for you girls. And aspirins too!"

"Err miss Summers that's very nice but I think-"

"We'll take it with pleasure mom, can't tell you how hungry I am. Thanks mom, we're coming in a minute."

Joyce walked back downstairs.

"B, I -God it's crazy you're just-"

"Shut up now, you've talked enough. I'm actually very hungry. My mother prepared it for us. And I know how you like her cooking so you come with me, wouldn't want to disappoint her, would you? So now you're coming with me."

She took her by the arm and went down to the kitchen. Faith sat at the table opposite to Joyce and Buffy sat beside her.

"Mmm that looks delicious!"

"It is honey. Am I not the best cook in the world?"

"Sure you are mom!" Buffy replied smiling.

"Ain't she, Faith?"

Faith had not started eating yet, she was in deep thoughts. Thinking of the events of the day before and here she was now; at the Summers' lunch ritual , all this seemed too unreal to her. Out of place, out of time.

"Yes." she replied evasively.

"Mom, I'd like to ask you something. I know I didn't talk about it before but... well, would you mind if Faith stays here for a while?"

"What?! No miss Summers, don't listen to- God what are you doing B?"

"Faith please sweetheart, you don't have to be uncomfortable. Buffy, it's been a while since I've told you that she should come here instead of that sordid motel room. That would be so much safer. Alright I know you're a slayer too Faith, and you and my daughter can pretty much fight everything, but for me you're both kids, well, young girls at least, and you shouldn't live by yourself that way. You and Buffy share so many important things and I would be more than pleased if you'd considered yourself at home here."

Faith was kind of stunned and embarrassed too.

"That's very nice of you Miss Summers but it's ok. I'm five by five the way I live and I think I'm too independent, ya know, it wouldn't... well I mean... I ca-"

"Mom is very liberal and as she knows our little chosen one secret she's very flexible concerning our comings and goings from the house, so that is settled then. That'll be fun!" Buffy said scoffing at Faith who just couldn't tell her at that moment how much she loved her right now because of Joyce's presence, and Buffy made the most of that situation for now cause she was well aware that the Faith battle was far from won.

"I have to leave you now girls. Gallery. Work's not gonna be done by itself."

"Ok mom, thanks for staying here with us for lunch, it was delicious." Buffy said as Joyce took her hand bag and smiled.

"Yes miss Summers it was very good. Have a good day at the gallery." Faith honestly told her with a smile.

"I'll probably be back late so don't wait for me tonight."

She left the kitchen then the house. Faith turned her head toward Buffy, her smile was gone.

"What?!" Buffy said as if everything was normal.

"What are you playing at B? Can I have a clue?"

"I'm not playing Faith, I think-"

"You think too much." Faith claimed then got up and walked to the back door which she opened.

Buffy grabbed her by the arm and pulled her backwards, Faith hit her on the face.

"I'm not your friend, Buffy. So don't pretend to be mine."

They were staring at each other, Buffy wipped out the trail of blood escaping from her bottom lip.

"Right. Not friends. I'm just... all you've got."

"You'd like that, huh? Me creeping around you, holy saint Buffy. You can't stand people who don't need you. Sorry to break your fantasy but I don't. I really don't need you, slayer." Faith walked outside again.

"And you're all I've got."

Faith stopped abruptly at these words, she didn't turn around towards Buffy.

"I mean..." Buffy hesitated, her voice cracked a little bit, she took a deep breath and started again.

"You think I want you to stay cause you think that of me. And I may never have given you that impression but I do need you. And I am your friend. I do care for you. I do admit that I never really recognized your importance. Yes I somehow placed myself above you in a certain way, maybe just because I was older, more experienced, but most of all cause I can't stand not to have total control on my life, and I sure have no control, no influences with you and that led me, a lot of times, into having no control on myself and... that scared me, that scares me. I'm not perfect... at all. Since you seem to wanna hear that then I tell you, no I'm not."

They remained silent for a minute.

"You have." Faith said as she turned around.

Buffy looked confused. "What?"

"Control, influence with me." Faith told her, staring straight at her before walking back inside and closing the door behind her, she passed by Buffy and walked up the stairs. Buffy sighed in relief then followed her.

PART 5

Faith was lying across the bed when Buffy entered the room. Her hands behind her head, legs crossed. She was staring at Buffy who seemed quite unsure now, she kept moving slowly from left to right.

**What do I do now? Talk... yes talk, that has been quite successful so far. Talk, exactly**

She remained silent.

"I will need a few things if I have to stay here for a few days 'cause as much as I like leather, I don't sleep with it, and your pajamas... so much for me sorry."

Silence again.

"And maybe cards, to play, ya know."

"Silence frightens you, Faith?"

"Yours only. I'm not much of a talker, y'already know that. Silence I've known my whole life. But you... so when you don't talk it usually doesn't mean any good for me."

"If that's what you think then I'm not preparing any trap, believe me."

"Did you tell'em?" They looked at each other. "That I'm here. Did you tell the super friends about me staying here, about your new plan?"

"This ain't no plan. And... no... they don't know, they're not quite sure of what I'm doing."

"Seems to be the feeling of the day then. So they don't know... yet. So you ARE crazy, that's indeed not a plan. Didn't know I had so much influence with you B."

"You ain't crazy Faith and I'm not either. You're young and free, well so you think, you're rebellious, you're carefree, sometimes you're... yes, you're the way I'd like to be too, sometimes only, but you certainly ain't crazy. You've preferred to label yourself as crazy rather than face the harsh reality. It was a mistake, it was an accident."

"Ok ok stop it! I don't want to talk about that." Faith said as she got up.

"And here we are; keeping it all to yourself, look where it led you?"

"Oh cause you were the great chatter about it, B. All that mattered to you was to mark the limit between you and me, between the one who did it, who made the mistake, who was wrong, and you being on the other side. Now you're gonna tell me you've tried to help me, NO, you tried to help YOU, marking me the wrong one, making sure you had nothing to do with it."

She was looking angrily at Buffy then looked through the window.

"What am I doing here, that's nonsense." she took a cigarette from her pocket.

"I freaked out. You were not the only one. And again if that can make you happy I'm not perfect, you're probably right for a lot of things there. It was too big, too big for you and for me too. And yes you would've needed help at that moment and I wasn't there. Cause I needed help too and I didn't turn to you. I, in fact, didn't really turn to no one because the only one I should have was you and instead I used you in a way to get me out of it all, and I know it put you down even more. I know this and that's why you're here. This is not nonsense, this is me trying to make it right. I know this is almost as much my fault as yours. I really do understand what you feel Faith and you're the only one who can understand what I'm saying right now. I need you to stay and... forgive me."

Faith turned her head away from Buffy. She tried to talk but couldn't, she looked at her again as if to be sure Buffy wasn't joking, but no she really was serious, grave and expecting.

"Me?... To forgive you? Is something - I-I'm not sure I understand quite everything here."

Faith seemed confused and ashamed somehow, thinking of her misdeeds of these past weeks and the pleading eyes of Buffy today.

"Yes, because if you can forgive me, then you can forgive yourself and you can live again. And I also could forgive me... and you... and live again too. Please, I'd like to have another chance."

Faith was still skeptic. She looked at her feet, then around her furtively and then at Buffy again with, this time, hope and expectations. She opened her mouth but closed it as soon, she hesitated. Buffy looked at her expectantly too.

"I'd like to have another chance too. Can you really do that?" her tone was half fearful, half hopeful.

"I really want to at least, so I think we can try."

Faith inhaled deeply, thoughtfully, "Ok."

They both sighed and looked aside then at each other again.

**Oh God thank you, never thought she'd accept, never thought she'd come back to m- what am I saying? Well let's not fuck things up now, gotta keep her busy for the moment, at least until tomorrow. What can we do? Can't go outside yet**

"Ok, maybe we can prepare the spare room for you."

**oops no I should not leave her alone for the moment, too unstable, might run away. **

"-err no they are still cardboards and stuff from the gallery. You'd better stay in my room for a few nights then we'll make it yours and we'll bring your stuff back."

**Oops again, she's gonna want to go take them now, may meet-**

"Why don't we go bring'em now?"

"No! I mean, we've got time and like I said, the spare room is really cluttered up right now."

"I don't have a lot of stuff you know, well not in my motel room at least." Faith thoughfully with a bit of regret in voice.

**God he paid her a place, probably big and - cool**

"We'll bring everything I swear, tomorrow ok?"

Faith nodded suspiciously, "What makes you nervous, B?"

"I'm not nervous."

"If I really wanted to go... well, let's just say that I wouldn't be here talking to you right now. Seems that-" She hesitated then riveted her eyes on Buffy's as she went on, "-seems like you were right... I - maybe I don't want to leave."

Long silence. They were still looking at each other.

"I said I was gonna try, so I will try."

Buffy couldn't help a little smile. Faith smiled with her eyes at that, then walked backward and lied down the bed on her back.

"So what do we do now? You don't have school today?" she asked, not really sure about the answer she wanted to hear.

She perfectly knew that she, alone, could run again and she, at that moment, wasn't sure if it was a bad thing or not, so she knew if Buffy left the house now...

"No I don't go, don't wanna, what's more I have a guest today, gotta take care." Buffy playfully said as she lied down on the bed too on her stomach beside Faith.

Suite PARTS 6-10