Fic: It Could Happen (stripper fic)

[Chance]

It Could Happen
Chance
Rating: R
Couples: W/T, F/?
Spoilers: I don't think so. It's uberfic.
Archiving: Umm... ask, is all.
Feedback: I love it, I live for it, I wish I got more.
Disclaimer: These characters don't belong to me. I love them, but they're not mine. I promise to put them back when they're done. Moment of silence for Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy -- you're the bomb.

Part 1

On the way over, she had stopped to check how she looked. The long black leather coat looked good over the blue shirt she was wearing. Still a fan of peasant’s shirts, despite her ex-lover’s influence, she wore it well. She had wondered for a time if she could bring herself to do what she was planning, but once started it wasn’t that hard. She paid the taxi driver his fee, and tipped him generously. She thought she might have had some trouble getting in, as it was normally a men’s only place. But once there, the blond waved off the bouncers with ease once they recognized her. She was a woman walking into a strip club. She was sure it had happened before, perhaps not here, but it had. All of this fuss because her best friend in the world decided she needed to do something out of character. They had been sitting at the breakfast table, and she had been receiving yet another lecture on how she did nothing but the necessities in life. “That’s no way to live. You have to do something crazy, something wild. Something no one would ever suspect. Just live a little, Blondie.” And after thinking about it all day, she decided it wasn’t the worst plan. Why not just go do something she’d never do?

Her eyes scanned the club, taking in some brunette gyrating herself against a pole on stage. She contemplated how much she missed sex, briefly. Thinking that thought in itself was out of character, she wondered what Faith was doing to her. She smiled. She knew what Faith wasn’t doing to her. They were better off as friends. So, here she was, in a strip club, staring at women she’d never be able to touch. How torturous. Why did she decide to do this? And suddenly the very nagging feeling of eyes distracted her. She glanced in the direction from which the gaze was coming from.

A redhead dressed in a magician’s cloak sat on a barstool, sipping a screwdriver. The drink was somewhat appropriate for her, she didn’t look like the type to be drinking hard liquor straight, and she didn’t seem very mixed drink-ish. It was the combination that made Tara smile. The redhead looked back up, seemingly to look in her direction again, and upon finding that she was caught, she looked back down at her drink, with a beautiful smile on her face. “What do you know?” Tara thought. “Here’s to living a little.”

* * * * *

The pulsating club beat boxed into her ears, while her jaw hung agape. Her eyes stared disbelieving at the performance before her. Moments earlier she had been chatting with a mostly shy and very beautiful red head right around her age. She was now watching this same shy girl do a strip tease the likes of which she didn’t know if she ever recover from. What amazed her most was that the striptease was being aimed completely at her, and for a few moments, they were sharing an intimate moment, something this place had never seen.

She was putting on quite a performance, she knew. She had put her heart into it like she never had before. It was all for a woman. Never before had she allowed some stranger hitting on her to affect her this deeply. She wondered at it, like it was some sort of puzzle in her mind that she was trying to break. She couldn’t. She knew it wasn’t the words the woman had used, but her gentle manner, and her clear blue laughing eyes. Those eyes had drawn her in from the first moment. And even now, as she used her hands and ran them along her body, those eyes were the ones that she was watching. She could see the surprise and passion behind them. She knew she wanted to take those eyes home.

She ran a hand through her long blond hair watching those green eyes even as they closed in the slightest hint of ecstasy. There was something about this one that was different, she could see it all ready. The contradictions and the charm, everything about her that made Tara feel as if she could love this one forever. She had felt that way about her ex once too. And she had been right, at least to some degree. She hoped that she was right about this one, too. The incessant vibration of her cell phone on her thigh finally woke her to reality. She flashed an apologetic smile at the stripper, who acknowledged it without any action to prove she had. Reluctantly, she backed up into the bathroom.

“Hello?” She asked; already her voice was rushed.

“Hey.” This voice was slow and easy, deliberate.

“Oh, it’s you. What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, wondering where you were.”

“I took you up on that advice. Are you gonna be home tonight, or are you doing that thing again?” Having every suspicion that thing was probably a woman she picked up a few nights ago.

“I’m doing my thing. Why? We need to talk, or you want the apartment to yourself?”

Tara grinned. “I was kind of looking for the apartment.”

“Finally!” She could hear laughing on the other end.

“Anything happen tonight I should know about?”

“I’m five by five, Blondie.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Have a good time, and do something stupid, will ya?”

When she walked back into the club, the red head was offstage. She sighed, glancing around for her, no sight of her. “Oh well.” She thought, knowing it was going to be empty in the apartment all by herself. She felt a tap on her shoulder. Turning, she couldn’t keep the grin off of her face.

“How about that drink you promised me?” The redhead asked. Blue eyes met green, and for a moment, they were connected in a way neither had been in a very long time. Too long, Tara thought, as she followed the redhead back to the bar.

She felt herself give into the charms of the blond girl. Every flirtatious touch seemed to speak volumes more. She was intrigued; she could admit that. It had been so long since she felt that way, since he left, she supposed. Her friends had told her he would; they had told her guys in bands were trouble. Well, this was definitely not a guy in a band sitting across from her. “You don’t play guitar, do you?”

“No, why do you ask?” Tara looked at her, a smile playing across her lips, guessing at the answer.

“No reason. If you don’t mind me asking, why would a woman come into a place like this?”

Tara smiled, and it seemed to be a multi-layered expression. “Why would a man?” Keeping her voice light, but thick with intention.

Willow felt the answer all over her body in the form of hot tingles on her spine. “Speaking of which, isn’t this club men’s only?”

“As I recall, yes.” Tara smiled again, and Willow couldn’t help but notice how beautiful Tara really was. She answered the unasked question. “I know the owner.”

This hit Willow hard. Willow had never met the owner, who was a notorious recluse, but completely involved in the business. He requested a Polaroid be taken at every interview, so he could look the applicant over. He hand-picked his girls. If Willow had anything to say about it, he picked very well. The owner was also not known as the straightest player with the law, and that worried her slightly. Could this blond woman with a genuine smile actually be some sort of criminal? Not entirely impossible. Willow had learned over the years people are never what you suspect. At the same time, Willow got a good vibe from her, something that made her want to share the entirety of her life with this woman. It was much too soon for that; Willow had too many secrets to share them all. The quiet moment of reflection for Willow was not lost on Tara. She hurried to come up with something to resume conversation, and wound up with “How does a girl like you wind up working in a place like this?”

Tara was being gentle, Willow knew. How does a girl like you wind up a stripper? How does a girl like me answer this question, Willow wondered. She closed her eyes, and opened them again, her resolve face on. “I need the money.” She lied. There was no other way to answer.

“That’s as good a reason as any, I suppose.” Tara replied, hoping Willow wouldn’t notice Tara knew of her indiscretion. Willow picked upon it anyway.
“I guess it is.” Willow smiled. Neither of them pushed. They smiled at each other. Both had secrets they had waited years to tell both had saved them for someone they felt this comfortable with. The only thing to do now, both of them thought, is to get very very drunk.

* * * *

Several drinks later, they were on their way back to Tara’s apartment. Their first kiss had been chaste, Willow might even say sweetly innocent, if given the opportunity. Tara noticed the taxi driver eyeing the back seat more than the road, and she leaned up and whispered something in his ear. From then on in, the taxi driver remained mostly focused on the road, as if his life depended on it. Briefly, Willow flirted with the idea that it very well might. She got a thrill from how dangerous the situation could be. She enjoyed it. When she turned back to Tara she found she was meeting warm lips, she moaned softly at the taste and wonderful softness she found in the depths of Tara’s eager mouth. There was a wonderful feeling of solace and comfort. She felt completely at ease, and completely on fire.

Tara slipped a hand under Willow’s sweatshirt, rejoicing in this silky smooth skin she found hidden underneath, it warmed the cool flesh of her hand. Originally, she had found Willow enticing in her “costume”. But when she returned to Tara’s side from the dressing room, now clothed in a sweatshirt and loose jeans, she found the redhead undeniably sexy. She had wanted to worship the temple of Willow’s body using the soft contours of her own, effectively creating a new religion with their sex. There is something about a girl in a sweatshirt and jeans that make them feel like home. Tara was taking full advantage of the situation; greedily covering the avenues open to her in this taxi with her hands, fully acknowledging the desire building within her. Faith had never been hers like this. Faith was elusive, mysterious, and sexy in a volatile way – Faith had never been one to just relax, to just let herself swim in someone else’s attentions. Tara had never been able to express herself clearly enough to ask for that, they had never been good with communication. And now she found herself totally involved in a relationship that was currently non-verbal, and totally understanding. It was different; it was what she had desired for so long.

A smile tugged at her lips when her ministrations caused Willow to moan in pleasure. She pulled back, dropping her hands after running them completely over the redhead’s torso for the last time. Those green eyes she had come to adore flew open, disappointed at the loss of contact. “Hey!”

Tara glanced at her and smiled, running her hand over her newly acquired lover’s, sliding their fingers together. “What’s your name?”

This caused Willow to stop, she realized just then that she was on her way to someone’s apartment whose name she didn’t know. “Willow.” She knew she couldn’t lie, she didn’t even want to try.

“That’s pretty.” Tara looked back out the window before Willow got the chance to ask hers.

* * * *

They hopped in the freight elevator, riding it to the top floor of an old building. They rode the whole way locked into a kiss. When the door opened on the apartment, Willow was not surprised that it was gorgeous. Tara looked like she had some taste. The apartment covered the entire floor, and was obviously shared with someone else. “Do you live with someone?”

Tara smiled. “How could you tell?”

“The leather pants don’t seem your style.” Willow pointed at a pair of black pants on the floor, and smiled. “Unless I’m wrong.”

Tara bent over and picked them up, folding them. “I live with an old friend.” The tone of Tara’s voice giving away more than she would have intended.

“How old?” Willow asked, suffering from the same problem. She knew what she was really asking was “how friendly?” it wouldn’t matter much either way. She liked Tara, trusted her, and she would probably sleep with her anyway. But any hope Willow had of continuing this relationship might have been crushed with her response.

“We were lovers, for a long time. We have a lot of history.” Tara’s voice was weighted and weary. “But we’re just friends now… we’re just friends who look out for each other.”

Willow smiled, and backed Tara up against a wall, assaulting her mouth with her own. Tara pushed her back gently, smiled, and said “It’s Tara.” It took Willow a moment to understand. Then they both smiled and went back to the kiss that was interrupted.

****

Faith smelled the coffee as she strolled through the door, and immediately grinned. Tara only made coffee when she hadn’t slept most of the night, and the only time Tara didn’t sleep through the night was when Faith kept her up the whole night. Which meant that things went well. “The sex must have been incredible if you’re making coffee.” She called out, dropping her keys on the front table, and rounding the corner with the paper. She was confronted with a very red Tara and a very familiar grinning redhead. For a second, she wondered if Tara had picked up one of her old tricks. Then she realized it was Willow – Willow worked in the strip club. Working off of Tara’s expression, she apologized. “Oh, sorry.”

Tara shook her head and rose to pour Faith some coffee. “Faith, this is Willow, Willow this is Faith.”

Faith looked over Willow, and then sat down backwards in a seat. “Five by five. How ya doin’?” She asked, an easy smile spreading over her lips, directing it specifically at Willow.

“Very well.” Willow smiled back, easily spotting the sexuality that poured from Faith’s skin. She was irresistibly sexy. She wondered why she and Tara broke up, and why they stayed within reach of each other. She met Faith’s eyes, and it seemed as though Faith looked right through her.

Faith leaned over and whispered, “She was too good for me. She’s too good for anyone. But if she picks you, you’re the luckiest person in the world. Don’t hurt her… I don’t like people that hurt her. Understand, Red?”

Willow looked at Faith disconcerted. She had looked right through her. Can all of Tara’s friends do that? Faith figured it had worked, and backed off. Willow was reminded of Buffy. Buffy was fiercely over-protective of Willow, too. But they had only been lovers in the most platonic sense of the word.

Willow was shaken, but quickly recovered. “How long have you two been living together?”

Tara and Faith shared a glance, Faith nodded. “We’ve been living together as roommates,” Tara made that point abundantly clear, and was rewarded with a smile from Willow and a scowl from Faith, “for two and a half years.”

“You weren’t kidding when you said old friend.” Willow smiled, again thinking of Buffy, more particularly of the room they shared together in college.

“We’ve known each other for years,” Faith tossed in, still slightly defensive.

“So, what do you do? You must be successful.” Willow asked, looking about the apartment pointedly.

Faith and Tara shared a longer look. Finally, it was Tara who nodded, Faith took a deep breath before speaking, “I run three bars, two clubs, and a strip club.”

Willow caught on immediately, and felt stung. “You run the strip club?

Faith just nodded. It was Tara who spoke up. “I told you I knew the owner.”

She laughed, weakly. “I’m sorry, Willow. I would have told you, but I really did… well, nevermind.”

“No, it’s okay.” Willow found her mouth forming words the rest of her body wasn’t so sure about. What kind of implications did this have on her world? Could she use Tara for that? No, her feelings for Tara were already too strong. There is so much at stake, but Tara might be worth it. She needed to talk to Buffy, and she needed to talk to Buffy soon. “Really, it’s okay.” She said again, standing. “But I honestly have to go.” She leaned over the table, and wrote down her phone number on a pad. “But call me. Don’t forget, okay?”
Tara nodded as Willow rushed out the door. Both Tara and Faith shared another long gaze before a long sigh. “That didn’t go so badly.” Faith was trying to make her feel better, Tara knew.

“Yeah, but what are we going to do when we have to explain that my best friend and roommate kills vampires and demons, aside from owning a few clubs and bars? What do we do when we have to tell her you're The Slayer?”

“I know, I know.” Faith wrapped an arm around Tara, and they sat, holding each other like that till the sun faded and Faith had to go make her rounds.
____________________________________________

I'm just restarting and reposting so it's easier to follow. New stuff is coming within the hour, promise. Thanks for being patient.

Chance.

[Chance]

Part 2.

Willow sat in her apartment, trying to collect her thoughts. Normally, she’d do some homework for her grad studies, then fall into a pleasant slumber which would last till she had to get ready for work. Today, she was too overwhelmed by her own thoughts. She knew that she had feelings for Tara already, somewhat intense feelings. Her body still tingled from last night. It wasn’t just sex - it was making love. Willow had been amazed at her own passion for the blond, amazed that their feelings for each other were deep after only a few hours. Perhaps she shouldn’t have been so flabbergasted, she reasoned, she had been drawn to the blond when she first walked in. At first, it had been pure curiosity, her eyes drawn to a feminine form and feminine curves that were completely covered. She wasn’t used to that, not in her line of work. Not in her place of work, either. Her eyes had been drawn and they stayed that way, following themselves from beautiful legs, working their way up an adorable stomach, tracing over her breasts, lingering on cleavage, admiring her jaw line. It was when their eyes made contact that Willow had lost all self-control completely. She knew, deep within herself, that she wanted this woman regardless of who she was. If she had been some sort of demon or vampire, Willow was certain she still would have been attracted to her… She ran her hands through her hair, and rested her face in her palms. Tara had felt human, warm, skin delicate and smooth, and oh god, had she been giving. Tara was definitely a work of humanity. Then there was Faith. It had been an amazing coincidence. Just as Willow was about to go back to Giles and Buffy and claim her research had failed, she fell into what she had needed. Now, she was faced with the moral dilemma. Could she, ethically speaking, use Tara to investigate Faith? She doubted it. She also doubted that Faith was what Buffy and Giles had thought “he” was.

When Xander first brought up the idea, jokingly, they had all scoffed and laughed. But after more and more vampire attacks down by the club, they began to take the idea more seriously. Buffy had not been pleased. “And which one of us should work in a strip club, can I ask?”

“Perhaps Xander could become a bartender.” Giles suggested.

“No good, G Man, I’m not a big drinker, I barely know the names of liquors. Someone would ask for a sex on the beach, and I’d ask if I had to bring the blanket.”

They all had groaned, and sat silent for a few moments before Willow cleared her throat. “I could get a job there.” Giles, Buffy and Xander erupted into laughter.

“Yeah, Wills, go get a job as a stripper.” Xander cackled.

When they finally realized the only one not laughing was Willow, they all had been slightly shocked. “Will, I could never imagine you working in a place like that.”

Willow sighed. “That’s the point. I need to do something real. I need to be some help to you guys, and I think the experience would be good for me. Really, this will be okay. I’m not as shy as you all think I am. Not anymore.”

They tried for hours, but couldn’t talk Willow out of it. So Willow had been working at the club for two months, collecting information here and there. Because of the owner’s suspicious behavior, Buffy and Giles had decided it would be best if they could find out all they could about him. So Willow had spent the time trying to find a way to meet the owner. Every time she had been turned down flat.

Now, Willow had spent a night at the owner’s apartment, and the owner was very much a she. An elusive, mysterious, weird she, but a she nonetheless. Then again, how would people describe Buffy’s behavior if they didn’t know the truth? Willow sighed. Perhaps Faith had something else going on, but for now, she was going to trust Faith.

She picked up the phone, and dialed the Summer’s house without glancing at the phone. She waited impatiently, as the phone rang again and again. Finally, a groggy voice murmured “Hello?”

Willow laughed to herself. This is normally what happened when she called Buffy after work. “Buffy, why are you sleeping?”

“I was out late last night, what is it Will?” Buffy was starting to wake up, and the grogginess dropped from her voice a bit.

“I need to talk to you about something, can you meet me?”

“I have class all day. Why don’t you come with me tonight?” Buffy was awake, and Willow thought she almost heard her smile on the other end. It had been awhile since they had spent quality Willow/Buffy time. They missed each other.

“Perfect. I’ll see you then…”

Buffy cut her off. “How was work last night?”

Buffy always asked about work. She knew Buffy was worried about her, but she had yet to find a way to tell her best friend that she honestly enjoyed the release. She was a different person on stage. No longer Willow, no longer shy, but someone new, sexy, unstoppable. It had become a drug to her, an escape.
“It was okay.”

“I’ll see you later.”

They both hung up, and as Buffy finally rose from bed, Willow finally fell.

* * *

“So what’s wrong?” Buffy asked, looking at Willow.

“Well… I’m not entirely sure I know how to tell you this.”

“Spitting it out is normally a good method.” Buffy answered, navigating them through the empty alley, and into another.

“I met someone.”

“What? Who? How? When? Why? Stats? Criminal record?”

“I met someone, at the club, last night. Her name is Tara, and she’s beautiful, and blond, and amazingly… giving.”

Buffy didn’t bat an eye. “So, you met a woman at your strip club, and you’ve already been to bed with her? Willow, you animal.” Willow blushed, Buffy laughed. “Criminal record?”

“Not sure.”

Buffy flipped around. “What does ‘not sure’ mean? How can one have slept with someone and not be sure of their criminal status?”

“I met the owner last night.”

Realization dawned on Buffy, partially. So this new woman had something to do with the club or the owner. “She owns it?”

“No, her roommate does.” No need to get into specific details on that one.

“That’s why we’re not sure of the criminal record?”

“Buffy, if you met her, you’d know she wasn’t a criminal. And you’d think her roommate is, but they both seem really nice, and fairly human, and I mean, aren’t I looking for something non-human? Something non-Tara? ‘Cuz I remember that being what you said to look for, something big bad, evil, scary, something that used to scare me at night. And last night was the first night I didn’t have the nightmare, and I was so…”
“You’re babbling Willow.”

“Sorry.”

Willow inhaled deeply, and closed her eyes. “I really like her, Buffy, and I don’t want her to be the bad guy.”

“I understand. Let’s talk to Giles about the whole thing tomorrow.”

“Okay.” They continued walking through the darkened streets of Sunnydale, having fallen into a comfortable silence that is achieved only through years of work. “So, what’s new in Buffyworld?”

“Well, the Buffy Horror Coaster of Love may have a happy ending.”

“You met someone? Buffy, that’s great.” The redhead practically pounced on Buffy. It had been awhile since Buffy had last been involved with anyone, so Willow was particularly pleased. Buffy was a lonely person; she needed someone to be there for her. She smiled, thinking of how nervous she once had been to tell Buffy of her sexuality. They were so close at the time, and Willow had been afraid to change that. She thought Buffy might never speak to her again. Odd that it was Buffy who finally brought that up.

“Will… you’ve been having these dreams at night.”

Willow stopped dead in her tracks, frozen, as Buffy’s words froze her in her spot, molding her feet to the linoleum. “Y-yeah?”

“I mean, I wouldn’t have said anything if they hadn’t been waking me up… but you’ve been umm… graphic, and you keep calling out a name. It sounds like Kelly, or something?”

Willow’s eyes shut involuntarily. Kelly, blonde bombshell from Advanced Physics, was beautiful, in Willow’s humble opinion. Her attraction to the other girl crept up on her, unsuspected, and had consumed her thoughts for days. Every night, Kelly appeared in Willow’s dreams dressed as a Catholic schoolgirl, and Willow found herself a teacher. She shuddered, without realizing it, quickly falling back into her fantasies, until a voice suddenly got in her way.

“Willow? Okay, Wills, something’s going on in the not cool ‘I’m-not-telling-my-best-friend- ever’ category.”

“I’ve just been having weird dreams,” Willow’s voice trembled, and she muttered, “about girls.”

Buffy heard her anyway. “For how long?”

“A week or so. It’s weird, but… it’s not like I’m, I’m…”

“Gay?” Buffy suggested, barely.

“…freaking out.” Willow finished. They took a long pause and looked at each other. “See? I knew you’d freak?”

Buffy swallowed, seemingly coming to a decision. She stepped forward and hugged Willow, tight. When Willow recovered slightly, she met Buffy’s eyes. “So, you’re okay with this?”

“Just so long as my best friend is happy, of course.” Buffy smiled. “I’ve seen too much in this world to be weirded out by one of the few things that make me happy. I love you too much to care. You’re my best friend on this planet.”

They smiled at each other, a smile of contentment and understanding. They were fine. Now Buffy was struggling with whether or not to tell her best friends one of the best and weirdest things of her life. She knew her friend wouldn’t flip out. They had that. They had each other regardless. Willow looked at Buffy, waiting for a response. “Yeah, I’m really happy. I’ve only seen them a few times, but it’s been really great. We have a lot of fun together, but you know, I guess that’s typical, right, for a new couple to have fun together? I wonder if we’re actually a couple, I’m not sure about that. I’ll have to ask… them.”

Willow blinked, once, then twice. “Buffy, you sound like me. You’re in a babble fest.” And you’re playing the pronoun game, why are you playing the pronoun game? “How did you meet… him?”

“Actually, while I was patrolling one night, and I ran into...” Buffy swallowed the rest of her sentence.

“What did you say? I missed that last part?”

“I ran into her.” Buffy turned quickly towards Willow, and looked her dead in the eye. Willow smiled.

“That’s nice.”

They fell into a comfortable silence, and continued to patrol.

* * *

Willow had been slumped over in her desk chair, leaning into her computer science textbook. Her hair framed her face, and her brow was creased, an effort to convince herself she was serious about studying at 2AM. She closed the cover of the textbook. This was the only part of the job she really didn’t like. She had become a night dweller; she was her most awake and alert after dark on her days off. She always wound up bored around this time, watching Xena reruns on tape, creating new codes for her computer. Anything to help her pass the time. She was startled by the sound of her phone ringing. “Who the hell could this be? Oh, I am not prepared for a crisis right now. Please don’t be a crisis.”

“Hello?” Willow realized too late that her voice rang with the dreariness she felt at having to pick up the phone.

“Willow? I’m sorry.” The other voice was filled with heavy regret. Willow realized a second too late it was Tara.

“No, Tara, don’t be sorry. I don’t sleep at night anyway.” Willow finally smiled into the phone.

Tara smiling into hers rewarded her. “I was so afraid I was going to wake you up.”

“Not at all, you’re a pleasant relief actually.”

“Really?” Tara giggled. “I was curious if you wanted to do something soon?” I want to see you now. I miss you already, she thought.

Willow couldn’t help the tug of her lips into a flat out grin. “Meet me tomorrow night in front of The Trench, at nine.”

“Excellent. I should mention I know the owner?”

“Even better.” Willow smiled. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow?”

“You will. Have a good night. Take care of you for tomorrow.”

“I will.”

As she hung up the phone, Willow couldn’t resist a victory dance on top of her bed.

* * *

Tara grinned as she hung up the phone. Faith walked through the door, trailing in enough ash for three cartons of cigarettes. “Couldn’t you at least brush off outside?”

“You used too love it when I came home all dirty and sweaty.” Tara rolled her eyes. Faith grinned, tossing her gym bag into the closet in the hallway, and sweeping into the kitchen. She opened the fridge and grabbed a beer, twisting the top off easily, and kicking shut the door. “How was your day, hun?”

“I slept most of the day.” Tara’s cheeks flushed a bit. “I was tired.”

Faith laughed, “I’m sure you were. Did you call her?”

“Yup, tomorrow night, The Trench.”

“My favorite.”

“I remember…”

They shared a look, and Tara turned away. She walked over to the kitchen table, and sat down. “So, you haven’t spoken about your new habit.”

“My new habit?”

“You’ve been sleeping out a lot.” Tara smiled. “Who is she?”

“Just this girl I’ve been seeing. She’s okay.” Faith kept her voice steady.

“You like her.” Tara stated it simply, but it was a heavy statement.

“Yeah, I do.”

“Good.” Tara smiled.

“You have a big night tomorrow, missy. Better get to bed.” Faith swallowed a mouthful of beer.

“You’re right. No cuts and bruises tonight? Everything… five by five?” Tara’s voice was softer around the words than Faith’s was, and Faith soaked in her own phrase from gentle lips and spirit.

Faith laughed. “Everything’s fine. Go to bed.”

“Okay.” Tara got up, placed a kiss on Faith’s forehead, and then faded off into her room. When her footsteps had stopped, Faith opened the freezer, took out an ice pack, lifted her shirt, resting it across her breasts, and put an ice pack against her right side. She had a bruise in the shape of a boot, lumping underneath her leather. She winced, and took another deep drink of the beer.

[Chance]

Part 3

Tara’s reaction to the Trench was always the same. She felt comfortable and safe, happy memories filled the walls of the club for her, and she always felt surrounded by Faith’s very essence. It calmed her. The lights, and music, and layout were all Faith’s plans and ideas. It was on of the three hottest clubs in a hundred miles. Faith owned all three. Tara and Faith had had some wonderful times; a lot of them spent here, at her club after hours with the staff. The staffs of Faith’s clubs were often their best friends. Except for Maureen. Tara had hated Maureen from the first moment she laid eyes on her, and she still disliked her to this day. All in the past now. And even though Faith and Tara had long since split ways, Tara was still treated as the most important VIP every time she walked through the door. She waited for Willow down the street, but there were bouncers hovering around to protect her anyway. They had brought her a drink, and offered to bring her a chair. Due to all the fuss, the kids on line thought Tara might get them in quicker. One girl went so far as to flash Tara, thinking it would help advance her spot. Tara turned away so they couldn’t see her blush, her blue eyes staring absently into the asphalt.
Which is the way Willow found her, when she strolled up. When Willow came into view, Tara turned yet a deeper shade of red. Willow’s skirt was black, long, and classic. It hugged her hips and slid down her legs, covering just enough to keep Tara’s mind reeling with memories of all she was being denied now. She wore a red shirt the hugged and cupped where it was supposed to, and a tan leather jacket cut hourglass style and fell to her mid upper thighs. Essentially, Willow was making Tara’s heart leap out of her chest. They kissed, lightly, briefly, but overwhelmed by the feeling of home. Willow slid Tara’s glass from her hand, and took a deep drink from it, matching Tara’s eyes with her own over the rim. When she lowered the glass, her lips curved into a sexy smile.

“Hi.” The word escaped her lips in a whisper.

Tara smiled. “Hi.” She paused briefly. “Shall we?” Holding her arm out, Willow accepted it and they slipped into step with each other. Their hands slid together, meeting flesh with flesh. They had no problem easing into the club together. Tara led Willow to the VIP table, and excused herself. Willow sat, sliding her jacket back over her shoulders. She had always wanted to be someone special at a club, like a VIP. It was such a power trip to have people constantly watching you. It was why she enjoyed stripping so much, she supposed.

Tara returned to the table, smiling. She slid in next to Willow. “What’s so funny?” Willow asked, now confused.

“Faith.” Tara answered. Then she looked flashing her blue eyes in Willow’s direction as a slow smile spread across her face. She looked so mischevious and so cute. “I’m glad you came.”
“I’m glad you called.”

“I’m glad I did to. I never used to be able to, not without some type of encouragement. I used to be shy.”

“Really?” Willow asked, an amused smile playing in her eyes. “You didn’t seem shy when I met you. What happened?”

“I met you.” Willow laughed, Tara blushed. “Sorry, I think I heard it in a movie.” She thought for a moment. “You know, Faith helped me out with it a lot. You can’t be with her and not be confident. It just doesn’t work.”

“Believe it or not, I understand.” They fell into a comfortable silence, each contemplating their own lives.

Tara broke the silence first. “Wanna dance?”

“Love to.”

Willow wasn’t feeling particularly shy this evening, either. She felt comfortable, relaxed. She was with somebody she liked, someone she cared about. She felt Tara pull her closer, and they slowed to match the calm techno beat, it was a slow song, meant to be danced to close and slowly. Using her hands and whatever other assets were available to her, Willow traveled the length of Tara’s body. Her hands trailed down Tara’s sides, and Willow felt every part of Tara’s body with hers. They moved close, using the other as an anchor. Each was caught in a world replaying their night together in their minds. Tara felt Willow’s hands on her skin, their bodies heated and sweaty, moving in sync with one another. Willow felt Tara’s mouth descending… tracing circles down her stomach moving achingly slowly to its final goal. They were still dancing when the song ended, eyes closed. All the eyes in the club moved elsewhere. Even the most blatant of voyeurists knew a private moment had occurred.

“You never danced like that with me.” Faith pouted, coming up behind them and startling them both.

Tara blushed. “You never asked.” She was amused; Faith was the only one in the world that could interrupt right at that moment, the only one who would be allowed into Tara’s happiness besides Willow, who was causing it.

Faith wanted to respond to that, but there was nothing she could say. She hadn’t. She smiled, refusing to let herself think about her mistakes now. “Having fun at least?”

“Definitely.” Willow smiled, leaning back into Tara. Tara pulled her in closer, wrapping her arms around the red head’s waist.

“What are you doing here?” Tara asked. Faith hadn’t been to Trench since they broke up. It had been a long time, nearly three years now.

Faith smiled. “She’s here. She said a friend of hers was coming here so she might stop and check it out. I said I might be here.”

“Does she know?” Willow asked. Tara and Faith looked at her, surprised.

Tara laughed. “That’s usually my line.”

Even Faith laughed a bit. She liked Willow more than she thought she would. “Not yet. I was gonna tell her tonight.”

“You really like her.” Willow smiled, she was happy Faith seemed happy. Already she liked the brunette; she was a wonderful friend to Tara.

Tara and Faith shared a smile. “Yeah, a lot.” The words were becoming more familiar to Faith.

Tara and Willow continued to dance. Faith sauntered off towards the bar, taking in the Trench and its sight. She loved clubs; she loved the people that went to them. She always had. Men and women looking their best, trying to prove how sexy they were. She hopped up on a barstool, her eyes sailing back to Tara. They looked good together, happy, sexy. Tara looked genuinely please. Faith loved seeing Tara happy. It had been so long since Tara had really smiled like she used to. Tara’s eyes were shining, like they used to when they had been together. She seemed weightless, strong. Tara needed to be loved, Faith knew. “I was too dark for her.” She mumbled.

Faith believed that real relationships were a balance of dark and light. When Faith had first met Tara she had assumed Tara was light. Faith knew she herself was dark, she had too many deep- rooted problems, a cynical attitude, and a rebellious nature. Faith had been hurt too many times; she was hard to break. Deep and cold, she didn’t let people in easily. She hadn’t anticipated Tara was as dark as she was. It gave them an insight into each other, a connection deeper than Faith could honestly say she understood. She had always worked under the assumption that no one could understand her pain. In Tara, all she found was understanding. There was something about their pasts, so different, but so similar. It’s why they remained friends, Faith thought. There’s energy between them that just doesn’t seem to go away. They just lacked communication. Faith had been so relieved Tara knew without having to be told she forgot how important the telling was. After awhile, Tara just didn’t know Faith loved her anymore, and Faith wasn’t sure how to tell her. It was for that reason they couldn’t last, regardless of how happy they made each other in the beginning. They simply couldn’t communicate. On the other hand, Willow was light to Tara’s dark. They fit together. Willow had that brightness about her that makes the dark more easily negotiable. Tara finally had an inkling of hope she might navigate herself out in the end. They were a yin and yang match. Not necessarily opposites, but different people, with touches of each other in them. She could tell Willow and Tara both maintained that awkwardness that had plagued them both in their youth. It was evident. They simply didn’t realize how adorable it actually is until they saw it on each other. They were a good match, destined to connect and cooperate. Willow was for Tara what Faith had always wished she could be. Reliable, sustainable, Willow was someone Tara could count on to be there when it mattered. Faith had bigger obligations, and the constant threat of death. Faith can’t make promises forever. Tara and Faith had been volatile lovers, now they were good friends. Faith knew that was the way it was meant to be.

Faith perched on her barstool, head tilted back, waiting for her lover to join her. Faith knew that something about her life was changing, getting better. She felt it deep in her bones. This time it wasn’t Slayer’s Sense, but women’s intuition. She wondered at her luck sometimes, at night, lying curled up in that new bed, with the streetlights streaming in. She wondered at a woman who on the most simplistic level possible understood Faith. This woman understood her fears and joys. She had never been more at ease. She felt a playful nip at her neck. She smiled without opening her eyes, and when the lips met hers and deepened she opened readily into the kiss.

But something was wrong. This kiss was too aggressive to be her girlfriend; it was too raw, and not loving. It was not the kiss she had come to expect from her girlfriend. She opened her eyes, and pulled away. Instantly she was on her feet, her face twisted. “What could you possibly want from me?”

“Only what I always want.” The intruder smiled.

“A quick tumble? Sorry, I don’t fuck losers. Not anymore.” She turned from the girl.

“Shouldn’t you stick to your kind?” The girl smiled, her lips turning up causing an eerily evil expression.

“Fuck you, Maureen.” Faith resisted the urge to strike her.

Maureen leaned in again; running her hands over the Slayer’s body with a familiarity Faith hated. She nipped at Faith’s neck again, gently biting over her artery, knowing Faith’s typical reaction. She was met with disgust. So Maureen gleefully met disgust with a forceful kiss, effectively jamming her tongue into Faith’s mouth. Faith went to pull away, but Maureen roughly pulled her back.

--------------------

At the same time, Tara stood at the other end of the club with Willow, having just parted with her favorite lips. “Where is Faith?”

Willow’s eyes flung open, in mild disbelief. “That’s what you’re thinking about right now?” Willow was instantaneously jealous. The kiss that had sent her reeling was now making her angry.

Tara laughed at Willow’s building anger, and laid a hand gently on her lover’s arm, leaned into her, and whispered “I wanted to say goodnight.” She nibbled on Willow’s ear lobe before she withdrew completely, as if it were a precursor for what was soon to come. Willow felt better.

“Let’s find her.” Willow grabbed Tara’s hand, and flashed her resolved face. Tara’s laughter echoed through the club, mingling melodically with the music.

When they did find Faith, Tara stopped dead in her tracks, nearly yanking Willow back to her. Faith was wrapped up in Maureen. “How could she?” Tara asked aloud, forgetting who was gripping her hand.

Willow’s gaze followed Tara’s, and she surveyed Faith locked into an embrace with another girl. She was beautiful, in a black shirt with a Chinese character in bright red lettering to match the long flowing hair down her back, and a black sarong. Willow felt a surge of displeasure from her girlfriend, and for the second time in the evening felt hurt.

There was another set of eyes on Faith and her “attacker” as well. Buffy wasn’t sure whether or not to rip off Faith’s head or the girls. Okay, so she and Faith hadn’t been together long, and they weren’t necessarily dating. They had been practically inseparable for two weeks, Faith was crawling in Buffy’s bed every night, but perhaps that didn’t signify a significant commitment to Faith? No, she recalled Faith’s whispers of forever as her hand lazily stroked Buffy’s hair in their post-coital bliss. She stood watching for a moment before deciding to rip off both their heads.

It was at that moment that Willow noticed Faith’s struggles against the other girl’s touch. Albeit, Faith wasn’t pushing her away, but she certainly didn’t seem to be enjoying herself. She had one hand pressed against the girl’s shoulder, the other on the girl’s waist, and a knee gently nudging the girl’s hips. But the girl wouldn’t detach. Perhaps Faith was trying not to cause a scene or hurt the girl? “Tara.”

Tara finally looked up at her lover with some recognition. “Hmm?”

“She’s pushing her away.”

Tara looked and saw that Willow was indeed correct. The Slayer was pushing the girl away. Tara knew Faith was afraid to use her strength on the girl. That would probably hurt her and land Faith in jail for a few weeks or years. Suddenly, Tara was comforted and back on the planet. “We have to stop her.”

“Why?”

“I’ll explain later.” Tara mumbled. Willow followed, still hurt, but willing to listen.

Unfortunately for Tara, Willow, Faith and Maureen, (and not necessarily in that order), Buffy was gaining on them quicker than the new couple were.
Maureen felt a tap at her shoulder, and was distracted for a moment. Faith took the opportunity to pull away, and murmured a quiet “oh fuck” as she saw Buffy approach. “What exactly is it that you think you’re doing with my girlfriend?” Buffy asked, her tone thick as a blade, and cutting like one.

“This is your girlfriend?” Maureen asked, sizing up the girl before her.

“She was five minutes ago, and as soon as you go away, we’ll determine if she is now.” Buffy was simply not in the mood. She had been falling in love with Faith, she knew. She’d be damned if she were going to let some slut get between them when it was just starting to get good.

Faith, for her part, was trying to inch away from Maureen and signal to Buffy that she hadn’t wanted any part in it. Buffy was simply not paying attention. “Maureen, get lost.” Faith finally said, a last ditch effort to prove she wasn't interested.

Maureen was aggravated. She had wanted Faith this evening and here was some stupid trick that got in the way. But she knew she wasn’t going to win, not like this. So she stomped off, getting out of the way, and hopefully getting Faith into even more trouble. She enjoyed the idea that she had ended yet another of Faith’s relationships. She felt pleased by the notion she seemed to have that strong an effect on Faith.

Tara and Willow had been standing back, watching the scene. Willow with her mouth hanging open, Tara feeling infinitely sorry for Faith. Willow poked Tara. “That’s my best friend.”

“Maureen?” Tara asked, turning quickly to look at Willow, concern and disgust registering in her eyes.

“Buffy.” Willow answered, and turned to watch them.

“Oh.” Tara looked puzzled. How had they wound up in this mess? This was going to be an evening of explanations, and Tara wasn't sure she knew how to explain everything.

[Chance]

Part 4

The four of them sat, staring at each other, under the harsh lights of the coffee shop. None of them had said a word since they left the club, and Faith had directed them two blocks away to this coffee shop. It had been Tara and Faith's wind down once upon a time. Now it was a place for them to come to terms with how far they'd come from then. Buffy was staring out the window; Willow kept looking from Buffy to Faith, and shaking her head, avoiding Tara. Tara and Faith kept looking at each other, wondering how this was to end. Finally, Buffy took some pity on them all, and simply asked, “So you own the Trench, huh?”

“Among others, yeah.” Faith’s voice was oddly quiet, toned down.

Buffy turned from the window for the first time, and looked at Tara. “What do you do?” Her voice seemed to imply suspicion.

Tara smiled. “I run her books, deal with suppliers, that kind of stuff.”

“Really?” Willow asked. She had never thought to ask before.

“You two seem really tight.” Buffy’s voice betrayed a bit of her anger, as if she really meant, "Are you two sleeping together, too?"

“We’re really good friends.” Faith’s voice now seemed angry too. She looked at Buffy, distinctly annoyed. “Look, why don’t we just get to what we’re really here to discuss?”

“Oh, you mean you cheating on me?” Buffy asked, turning to look at Faith with a fire burning in her eyes.

This was the last straw for Faith. She really hadn't even wanted Maureen's attention. She had been waiting for Buffy's. Why wouldn't the girl just get it through her head that Faith wanted to be with her? “I wasn’t cheating on you, B. God damn it. She’s this bitch that’s been bothering me for years. She won’t leave me alone. What do you want me to say? I thought she was you originally, and by the time I knew she wasn’t, I tried to push her off but she wouldn’t budge.”

“So you mistook her for your girlfriend? Charming, Faith. You seemed strong enough to pin me to a bed last night; you can’t shrug off a girl a little bigger than Willow? C’mon.”

Buffy’s and Faith’s voices had risen so that the whole coffee shop could hear. Willow and Tara sat in silence, trying to ignore the spectacle that they were causing. They didn’t even look at each other. They knew that somehow they were going to get dragged into this anyway. Willow wasn’t sure of what she’d say to Tara anyway. Did Tara still have feelings for Faith?

“I had my eyes closed, B. She nipped at my neck.” Faith’s voice was tinged with pain for only a brief second, seemingly haunted by a memory of Buffy and a happier occasion. Then her voice managed to get louder. “By the time her lips were on mine I knew it wasn’t you! I just didn’t want to hurt her. Okay? I don’t understand why we’re fighting about this when she’s just some stupid bitch who doesn’t even compare to you.” Her voice suddenly dropped to a whisper. She was hurting now, everyone knew. “I love you, B. Not that stupid bitch, just you.” Her hand stroked Buffy’s hair. Buffy sat staring at Faith silently. She wasn’t sure if she was more surprised that Faith had said she was in love with her, or if she honestly believed it to be true.

“Not to interrupt, guys…” Tara finally spoke, surprising Willow. “But we might need somewhere more private to work all of this out. I think we all have a lot of explaining to do.” Tara's voice carried a weight that surprised them all. Her voice crashed down the reality of the secrets they had all been keeping from each other. Suddenly, both sets of friends seemed guilty.

Willow found her voice. “Yeah, she’s right.” And they all got up. “Your place?” Willow asked, for the first time looking at Tara. Tara's eyes met Willow's; trying to assure Willow that the only one in the world Tara wanted to set her gaze on was her.

“Yeah, sure.” It was Faith who answered. They started to walk.

***

Willow had watched Buffy as they road the elevator and first walked into the apartment. Buffy’s face had contorted into surprise. Willow could tell Buffy was infinitely impressed with the apartment, like she had been originally. It was Faith who turned to them. “Tara and I need to talk. Willow, you know where everything is. Make yourselves at home.”

Tara and Faith disappeared into Tara’s bedroom. Willow turned to Buffy. “Are you okay?”

“I’m not sure.”

“Well, do you love her?”

“I think so.” Buffy sighed, knowing she was madly in love at this point. “Do you love Tara?”

“Yeah.” Willow's voice cracked, faltering.
“So what are we going to do?”

“Tell the truth I guess.” Willow answered, feeling the weight of that carried on both of their shoulders.

“I guess.”

***

Faith was sitting on Tara’s bed, her head in her hands. “I guess we should tell them the truth.”

“I guess so.” Tara answered. She sat down next to Faith and rubbed her back.

“Do you love Willow?” Faith asked, looking up at Tara as if the world depended on her answer.

“As much as you love Buffy.” Tara’s eyes betrayed them both.

“We’re in trouble.”

“I know. What about Maureen?”

“I don’t know what was even wrong with her tonight. I swear to God that I told her to leave me alone. But she refuses. She came on stronger than ever.”

Tara smiled. “Well, you did look good tonight.”

“Thanks.”

***

Maureen wandered the streets; careful no one followed her. She knew very well of Sunnydale’s dangers, and she wasn’t going to become another notch on the body count. She followed the familiar streets back to Faith’s apartment, and stood outside. She felt Faith inside, and grinned, feeling her frustration and anger. Perhaps she had achieved her goal; perhaps the Slayer really was without her new mate. Then she felt the three other presences, the first of course, was the dumb blond. Oh, how Maureen had hated her. Always getting in the way of plans, always getting in the way of her plans for Faith. She had finished them off with little ease. Then she felt the blond’s new plaything. She could tell; their energies had already meshed. That was going to be difficult, but fun. Oh shit and there’s Faith’s stupid toy. Perhaps the night wasn’t as successful as she had thought it had been. She would see tomorrow, she supposed. She was ready for bed.

“B, Red, we need to tell you guys some stuff.” Faith’s eyes probed Buffy’s for a premature forgiveness, finding only a sort of dismay and misinterpreting it.

“We need to tell you stuff, too.” Willow said quietly.

“Can we go first?” Tara asked, kneeling down in front of a seated Willow, almost praying for her understanding. “This is kind of big for us, and we usually don’t tell people at all, much less people we’ve only known for a week or two. But we both have… we’re both…”

“We’re in love with you.” Faith’s voice was steady, strong, voicing the last pleasant statement of the evening.

Buffy and Willow simultaneously grinned, deep and contented. Buffy folded her arms over her chest, sinking into a sad smile, while Willow’s grin lingered, like a girl trying on a pair of jeans for the first time. This gave Faith and Tara some hope, a chance for happiness. “OK, well, to start from the beginning…”

Faith had been walking for what seemed like hours, and the rain still refused to let up. She was on her way home from work, alone. She hated being alone, especially when it was cold out. She wanted something to warm her bones a bit, and the best way to do that required two people. What infuriated her more was that she had had her chance, but she passed it up. Her mind drifted back to the blond who had wandered into the bar late. She was about Faith’s age, which meant she wasn’t drinking legally anyway. Already she was drunk, Faith could tell. Her skin was flushed, and her words were just slightly slurred. She had hit on Faith in a cute, yet naïve fashion. Faith had been tempted, but she couldn’t she would have felt like she was corrupting a minor.

“You’re very beautiful.” Tara’s blush deepened on her cheeks. She was feeling no pain right now, and words seemed to slip from her mouth to their own will.

“Thanks, kiddo. You’re kind of sexy, in that Catholic school girl freshman kind of way.” Faith laughed to herself, and leaned over the bar. “You blush easily. I like that.” She ran a fingertip down the girl’s jaw line.

“I blush all over.” Tara’s eyes suddenly went clearer with a mischievous intent. Once complimented, Tara’s confidence flooded her.

Faith was genuinely surprised, and suddenly genuinely attracted to the blond. But when she turned back to talk to her again, the blond was gone.

Now Faith was regretting not being quicker to respond. She was totally into the blond, and now she was running dry. She closed her eyes, and ran a hand through her soaking wet hair. Her clothes clung to her; her shirt hugged her body, leaving little to the imagination. She felt the ghost of human contact on her skin, the caress of a hand down her face, over her chest, sinking, resting on her pant’s line. She was enjoying the phantom of a fantasy when she heard a desperate sound reach her ears. Less than a scream, more than a moan, someone was scared. As the sex washed away from her brain, Faith felt the intruding signal of a vamp. “Fuck.” She murmured under her breath, jogging in the direction of the sound.

“Oh, so that’s where you got to.” Faith caught glimpse of her adorable blond, caught between two assailants. She was desperately trying to kick them away, but they loomed closer, just laughing at her. Faith was not in the mood tonight, but she supposed she could save a blond. One less treat for the vampires of the world, one more treat for her.

“Vampires?!?” Buffy’s eyes bugged out of her head.

“B, I know it sounds weird, but…”

“Less weird than you think.” Willow answered.

“How are you fighting vampires? Faith, you could have been killed.”

“She’s got a weird advantage.” Tara jumped into the conversation again.

“I’m the Vampire Slayer.” Faith said, looking at Buffy’s face, searching for some sign.

“You can’t be, Faith.”

“Why not?”

“Because I am.” Buffy’s head was going a thousand miles a minute. It wasn’t possible, there couldn’t be another slayer, unless…

“Giles must have been right. When you died, another Slayer must have been called.” Willow filled in the blank.

“But she never came to us, so we assumed she didn’t exist.”

Faith stared at them both blankly. “I’m the Vampire Slayer. Who are you?”

Tara was still taken back with the gravity of the situation. Apparently, this weird foursome had just gotten a little weirder. “Who is Giles?”

“Buffy’s watcher, our friend.” Willow answered. They met eyes, and suddenly a deeper connection was reached between the two. Best friend to the Slayer was a job they both had always thought was difficult, and theirs alone to share. They now knew they had some kind of back up. They also knew that they now had someone whom they could share every aspect of their life with.

Buffy and Faith, on the other hand, weren’t doing quite so well. They eyed each other suspiciously, neither completely trusting the other’s admission. For so long, they had only had themselves to rely on, they had both wished for someone who would understand completely. Someone to share the fight, share the troubles. It was unbelievable; their wishes were never truly answered. Yet somewhere in the back of their minds, they knew that standing in front of them was what they had always wanted.

“So we’re both the Slayer?” Faith asked, sounding unsure of herself for the first time since they’d met her, Tara and Buffy noted.

“Looks that way.” Their eyes met again, both unreadable.

Tara glanced around the room, and the tension was a step too much for her. “Why don’t we all get some sleep, and continue this conversation in the morning? None of us are really working on clear heads right now.”

The other three looked at Tara, surprised. Willow cleared her throat. “Sleeping arrangements?” Tara knew that they were treading on dangerous waters. The jealousy the night had brought out was at an all time high. Willow wouldn’t be happy if Tara slept in Faith’s room, and gave Willow and Buffy hers. And Buffy wouldn’t be too pleased (she surmised), if Tara ran off with Willow, leaving Faith and Buffy forced to make their own decisions. So, Tara did the easiest thing for them all. “I’m going into my room. The couch, Faith’s bed, and the futon are all up for grabs.” Tara turned and strolled back into her room. There was a moment of silence between the three girls remaining.

[Chance]

Part 5

Tara had the blankets pulled over her head, pretending to live in a happy world where Willow was next to her and none of that just happened. If she kept her eyes shut long enough, her lids slammed down together hard enough, she might be able to feel Willow’s body curled up into hers… The one thing her imagining didn’t do, however, was to protect her from outside sounds. She heard a knocking on her door. She assumed it was Faith come to yell at her over the sleeping arrangements. She got up, wrapping the sheet around her, (she was only wearing a five year old nightgown that was practically see-through), and opened the door, expecting to find an annoyed Faith. That she could have dealt with. Instead, she came face to face with a hurting Willow.

When Tara had walked off to her room, the silence had been deafening. Perhaps what was worse, was the looks Buffy and Faith had been giving each other. Willow was caught in between the two of them, and didn’t know what to do. She wanted to be in Tara’s bed with Tara, but she had stalked off so suddenly, that Willow presumed she was angry. When Buffy met Willow’s eyes with the “I need to talk to Faith alone look.” Willow immediately forced to make a decision. She headed for Tara’s door, hoping that Tara wouldn’t turn her away.

Tara’s eyes met Willow’s the instant she pulled the door open. Willow looked very much like a hurt puppy. “They’re kind of, umm…, fighting, and I didn’t want to take Faith’s bed, ‘cuz she scares me a little, and the thought of her being angry at me when she just wakes up is not good, so I was hoping, that maybe I could sleep with you. We’ve done it before, so it shouldn’t be very new, or anything and I kind of like sleeping next to you, I feel good when I’m next to you. Oh, but if you want to say no, I completely understand. We’re not married, or anything, we’ve only really been on one date, and…”

Willow’s mouth was covered with Tara’s, and Tara tried to fight off anymore of Willow’s insecurities with her tongue. When would Willow understand that Tara was for one person only right now, and she was currently traces patterns into that person’s mouth? Tara giggled to herself against Willow’s lips. When they did separate, Willow looked up at Tara again quizzically. “So I can stay with you?” Tara laughed and pulled her in. The door shut with a click of the lock.

***

Buffy and Faith eyed each other as Tara’s door closed. Both were hurt the other hadn’t told her sooner, both were threatened by the existence of the other. Both couldn’t have been happier the other was sitting across from her, and both couldn’t have been more scared their connection was made deeper. Neither knew what the other was thinking, and they were totally scared to find out. Neither truly realized how much they loved each other until that moment.

“Do you have a watcher?” Buffy winced. It had been the first thing that popped into her head, but she worried now if it had been the right thing to ask. The last thing she wanted was to bring up bad memories.

“No. She died, a long time ago.” Faith looked back at Buffy. Even that open wound had nothing on the pain of how distant Buffy seemed from her right now. “Yours is Giles?” She was trying to prove how much she cared by bringing up something Buffy wouldn’t have expected her to remember.

Buffy caught the gesture, and smiled weakly. “He’s like my Dad.”

Now it was Faith’s turn to wince. She wished she had a parental figure, but both of her parents hadn’t had anything to do with Faith’s life since she was thirteen. That figure rolled in her head like a key stuck in a lock. Had it really been so long? “What about your parents?”

“Giles is my Dad.” Buffy’s voice had a “challenge me” tone to it, Faith guessed Buffy didn’t care too much for her other father. “My Mom died a few years ago.” Buffy glanced at Faith. “Natural causes.”

***

Willow’s hand rested on Tara’s bare stomach. They had just broken from a kiss, and were trying to catch their breath. Tara made Willow's heart feel like she was doing cardio training. “So what happened next?”

“What?” Tara focused on Willow. Her thoughts had been drifting as her eyes stared blankly at Willow’s bottom lip. She felt caught.

“Did Faith rescue you?” Willow smiled, picking up Tara’s hand and running her lover’s finger over her lip.

“Yeah, actually she did.” Tara pulled her hand away. “If you want to know the story, we have to stop that for a few minutes.”

“Why?” Willow grinned innocently. Tara playfully swatted at her, and Willow laughed. “Okay, go ahead.”

Faith jumped out from behind a dumpster and staked one of the vampires with great ease. The other vampire put up a little bit more of a fight, but not much. Tara stared on in pure rapture. She was completely spellbound she had to admit. Tara watched Faith glance around quickly. She closed her eyes and almost seemed to meditate for a moment before settling her eyes on Tara. “You ran away from me.”

“Not exactly.” Tara was still a little frightened, but she knew of vampires. It was just the scare of being close to death.

“I figured, once I saw.” Faith smiled. “Why don’t you come home with me? I’ll check you for injuries.” Faith wagged her eyebrows at Tara, flirting a bit.

Tara surprised herself, but she was intrigued. “Are you professionally trained?”

“No, but I have years of experience.” Faith smiled. They fell into a comfortable silence and walked home together amiably. Tara had just stayed. After awhile, it seemed natural for them to be living together, so they did. Tara became Faith’s pseudo-watcher. She helped her train, checked her wounds, and did what little research they could. They were lovers then, yes. They were since that first night. But they were more than that after awhile, bound to each other more than lovers are: they had become family.

“That’s a really nice story.”

Tara shrugged. “It’s not even really that good of a story. I like ours better already.” Tara kissed Willow, and they didn’t tell anymore stories in words for the rest of the night.

***

Buffy and Faith had both settled into the couch, with Buffy’s head in Faith’s lap. They had nestled into a comfortable sleep, each feeling more and more right about each other as they slept.

***

Maureen was almost home, and she was quite happy about that. The two vampires that were chasing her were perhaps not as pleased at this turn of events, but she couldn’t say she honestly cared what they thought. She rounded a corner, trying to stay in well-lit areas. She frowned, debating the next turn. If she took the right, it would take her longer to get home, but she could stay in very public, illuminated areas. If she took the left, she could run and be through her door in less than a minute. She felt lucky tonight. She took the left.

It was when she rounded the turn for the left she realized she should not have tempted fate. Four more vamps coming her way, the two vamps were close behind. “Shit.” She thought. She knew what to do. He had told her if she was in trouble, to call him. It was definitely time to see if Mr. Tall, Dark, Handsome and Creepy was really true to his word. She visualized him in the most detail possible, painting his picture in her mind. He had told her this was the only way to truly call him. She imagined the magnitude of people that must call him everyday by accident. At home fantasizing over what he must be like, writers who try to capture his essence, movies that seem to replay the same old tired version of him. In reality, he was worse than they could ever portray him. She realized the vampires in front of her had neared, leering close enough to grab her, she kept her eyes closed and continued to see him. She could smell their blood hunger as they could smell her fear. Then she felt him.

“Open your eyes.”

She hesitated, but when she did as commanded, she was standing in her living room, minus six vampires. She turned, and there he was. Black pants that fit his form impeccably, a blood red shirt that looked as beautiful as it did intimidating on him, he was a handsome man, with brown eyes that just penetrated anyone’s gaze. “There… better now?”

He was patronizing; she’d known that since she met him. He had a way of looking through you instead of at you, but she’d always suspected that would be the case. She never imagined him to be stunningly beautiful though, which he was. She never imagined him to be ruthless. She assumed he would just lie back and let the souls roll in to him, but he fought for each one as if it were the battle over heaven all over again. He measured himself by his victories, pitied his own defeats. “I noticed the slayer turned you down tonight. That circumstance was not accounted for in the plan.” His voice was tinged with disappointment.

“It is now. Don’t worry, I sort of anticipated this, and I have a plan.” She was worried. She knew that he was displeased. He had been right; she hadn’t expected Faith to turn her down, but that just meant Maureen had to get a little more persuasive.

He read her, as he did everyone else, like an open book. “Be sure to make yourself as persuasive as possible. I will not have you ruin my plans because you cannot tempt her. All she has to do is fall prey to my temptation Maureen. How hard can that be? She falls prey to everything else. Anger, envy, lust. If she takes the temptation, fate will work it's own ways. If I must, I will go elsewhere, and I assure you, that will not be good for you.” He was frowning, something he almost never did. “Bed her and keep her there. Or I will drag you and anyone you’ve ever loved down and personally make your eternities torturous.”

He smiled. “I’ll see you soon, Maureen.” And with that, he was gone.

She sighed, rubbing her face in her hands.

[Chance]

Psssttt.... there's some new stuff. Scroll if you don't like to reread.

Part 6

Faith woke up slowly, her eyes coming into focus on blond hair spread across her lap. She rubbed her eyes and her face, wondering at how she slept through the night sitting up. She rested her hand in the hair, gently running her fingers through it. She smiled, a pure smile, one filled with a sort of odd contentment. She glanced at the clock on her entertainment system. The red lights took an extra second to focus on, she wasn’t completely conscious yet. They glared at her, solid red bricks of 11:30. She closed her eyes and listened. She felt and heard the gentle fall and rise of the stomach of her lover. She heard two echoes of slow, labored breathing from Tara’s room. Apparently everyone was exhausted. She smiled. Perhaps things wouldn’t be so bad. She rested her head back against the couch, and lost herself in the gentle pull of sleep.

***

When she woke up again, she found herself in her bedroom. Maybe Buffy carried her in? She pushed the covers off, and sat up. She heard the shower running, and a grin tugged at her lips. She rose from the bed, and strolled over to the bathroom. She pulled open the door, and slipped in. Steam filled the room, her flesh rose into goose bumps. She slowly moved the curtain back. Buffy was leaning with her back against the tiles. When she saw Faith, she smiled, a slow sexy smile that elicited a muffled moan from deep in Faith’s throat. “What took you so long?”

“I must have fallen asleep again.”

“You’d rather sleep than make me squeaky clean?” Buffy’s lower lip dipped out into a pout.

“No. There isn’t a thing I’d rather do right now than wash you down and then help make you dirty again.”

“Get in here…”

***

Buffy awoke with a start; her breathing was quick, her forehead glistening with a layer of sweat. Her eyes stayed closed, but her lips were parted slightly. When she could open her eyes, she remembered where she was. Suddenly, her skin flushed a deeper red, and she looked at her human pillow. Faith was still asleep, Buffy could tell. Faith’s tongue rested on the inside of her lip, and was just visible in Faith’s forever-open lips. Buffy’s instincts took over, her tongue darting out over her lips moistening them. The action reminded her in a flash of color and visual of her dream, she had been in the shower, and Faith had come in, like she had been wishing for her to in her dream. She felt Faith’s touches as if they had been real; her skin still tingled from where it was touched in her dream. She softly sighed, sinking back onto Faith’s lap. Curling back in, she got comfortable again and dozed.

***

Tara and Willow woke up almost simultaneously. Their eyes opened at the same time, and the smile parted their lips together. “Morning.” Willow brushed some hair from Tara’s face.

“It’s definitely a good morning.” Tara kissed Willow’s forehead.

“What are you doing today?”

Tara sighed. “It depends. What are you and Buffy supposed to be doing today?”

“I don’t have a thing to do. Buffy has classes, but she’ll probably skip those.”

“I think we’re probably gonna have to talk some more. I don’t think everything was really worked out last night.”

“You have any more secrets?” Her voice dipped a little, unsure. She wanted to hear a no, or a, yes, but I’m going to tell you everything.

Tara sighed; resting her hand on Willow’s hip, and propelling her own head up with her other hand. Her eyes sought out Willow’s, and held them squarely. “No secrets, just things that are hard to talk about… I don’t know what Faith has told Buffy, but I’m sure we’ll have to tell you the whole story.”

“Maureen?” Willow felt secure.

“Yeah.” She smiled, rolling into Willow. “I have to go make some coffee.” She inhaled deeply. “But I want to smell you the whole time I’m doing it.”

Willow smiled. “I don’t think that’s going to last.” She leaned in and kissed Tara.

The coffee wasn’t made for another hour.

***
Faith’s stare was getting to be a little overwhelming for Buffy. The weight of her gaze bore all of the love, lust and confusion her mind and heart felt for the girl, and Buffy felt awed by it. She met the brunette’s eyes, trying to weight her own look with all of the love she felt for her lover. Both Willow and Tara were drinking their coffee, basking in the scent of the other.

“Do you have class, B?”

Buffy almost laughed at Faith. “I would normally, but I’m giving myself the day off.”

Faith opened her mouth to object, but Tara caught her eyes and shook her head. “We should probably spend the day explaining.” Tara filled in.

“You’re right. But just this once.” Giving Buffy a look that said no messing around. Buffy shivered, involuntarily. Faith flashed her a grin; Willow and Tara respectfully looked away.

“We’re never going to get anything done if we can’t keep our hands off of each other for more than five minutes.” Buffy sounded more amused than frustrated.

“There were no hands involved there!” Faith protested, knowing it was futile. The look on Buffy’s face made Faith stuff her hands in her pockets and slump in her chair.

“So, I guess it would be best to start at the beginning.” Tara’s eyes met each of theirs, jarring them out of their pleasant afterglow and forcing them to refocus on the task at hand. Willow smiled, thinking of Giles’ habit of doing the very same thing. She glanced at Faith, who was now sitting at attention, watching Tara with the look of a friend who knew pain. Faith’s eyes flickered towards Willow for a second, seemed to smile, and then dropped quickly back to Tara. Did she just try to reassure me? Willow was confused, but contented. She liked being here. “There’s not much to my story, I guess. I grew up in a house with my mother and father. My Mom was my personal hero. From when I was a baby, I can remember seeing her golden hair in the light of my window, watching me watching her. We had a bond that was impenetrable. We understood each other instinctively. When I was a baby, she knew what my cries meant. I loved her more than anybody. My Father, on the other hand, was not as nice. In fact, he was… mean, sometimes. My brother was rarely better.” Tara’s eyes closed. Willow searched and found her hand. Tara’s eyes opened again, clearer than Willow could remember seeing them. She continued speaking, her voice totally steady. “My Mom died when I was seventeen, and I stayed for a few more months, but after awhile I couldn’t take it. I couldn’t take the yelling, or the hitting. I couldn’t. So I left. I wandered around for awhile, before finally wandering into the bar where Faith was working.”

Faith smiled, as if that was one of her favorite parts of the story. When she found Tara. “So, I guess it’s my turn?” Tara only nodded. Buffy turned her body, so she was completely turned towards Faith, and gave Faith her full attention. Willow set her face in her hands and smiled at Faith, as if to encourage her. “Well, I grew up. My Mom and Dad, they weren’t so bad, y’know? But when I was six, my Dad died. He just kicked it. It might have been cancer or something. My Mom fell apart. She just couldn’t take it anymore. She started to drink right after Dad died, and I’m pretty sure she’s still drinking now. It wasn’t so bad. It wasn’t her fault she couldn’t really give me much attention. So, when I was twelve and started to get into trouble, she did the only thing she knew how to do. She shipped me off. I went to my Aunt’s house.” Faith visibly shuddered.

Buffy’s hand reassuringly fell on Faith’s thigh. Faith seemed to brighten at the contact, and she slowly exhaled a labored breath. “My Aunt’s house wasn’t much to begin with, small, dark, cramped. But the people in it weren’t much better, so my life became something of a living hell.” Her eyes closed, briefly. “I left when I was fifteen.” She opened her eyes. “I moved here, made friends with a man who ran a bar. He gave me a job, and I studied under him. How bars run, that kind of stuff, he was a great teacher. ‘Bout a year later, he told me he was a Watcher, and I am the Slayer.” Willow and Buffy accepted this news. The Council kept tabs on all the Slayers; of course they’d have someone set up to care for her. “Anyway, he died a few months later, and left me the bar. I turned the bar into a few different businesses.” Tara and Faith shared another look, and understanding was passed between them. Buffy noted it; Willow seemed to be too busy staring at Tara’s hand to notice much else. Buffy laughed quietly to herself, her best friend was a nympho! She also resolved to discover what they didn’t want to say. “We’re gonna trail off here, enough explaining for the morning. Lunch, anyone?” Faith asked, hopping up from her seat and disappearing into the fridge.

_New Stuff_________________________________

Buffy knew that before this moment in time she never would have believed it. But the evidence was in front of her and in her mouth Faith could cook! Faith could cook fairly well. It was astounding. Willow looked surprised as well, as the four happily changed from somber discussion to happier double date chat. Willow and Tara both laughed as Buffy regaled them as to how Faith had charmed her out of an attempted staking, from the cemetery and to a bed. Faith just smiled and took the teasing. They took turns divulging their friend’s embarrassing stories to their lovers, as only best friends can do. Tara smiled as the thought struck her: they all actually seemed happy. Contented in a way that Tara had once only dreamed of. Tara had Willow, who was quickly becoming the moon and the stars and the sun and the birds chirping. A reason to go to bed at night and a reason to wake up the next morning. And she had Faith, who was her best confidante, who was the person who never failed to understand. Even Buffy seemed like a great person, someone whom she knew she would have to get to know better. And it seemed as though everyone else at the table’s thoughts were echoing her own. Life was surprising them all.

* * *

Maureen was growing more concerned with each passing hour. She wasn’t sure if she could hold up her end of the bargain, not anymore. It was simple enough, do what he asked, and he won’t kill you. But how do you make someone sleep with you? She didn’t understand. Certainly she had seduced Faith once, but Faith had been easier then. She was in a fight with that stupid little blond bitch. What was her name? Tara, right. One fight and Faith came running to her bed, no questions asked, nothing expected in turn. She had been so aggressive, so strong, so animalistic. What was it she had been whispering in Maureen’s ear? Want. Take. Have. Right, that was it. Maureen had never had better sex in her entire life. She still desired Faith every time she saw her. The way she moved in leather was downright tantalizing. The memory of Faith naked was pure torture, whatever you thought of Faith in her clothing, you simply could not deny the girl’s beauty once she removed it. When Maureen had seen Tara with a redhead, she nearly leapt with joy. This must mean Faith was back on the market, free to play with as she pleased. She knew they had parted badly, but that was all water under the bridge once the blond was off and fucking some new trick. When Faith had denied her, she knew in a second she was already with someone else. Maureen may not have been drop dead, but she knew she had a sensuality both men and women have trouble escaping. Yet Faith turned her down so quickly, so violently. And then she came.

What is it with this chick and blonds? Maureen had wondered as she got pushed away. She understood the attraction at least to this one. She was just as passionate as Faith, just differently. She was very similar to Faith, their basic traits were the same. She was strong, like Faith, had the same raw qualities to her person and the way she moved. But the blond was more restrained, she had less mystery and more Miss American Pie to her. She seemed to be less of a bad ass, with a more “I have so much to live for” attitude. This blond was getting in her way – particularly because Faith seemed to be gaining more self-respect. This blond was going to be trouble.

* * *

They had managed to spend the whole day together, without anyone killing the others. In fact, every one of the four felt incredible afterwards. Willow had said it best, curled up on the couch while they were deep in conversation. “I feel like I just came home from the longest vacation ever, and everything is better than when I left.” Buffy and Faith had smiled, and Tara had kissed her girlfriend gently on the lips, all three of them understanding exactly what she meant. It was odd, but somehow it felt just right for Buffy to be lying in Faith’s arms in Faith’s apartment with Willow and Tara. It felt like something she should have been doing for years. She wondered why she bothered missing this. She had never been more comfortable in her life. She looked up at Faith, and Faith smiled back. Buffy grinned, it spread across her face and she left it, gently getting used to the feel of her upturned lips again. It was something she hadn’t encountered in awhile. Faith poked her gently, and whispered “We should probably go patrol.”

Buffy’s head reeled. She hadn’t even thought of the joys of having Faith with her on patrol! How nice it would be to have someone to cover her back, to fight beside her. Someone she would never have to worry about, someone she trusted. She could see it now, The Chosen Two. She quivered slightly at the thought. Faith smiled. Was it possible Buffy felt the same way she did after patrol? Tara had never understood what it was about dusting some vamps that got Faith so worked up, but she never complained -- Buffy could understand, Buffy would get it. Faith grinned, for the first time in a long time, she was excited about her night work.

* * *

Willow and Tara giggled as Faith and Buffy scampered out of the apartment. “I’ve never seen Buffy so excited to patrol in my life!” Willow laughed.

“Faith has definitely never enjoyed it like that.” Tara’s voice played on an edge Willow wasn’t sure she liked.

“So, what should we do now?” Willow’s voice played on an edge Tara was sure she liked.

“I’m sure we can entertain ourselves somehow.” Tara whispered the words into Willow’s ear as her lips dropped lower to lick the length of Willow’s neck. Willow moaned softly. Entertained indeed.

[tommo]

I'm so glad you've written some more of this. I LOVE this fic. It's just so...well it's so right.

Um...you know I love it, right?

------------------
"She looked across at Willow, whose face was filled with light. She had never felt so calm and happy, and strong..." ~ Unseen: Door To Alternity

[xita]

Oh yes me too. This is one good fic and I am glad you are back at it.

[Ressick]

WWWWAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

That's my girl.

Excellent, as always, my dear.

Res

[RomanceJunky]

I wondered what had happened to this story...

I'm really enjoying it!

The Junky

------------------
"I am, You know."
"What?"
"Yours."

[Chance]

Chapter 7

"So how do you think it is we never knew about each other, being in the same town and all?" Buffy asked, leaning into Faith, playfully shoving her backwards.

"C'mon, B, this is Sunnydale. You don't think there's enough vamps and demons for both of us without knowing about each other? Different parts of town, too. Noticed you tend to stay on the other side of the tracks." Faith jabbed at Buffy for living comfortably in the "nice part" of Sunnydale.

"So, what does that make me? Your uptown girl?"

Faith laughed. "I guess so."

Buffy was quiet for a moment, looking at Faith with a small smile on her face. "What?" Faith asked. She wiped at her brow and her cheeks. "Do I have dirt on my face, or something?"

"No." Buffy laughed, she felt happy, but still unsure.

"Oh." Faith nodded. "B -- I want to meet your family."

"You mean, like Giles?"

"Well, yeah, and who ever else there is." Faith looked at Buffy to fill in the gap.

"Giles, yeah, Xander, my best guy friend in the world, Anya, his wife…" Buffy hesitated, but finished "my sister?"

"You have a sister?"

"Yeah. I'm overprotective, I don't usually mention her until I really… trust someone."

Faith's hand rested on Buffy's shoulder gently. "I understand, I'd probably be the same way."

"Faith, come meet my family with me tomorrow."

"Thought you'd never ask, B."

They shared a smile. "So, this patrol is pretty boring, huh? What do you say we go home and do something more interesting."

Buffy grinned. "Well, we have been at it for awhile."

"Say, do you want to spar sometime? I'd really like to see how you work, your technique and whatnot."

"Make sure we're compatible?" Buffy smiled. "Sure."

Faith leaned over, reaching out and pulling Buffy into her, hips meeting hips. "I know we're compatible." Lips soon covered lips and proved that fact again and again.

* * *

"So, what do you think?" Maureen smiled, knowing she had found her way out of her problem.

The man didn't make much sound at all. He pondered the plan, momentarily. It was simple, really, beautiful, ingenious. He knew the girl was too scared to cross him, and he knew if it worked, which it should, the results would be chaotic. He loved chaos. "Maureen, I think I'm going to like you much more than I thought I would. You've improved upon the plan. I'm quite proud. Maybe when this is over, we can continue working together." He seemed utterly enthused.

Maureen let out the breath she was holding. "Great." She wondered if that was actually a good thing, but assumed if she could finish this job, he might be more agreeable.

"Well, then, let us shake hands on it, and you can get to business."

"That's all that needs to be done?" Maureen sounded incredulous.

"Well, yes." He smiled. "Come now, just shake my hand." And he extended the black gloved hand, which insidiously waited for her grip.

* * *

Willow burrowed underneath Tara's arm, pulling a pillow over both her face and the arm. She knew it wouldn't last long, but it offered temporary shelter. "Willow! Wake up!" Buffy voice hammered through the door.

"No!" She called back out, sleepy and groggy.

Tara giggled lightly, having been woken from her sleep by Buffy. Willow was just too cute. Her hair clung to one side of her face and she was hiding underneath Tara's body and a pillow, her legs wrapped around one of Tara's own. She peeked out from under her pillow, looking up at Tara with bright green eyes. "Don't wanna."

"I know. I wouldn't make you get up." Tara whispered.

Willow leaned forward and kissed Tara lightly on the lips. "I know." They shared a private smile, reserved for lovers just waking in the morning.
"Willow!" Buffy called.

"B! Don't break down my door!" Faith playfully called from the couch.

"Will, I'm taking Faith to meet Giles, Anya and Xander. I thought you might want to come and bring Tara." Willow sat up, looking at the door. She knew she couldn't hold out much longer. "Dawnie's coming home, too. I just called her." Willow gave up, and looked to Tara, with a soft smile. She placed her hand over her girlfriend's, and ran her fingertips over her palm. Buffy waited in the quiet, knowing she'd won already.

"Wanna come meet my family today?"

Tara grinned. "I'd love to."

"Alright. Let us get dressed." Willow called back to Buffy.

Buffy laughed. "Softie!" She knew Dawn would do the trick.

When Willow and Tara emerged from the bedroom, Buffy looked up at them from behind Faith's body. Buffy briefly rejoiced in the comfort of Faith as a human blanket. "We're meeting them at the Summers' residence." Buffy smiled, content that the love of her life was about to meet the rest of her life. She reflected for a minute. In reality, her family was her friends, Anya, Xander, Willow, Giles, and Dawn. There were the reasons she was still alive. They were a part of her as much as a part of her life. She felt them all inside of her, urging her on when she wanted to just… Reassuring her she could win. Reassuring her that there were people who would notice and miss her when she was gone. Now she felt like she was complete. She now had the other half of herself in Faith. She couldn't wait for them all to meet. She knew Tara was going to quickly become part of her family as well, and she was pleased. Tara was definitely to Willow what Faith was to Buffy.

"Great." Willow smiled. She couldn't wait to introduce Tara to Dawn. Willow had never had a younger sister, but Dawn certainly felt like hers. And she knew Dawn would absolutely adore the blond witch. She knew Dawn would love her as much as she loved the rest of them. Giles would love Tara too, she knew. Giles was the Dad she had always wanted. The unconditional love that a father should give a child. Giles would love Tara and Faith because he would see how happy they made Buffy and her. And Xander… well, Xander was just going to be flabbergasted.

Faith and Tara were worried. They both knew what this meant, meeting the family, and as much as they both knew they were in love with their respective partners… neither had ever had a family. Well, aside from each other, which was easier because when you're friends after you're lovers, it's easier to negotiate how to keep the other person happy. Buffy and Willow had a big family - the same family. That scared them both.

Faith felt Buffy's reassuring grip on her hand. She looked into Buffy's eyes, translating all of her fears into the look. Buffy's eyes smiled back like a lighthouse in the water. She was totally ready to help Faith navigate past the rocks. Tara was folded into a loving embrace from Willow, and felt a gentle nip at her neck. "I love you. You know that."

Tara smiled. "I know that better than I know anything else."

"Good."

* * *

Faith had been to the Summers house before. She had met Buffy in bed more than a few nights. She felt comfortable there; there was a sense of home about the house. When she had asked Buffy, Buffy had simply smiled sadly, and mumbled something about her Mother. Faith plopped down on the couch, contentedly. The other girls soon joined them. "So, when is everyone supposed to be here?" Willow asked.

"Right now, actually." Buffy smiled her "I-just-can't-wait-smile".

The door opened, followed by an aged English voice calling "Hello? Buffy?"

"Giles! We're in here!"

"Oh. Good." Giles strolled in, in his usual protocol suit. He was definitely English.

"Giles, I'd like you to meet Faith…" Buffy stood with Faith, and Faith went to shake the man's hand.

"And this is Tara." Willow smiled at Giles, hugging him first, and then allowing him to see Tara. Tara's head was bent down, and her hair fell forward into her face. It was the shyest Willow had ever seen her look. "It's nice to meet you, Mr. Giles." She looked back up at him, her blue eyes staring straight into his. Giles thought he had never seen more honest or soulful eyes in his life. He smiled.

"It's good to meet you both." He looked at Buffy and Willow and had to smile. So, they had found love, finally. He was happy his girls were content. Willow had never been so happy in her life, and Buffy hadn't looked this happy since Angel. Ever since his death, she had been devastatingly down. "Xander and Anya are behind me. You know how long it takes them to get anywhere anymore."

Willow and Buffy grinned. Xander strolled in, his hair was appropriately ruffled, but he looked good. Healthy and happy, a man very much coming into his own. He dropped the baby blue bag (with little ducks, Willow noted) on the ground, and pulled Willow and Buffy into a big hug. "Wills, Buffster. How are you guys?" Anya strolled in moments later, carrying the reason for their delay. Willow smiled, and kissed Anya on the cheek before looking down at her "nephew". "Hey Jesse. How's it going?" The baby boy grabbed onto Willow's finger and giggled happily.

"Sure, he loves you. He's been cranky all morning. Xander, take him." Anya sounded displeased, but the smile hadn't left her eyes since he had been born. Xander came over, and after giving his wife a quick kiss on the lips, he pulled the baby out, and adjusted him so he rested in his arms. Finally, Xander noticed Faith and Tara who were watching the scene with smiles on their faces. Buffy hugged Anya, then stood next to Xander, laying a hand on his arm. "Xander, this is Faith, my girlfriend."

"Hey, how are ya? Cute kid." Faith's unknown weakness was small kids. She turned into a mushball whenever one was around. Xander's mouth had dropped open, and he wasn't speaking. Faith glanced at him with an eyebrow raised. "Hey, you okay?"

"Yeah, definitely okay." Xander's mind raced. He knew Willow… but Buffy? He never would have guessed.

"Xander?" Willow's voice brought him back, pulling his attention to his best and oldest friend in the world. "This is Tara."

The blond girl stepped forward and smiled. "Hi Xander. It's nice to meet you. You have a beautiful family."

"Thanks." Xander smiled. "You have a beautiful girlfriend."

"I know." Tara and Xander shared a moment. Instantly they liked each other.

"Tara, Faith…" Willow's voice called everyone back to her again. "This is Anya."

"Xander's mine." Anya looked stern for a moment. "But you look happy… so I don't feel threatened." She offered the new girls and Xander a smile. They all accepted it.

Giles smiled. "So, these two were the surprise I take it." Motioning to Faith and Tara who both seemed relieved that these people seemed happy to meet them.

"Well, actually, there's one more surprise. And I think it's coming right now." Buffy answered over her shoulder, as she glanced through the door window.

* * *

Maureen sat and contemplated. All she needed was the good opportunity. With the power the "Man" had given her, she surely could bring about Faith's demise. It was simple really, Faith always got scared. It was in her nature. Faith had never really had love in her life, Maureen knew. Maureen was sure Faith would grow scared or weary of Buffy's love, and then it would be time to strike. Maybe she could take out that dumb blond bitch Tara a long with Faith. That's it! That's how she'd use the power. One slayer, served up well done… one blond witch, destroyed… medium well. Maureen started to laugh so hard she could barely control herself. How simple it all was really. She could see it working in her mind. She couldn't have been more tickled. She couldn't have been more pleased.
____________________________________________

Look, a whole new chapter!!!

-Chance.

[This message has been edited by Chance (edited October 05, 2001).]

[Halcyon]

Yippee with the continuation of a great fic!! I was wondering what happened to it.

[Sneaky Kitty]

yay additions to fics..that makes me happy..its great please please please continue

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If At First You Don't Succeed...blame Someone Else And Seek Counseling.
......in the end we are all still innocent......
Someone tell me why?

[Puff]

Yay more of this cool story I'm loving it and waiting ever so patiently (not) for the next part

[Rane]

*Tara was folded into a loving embrace from Willow, and felt a gentle nip at her neck. "I love you. You know that."

Tara smiled. "I know that better than I know anything else."*

sigh....

[Chance]

"You think you know ... what's to come ... You haven't even begun."

[geekgod]

oh but i do know whats to come... more great fic.

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"i don't get wild, wild on me equals 'spaz'"

"i worship beelzebub! i do his bidding. do you see any goats around? no! because i sacrificed
them! all bow before SATAN!

[knike74]

Hey,

Totally love this fic..keep up the great work

knike74

[tommo]

Oh Chance, you temptress you. Taunting me with more fic. Sigh. I love it. And the way Willow and Tara are with each other...it's perfect.

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"She looked across at Willow, whose face was filled with light. She had never felt so calm and happy, and strong..." ~ Unseen: Door To Alternity

[Halcyon]

That's cruel chance...are all fic writers so mean?

Edited to add a smiley. I didn't mean it that way but the wait for fics is sheer torture *sigh*

[This message has been edited by Halcyon (edited August 08, 2001).]

[Chance]

I'm mean, now? I didn't mean to be mean.

I was just trying to... uhhh... build excitement and whatnot... no? *looks sad*

I'm sorry.

I'm working on 8. Should get the beginnings down tonight (everyone ready for an older Dawn?) and finish it up tomorrow. Depending on whether or not my mind wants to play with me.

Lots o' love, Chance.

[xita]

I loved this part. Meeting the family and the way xander and tara got along right away. And shy Tara returning when she met the family. Very sweet, can't wait for more.

[Chance]

I don't think many people are gonna love me when they're done with this chapter, but the next one is mapped out, I know what's gonna happen, I just have to write it. Soon, folks, soon. Hope this is enough to tide you over. *evil cackle*
____________________________________________

Chapter 8

The taxi slowed to a stop outside of the Summers’ house. The driver had noticed the passenger was particularly quiet most of the ride, but the sudden sight of her destination had awakened her attention. Her eyes seemed glued to the house; the energy was unmistakable, even behind her sunglasses. He smiled. Taking people home was perhaps his favorite part of the job. It always elicited strong emotional responses. He slowed to a stop, and it took his passenger a moment to realize. She leaned and paid him, tipping him fairly well, he noted with a sense of glee. She opened the taxi door, her legs stretching out before her, and took in the scene before letting herself stand and the sun light her face.

Dawn’s eyes surveyed her home, taking in the aging siding and the newly repaired roof. It was the home her mother had raised her in. She blinked away a tear; it was still her most open wound. She was home now, happy to be among friends. She knew her sister and the rest of her family awaited her inside. Buffy had phoned with such a gentle contentment to her tone that Dawn had been shocked. They spoke once a week; Dawn cherished their conversations. They were sister and sister again; Buffy no longer tried to be a parent. Dawn often noted that Buffy had become her best friend. She smiled, feeling the warmth of love warming her.

Her hair was tied back into a bun, and she self-consciously reached behind her to touch it. The Scoobies hadn’t seen her in a few months, and she looked older. She knew it. They would “oooh” and “aaah” at the obvious change in her appearance. Her clothes were fashionable, but that was her sister’s influence. She was taller now, an inch or two taller than buffy, but she wore flats to cover it. She pulled her sunglasses off of her eyes, and picked up her bag. She smiled, genuinely. Her finger flirted with the doorbell for a moment before pressing it down and opening the door.

Buffy was soon pulling her into a hug, and Dawn’s bag dropped to the floor, forgotten. “Hi sis.”

“Hey Buffy.”

“Looking good.” Buffy smiled, pulling back but not away.

“Looking better.” Dawn smiled, and pulled Buffy back into a hug. “I missed you.”

Buffy inhaled sharply, letting her sister’s comforting scent fill her nostrils. “Missed you more.”

Dawn broke Buffy’s embrace, only to fall into Giles’. “Hey Giles.” Dawn smiled to herself, at the man who had become a father. She had missed his warm concern and gentle manner.

“Yes, hello Dawn.” Giles stepped out of the embrace, smiling despite himself.

Xander, in the middle of the emotional scene before them, had turned to Tara and handed her Jesse. “Hey, watch him for a second, will ya?” Xander smiled reassuringly before lumbering towards Dawn with his hands outstretched. Anya followed her husband after patting Tara gently on the arm, showing her own support for her husband’s choice of guardian. Tara stood, holding the baby. Her mind reconciled itself with the fact that she was holding the most beloved member of her girlfriend’s family. She grinned, and it stretched itself from ear to ear.

“Dawnie!” Xander exclaimed, twirling the girl about the hallway.

“Hey Xander.” Dawn laughed as she was finally set down. She leaned over and kissed Anya on the cheek.

Her eyes settled on Tara and Jesse. She walked confidently over, and smiled at Tara. “Hi, I’m Dawn.”

“I’m Tara.”

“I see you’re holding my nephew.” Dawn squinted at her briefly. “You must be Willow’s new girlfriend.” Dawn turned to Willow, who was standing next to her girlfriend with an approving look. Willow nodded. “Well, any friend of Willow’s…” She focused her gaze downwards towards the baby. “Hi Jesse, how are you?” She tickled him with her fingernails. The baby squirmed and giggled under her attention. “That’s my favorite nephew in the world.” Finally, she turned to Willow, and took a step forward, wrapping her arms around the older witch. “Hi Willow, how are you?”

“Really good.” Willow answered honestly.

“So I see.” She whispered in her ear. “She’s beautiful.”

Willow beamed. “You’ll love her.”

“Do you?” Dawn whispered back.

“Yeah.”

“Then I do too.” Dawn smiled. “So that’s everybody but… you.” She said, looking at Faith.

Faith stood in the doorframe, leaning against it with her legs crossed at the ankles and her arms folded over herself. “Hi, I’m Faith.”
Faith offered her hand to Dawn; her brown eyes penetrating Dawn’s.

“You’re Buffy’s new friend.” Dawn filled in. She looked to Buffy for confirmation.

Buffy nodded. “She’s my new… friend, Dawn.”

Dawn’s eyes opened wide for a moment, taking her sister in completely. They swept up and down Buffy, as if measuring her up. “Oh.”

“I thought this would be okay with you.”

“It is.” Dawn muttered. She then cleared her throat, looked her sister in the eye. “Whatever makes you happy, right?”

“Right.” Buffy replied, still nervous.

Dawn’s eyes wandered back to Faith. “You and I need to speak later, it seems.” A smile tugged at her lips. “Make sure you treat my sister right.” Yet, Dawn’s mind was betraying her words. She wasn’t sure she was pleased with this development. She’d never even heard this girl’s name, and her sister was already… She didn’t understand. She needed to talk to Buffy and Willow.

“Let’s start on dinner, if everyone’s here.” Buffy’s voice rang clear through the house. “Xander, you want to start on the grill?”

“I’ll trade my services for a beer.”

“Done.” Buffy smiled. “Let’s go outside.”

The whole entourage followed, happily enjoying a day together. Buffy started to follow them out, but was yanked back in by a strong arm. She found herself face to face with her sister. “What’s up Dawn?”

“That’s the way you chose to tell me something like that?”

“I honestly didn’t think you’d mind.”

“I’ve never heard this girl’s name before Buffy, and yet you seem contented in your happy little world. How long has this been going on, did you just not tell me? Did you think I couldn’t handle it? Because that’s what hurts, Buff. The fact you didn’t trust me. After all we’ve been through together.”

“Dawn!” Buffy called, silencing her rant. “Dawn, this is new. I’ve only known Faith for three weeks.”

“Three weeks?”

“Three weeks.”

The gravity of that statement seemed to hit Dawn hard. “That’s not very long, Buffy, are you sure you can trust her?”

“Dawn, I ask myself that every morning when I wake up next to her.” Buffy’s eyes explored her sister, begging her to listen, and she reached for one of Dawn’s hands. “I know it seems quick, and I know it seems like I’m losing my mind, but that’s just it, Dawn. I’ve never trusted anybody like I trust her. I’ve never just fallen in love like this. Even Angel didn’t get to me like she does. She seems to just understand me. You know how much I’ve always wanted that. We both have our secrets still, Dawn. But for some reason she rips through my defenses… She rips right through me. Straight to the center of me, y’know? And it scared me at first, and it worries me, but it thrills me, too. She’s making me happy. I feel her effects on me every morning. I’m smiling again. I haven’t done that since… since Angel died. Since Mom died. She makes the pain a little bit more bearable. I really think I’m in love with her. And because of that, I wanted you to meet her.”

Dawn searched Buffy’s eyes, finding no signs of drug use or spells. She sighed, reluctantly consenting. “If you love her Buffy, then I don’t mind.”

“Good. I need you to be okay with this.”

“I am.” Dawn smiled. The sisters hugged again.

“Let’s go outside.”

* * *

Hours later, after the remnants of the party had been cleaned up, and Giles, Xander and Anya had returned to their own homes, and Dawn had retired to bed, the girls sat around the living room. They had been talking for an hour or two, drinking, and discussing the dynamics of the Scoobies. They were a happy, tired foursome.

Willow had noticed the way Tara and Xander got along instantly. Tara laughed at Xander’s sophomoric wit, and Xander was forever baiting Tara to speak more of herself, or to interact in the conversation. Xander was trying to help Tara assimilate. Willow took this as a good sign. Tara and Anya had seemed to develop a bond, as Tara quickly became the only one who could stop Jesse from crying. Anya loved anyone who could stop her hyperactive son from sobbing. Giles seemed to take a fatherly affection to Tara immediately, pleased to have someone more intellectual to interact with. Giles quickly became uncomfortable at family parties when chats of high school and college hijinks came about. With Tara there, they could retreat to chats about keeping Slayers in good physical condition and getting their slayers to report. Giles even offered to train Tara to keep official Watcher records. (He also mentioned to both Buffy and Faith his desire to discuss the two slayers in Sunnydale, the repercussions and benefits thereof.) Dawn even made friends quickly with Tara, discussing classes to take at college, and the benefits of having a single dorm room. A conversation that often dissolved into giggles and low murmurs to hide the truth of what they were saying from Slayer-hearing. As much as Dawn and Buffy were friends, sometimes Buffy still treated Dawn like a kid. Willow was ultimately pleased – happy Tara had bonded so quickly with her family.

Faith had had more trouble than Tara had. Giles had appraised her as more of a Slayer than a human being. (At least, that’s how Faith felt.) Although she supposed he was a watcher. He had made her briefly uncomfortable by mentioning and offering his condolences for her own Watcher. “I knew him,” Giles said. “He was a good man.” Xander and Faith had gotten along as they watched football together. Xander was ecstatic to find a “guy” to play with at these functions. Anya had tried to make contact with Faith, but they didn’t understand each other to any degree so they had quickly given up. Dawn and Faith had spoken briefly, but not to any great degree. They had not bonded in any particular way, and that distressed Buffy and Faith slightly. But still, Willow knew, Faith had done better than any of Buffy’s previous interests. Furthermore, she was sure the precautionary measures all of them were taking had a lot more to do with Buffy’s track record than Faith herself.

“I’m going to make some coffee, anyone want any?” Buffy asked, breaking their thought processes.

“I’ll help.” Tara offered, and rose to follow Buffy into the kitchen.

Tara walked into the kitchen, and found herself looking at Buffy’s back. Buffy was on her tiptoes reaching for the coffee. Tara took a seat at the counter. “Need any help?” Tara asked.

“No, I’m okay. Glad for the company, though.” Buffy smiled at Tara after jumping effortlessly and grasping the coffee in a firm hand. “Did you have a good time today?”

“I did. Your family is great.” Tara smiled, and Buffy couldn’t help but note what a selfless action it seemed on her. “I’m glad Willow has had such good friends in her life.”

Buffy found herself forced to smile again. “Me too.” She opened the coffee, spooning it into the machine.

Tara stood and walked to Buffy’s side. “I really love her. You’re her best friend. I want to know that I love her. And I’ll take of her. And I’m glad she in such good hands before I met her.”

Buffy turned, and looked Tara deep in the eyes. “I know. And I wanted you to know I feel the same way about Faith.”

Tara’s smile turned sad. “Faith has always taken care of herself.”

“I think she needs you more than you realize.”

Buffy and Tara shared a warm smile. “So, Giles is glad he has someone to feel his pain in the ‘watching a Slayer’ type way…”

* * *

Faith clapped her hands on her legs. “I’m gonna go get some air.” She said, standing.

Willow took a deep breath and gathered her courage. Faith still intimidated her. “Mind if I join you?” Willow asked. Her eyes followed the Slayer to the door. She liked the girl, she knew. There was something about her, the way she seemed flippant and tortured at the same time that made Willow want to give her a hug.

“No.” Faith answered as she pulled the door open. Willow followed her out, and they sat on Buffy’s porch for awhile in a companionable silence, each staring out at the stars.

* * *

Maureen watched from the shadows. Her eyes were focused on Faith. She couldn’t believe her luck. Too easy, she thought to herself. Extending her hand, she murmured a few words in a foreign language. A ball of light, blue and cool, flooded from her hand and silently made its way towards Faith and Willow. It lost it’s color as it came within reaching distance, hitting them without their knowledge. All they felt was a change in their own feelings. Maureen smiled. It worked! A little test run to see if it would truly work her way. She rubbed her hands together; hoping no one came to interrupt the show. This was gonna be fun.

* * *

“Tara, I’ve been thinking. I don’t really know you that well, and Willow doesn’t really know Faith that well. I don’t think it’s really gonna happen if it’s constantly the four of us together. What if we had a ‘getting to know you’ night that we spent separately. You and me, Faith and Willow, splitting up, sizing each other up.” Buffy was looking at Tara as if she were waiting for rejection. Tara smiled.

“I think it’s a great idea. Tomorrow night?” Buffy smiled too.

* * *
Willow felt weird, but not necessarily a bad weird. She suddenly felt… like she wanted to find Tara. She looked up at Faith, and found herself meeting eyes with the girl. Her green eyes were turning into puddles underneath the gaze of Faith’s chocolate brown eyes. The depth and the pain in Faith’s eyes were evident, as Willow had once noticed. And yet… there was something new there, something Willow hadn’t seen before. She took a step towards Faith.

Faith had no idea what was going on, but her eyes were totally focused on Red. She looked amazing, her top wasn’t tight, but it was hugging her correctly, and Faith felt herself salivating. Her red hair was a turn on, always had been for Faith. Faith loved blonds, but could never resist a fiery red head here and there. And Faith knew that’s what she was looking for right now.

Somehow they seemed closer than they had originally. Somehow, they had come within a few inches of each other, and neither was doing anything to improve the distance. Somewhere in the back of each of their minds was a voice screaming “No”! But neither could hear it. There was a general haze around both of their minds, all that was there was the need to devour, caress, rip, savor. Faith wanted Willow. Willow wanted Faith. This was all either knew. And before either was really aware of what was happening, their lips were closing the gap.
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Chance.

[Halcyon]

WHAT???

*takes a deep breath*

you have it all planned out and ah, I am eagerly awaiting the next installment. patiently waiting.

[tommo]

Woo hoo! You did it! This is great. Mainly because I know you love Tara so you won't hurt her, right? Right?

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"She looked across at Willow, whose face was filled with light. She had never felt so calm and happy, and strong..." ~ Unseen: Door To Alternity

[xita]

oh god.

[FrenchRose]

That, and ouch.

[Puff]

No way! How could you do this? Ok now I need the next chapter where they wake up and realise it is all a dream.

[tommo]

*is rolling around laughing at the kitties despair*

Because she can. That's why she did it. And I know I should be disappointed or upset or god knows, something. But I'm strangely enjoying this.

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"She looked across at Willow, whose face was filled with light. She had never felt so calm and happy, and strong..." ~ Unseen: Door To Alternity

[Chance]

Fear not, fellow kitties. I, like yourselves, am a W/T lover. I'm totally caught up in their happiness. So, yes, I love them and do want to see them happy and healthy.

But... This is Buffy we're talking about. I'm just trying to make Joss proud, people.

The course of true love ne'er ran smooth.

-Chance (enjoying making the kitties squirm)