Tara slowly gains consciousness feeling a weight across her stomach and thighs and a hand playing with her… Eyes opening wide she looks down at a sleeping slayer with her head on her left breast, snoring softly and her left hand lightly squeezing and releasing her right breast. ‘Well, she wasn’t kidding when she said she liked to snuggle.’ Tara thinks to herself with a slight giggle.

“Mmm.” Buffy mumbles in her sleep, shifting her body closer and rubbing her face against…opening her eyes wide Buffy jumps back slightly. “Tara, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to…”

Tara softly places her finger on Buffy’s lips stilling her worried ranting. “Buffy, it’s okay.” Smiling lopsidedly at the Slayer. “I mean you probably don’t want to rush into anything, but I am SO not complaining.” Tara replaces her finger with her lips and gently kisses the slayer. “Good morning.”

Blushing slightly Buffy grins and returns the kiss. “Good morning. So, good morning groping is allowed?” Buffy smirks slightly.

Blushing herself, Tara smirks back. “Right up there with good morning kisses. Want to lie back down?” Tara asks glancing down to her breast and back at Buffy with an arched eyebrow.

Grinning in appreciation, Buffy nods her head before snuggling back down. “Mmmm. I can definitely get used to this.” Pulling back slightly Buffy asks worriedly. “I’m not hurting you, am I?”

Wrapping her arms around the slayer, Tara tugs her back down against her. “No, you’re not hurting me, Buffy.” Tara smiles as she runs her fingers through Buffy’s hair. “What time do you have to be at work today?”

Buffy groans loudly at being reminded about work and hears the slight inhale from Tara. Pulling back she looks at Tara. “Now I know I did something.” Buffy looks worried at Tara.

Blushing a darker red, Tara lightly bites her bottom lip to keep from giggling. “Buffy, it wasn’t a bad something.” Hesitating trying to decide how to phrase it. “When you groaned, it vibrated and…” Trailing off she smiles at the slayer, reaching up to brush her thumb down the soft cheek. “It felt good.” She whispers.

Eyes opening wide in realization, Buffy smiles hugely. “Good. Ummm. You know I’ve never…”

“I know, Buffy. Just relax and when the time is right, it’ll be right. And don’t be so worried about doing something wrong.” Tara smiles before leaning up and kissing the tip of the slayers nose before tugging her back down to lay her head back on her breast.

“What time is it?” Buffy mumbles smiling slightly as she runs her hand over the blondes stomach where her shirt had ridden up.

“Hmmm…” Turning her head to look at the alarm clock Tara closes her eyes at the soft fingertips playing with her stomach. “It’s 8 o’clock.”

“I have to be at work at 10:30 for the lunch crowd and I get off at 4:30 today.” Buffy mumbles shifting her leg to run it over Tara’s.

“Why don’t I get up and make some breakfast for everyone. I’m sure Dawn wants to talk to us. And I’m kind of curious as to how Faith figured out you liked me.” Tara smiles slightly thinking the Dark Slayer was probably more aware of the people around her than she let on.

“Not just like, but love you.” Buffy whispers leaning up to place a gentle kiss on the soft full lips that she was becoming quickly addicted to. “I could spend all day kissing you.” A light knocking came on the bedroom door followed by Dawn’s voice asking if they were up yet.

“Well, maybe if annoying sisters weren’t in the house I could at least pretend I had all day to kiss you!” Buffy grumbles lightly before smiling and yelling. “We’re awake just not up yet. Go ahead and head downstairs we’ll be down in a few minutes.”

“Okay!” Dawn chirps happily before heading downstairs.

“You go ahead and get ready for work and I’ll start fixing breakfast.” Tara smiles as Buffy growls slightly, before easing away and smiling at the Wicca.

“You are beautiful.” Buffy states smiling softly at the beautiful blue eyes looking back at her before leaning down and placing another light kiss on her lips and hopping out of bed to shower and get ready for work.

************

“So what does everyone have planned while I am getting all grease-a-fied at the DMP?” Buffy asks after swallowing a mouthful of pancakes.

“Can I go to Janice’s today and spend the night? She called while you were in the shower.” Dawn hopefully asks.

“Yes, you may. AFTER you pick up your room, bring down your laundry and help with the dishes.” Buffy states giving her a firm look.

“Ah, Buffy.” Dawn whines briefly before smiling. “Okay. Thanks!”

Tara smiles gently looking from one sister to the other. “Well, I do know I have to get some groceries. We’re getting down to the bare bones here. I guess we should get Faith set up in the bedroom…” Hesitating Tara looks at Buffy with a questioning look before asking “Do you want us to move your stuff back? I-I mean, I d-don’t want to assume anything.”

“Tara you aren’t assuming anything, and yes if you want me to move back in to the bedroom with you, I would be ecstatic.” Buffy smiles at the blonde. “That reminds me, Faith, how in the world did you know that I cared for Tara?”

Faith rolls her eyes before gulping down some of her coffee. “Wicked obvious, B.”

Dawn giggles and covers her mouth when Buffy and Tara turn to look at her with a questioning look. “Faith’s right.”

“Okay, will someone please explain to me how it was so obvious?” Buffy pouts.

“I’ll go first Little D.” Faith grins at the teenager. “Let’s see big honkin’ sign - You get me out of jail. The person that held a knife to your best friends throat, tried to kill Xander and Angel, three very important people in your life. You’re willing to get me out to protect blondie over here, didn’t take much more than that.” Faith looks down and scoops up the last bite of scrambled eggs and bite of toast, finishing her breakfast. “Thanks blondie, that was good.”

Dawn shrugs and questions. “My turn?” At Buffy and Tara’s nod she smirks. “Buffy couldn’t keep her hands to herself. She was always reaching out to touch Tara or sitting beside her. Buffy wasn’t that touchy-feely with Riley! Plus the looks you two were always exchanging when the other wasn’t paying attention. Come on. Plus the pitt bull mentality that Buffy has about Tara being protected. As Faith said, ‘Wicked obvious’!”

“Great, next you’re going to tell me Anya and Xander figured it out, too!” Buffy states before finishing her juice.

“Anya figured it out. Her and Xander were arguing about it the other day when I was in the Magic Box waiting for Tara to pick me up after her classes.” Dawn states smiling as she winks at Faith.

“They were arguing?” Tara asks with a frown.

“Yeah, but not bad. Just Anya was stating how you two were orgasm buddies now and Xander swore up and down that you weren’t. That you would tell him if you were seeing each other, even though he did say he had a feeling it was just a matter of time.” Dawn states grinning broadly.

Buffy starts laughing and just lays her head down on the dining room table. “Why couldn’t someone have told me?”

Smiling softly at Buffy, Tara shakes her head slightly. “It’s always best to come to the conclusion yourself instead of someone else telling you, sweetie. If someone were to tell you, you would always wonder if that influenced your decision. And not just you and me way, but in anything in life.”

Frowning slightly at the time, Buffy stands up. “I hate to say it, but I have to get to work. I’ll see you guys later.” Buffy smiles as Tara gets up gathering up the dishes to take them in the kitchen before coming back out. Blushing slightly, Buffy walks up to her and gently kisses her. “I’ll see you later.” Buffy whispers hugging her tight. Turning to Faith, Buffy growls. “Make sure you keep her in your eyesight. She means the world to me.”

Faith nods. “You got it, B.” Grinning wickedly she looks at Buffy. “So if I have to keep her in my eyesight…”

“Faith! Don’t even get started!” Buffy interrupts the dark slayer. Shaking her head at the slayer.  “Faith can you come out here with me for a moment?” Buffy asks seriously.

“What’s up B?” Faith asks.

“I really appreciate you doing this. I want you to know that.” Buffy states before saying. “I’m glad to have you back. And not just for this.” Looking down kicking a stone, Buffy looks back up with caring in her eyes. “I miss having you around. Now I got to go, see you tonight.” Buffy takes off, leaving a stunned Faith standing on the sidewalk.

*********

“Well, that’s the last of the stuff.” Faith states looking at the room. “I feel weird having the big bedroom while you two take the smaller one. You sure you don’t wanna switch?”

“NO!” Tara states loudly before closing her eyes.

Faith’s head jerks up at hearing the normally soft spoken woman being so vocal. “Whoa! Sorry blondie, didn’t mean to upset you.”

“No, Faith. I’m sorry. It’s just that you probably don’t know that W-w-willow and I lived here together after Buffy died, to take care of Dawn.” Tara whispers quietly.

“Don’t need to say any more. I’m sorry for treading on your toes.” Faith mumbles.

Lightly laying her hand on Faith’s arm Tara shakes her head. “You couldn’t know, Faith. You’ve been here for less than 24 hours and were kind of dropped in the middle of things. Things will come up. Don’t take it personally, okay?” Tara asks with a soft smile.

“’Kay.” Faith smiles slightly, showing a hint of dimple. ‘Damn, B. You sure are one lucky lady.’ She thinks to herself before shaking her head slightly. “Well, since we got B’s gear situated and my stuff, what there is of it, is up here. Why don’t we run to the grocery store?”

“We need to get you by the store and get you some more clothes, too.” Tara points out.

Shrugging her shoulders Faith grins slightly. “We can run by the thrift store in town and see if they have some jeans and shirts that’ll fit. Slaying is too rough on clothes for me to spend a lot of money on them, except my leathers.” Looking down at her leather pants and smiling slightly. “They hold up pretty good. Anyway a lot of the clothes there are in pretty good shape most of the time.”

******

As the two women come back into the house laughing, they stop in the doorway to see Willow standing there with her hands on her hips. “So, what’s going on now? Buffy not enough for you?” She snarls out hatefully, looking at Faith. “You went and got the slut from hell out of jail? You must be desperate.” Willow states scathingly looking over her ex-lover.

“Willow, please leave.” Tara whispers shakily.

Moving to stand in front of Tara, Faith sets the bags she was carrying down gently on the floor, keeping her eyes on Willow the whole time. ‘Boy, they were right about her. She has gone off the deep end.’

“Willow, I’d suggest you leave.” Faith growls out looking Willow in the eyes. When Willow’s eyes seep from green to black, with no whites showing, Faith’s eyes open in surprise

“You don’t tell me what to do, bitch!” Willow screams as she incants a spell in Latin before sending it at the Dark Slayer.

Faith feels the charm warm slightly against her chest where it’s laying, feeling extremely thankful for it. “Willow, I don’t know what’s happened to you, but take a suggestion from someone who‘s been there. Get your act together before you lose everything.” Faith states in a quiet, deadly voice as she strides toward the redhead.

“You!” Willow yells turning to look at Tara. “Your magic won’t protect you guys forever! It’s only a matter of time before I figure a way around it, then you’ll be mine.” Willow starts to head towards Tara, to find her way blocked by Faith.

“You leave her alone. She isn’t yours and will never be yours again.” Faith growls low and rough.

Sneering in disgust at Faith, Willow grins evilly while she teleports herself so she’s standing in front of Tara. Reaching out with her hands she’s blocked by a shield Tara had quickly prepared while Faith was talking to Willow.

Willow yells loudly. “You Fucking Bitch! I’ll be back!” Willow disappears.

Tara swallows, letting the shield release before leaning against the wall, shaking slightly.

“Are you okay?” Faith runs to her, gently turning her to look her over.

“Yes, she didn’t touch me. When you were talking to her, I had time to get a shield in place.” Tara frowns slightly. “I don’t think any of us are going to be able to reach her.” Tara states sadly, reaching down to grab a couple bags of groceries and shakily heading into the kitchen.

“I know you guys weren’t lying about Red, but, I guess a part of me just couldn’t believe that she was actually like that.” Faith mumbles following the blonde into the kitchen to help put away the groceries. “It’s just kinda hard to accept, you know?”

Nodding her head Tara takes a slight breath, “Unfortunately with great power comes the capability of great corruption or evil. If you don’t have a good balance, it’s extremely easy to cross the line from good to evil.” Realizing what she said she pales and looks at Faith with wide open eyes. “I’m sorry, Faith I didn’t mean…”

Shaking her head and holding her hand up, Faith smiles sardonically. “It’s the truth blondie. That’s exactly what happened with me. The sad fact was, I was offered friendship and I was too stupid to accept it. I figured everybody had an ulterior motive, no one could like me for me.” Shrugging Faith finishes putting the groceries away. “I guess I should get the clothes we bought downstairs so I can do a couple loads of wash. Got anything for me to add?”

Shaking her head, Tara lets Faith change the subject for now. “Yeah, I’ll go get the hampers. I didn’t even realize that thrift store was there. Most of the clothes still had price tags on them from the original stores!”

Nodding her head Faith grins. “Yeah, that happens a lot.”

“Thanks for buying the groceries.” Tara softly thanks Faith.

“No problem. I tried to give the money to B last night, but she wouldn’t take it. Figure it’s the least I can do since I’ll be eating here. Maybe I can look for a part-time job, help out with the bills. Don’t wanna be a drain on you guys.” Faith states quietly before taking the bags of clothes down the stairs.

Tara stands there looking at the door to the basement ‘we need to help her find herself completely. She’s got a start, but she still doesn’t believe someone could actually care for her, Faith, not the slayer.’ Frowning to herself, Tara goes to gather up the laundry and clean the house before Buffy gets home from work.

***********

Faith and Tara both plop down on opposite ends of the couch. They had finished running the vacuum cleaner and dusting. There was a roast with vegetables baking in the oven for the slayers for dinner, and the house was cleaned from top to bottom with the last load of laundry in the dryer.

“Faith, I have to say a very huge thank you for helping with the household chores.” Tara blows the hair off her forehead.

Laughing slightly Faith looks over at the blonde. “What, did you expect I would just sit on my ass and lift my feet when you go by with the vacuum cleaner? Plus it feels kind of nice to do the simple things like cleaning and laundry, ya' know?”

“Yes. Personally, it makes me feel good that I accomplished something.” Tara turns her head smiling over at the brunette.

“It does, doesn’t it?” Faith states in realization. “Feeling good from cleaning? Who’da thunk?” Faith grins hugely. “And if you tell anyone, I’ll do something mean to ya'.” Faith looks at her with a scowl on her face before laughing.

The front door opens and a disgruntled Buffy walks through, grumbling. “I really have to get a new job.”

“Rough day, sweetie?” Tara asks smiling at Buffy.

“You have no idea.” Buffy bends over to unlace her shoes before kicking them off and looking at the living room. “Hey, the house looks good!” Sniffing the air she grins. “What’s for dinner?”

“Roast with vegetables and rolls.” Tara grins thinking the two slayers think more with their stomach than anything. “And Faith and I thank you for the house compliment.” Tara tilts her head slightly towards Faith.

“Thanks for helping, Faith.” Buffy states grinning. “It looks damn good.”

“Yeah, Faith moved stuff out of the way while I vacuumed, and she also dusted. She’s a Tasmanian Devil with the dusting!” Tara laughs, picking on the slayer.

Groaning Faith rolls her eyes and tilts her head back on the couch looking up at the ceiling. “Great, now blondie is gonna start calling me Taz!”

“Personally, I think it’s a fitting nickname for you, Faith.” Tara states tongue in cheek. “Especially the way you were spinning around in the living room when I came down from cleaning the bathroom.”

Growling lightly at Tara, Faith shakes her head.

Laughing quietly Buffy walks up to Tara, leaning over her and giving her a brief kiss. Pulling back smiling. “I kind of like being able to kiss you whenever I want. But right now, I need to go scrape a few layers of grease off my stinky body.”

Smiling at Buffy, Tara says. “We got all your stuff in our room. Dinner will probably be ready in about another hour.”

“Thanks. I’ll be back down in a few.” Buffy starts to head up the steps.

“B!” Faith catches her. Looking to Tara she states. “We should probably tell her now, what happened.”

Buffy quickly turns around and walks over to sit on the table between the two women looking at both of them in turn. “What happened?” She asks tensely.

“When we came back from the stores, Red was in the house waiting on us. She didn’t seem happy to see me here. She made a few threats, tried to get to Tara, and then disappeared.” Faith growled low and angrily. “B, she was able to pop out of sight and right in front of Tara before I could do anything.”

Buffy looks quickly at Tara, running her eyes over her body. “Are you okay?” She asks worriedly.

“I’m fine. Faith was able to distract her long enough for me to put a shield around myself. It wasn’t Faith’s fault, she went to stand in front of Willow, protecting me. Willow transported, it happened so quick. But Faith was right there, ready but Willow disappeared when she encountered the shield.” Tara quickly states, hoping that Buffy wouldn’t be angry with Faith.

“That’s fine. It’s a possibility I was thinking about. With her popping in and out at will, even if we are with you 24/7 it’s a possibility something still might happen. It’s too bad you can’t put a spell around the house to keep her out.” Buffy half-heartedly smiles, running her fingers over Tara’s hand. “Kind of a big talisman for the house.” Buffy states, looking down at her necklace.

Frowning slightly Tara thinks. “It actually might be possible, to keep her from entering the house magically. I don’t think it will do any good to keep her out of she physically walks in.” Quickly getting up she runs up the stairs grabbing a book and coming back down. Flipping through the book she frowns at one of the spells.

“What did you find?” Buffy asks seeing the frown.

“This might work, but a couple of the ingredients are very expensive. I’ll keep looking for other spells and see if I can come up with something that won’t cost as much.” Tara states, marking the page just in case, before continuing researching.

“Maybe we could talk to Anya? She would probably sell them to us at cost.” Buffy quietly suggests. “I would feel better if we could have the house protected, that way if Faith and I both needed to be out of the house, you would be safe here. We would just have to change the locks on the doors.”

Faith nods her head. “I can change the locks, I’m kinda handy with that sort of thing. And I would feel better if we didn’t have any more surprise visits.” Smirking slightly and sending a sideways glance at Buffy, Faith wiggles her eyebrows. “And you wouldn’t have to share you room with B no more, so you would have your own space back.”

“HEY!” Buffy yells out in displeasure. “I do NOT like that idea at all.” Feeling Tara put her hand on her arm she turns to see the blonde Wicca laughing quietly.

Winking at Buffy she turns to Faith. “You’re just jealous because you’re not sharing our bed!”

Buffy’s eyes open wide in surprise and Faith guffaws loudly. “Damn, if that’s an offer I won’t turn it down! Could definitely do a lot worse than you two! Two hot babes? I’d be there in a heart beat.”

Buffy blushes and looks at Tara. “See what you started? We will NEVER hear the end of this now.”

Giggling to herself Tara shrugs and grins lopsidedly. “Oops.”

“I thought you were the shy witch?” Faith laughs at them. “I never would have expected you to say something like that!”

Buffy grumbles “I’m starting to find out that she isn’t as shy as I thought she was.” Eyeing Tara up and down before grinning. “I like it!” Making Tara blush slightly in response.

“And on that note, I’m off to the shower.” Buffy smiles, lightly running her hand over Tara’s before standing up and going upstairs.

“You know. I never thought I’d see the day that B would be in love with a woman.” Faith states sadly but sincerely. “But you two work. If you know what I mean.”

“Faith?” Tara turns questioningly to the dark slayer.

"I need to check on that load of towels in the dryer.” Faith smiles sadly and heads down to check on the laundry.

CHAPTER 11

“Want me to do that for you?” Tara asks coming into the bedroom, shutting the door behind her, watching Buffy sit on the edge of the bed brushing her hair.

Smiling up at Tara she holds out the brush.

Climbing up behind Buffy, Tara starts gently stroking the brush through Buffy’s hair. “I want to talk to you about something.”

“That feels good.” Buffy moans slightly before stating. “Okay.”

“Faith isn’t going to hurt us. I know this for a fact. But she’s hurting inside. Plus she doesn’t believe she’s worth people caring about.” Tara states quietly and matter of factly.

“So, what brilliant ideas have you come up with to help her out?” Buffy asks smiling.

“Are you picking on me?” Tara asks before chuckling quietly at Buffy’s nod. “I think she’s only ‘the slayer’, that she isn’t Faith. We have to do whatever we can to make her feel that she’s a person first, a slayer second.” Tara finishes brushing Buffy’s hair, before laying the brush down and wrapping her arms around Buffy’s waist.

“So, person first, slayer second. Check. But how are we going to be able to do that when she’s going to need to go slaying?” Buffy questions slightly confused.

“She can still go slaying, but maybe for this first week, with her not being in the…groove? Maybe we could all go together?” Tara suggests. “And we can talk about other stuff while we’re out. She made the comment today that she could possibly find a part-time job so she wouldn’t be a drain on us. Along with a lot of other comments that on their own don’t mean a lot, but added up paints the picture that she doesn’t believe anyone can care for her.”

“You’re right.” Buffy whispers, running her fingers over the arms wrapped around her. “I think that she had a worse time of it growing up than you did.” Buffy states in an even lower tone.

Inhaling deeply Tara whispers. “Has she ever talked about her life? That would explain her deep seated feeling of worthlessness.”

Shaking her head Buffy quietly states. “She never really talked about herself before. It took everything for her to just tell us about her watcher being murdered in front of her by Takitos or Kakistos or whatever that stupid vampires name was.”

“I want to make her an actual part of our family, Buffy. Here for meals, someone to talk to, someone to yell at without it becoming a brawl. She really, truly needs to feel wanted and loved.” Tara whispers quietly setting her chin on Buffy’s shoulder. “I think that would make a world of difference to her. If someone wanted to just love her for her. Not for what they can get from her, or out of her.” Tara’s voice breaks slightly on the last.

Turning around and taking the Wicca in her arms Buffy hugs her tight. “Are you okay?”

Nodding her head Tara sobs slightly. “If it hadn’t been for my mom, and then W-willow, and in turn the rest of my adopted family, I could have had such a different and harsh life.”

“Shush. It’s okay, baby.” Buffy gently rocks Tara, helping her calm down. “You’re with us now and no matter what, you are family.” Pulling back to gently wipe the tears from Tara’s face Buffy grins mischievously. “Now, as long as you don’t want to literally, physically, love Faith, I think I can deal.”

Busting out with a loud laugh Tara shakes her head. “Can you see it? Sex Kitten extraordinaire, Tara Maclay, with two Slayers as lovers? We could have our own little kinky sex triangle going on here!”

“TARA!” Buffy yells blushing deeply. “Have you always been like this? And where the hell was I when you made comments like this before?”

“Actually, I feel freer making comments like that now.” Tara shrugs grinning at Buffy. “I think you bring it out in me. I feel more comfortable with myself since you made me feel worthy of being cared for and loved for me.” Looking down and frowning for a moment she looks back at Buffy with sad eyes. “That’s something I didn’t have with Willow. I felt more like a possession, than a person. And now with everything happening, that’s the way she’s acting, like her prized possession was stolen and she has to get it back.” Tara almost spits out the last in anger.

Shocked at the anger in the Wicca’s voice, Buffy reaches up and runs her fingers down her cheek. “It’s okay baby. You’re not a possession and she’s not getting you back. You offered her something precious and she took advantage of it and you. That’s not love, and I’ll do everything in my power to make sure she doesn’t get a chance to hurt you again.” Buffy kisses her lingeringly on the lips, not a deep kiss just a gentle pressure of her lips against the Wicca’s. “And if I ever start to treat you like a possession, instead of a person, you have my permission to turn me into a frog.”

Laughing at the slayer Tara shakes her head. “You’re impossible.”

“Hey, I wasn’t the one suggesting a three-way! And can I make this comment? DO NOT say that in front of Faith. She would so be in the middle of this bed in a heartbeat.” Buffy laughs slightly at the possibility.

With a raised eyebrow Tara smirks. “And would that be so bad?”

Making Buffy blush extremely red. “TARA! Enough! You’re starting to scare me.”

“Honestly, Buffy. Think about it, she is extremely gorgeous, with the dark hair, the dark eyes. Then there’s that sexual tension between you two.” Tara brings up the facts as she sees them. ‘And the fact that she’s in love with you.’ Tara thinks to herself.

Turning with wide eyes Buffy squeaks out. “What?”

“It’s there, Buffy. I can see it even without looking at your aura. With my looking at Faith’s aura I saw a lot that she probably isn’t aware I saw. She could very easily come to love you, if she ever opened herself to that possibility. Actually, if she ever believed she was worth being loved, she would realize she loves you.”

“Tara?” Buffy questions sitting down beside her.

“Tell me honestly, Buffy.” Tara looks her in the eyes with a serious expression on her face. “Look deep inside yourself, think about the time before Faith ‘turned’ evil. What did you feel for her? What do you feel for her now? You don’t have to say anything now. But, keep those thoughts in the back of you mind. I’m not necessarily suggesting a three way. That would be kind of odd, even though it does work for some people. It isn’t uncommon for covens to have a larger group of women, all loving each other.” Reaching up and touching the slayer’s shoulder Tara leans in close. “And I love you no matter what happens, but if you should find that you could love both of us, would it be so terrible?”

Buffy stares in stunned disbelief at Tara. ‘Where did this come from?’ Thinking back briefly about Faith when they danced together, slayed together. ‘Could she be right? Is there something there?’ Buffy looks at Tara with a more wondering expression on her face. “How do you do that? I guess thinking back…but I wouldn’t even consider something like that then.”

Tara shakes her head before kissing Buffy on the lips, a quick hard press before pulling back. “I haven’t freaked you out?”

Buffy smiles slightly. “Maybe at first, but the more I think about it…” trailing off Buffy looks at her with searching eyes. Starting to open her mouth to say something more, Tara places her finger over her lips.

“Nothing has to be decided this moment. We don’t even need to discuss this any further if you don’t want to. I love you. I know you love me. That’s wonderful and perfect in of itself. But both of our hearts are big and I believe it is possible to love more than one person.” Smiling gently, Tara leans in and brushes her lips over Buffy’s cheek.

“Okay, no more discussing this right now.” Buffy smiles letting Tara know that everything’s okay. “Now, I need to get some clothes on so we can have dinner.” Buffy glances down at her robe smiling.

Standing up to get dressed, not thinking about it, she drops the robe to put on underwear when she hears a deep inhale behind her. “Sorry! I wasn’t thinking.” Buffy quickly reaches back down to grasp the robe, when she feels a hand on her shoulder.

Looking into Buffy’s hazel eyes, Tara smiles slightly. “It just surprised me, Buffy.” Tara huskily states, closing her eyes for a moment before opening them with laughter shining in them. “Of course, seeing your sexy firm body better cause a reaction with me, if we’re girlfriends, don’t you think?”

Laughing self-consciously, Buffy nods her head. “Yes, the physical side is a definite plus.” Blushing slightly at imagining the blonde Wicca naked.

“However, I’ll go ahead and check on dinner, while you get dressed.” Tara smiles and kisses her deeply before quickly leaving the room, leaving a slightly aroused slayer behind.

**********

Laughing lightly at the bones, that are the only things left from dinner, Tara looks from one slayer to the other. “Maybe next time I should buy a bigger roast?”

“Hey, it’s not my fault!” Buffy exclaims and points to Faith. “Talk to Miss Piggy over there. She’s the one that went back for FOURTHS!”

Faith tries to look innocent. “I don’t know what you’re talkin’ about. I’m just doing my portion to not waste food.” Smirking at the blonde slayer.

“Sweetie, don’t pick on Faith too much. She needs to build up her strength for patrol tonight.” Tara grins at Buffy before smiling at Faith.

“Oooh. Speaking about patrol tonight.” Buffy pipes up smiling at Faith. “If it’s okay with you, we kind of thought we would all go out together. Give you a chance to get back in the swing of things. If you don’t mind? Plus, I was kind of looking forward to slaying with you again when I thought about it at work.” Buffy looks down blushing lightly, remembering the conversation with Tara earlier and that Tara probably knew her better than she did herself.

“You want to slay together again?” Faith asks in surprise, figuring she would be thrown out there on her own.

Nodding her head Buffy looks up, capturing Faith’s gaze. “If you want.”

Smiling hugely Faith nods her head. “I want.” Turning to look at the blonde witch she sees a look she can’t quite decipher in her eyes when she looks back. “Well, then. I’m gonna gather up the plates and put them in the dishwasher, since Blondie over there made dinner.”

As Faith grabs the dishes up and takes them into the kitchen Tara smiles and raises an eyebrow at Buffy. “Thinking about slaying together at work, huh?” She whispers quietly, making Buffy blush slightly.

“Yeah, yeah. So maybe you know more than I was letting on, Miss Smarty Pants.” Buffy growls lowly before smiling at the blonde. “Of course in the long run, this will depend on her, too, you know.”

“Yes it does. And it’s not something she’s ready for yet. She needs our friendship just as much if not more before we bring that into it.” Tara states softly before grabbing the glasses to take into the kitchen to add to the dishwasher.

***********

While Faith was taking out some much pent up frustrations, on the hapless vampire, Tara and Buffy looked on. A neck chain the vampire was wearing got broken and fell to the ground before Faith finally staked him.

Slowly walking over to the chain and kneeling on the ground, picking it up Tara looks at it with a thoughtful expression.

“What’s the matter, Tara?” Buffy asks lightly placing her hand on Tara’s shoulder.

Faith walks over beside the two women, kneeling beside Tara at the necklace she’s running through her fingers repeatedly. “Blondie?”

Looking up, as if just coming back to herself, Tara smiles self-consciously. “Sorry was just thinking about something.” Standing up and brushing her skirt off, she looks back at the necklace again. “This is a nice gold chain.”

“Yeah, some of the vamps actually have decent taste.” Faith comments as they continue on patrol.

“I have a really, really crazy idea.” Tara states softly looking from Buffy to Faith and back again.

“What would be new about that today?” Buffy grins slightly.

Looking up and blushing slightly Tara shakes her head. “Okay, this one isn’t so crazy as some of my other ones today.”

As they continued walking, both slayers wait for Tara to explain her idea and when after two blocks she still hasn’t said anything, Faith finally rolls her eyes. “You know if you want to mention this crazy idea to the two of us, you have to say it out loud.”

Buffy snorts out a laugh as Tara blushes again. “Sorry. Everything turns to dust with the vampire when you stake him or take his head, right?”

“Yeah. That’s generally what happens.” Faith says slowly like she’s starting to wonder about Tara’s mental abilities.

“Don’t be a smart ass, Faith.” Tara states smiling and winking before continuing. “Well, what harm would there be if you took whatever money or jewelry they have on them before dusting them? I mean, it’s not like they’re going to need it. Plus it’s going to turn to dust anyway, right? So why shouldn’t you benefit from it?”

Buffy and Faith both stop dead in their tracks as Tara continues on two more steps before realizing the two slayer’s stopped walking. Turning around she looks at them confused.

Faith turns to Buffy and states. “It takes Miss Goody Two Shoes to figure out something we should have been doing all along? I definitely don’t see anything wrong with this, do you B?”

Buffy frowns briefly. “The only thing is, whatever money and jewelry the majority of vampires have on them is probably from their victims.”

“Well if the victim was still alive to give their property back to, that would be one thing. However, most vampires don’t leave breathing victims.” Tara states softly. “Buffy it isn’t like they are burglars and break into peoples homes stealing their stuff to fence. They kill people. Most cases there isn’t anyone to return the stuff to. I know this seems to fall in a gray area, but is there any harm in this? Goddess, Buffy. You’ve died twice doing this job - a job you don’t even get paid for. Is it so wrong to make your life a little easier? How many times have either one of you been hurt? That’s not counting the clothes and first aid supplies you guys go through. All of that comes out of your pocket. It’s not like you can register as a charity and take in donations. Personally you two put your lives on the line day after day after day. And you don’t see anything for it.”

Tara looks into the slayer’s hazel eyes, knowing Buffy is the one that would have the most problem with it.

“You don’t think it’s wrong?” Buffy questions almost silently, looking into those lovely blue eyes. At the shake of Tara’s head, Buffy has to admit that it doesn’t make any sense to turn perfectly good money to dust. Nodding her head Buffy smiles slightly. “We’ll see. I say we don’t take any chances, but if an opportunity presents itself to check their pockets or take their jewelry, why not?”

Smiling at Buffy, Tara pulls her in close and gives her a nice, long kiss. “I love you.” she whispers quietly as she pulls away, making Buffy smile.

“I love you, too.” Buffy states back. “Okay, so do we look for another vamp and see what’s the what?” She asks looking at Faith.

“Sounds like a plan to me.” Faith almost growls out with a predatory smile on her face. “Here vampy, vampy, vampy. Fresh meat here. Three beautiful young women walking alone just waiting to become a meal.”

Tara and Buffy both laugh at Faith’s shenanigans. “Do you think she’s being a little obvious?” Buffy asks Tara.

“Maybe just a little.” Just then a vampire jumps out from behind a bush in front of the three women. “Or maybe not.” Tara smirks looking at Buffy.

Rolling her eyes Buffy looks at the vamp, doesn’t look newly risen, maybe he did have something on him. “Faith, you want him?”

“Oh, yeah.” Faith grunts out as she does a quick roundhouse kick, knocking the vampire down to the ground.

“She’s always been very quick and strong with the leg work.” Buffy conversationally states watching Faith wait for the vampire to get up to go after him again.

“I see that.” Tara comments watching Faith jump up and kick the vampire hard in the solar plexus. Hearing a loud crack, Tara winces. “That hurt me, and I wasn’t the one being kicked!” Watching the vampire hit the ground and not move, Faith slowly walks up to it.

“Hey B? You wanna come over here to make sure he doesn’t get any funny ideas while I frisk him down?” Faith asks.

“Sure, Faith” Buffy strolls over, before placing her boot down on the vampires chest making sure he doesn’t go anywhere, while Faith rifles through his pockets quickly.

“Jackpot!” Faith smiles slightly. “It’s not a lot, but it looks like there’s roughly $75 here and a pack of smokes.”

“No smoking. Your job is dangerous enough, you don’t need to try and kill yourself with cancer!” Tara states firmly, grasping the cigarettes out of Faith’s hand throwing them on the ground and crushing them under her shoe.

“Okay, smoking is a no, no.” Faith states quietly. Looking over at Buffy who shrugs her shoulders. “Hey, Blond…Tara, what’s up with the attitude about cigarettes?” Faith asks gently.

Looking up with a far away look in her eyes Tara’s shoulder slump slightly, before she whispers “My Mom died of cancer. She didn’t even smoke, but Dad did. She’s the one that died of lung cancer.”

“Oh, shit. I’m sorry.” Faith gently reaches out and places a hand on Tara’s slumped shoulder. Looking up at Buffy silently asking her what to do.

Buffy, seeing the pleading look in Faith’s eyes, slowly walked up to both women before pulling Tara into a gentle embrace. “I’m sorry, babe.” Buffy whispers gently pressing a kiss to Tara’s temple.

Shaking her head Tara tries to smile. “No, I’m sorry. Everything happening lately has got me a little on edge.” Tara rubs her head lightly.

“No need to say you’re sorry. Personally, I think you’ve done pretty well considering everything.” Buffy catches Tara’s eyes and smiles gently. “Come on, let’s see if we can scarce up a couple more vampires, save some lives and possibly see if they have any extra cash that needs to be saved from being dusted.”

Giving a real smile Tara nods her head. “Okay. Let’s get cracking. Faith and I bought a pie, and personally it’s sounding real good right now.”

“You heard the boss. Time to get crackin’.” Faith smirks looking at Buffy.

“Yeah, she’s the boss of this family.” Buffy smiles. “Just don’t piss her off. She’s hell on wheels if you get her going.” Buffy winks at Faith. “Come on, time to finish patrol.”

*************

“Well, that was a pretty good night, if I say so myself.” Faith snorts out a little laugh. “We killed six vamps, that four horned purple demon, and saved that woman from a mugger.” Grinning hugely, Faith's eyes twinkle. “I don’t think he’ll be mugging anybody again.”

Tara giggles and looks at Faith, grinning. “Of course, you picking him up over your head and threatening to rip his arms off if you caught him again wouldn’t have anything to do with it!”

“Idiot. Like there isn’t enough shit going on with the demons, we got to deal with human assholes.” Shaking her head in disgust Faith puts her weapons up.

Buffy rolls her eyes before lightly kissing Tara’s cheek. “And let’s not forget the $400 we actually saved from a dusting tonight. And you” Buffy winks at Tara “came up with the idea. I still feel a little weird, but I guess…” Buffy trails off shrugging her shoulders.

“Personally, I’m with Blondie. It’s gonna turn to dust, if we don’t grab it. And B, you more than anyone deserves something good happenin’ to ya'.” Faith shrugs slightly. “I’m gonna get a piece of that pie, anyone else want one?”

“I do.” Buffy speaks up before turning to Tara, from putting her weapons away. “You better get a piece before the bottomless pit eats it all.” Buffy smirks at Faith.

“HH factor, B. Since I can only take care of one of them…” Faith smirks.

Tara looks from a smirking Faith to a lightly blushing Buffy and raises her eyebrow in question. “HH?”

Faith laughs as Buffy blushes even more. “Yeah. The Hungry and Horny factor. After slaying, you know. You mean to tell me B hasn’t told you yet?”

“No…but it might explain the yogurts that disappear at an alarming rate.” Tara smirks at Buffy.

“Okay, okay. Please, let’s have pie.” Buffy mumbles heading into the kitchen, followed by a laughing slayer and witch.

***********

“What are the plans for tomorrow?” Tara questions softly as she climbs in bed before turning on her side and watching Buffy hang her robe up and climb into bed beside her smiling slightly.

“Hopefully sleeping in, maybe waking up with a little morning groping.” Buffy smirks and wiggles her eyebrows.

“You know…” Tara trails off blushing lightly.

“Know what?” Buffy asks huskily easing closer to Tara and reaching out to brush the hair behind the blonde’s ear.

Searching Buffy’s hazel eyes, Tara smiles softly. “You know you don’t have to wait till morning, right?”

“Are you saying?” Buffy whispers looking at Tara.

Smiling before running her finger down Buffy’s cheek Tara nods her head. “Only as far or as quickly as you want to go. Tonight with the mugger made me realize life is so short and could easily come to an end, and not just by a demon, it could be anything. That young woman could have been shot and for what? A few bucks?” Looking down, plucking at the comforter slightly. “Any night you go out, there’s a very real possibility that you won’t make it back.” Tara whispers.

Buffy leans in and gently kisses Tara. “I realized something tonight, also. I know you, the person you are. The most important part. But I don’t know a lot about your past life, before Sunnydale. Maybe, sometime, we could discuss it?” Buffy asks with a questioning look.

“It’s not a pretty story.” Tara states sadly.

Running her hand down Tara’s arm and clasping the fingers Buffy nods her head. “I kind of didn’t think it would be. I met your family.” Buffy whispers. Laying back on the bed gently tugging Tara to snuggle against her.

“You realize this conversation is not conducive to groping, right?” Tara states quietly.

“I didn’t mean that we had to discuss it tonight.” Buffy quickly states. “Not that we have to do the groping, either…ARRGHH! Not that I don’t want to discuss it… How come I feel like I’m saying everything wrong?” Buffy mumbles.

Giggling softly Tara shakes her head against Buffy’s shoulder. “You’re not saying it wrong. I could discuss some of it tonight, if you want.” Tara lightly runs her finger down the side of the slayer’s neck.

“Do you feel talkative?” Buffy hugs her against her side.

“Honestly, Buffy. I don’t ever really feel talkative about that.” Tara states quietly, running her finger up over Buffy’s ear and through her hair. “My mom was the best. She taught me magic from the time I turned four until she was too sick to teach me anymore. Of course, you know Dad made me believe that the magic came from my demon side. He and Donnie…” Hesitating momentarily Tara frowns remembering that time. “They used to hit me, saying it was to control the demon.” Buffy hugs Tara a little tighter here, making her smile sadly. “After Mom died, I kind of ran away one night. There was a bar on the outside of town and it wasn’t the kind of place that asked for ID’s anyone and everyone was served there. Needless to say, I got totally trashed. When I finally came stumbling home in the early morning hours, Dad and Donnie were waiting up for me. That night they didn’t hit me. They beat the hell out of me…” Shaking in remembered pain Tara inhales deeply before continuing. “I was in the hospital for three weeks from that.”

Unable to keep silent anymore Buffy whimpers slightly, before asking in a hoarse voice. “How did you come out being the loving, kind person you are, with those two and what they did?”

“My mom. She helped guide me as much as she could. She loved me with everything she had.” Tara states softly, rubbing her face against Buffy’s shoulder before easing into the side of the Slayer’s neck.

“She raised a very wonderful daughter. And I’m extremely grateful.” Buffy kisses Tara’s forehead before smiling softly. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.” Tara whispers kissing the skin of the slayer’s neck, before yawning. “Sorry.” Tara sheepishly apologizes.

“No. It’s late and you’re tired. Let’s go to sleep and see what we can get up to tomorrow, okay?” Buffy smiles at Tara’s nod and reaches over to turn off the light. “Good night, sweetheart.”

“'Night, sweetie.” Tara whispers as she falls asleep.

*******************

As Tara wakes up, she realizes that she has a pair of strong arms wrapped around her stomach, actually a slayer completely wrapped around her from behind and a face buried in her hair. ‘Okay, when did we shift to this position?’ Tara wonders smiling slightly as she feels fingers lightly flexing into her stomach. Running her hand along Buffy’s forearm, Tara thinks about the previous night. The quiet support and love Buffy gave her, the understanding, just being there for her not trying to take control or ignore what happened.

“Mornin’” Buffy mumbles against her neck, hugging her tightly before placing a light kiss on Tara’s shoulder. “When did we end up in this position?” Buffy smiles as she places another kiss on the skin in front of her. “And can I say, I like your tank tops. Skin is good.” Buffy starts kissing the skin of Tara’s neck and upper back humming quietly.

Giggling at the tickling sensation of Buffy’s hummingm, Tara shakes her head slightly. “So, are you suggesting I wear them all the time?”

Buffy grins. “Hmmm. I wouldn’t complain. Tank top and shorts 24/7, the lovely long legs, all that delectable skin showing? I just might make all the rest of your clothes disappear.”

Chuckling quietly, Tara slowly turns around and quirks an eyebrow at Buffy. “Lovely long legs? Delectable skin? I think you may need to have your head examined.”

“Nope. I know a lovely woman when I see one.” Buffy lightly licks the blonde’s neck. “And I definitely know delectable skin when I taste it.” Placing a gentle kiss on the lips she had finally worked her way up to, Buffy pulls back and smiles. Getting serious for a second Buffy searches Tara’s eyes. “How are you doing this morning?”

“I’m okay. I hadn’t really planned on telling you the whole sorry story of my life last night.” Shrugging slightly and looking down.

“Hey, hey. None of that.” Buffy whispers, reaching up to tilt Tara’s face back up to look in her eyes. “No hiding. You had a rough life and you deserve much better. I feel honored that you love me.”

“Oh, Buffy.” Tara whispers smiling gently. “I do love you.” Kissing Buffy lightly, Tara slowly deepens the kiss, gently running her tongue over Buffy’s lips and groans as Buffy opens her mouth accepting her questing tongue to gently battle against each other. Pulling back panting slightly Tara leans her forehead against Buffy’s smiling slightly.

“Well, there’s the good morning kiss. But what happened to the morning groping?” Buffy smirks slightly pulling back to look at Tara. Seeing an absolutely wicked look come over the Wicca’s face Buffy’s eyes widen.

Tara smirks as she lets her hand run up the slayer’s stomach to gently cup the slayer’s breast. “A little morning groping coming up.” Squeezing lightly before running a thumb over the quickly hardening nipple, hearing Buffy moan, Tara smiles.

“I was kinda planning being the one to do the groping, here.” Buffy moans louder as Tara lightly pinches her nipple through her top.

“Who’s stopping…” Tara starts before she’s interrupted by a knock on the door.

“'Morning ladies. I’m gonna make that egg sausage bake thing that was on that mix we bought yesterday for breakfast. It looks easy enough that I shouldn’t mess it up too bad. I'll make a batch without the sausage for you, Blondie.  Just letting you know if you want any, it’ll probably only take about 30-45 minutes.” Faith states through the door before heading down the stairs.

Flopping onto her back, growling slightly Buffy shakes her head. “She has got to have the worse timing ever.”

Tara giggles. “Yes, she does. But she’s trying real hard. I think she really does want to fit in and be helpful.”

“Yeah, she is trying hard.” Buffy nods her head smiling.

“Yes she is. She can be a wonderful, caring person, if she lets herself. We just need to be there for her.” Tara quietly states playing with the bottom of Buffy’s shirt. “And on that note, I think we should go down and see what kind of damage she’s done to the kitchen.”

Laughing out loud, Buffy gets out of bed before turning to look at Tara with a raised eyebrow. “So, can I talk you into keeping those on?”

Blushing slightly at her tank top and shorts Tara shakes her head. “I don’t think so.” Tara looks down in embarrassment.

“Tara, you are an absolutely lovely woman, inside and out.” Buffy smiles genuinely. “Don’t ever doubt that.” Leaning in and gently placing a kiss on the Wicca’s cheek she turns around to go to the bathroom. “I’m going to the bathroom. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

Watching Buffy head to the bathroom Tara shakes her head. Changing quickly Tara heads to the bathroom as Buffy comes back pouting at the clothes Tara put on. “No fun at all.” Making Tara laugh as she shuts the door.

***********

“Faith, this is great.” Buffy states around a mouthful of food.

“Very good, Faith.” Tara smiles thankfully at the brunette. “Anytime you want to cook, feel free.”

Looking down almost in embarrassment Faith mumbles. “Wasn’t to hard to follow the recipe. “

“HEY!” Buffy grumbles loudly. “I try to follow recipes and I end up with mush. So, it isn’t that easy.”

Tara snickers quietly before winking at Faith. “That’s true. She tried to fix herself bacon sandwiches for lunch one day - half the bacon was burnt the other half raw.”

Laughing slightly, Faith actually smiles. “I can try. Never much got a chance to. Living in motel rooms a good amount of the time, then the pen…” Faith frowns slightly.

“Faith.” Buffy starts softly looking first at Faith then Tara and back again. “I don’t know if you’ll believe me, or not. But I am really, really sorry for the way I treated you in the past. You…you needed a friend, someone to be there for you. I never was what you needed. The things I did. I’m not proud of the way I acted. I realize now I was a spoiled brat and…”

Faith sits there shaking her head. “B, don’t. It ain’t your fault that I did the things I did. It’s my fault and no one else’s. You gave me chance after chance and I threw them back in your face. So don’t go all self-righteous and blame yourself for my fuck ups, okay?”

Tara holds her hands up getting both women’s attention. “Okay, I know I wasn’t here when all this happened. I also know that I heard this from a source that wasn’t exactly unbiased in what happened.”

Faith snorts out a sarcastic laugh. “Yeah, you could say that. I held a fuckin’ knife to her throat. She never much liked me to begin with, after that she hated my guts. Not that I blame her.” Faith trails off rubbing her forehead. “I’ve done so much, I deserve to be in jail. Hell, I deserve to be buried in the biggest pit you can find.”

“NO!” Both Buffy and Tara exclaim loudly.

Faith jerks her head up in shock, looking from Buffy to Tara and back again. “Blondie over there don’t know personally what I did. She just knows me being an inconsiderate bitch to her. B, you know what I did and what I’m capable of. I ain’t no Brownie. I’m a cold blooded killer.” Faith quickly stands up walking to the kitchen with her plate and glass.

“This is going to be harder than I had hoped.” Tara states before quickly following Faith with Buffy nodding her head following Tara.

Tara comes up behind the slumped shoulders of Faith, standing at the kitchen sink. Placing a gentle hand on her shoulder she feel Faith stiffen slightly. “Faith, I think we all need to sit down and talk. You may not want to, but it would probably be for the best.” Turning and looking at Buffy with a pleading look, Tara nods her head towards Faith.

“Faith, come on. Let’s go sit down in the living room and talk. She is very, very stubborn. When she gets something in her head it’s best to just give in and do what she wants.” Buffy states smiling sadly at Faith, who had turned to look at her when she started talking. “Come on Faith. Please?”

“What are you two trying to do to me?” Faith mumbles under her breathe.

“Trying to be your friends, right now.” Tara states gently, as they head into the living room.

“Why?” Faith asks questioningly.

“Because you’re a good person, Faith. You lost your way for a while, but you are a good, caring person.” Tara states sitting on one side of Faith, while Buffy sits down on the other, each grasping a hand.

“Yeah, right.” Faith sarcastically states.

Taking a deep steadying breath, Tara shakes her head before capturing Faiths brown eyes with her blue ones. “I think this would be a good time for all of us to have a serious getting to know you. Dawn won’t be home till around 5:00.” Looking at Buffy with sad eyes before saying. “I guess I can go first and let you know something a little more about me and my life.”

Buffy looks at Tara questioningly. Seeing her smile sadly, she reaches over with her other hand, grasping Tara’s free hand over Faiths lap.

Tara goes on to explain her home life, going into more detail than she had done the previous night. Explaining more what had happened to her, explaining all the way through meeting Willow, falling in love with the redhead, the problems, the memory wipes, everything.

As Tara was explaining about her home life, Faith frowns hard. Remembering her own home life. The abuse, being left to fend for herself since she was old enough to remember while her mom spent all the money on booze and later drugs. How one of her mom’s boyfriends tried to rape her, that was the night she left home and didn’t look back. She had realized nobody would look after her but herself. Living on the streets, doing whatever she had to, to survive.

Turning to Tara, Faith without even thinking, wraps her arms around her burying her own face in the blonde witches neck and started crying, haltingly telling of her life, no father, abusive alcoholic and drug addicted mother, about almost being raped, later on selling her body for money to buy food and some place to stay, being found by her watcher, the watcher being literally tortured and finally torn apart by Kakistos, coming to Sunnydale, afraid to let anyone to close. On through the accidental staking of Finch, working for the Mayor, poisoning Angel, how she knowingly goaded Buffy into stabbing her, hating herself for forcing Buffy to do that, afraid it would make Buffy like she herself was.

Buffy and Tara quietly listened to the heartbreaking story, Tara holding her tight the tears falling from her eyes as Buffy rubs Faith’s back. Buffy, tears falling also wraps her arms around both women.

Faith continued her story from waking up from the coma, the gift from the Mayor, switching bodies, escaping the watcher’s goon squad, heading to L.A. wanting Angel to kill her, instead he forgave her and wanted to help her, the showdown in the hotel, where Buffy had actually tried to help her, even after everything she did to her, escaping and finally turning herself in to the police. Her time in the pen, how after a couple of the head bitches tried to make her their toy and she beat the hell out of them, everyone left her alone, and she got her GED while in jail. Finally winding down, it took her a few minutes to realize that Tara and Buffy were both holding her sandwiched in a tight embrace.

Tara realized that Faith had finally calmed down and was just holding her while they had her sandwiched in the embrace. Looking at Buffy, Tara smiles a sad smile. “Buffy, would you mind maybe getting something to drink for everyone?”

Buffy nods her head and quickly runs to the kitchen grabbing waters for all three women, coming in and handing one to Faith, who had finally pulled out of Tara’s arms, even though Tara wasn’t letting her get completely away and had one arm wrapped around her shoulders, keeping her close.

Taking the water offered her by Buffy, Tara quietly states. “Thank you.”

Downing half her water, Faith finally makes eye contact with Tara and then Buffy. She had expected to see disgust and hatred on their faces. She had never expected to see what she did. Sorrow, caring and compassion from the blonde witch. In Buffy’s eyes she sees caring, pain, and…shaking her head at her wishful thinking she looks back down before finishing off the water.

Easing her arm from Faith’s shoulders, Tara scoots so she’s sitting sideways, her knee touching Faith’s thigh while running her hand lightly through Faith’s hair, gently pushing it off the side her face.

“How are you feeling?” Tara whispers quietly, continuing stroking the dark brown hair.

“Totally fucked up.” Faith snorts before looking up and taking a deep breath, looking into blue eyes that seemed to see into her soul. “I ain’t never told nobody that before. And I feel slightly better. Everything ain’t right in my world, but you two don’t seem to hate me for what I am, so that’s a plus.”

“No, Faith. We don’t hate you.” Buffy whispers. “I never hated you Faith. Never.” Buffy reiterated.

“Faith, you will always be the hardest on yourself. You need to learn to forgive yourself for something that you really didn’t have much choice over. Personally, I’m glad you did what you had to, to survive.” Tara softly states. “Because you’re here now, I get the chance to know a kind, caring, beautiful woman.”

Faith starts feeling a little better and smirks slightly. “B, you better get a grip on your girlfriend. Sounds almost like she’s hitting on me.”

Buffy looks at Tara making eye contact with her, seeing the choice is up to her Buffy takes a breath wondering. Knowing they made a huge break through with Faith, but is it too soon? Would it possibly send her spiraling backwards? Deciding it would be best to wait, Buffy decides to joke it away.

“Yeah, well, I’m not her boss. Could you imagine her turning me into a toad? A toad with super strength. Not a pretty sight. Able to jump 20 feet in a single bound. Nope, not going to get jealous or tell her what to do.” Buffy smirks at Tara before winking at Faith.

Smiling at Buffy, Tara shakes her head with a smirk herself. “No, not a toad. I don’t picture you as green. Maybe a ferret, a beautiful white ferret, slinky, likes to wrap itself around things. Yep, I can see you as a ferret.” Tara grins winking at Buffy letting her know that she’s kidding.

Laughing heartily Faith looks at Buffy. “You as a ferret. Damn, B. I’d hate to see what she would turn me into.”

Tilting her head appraisingly at the dark slayer, Tara furrows her brows in contemplation. “You would be harder, Faith. But thinking about it I believe you would be a Rottweiller. A loving animal, that would do everything to protect it’s family. A very smart caring animal. Often misunderstood, that often with the right care and treatment would die to protect the people it loves.” Tara states all this quietly and sincerely.

Buffy nods her head in agreement. “I think that nails her to a T.” Buffy smiles slightly. “Of course, you’re already stroking her head like a good puppy.”

Faith narrows her eyes turning to Buffy growling low in her throat.

Laughing loudly Tara comments. “Be careful Buffy, she’s showing her protective side. Maybe she considers me family and you’re threatening what’s hers.” Tara’s shoulders are shaking, trying to hold back the laughter as Faith finally rolls her eyes and laughs with the other two.

“What am I doing here? You two are gonna drive me nuts.” Faith grumbles good naturedly.

“Yeah, but at least it will be a good kind of nuts.” Tara states smiling at Faith.

“Maybe.” Faith smirks slightly. Looking at Buffy, she narrows her eyes slightly. “You going to tell your story too?”

Paling slightly and closing her eyes Buffy nods her head. “Yeah, I should.” Feeling Tara grab her hand squeezing gently Buffy half smiles. “I love you.”

“I love you, too, sweetie.” Tara whispers. “Take your time.”

Faith frowns wondering exactly what was going on. “If you don’t wanna…”

Buffy interrupts. “No, I need to do this. Tara’s aware of the more recent stuff, but not the earlier stuff, you’re aware of some of the earlier stuff but not the newer. This is best to get everything laid out in the open that way there’s nothing to come back and haunt us.” Buffy states looking down at her hand clasped in Tara’s.

Quietly Buffy explains being called as a Slayer, the pain, and heartache of hiding what she was from her Mom. Becoming friends with Willow and Xander, hitting lightly on fighting the Master, other big demons, Kendra and how she felt to blame for Drusilla killing her. Faith showing up on the scene, how she held back from the Dark Slayer, not ever really offering her the friendship she so deserved, because in a way she was jealous of her, how everyone thought she was so cool, how she should have handled things, but instead screwed things up. Coming after Faith and stabbing her, how she was planning on feeding her to Angel to make him well, continuing on explaining how when their bodies were switched and the Watcher’s Council guys came after her, she realized how bad things were, what the Council was really capable of. How she felt glad when Faith escaped, the self-hatred she felt when she realized that Angel could reach Faith, where she had never even tried, on to Glory and jumping to save Dawn, being brought back, the lack of feeling or caring about anything.

Here Buffy stops and looks away. Almost scared of what the Dark Slayer will think of her.

“Buffy.” That one word, coming from Tara conveyed her love and support.

Smiling slightly at the loving woman, realizing that yes, there was enough love in her heart for more than one person, she showed it with the caring she showed to all the Scoobies, especially Dawn. Buffy wonders quietly to herself if her own heart was big enough to love two women at the same time, deciding it might be the smartest thing she had ever done in her life. That these three women, hurt and damaged over the years, coming to care for each other and love each other may make more sense than anything else in this world.

Finally continuing the story, Buffy explains everything about Spike, what happened, how things were from her point of view and raised a hand to Tara as she was about to interrupt, explaining how that with Tara’s help she came to realize that she needed something and didn’t know what it was at the time and how Tara offered friendship, a shoulder to cry on and just a soft smile when needed. How Tara saved her soul by giving her what she needed with tenderness and caring. Finally trailing off as she finishes the whole story. Buffy smiles at the love shining from the blondes eyes before looking with scared eyes towards Faith.

Faith sits there in shock, realizing that all three of them had been through their own abusive relationships. Differing degrees but something that tied them all together. Realizing that Buffy is looking at her, she makes eye contact with her and sees the scared look in her eyes. Confused for a moment, it takes Faith a minute to realize that Buffy is scared of what she thinks. Faith, the woman that had done so many things, she was afraid of her rejection. Allowing caring to seep into her eyes Faith reaches out and sets a hand on Buffy’s shoulder and is surprised to find herself in a bone crushing hug from the blonde slayer.

“Thank you.” Buffy whispers quietly to Faith. Happy to see caring for her in Faith’s eyes and not hatred or disgust.

After a few moments Buffy pulls back and laughs quietly. “We are a bunch of sad sacks today.” Looking first at Tara and then at Faith, she smiles. “But I’m very, very glad to get this out in the open. I’m happy that we’re all on the same playing field and know what each other has gone through. Maybe together we can help each other through this.”

Tara smiles, running her hands through both women’s hair. “That’s the smartest thing I’ve heard. Nobody.” Stopping to look at both women in turn. “And I mean nobody, can be their own island. The only way we can make it is to do this together. Be there for each other and let the others be there for us.”

Faith shakes her head smiling slightly. “So, are we like being best buds here, or what?”

“To start with, best buds works.” Tara states with a smirk at Buffy, making her blush.

Frowning slightly Faith looks from Tara to Buffy and back. “How come I feel like I’m missing something here?”

Rolling her eyes Buffy shakes her head. “Right now, with everything that we discussed today? I definitely don’t want to scare you off with what that evil blonde Wicca has going through her mind.”

“Hey!” Tara states in an outraged voice. “I am not evil. Wicked, I’ll give you. But not evil!”

Faith shakes her head smiling slightly. “I have this feeling that either I’m gonna love what’s going through her mind or run in the opposite direction.”

Tara and Buffy both state quickly. “Hopefully the first.” At the same time then look at each other, busting up laughing.

“Okay guys, if you ain’t gonna tell me, we need to change the subject before I get a complex or something.” Faith mutters before smiling at both of them to let them know she’s kidding.

“Personally, I’m getting hungry.” Buffy states just as Faiths stomach growls loudly, making them laugh.

“Well, how about we order Chinese with some of the money we liberated last night?” Faith suggests, to everyone else’s agreement.

After placing the order Buffy and Faith argue good naturedly about who is going to go pick it up. Rolling her eyes at the childish display Tara whistles loudly. “How about we all go and pick it up?”

“That’s no fun, Blondie.” Faith smirks. “B, she’s taking all the fun out of things. If we can’t argue, what’s the use?”

Tara shakes her head. “If you two keep arguing the food will be cold! Personally, I think Chinese food is better hot not cold.”

“I got my bike, I could ride and pick it up.” Faith offers.

“Yeah, but you can’t carry the two or three bags of food and drive that thing at the same time.” Tara points out.

“Okay, okay. Let’s get going and pick up the food.” Faith gives in.

***********

Dawn bops into the house as they are finishing eating the Chinese food, laughing and joking. Rolling her eyes at the three women, she plops down looking through what’s left.

Smirking at Dawn, Tara raises an eyebrow in question. “What are you looking for, Dawnie? I would have thought you ate dinner over at Janice’s”

“I did. But I was just seeing what you have left.” Dawn whines slightly not seeing much of anything.

“It’s on the counter in the kitchen” Tara rolls her eyes and Dawn screeches before heading into the kitchen.

“I have never known a child to be so happy over lo mein.” Buffy mumbles before laughing.

“I like lo mein. What can I say.” Dawn mumbles around a mouth full of noodles.

“Hey, brat! Finish the food in your mouth before you talk.” Buffy admonishes lightly.

“Okay.” Dawn pouts lightly before seeing an egg roll on the table, reaching for it, she gets smacked in the hand lightly by Faith.

“That’s mine, twerp.” Faith growls playfully.

“Faith! Come on!” Dawn pouts.

“Well, what ya' got in trade?” Faith teases the teenager.

“Oh, man. Faith. Please?” Dawn begs and bats her eyelashes at the slayer, making her laugh.

“Okay, twerp. But you’re gonna owe me.” Faith smiles as she slides the egg roll to the teenager.

“Thanks, Faith!” Dawn states before taking a bite out of the egg roll.

Gathering her dirty dishes Buffy whispers loudly to Dawn as she walks by. “She so owns you now.”

“What?” Dawn asks questioningly.

Tara shakes her head sadly to Dawn. “You never make a trade with someone without knowing what your portion of the trade is. Live and learn.” Tara sighs dramatically before following Buffy into the kitchen with her dirty dishes.

Smirking as Buffy and Tara now have Little D scared stiff, Faith raises her eyebrow and leans back on the two back legs of the chair. “Hmm, what do I want?” Faith eyes Dawn speculatively, making her squirm in her seat.

“Come on, Faith. It was only a measley egg roll.” Dawn whines loudly.

“Yeah, but the thing is, it was mine. And you wanted it. Makes it a valuable commodity.” Faith nods her head up and down thinking and trying not to laugh out loud at the scared look coming up on Dawn’s face.

“Let me see here. Do my chores around the house for a month don’t sound bad. But then again, we haven’t discussed how we split the chores up yet, so you might be getting off light.” Faith smirks slightly. “Wash and wax the bike once a week for the next two months, don’t sound bad.”

Faith grabs her dirty dishes and heads to the kitchen, lightly tapping Dawn on the head with her plate. “I’m pickin’ on ya' squirt. You don’t owe me nothing.” Faith states grinning before heading on into the kitchen.

“Thanks, Faith.” Dawn calls happily after the slayer, before continuing to eat her Lo Mein and egg roll. ‘Faith seems to be happier and more relaxed than before - good.’ Dawn thinks to herself as she eats.

********