Buffy stops and grins at the picture of Tara bending over to put her dirty dishes in the dishwasher. It takes her a few moments to realize that blue eyes are laughing at her, from where Tara’s looking over her shoulder at the slayer.

Blushing at having been caught, Buffy looks down and whispers. “I was just bringing my dirty dishes in to the kitchen.” Looking up seeing that Tara is no longer bending over and is standing up looking at her with her arms crossed across her chest, and an eyebrow raised.

“Okay, okay, you caught me. But do you blame me?” Buffy smirks slightly. “Beautiful blonde, bending over, extremely nice…attributes?” Smiling, realizing Faith was standing behind her, she can’t resist. “What do you think, Faith? Do you agree?”

Faith eyes widen in surprise looking from Buffy to Tara and back. “Well, unfortunately I came in after she stood up. But beautiful blonde is definitely a given.” Faith appraises the blonde witch. Smiling and nodding her head. “Yep, beautiful is a given.”

Rolling her eyes, Tara looks at the two women. “You two are calling me beautiful. Look in the mirror sometime. That’s beautiful. Not me.” Shaking her head she starts to get out the ingredients to make brownies.

“B, I want to do something, follow my lead?” Faith asks quietly so only Buffy can hear.

Looking at Faith with a furrowed brow, Buffy wonders what she’s up to. “Okay.”

Running up the stairs, Faith grabs the free-standing mirror in her bedroom and carries it back downstairs, setting it up in the living room.

Dawn looks at Faith. “What are you doing?”

Faith smiles slightly. “I’m just tryin’ to prove something to Blondie in there.” Heading into the kitchen, she walks up to Tara, taking the mixing bowl out of her hands and tugging her slightly. “Come here, I want to show ya' somethin'.” Nodding her head to Buffy for her to follow.

“So, you think B’s beautiful. You think I’m beautiful.” giving a snort at that Faith rolls eyes. “And you think that you’re NOT beautiful, right?”

“Where are you going with this, Faith?” Tara states in an exasperated tone. “I know I’m not beautiful.” Looking down at herself and shaking her head.

“Personally, I think you’re absolutely gorgeous.” Buffy whispers looking at her.

Dawn coming in to see what the three women were doing grins. “You are beautiful, Tara.”

“Okay, all of us know Tara is beautiful, except for Tara herself. Now, look at Buffy. What do you see that makes you think she’s beautiful?” Faith asks quietly.

“Her kind and caring heart. Her unselfishness in helping those in need. Ummm…” Looking at Dawn she raises her eyebrows. “I would feel better saying this if you weren’t here, Dawn. Would you mind? Please?”

Dawn smirks looking at Buffy. “So, she’s gonna talk about your bod now and doesn’t want me to hear what she thinks about my sister. I guess I can handle that. I need to work on a project that’s due next week, anyway.”

Shaking her head at the precocious teen, Tara smiles as she heads to her bedroom. “Okay, in no uncertain terms, beautiful eyes, firm athletic body.” Here her eyes inadvertently stray to Buffy’s breasts and Tara grins slightly. “Definitely firm assets. That’s some of the physical portion.”

“Okay, I agree with all of the above.” Faith states smirking and winking at Buffy. “Now, what is the most important thing that you think makes Buffy, Buffy?”

“Her heart.” Tara states without any hesitation.

Nodding her head Faith smiles hugely. “Now, I want you to look in this mirror at yourself…”

Buffy interrupts. “Wait a minute. I want to hear what she thinks is beautiful about you, Faith. I had to stand here and listen to her talk about me. It’s your turn.”

“Ah, man. We don’t need to hear this.” Faith mumbles in embarrassment.

“I think we do.” Tara states nodding her head. Eyeing Faith up and down, Tara smirks with her eyes twinkling. Turning to look at Buffy she shakes her head. “Some things just kind of jump out at you, don’t they?”

Buffy giggles and seeing the slight flush working it’s way up the Dark Slayer’s face, she laughs loudly. “Oh, yeah.”

“I’m sorry, Faith. I couldn’t resist.” Tara grins unrepentantly at the slayer. “Okay, seriously. I see a woman that wants to do good. Has an extremely good heart, that unfortunately has been abused. I see a caring woman that given time will learn what love is, and is capable of loving with her whole heart.” Reaching up to gently run one finger down the slayer’s cheek, Tara smirks. “Then we have the deep soulful brown eyes and the sexy body.” Smiling over at Buffy, hoping she said what the Dark Slayer needed to hear, she whispers. “Your heart is also the most important part of you that makes you beautiful. It’s what’s inside a person that’s important, not the outside trappings. That’s just a bonus.”

Buffy crosses to Tara and looks her in the eye. “You can say that what’s inside the person is important, and not see the beauty that shines from your eyes? Your sweet caring nature. Your heart that is so big that you can love without reservation, even with what has happened to you, you still open yourself up to love.”

Faith nods her head in agreement. “Your eyes are the windows to your soul, Tara. And you have an absolutely beautiful soul.” Turning her to make her face the mirror with Buffy and herself bracketing the blonde witch, Faith whispers. “See what we see when we look at you Tara. See those beautiful blue eyes, the lovely honey blonde hair.”

Buffy takes over, softly whispering. “The classic features, the soft womanly curves that I just want to bury myself in and stay there forever.”

Faith nods and swallows slightly. “Tara, you are gorgeous inside and out.”

Looking at herself in the mirror as the two slayers discuss her. At first, she feels uncomfortable, but slowly she starts seeing through their eyes, seeing what they saw when they look at her. Realizing that in their eyes she is beautiful.

Starting with a small smile that grows larger looking at both woman’s eyes she shrugs her shoulders. “I guess we just need to admit that we’re all beautiful and not argue about it.” Tara smiles turning to hug Buffy tightly first, then turning and hugging Faith tightly, too. “Thank you both. Now, can I go back to the kitchen and make a double batch of brownies?” Tara smiles looking at both women with a raised eyebrow.

“Only a double batch?” Faith queries winking. “Two slayers in the house, a teenager and a witch. All these women and you’re only making a double batch?”

Tara rolls her eyes as both slayers start laughing. “Okay, I’ll make two double batches - one regular and one with walnuts, that sound okay?”

“Sounds good to me.” Buffy smiles before coming up to the slightly taller blonde, pulling her into her body lightly before kissing her softly on the lips. “I love you.”

“I love you, too. Now, let me get to baking.” Tara smiles before heading into the kitchen.

Buffy follows her with her eyes smiling softly.

“You’re one lucky lady, B.” Faith softly notes.

Turning to Faith, Buffy shakes her head. “We’re lucky, Faith. Her heart really is big enough for both of us.” Buffy whispers quietly before grabbing the mirror and taking it back upstairs, leaving a confused Faith standing in the living room.

Shaking her head at the blonde slayer, Faith looks up the stairs before looking towards the kitchen and shrugging her shoulders, heads into the kitchen.

“Need any help?” Faith asks quietly watching the blonde mix up the batter.

Looking up, Tara smiles. “If you want to chop up the walnuts, I’d appreciate it.”

Grabbing a cutting board and knife, Faith opens the bag of walnuts. “How much do you want me to chop?”

Smirking slightly Tara states. “Depends on how much you like walnuts in your brownies.”

“I like nuts.” Faith smirks knowingly at the witch. “I also like ‘em without nuts.”

Shaking her head at Faith she smiles. “Personally, I’m not much of a nut person myself. I prefer mine without.”

Walking into the kitchen Buffy smirks before  laughing. “And can I say how much I appreciate that fact? Hopefully, here soon, I’ll have more of a reason to appreciate it!” Buffy growls lowly before pulling Tara to her and giving her a firm kiss on the lips.

Faith looks in surprise at both women. “You mean you two ain’t gotten down and dirty with each other yet?”

“Well, that’s a nice way to put it, Faith.” Tara shakes her head at the slayer. “No, we haven’t made love yet.”

“No, we haven’t.” Buffy grumbles. “It was looking promising this morning until somebody banged on our bedroom door.”

“Buffy! And who was all for having breakfast?” Tara raises an eyebrow looking at Buffy and then makes a show of poking her in the stomach. “Someone likes to eat.”

“Yeah, but I did try to talk you into staying in the clothes you were wearing.” Buffy pouts. “You had to go and put these on instead.”

“I wasn’t going to run around the house in my sleep wear!” Tara states blushing lightly.

“Okay, hold up here. What exactly is her sleep wear and…Sorry for this morning.” Faith whispers the last, feeling bad.

“Faith, don’t worry about this morning. As for her sleep wear…” Buffy winks. “It really isn’t the sleep wear - it’s the person wearing it. Tank top and shorts.” Looking at the blushing blonde Buffy eyes her up and down. “Tight tank top, showing a lot of skin and shorts showcasing those sexy legs. Strip of belly showing. Mmmm, mmmm.” Buffy states smiling.

Faith’s eyes unfocus slightly imagining the blonde….shaking her head Faith holds up her hands. “Okay, on that note, I’m leavin’. You two are trying to kill me here.” Faith states huskily in her smoky voice before heading out of the kitchen.

Wrapping her arms around Buffy’s waist, from behind her, Tara watches Faith leave the kitchen. “We need to either stop teasing her, or let her know what we’re thinking about, our possible relationship, Buffy.” Tara states quietly.

“I know. But it’s fun. I haven’t ever seen Faith so off-centered, not knowing what to say or do. It’s kind of an interesting thing to see.” Buffy smiles slightly, before frowning. Turning around in Tara’s arms she asks in a scared tone. “What about Dawn? She was okay about me and you. But…” Trailing off she shakes her head. “I don’t know what this could possibly make her think, let alone Xander and Anya.”

Tara frowns wondering about Dawn before thinking about Xander and Anya, that thought makes her grin wickedly. “This will give Xander enough fuel for fantasies for the rest of his life. Anya, I don’t think anything can shock her.” Frowning again she searches Buffy’s eyes. “The main one I see us having a problem with, is Dawn.”

Dawn pops into the kitchen at that moment, just catching the tail end of the conversation. “What will you have a problem with me about?” Dawn questions with a worried tone in her voice.

“Goddess.” Tara quietly states lightly running her fingers over her temple. “Buffy, let me talk to her. Why don’t you go and keep Faith company, so she doesn’t show up during this conversation.”

Buffy looks at Tara with shocked eyes. “Tara? Are you sure, I mean, we haven’t really decided…”

Raising her eyebrow Tara calmly states. “We haven’t?”

“Well…” Buffy looks into Tara’s eyes. “I guess it has more or less been decided. But talking to Dawn? I mean, we don’t have any idea if this is even going to happen.”

Dawn just looks from her sister to Tara and back trying to follow the conversation. “You two are really confusing me.”

“I’m sorry, Dawnie. We don’t mean to. But, Buffy, Dawn’s 15 almost 16. She’s becoming a young woman. I honestly believe it’s best to let her know what could possibly happen. She’s matured a lot over the last few months. I say we be honest and up front with her. I… hope that she doesn’t end up hating us or thinking we’re…” Tara raises her eyes to the ceiling trying to think of a word for what she’s trying to say.

“Sick puppies?” Buffy supplies with a small smile.

“Well, that wasn’t the wording I was going to use, but for lack of something better, yes.” Tara smiles back softly at Buffy. “Let me talk to her. It might be easier for me to discuss this with her than it would be for you.” Nodding her head in agreement Buffy kisses Tara lightly on the cheek before heading into the living room.

“Dawnie, please sit down. Do you want anything to drink?” Tara asks, at Dawn’s shake of her head, she quickly pours the brownie mixture into the two pans and scoops up the walnuts, pouring them into one of the pans, lightly swirling them around until they work their way into the batter. Putting both pans in the oven and setting the timer, Tara sits down across the island from Dawn.

“Tara, come on. What’s going on here?” Dawn asks in a worried tone.

“Dawn, it isn’t anything bad. At least I don’t think it is.” Tara looks Dawn in the eye trying to figure out how to bring this up to the teenager. “Dawn, you know that Buffy and I love you, right?” At Dawn’s quick nod Tara smiles slightly. “You know that we love each other also, right?” Dawn grins at that and then nods her head. “Okay, well I believe that a person’s heart is big enough to love everyone. Different love for different people.”

Dawn smiles. “I understand that. I love you, Buffy, Xander, Anya, even Faith. I love you all differently, but I do love you.”

“That’s good Dawnie. Well, I also know that you can be in love with more than one person. That there is possibly dozens or hundreds of people you can be in love with, and care for in a more intimate way.” Tara states watching as Dawn thinks about what she is saying.

“I guess that makes sense. I mean, if there was only one person in the world for you, what is the likelihood you will ever find that person?” Dawn nods her head accepting what the blonde was saying. “But why are you talking about this. I mean, I know you loved Willow, and now you love Buffy. You don’t have to explain this to me.”

Tara takes a deep breath, reaching over for Dawn’s hand, she clasps it gently. “This conversation doesn’t really have anything to do with Willow. Dawn, I’m going to ask a really big favor of you. I want to explain a few things to you and I need you to try and keep an open mind about it, and to please let me finish before interrupting. Can you do that for me?” Tara asks her softly.

Dawn sees the serious look in Tara’s eyes and the quiet pleading. Nodding her head she smiles briefly. “I’ll try and keep an open mind. I promise. I’ll also try not to interrupt.”

“Thanks, Dawn.” Tara slowly explains without going into detail about her life previously, then hitting lightly on some of Faith’s life, without any details just that she had a hard time growing up, a mother that was abusive, nothing else, just letting her know that life had been extremely hard on the Dark Slayer. Finally working over to her sister, not saying anything about Spike, but about Buffy’s reaction when Faith came on the scene originally, her feelings, the antagonism between the two, continuing through, setting up the background of the two women.

Taking a slight breather looking at Dawn, Tara watches the emotions crossing the teens face, the confusion trying to figure out where Tara is going with this conversation. Finally just looking back at Tara, waiting for her to continue.

“Your sister has always cared for Faith. She wouldn’t allow herself to acknowledge those feelings.” Seeing Dawn about ready to interrupt, Tara raises her hand. “Let me finish Dawn, please. Your sister loves me, I love her. That hasn’t changed and won’t change. But Buffy has finally realized that she loves Faith and has more or less loved her since high school. And, though I don’t know her that well, I’m coming to care for Faith deeply. Both Buffy and I have touched on this subject, it’s something that would be unconventional, but these feelings are there. Faith doesn’t know any of this, so I ask you, please don’t say anything to her. She may not even be interested in a relationship with us.”

Dawn snorts loudly at that thought. “I’ve got to interrupt, sorry. But, Faith would jump at the chance to have either one of you, let alone both. I-I always thought that there might have been something between Buffy and Faith, but I never knew for sure. Heck, I wasn’t even really here when that happened.” Dawn frowns at that. “Tara, I don’t know what to say here.” Dawn looks up with confusion filling her eyes. “Are you saying that you each want to date Faith separately? Won’t that put a strain on your relationship with each other?”

Tara closes her eyes, opening them she looks at Dawn smiling slightly. “First off, if this were to happen, it will take some work from all three of us. However, I love your sister, and am coming to love Faith. I know your sister loves Faith and myself. As for Faith, I got the sense from her that she cares deeply for Buffy, but I don’t even know if she knows what love is. I know she likes me.” Shrugging slightly Tara smiles lopsidedly. “And we would probably see each other separately, but we would also all three of us be together, Dawnie.”

Still frowning in confusion Dawn looks at Tara shaking her head. “But…all three of…” Opening eyes wide Dawn blushes a dark red. “You mean… all three of you together, together.”

Blushing slightly herself Tara nods her head anxiously watching the teenager to see how she reacts to this news.

“You…three…wow…I…” Shaking her head in disbelief Dawn just stares back at the blonde. “Is it okay if I kind of let this sink in some. Let me sort it all out?” Dawn questions.

“Please, take all the time you need, Dawn.” Tara states quietly watching her intently. “Do you hate us?” Tara whispers, afraid what she had said may have been too much for the teenager.

Seeing the worry in the blonde’s eyes, Dawn quickly walks around the island to lightly hug the Wicca. “No, I could never hate you. It’s just a lot to take in. I kind of want to think things through and sort it all out in my head.” Pulling back out of the hug she makes eye contact with Tara smiling briefly.  “Can I talk to you, if I have any questions?”

Smiling back Tara’s smile turns into a grin. “As long as you aren’t going to ask any intimate details, I don’t see why not.”

Dawn rolls her eyes. “That I am NOT going to do.” Just then the timer on the stove goes off. “And it looks like we’re going to be having brownies, chocolate is our friend.”

Laughing at the teenager Tara pulls the brownies out, checking to make sure they’re done before agreeing. “Yes, chocolate is our friend. Thank you, Dawnie.” Tara quietly adds.

“I love you guys. You’re my family. We support our family, right?” Dawn smiles at the thought before continuing with a huge grin. “Even if they are sick puppies.”

Rolling her eyes at the teenager, Tara shakes her head. “Yeah, yeah. I have this feeling your sisters comment is going to haunt us for a long time to come.”

“How long before the brownies cool enough to eat?” Dawn asks looking at the brownies almost salivating.

“Probably need to give them about 15 minutes to cool decently. What kind do you want? With nuts or without?” Tara asks.

“One of each?” Dawn asks hopefully.

Laughing, Tara nods her head. “Okay, one of each it is. Would you mind checking with the other two ladies to see what kind they would like?”

Walking out to the living room, Dawn giggles. The two slayers had moved all the furniture out of the way and were doing Tai Chi. “You know maybe you should clean out the garage and make it a work out room for you two. Wouldn’t that be easier?”

Buffy sticks her tongue out at her sister as she and Faith finish. “Everything okay?” Buffy asks quietly, breathing a sigh of relief as Dawn nods her head smirking slightly.

“She makes sense, B.” Faith smirks at the teen. “What all you got in the garage, anyway?”

“Pretty much a lot of junk, wood to cover the front window that has a tendency to get smashed in at least three times a year and tools that Xander keeps here.” Shrugging her shoulders she smiles.

“Well, we can move the tools and wood down to the basement, right?” Faith asks thinking about the basement that only has Buffy’s kick bag hanging in it along with the washer and dryer leaving a lot of extra space left over.

“Yeah, that would work.” Buffy states thinking about it. “We could bring some of the equipment from the Magic Box here to use. Put some mats down for us to spar.” Buffy smiles. “Dawn, you’re a genius.”

“Of course I am. We know I’m the smart one in this family.” Dawn laughs when Buffy growls at her.

Tara comes into the living room. “Dawn, did you bother asking these ladies which kind of brownies they want? You’ve been out here long enough that I can cut them, now.”

“Really!” Dawn yelps before heading back to the kitchen followed by two slayers and a witch that quickly dodged the herd.

“I hope they’re good enough to make my almost being stampeded into the ground worth it.” Tara states following the other three into the kitchen. Seeing Dawn already munching down on a brownie with a big glass of milk in front of her, Tara laughs.

Looking at the two slayers who are jostling each other good naturedly to get at the brownies, Tara rolls her eyes mumbling loudly. “I’m starting to think you two are the teenagers here.”

Faith raises an eyebrow and states “Actually, I still am a teenager.” Before turning to grab her plate piled high with brownies and a glass of milk to sit at the island in the kitchen, already shoving a brownie in her mouth.

“I thought you were the same age as Buffy. I just assumed…” Tara looks from Faith to Buffy.

Shrugging, Buffy looks at Faith. “How old are you, Faith?”

“I’ll turn 19 in a couple months.” She mumbles around a mouth full of brownie. “These brownies are great, Blondie.” Faith smiles up at Tara showing her dimples to the fullest, something she hadn’t done before.

Sitting down hard in the chair across from Faith, Tara looks at Faith. “Thanks, Faith.” Tara states quietly. “Faith, can I ask you a question?” Faith nods as she chews another brownie. “You stated you got your GED in prison. Would you be interested in taking college courses? Is there anything you are interested in further exploring?”

Faith stops chewing, looking with surprise at the blonde. Quickly finishing the brownie in her mouth and gulping down some milk before stating. “Yeah, I kind of liked history and poetry.” She kind of mumbled the last word, but Buffy caught it.

“You’re taking some advanced poetry classes this year for your degree, aren’t you, Tara?” Buffy asks looking at the blonde.

“Yes, I am.” Looking over at Faith she expands on the statement. “I’m going to become a teacher. In particular, an English teacher. Of course, I’ve taken a lot of different courses that help towards my credit certification, that includes poetry, history, of course English courses along with a lot of others. I should have been able to graduate this year, however because of the Glory situation, I’m still a semester behind even after loading myself up as much as possible and will need to take more classes next year to make up.”

Faith’s eyes light up with interest. “I can see you being a teacher.” Smirking slightly before glancing sideways at Buffy she follows up with. “If I had a teacher that looked like you when I was a kid, I mighta been more interested in goin’ to school.”

Narrowing her eyes slightly, Buffy looks at Faith. “You hitting on my girlfriend Faith?”

“What if she is?” Tara interrupts trying to keep a straight face. “What are you going to do about it?”

Still staring down Faith, Buffy finally smirks. “Tell her she’s got good taste.”

Breathing a sigh of relief, afraid she might have gone too far, Faith finally smiles. “Don’t scare me like that, B. I thought you were gonna nail me to the wall.”

“She still might.” Tara whispers quietly with a knowing smile.

Not sure she heard Tara right, Faith gives Tara a questioning look. “What was that Blondie?”

Buffy, who was closer to Tara had heard her and blushed lightly, making Tara giggle.

“Nothing, Faith. Just kind of thinking out loud. Since you’re going to be my bodyguard, you’ll be in the classrooms with me, get an idea what its like, see if you’re interested.” Tara smiles encouragingly at the Dark Slayer. “Most of my professors are interesting, only one of them is a bit of an ass.”

“Can’t be no worse than Professor Walsh.” Buffy grouches.

“No, but I have already talked with all my professors about the fact that I was going to have someone with me in the classes. They didn’t have a problem with it. Professor Gulden was a bit of a smart ass and never really okayed my having someone with me.” Tara grumbles quietly.

Faith growls deep and low. “He better not give you a problem, or I’ll set him straight.”

“Rottweiller.” Buffy nods her head smirking at the other slayer.

“Buffy, be nice. Next thing you know she’ll think we’re going to get her a spiked collar to wear around.” Tara grins at Buffy.

Faith chuckles. “I might like that.”

“Okay, you guys are getting just a little to weird for me. I’m going to work some more on my project. If I’m in bed when you get back from patrol, have a good night.” Dawn grins before heading upstairs.

“'Night, Dawnie.” Tara smiles gently at the teen.

“'Night, Squirt.” Faith winks slightly.

Getting up from her seat and quickly placing her plate and glass in the sink Buffy goes to follow Dawn. “I’m going to talk to Dawn for a few minutes, okay?” Buffy looks to Tara briefly and smiles at her nod.

Chapter 14

Smiling at the papers strewn across her sisters bed and floor, Buffy knocks on the door before stepping in.

Looking up at the knock Dawn smiles. “What’s up?”

Taking a deep breath Buffy sits down beside Dawn. “I’m just checking in with you, see how you’re doing.”

“I’m fine.” Dawn grins to herself, not giving Buffy anything extra to work with, knowing what she’s wanting.

“Dawn!” Buffy states exasperatedly. “How do you feel about what might be happening here?” Buffy finally states bluntly.

Surprised that Buffy actually came out and asked, Dawn smiles. “Honestly, Buffy, it’s weird. Tara explained things and I can see how this could and probably will happen. It’s just a little strange, you know?” Watching Buffy look down at her hands, that’s clenching tightly in her lap, Dawn reaches over and lays her hand overtop Buffy’s. “Not bad strange, Buffy. Just different strange. I asked Tara for time to kind of think things over and try and figure it out in my head. So far that’s what I’ve come up with. I…I don’t think I have a problem with it. Honestly, I think you all deserve whatever happiness you can get.” Smirking suddenly as Buffy makes eye contact with her she continues. “And if that’s getting into a freaky relationship? What the hell. More power to you!”

“DAWN!” Buffy loudly exclaims before her sisters snickering turns to laughter and giving in, Buffy starts laughing too. “You know, this has been the weirdest few days in my life. First I figure out I’m in love with Tara and she returns the feelings. Then Tara brings up the fact that she knows I care about Faith, making me face up to my feelings about her, now a possible threesome? This is absolutely the be all end all.” Buffy shakes her head in disbelief.

“Tara was the one that brought this up?” Dawn asks incredulously, before thinking it through. After thinking about it, Dawn giggles. “My sweet, shy, Wicca, mother wanna-be is a little, no make that a lot more adventurous than I ever thought she would be.”

“Personally, I’ve come to find out recently, that Tara isn’t as shy as we thought she was. Or maybe it’s more of a case that she’s becoming more comfortable being herself.” Buffy states quietly before smiling. “It makes me feel good that we’re helping her become the person she should have been all along, you know?”

Dawn nods her head and wraps her arms around Buffy. “Make sure that she’s happy. Actually that you’re all happy, that’s what’s important. If you’re happy, I’m happy.”

Hugging her sister back tightly Buffy smiles through tear filled eyes. “I love you. Tara was right, you are maturing and becoming a young lady.”

“I love you, too, Buffy.” Dawn whispers back. “Now, why don’t you go back downstairs and see what your girlfriend and possible future girlfriend are up to.”

Laughing at her sister, Buffy ruffles her hair before heading downstairs.

*******

Buffy comes to a stop as she hits the bottom of the stairs, sitting down she just watches as Faith, standing behind Tara helps the witch through the Tai Chi movements. Her body lightly pressed against Tara’s back, her arms under Tara’s working the witch gently through each move. Faith being gentle wasn’t something Buffy had ever imagined the woman being. But seeing her with Tara, she realizes that Faith was never given that opportunity.

“Ready to try on your own? I’ll be in front of and to the side of you so you can follow my movements, okay?” Faith asks quietly as she eases away from the witch to move in front, taking a breath to relax Faith starts the Tai Chi movements, sensing as Tara matches her movements.

Smiling, Buffy watches as Tara matches Faith’s moves perfectly, realizing that though the witch didn’t have the strength of a slayer, it doesn’t mean that she can’t be part of the training. Nodding her head at Faith showing Tara the form, Buffy smiles realizing that between the three of them, they are what each other needs. They both need Tara in their lives, the calming, stabilizing influence of the witch is something neither slayer should be without.

“Hey, B. Are you gonna join us or just sit there and watch us?” Faith asks as she continues in the slow deliberate movements.

Watching as the sweat was starting to gather on the witch, Buffy grins. “Personally, I’m enjoying the view right now. You know, Tara, we really need to buy you some jeans to wear, possibly some sweat pants for when you continue training with us.”

Tara stumbles over the movements stopping at Buffy’s words. “I wasn’t planning on training with you, I mean, witch here. Not slayer.”

Faith chuckles quietly. “The Tai Chi you were doing with me is one of the things we do for training. Not everything is about strength and speed you know. You should train with us. It would be good for you to learn basic defense skills first then we can work on offensive moves.” Making eye contact with Buffy she smiles self consciously. “It probably wouldn’t hurt for Squirt to learn, too.”

“Great idea, Faith.” Buffy nods her agreement. “My schedule at work is the only thing that really changes. Dawn with her schooling is the same every day, and Tara’s schedule is the same from week to week for the rest of the semester.”

“We can get together some kind of schedule. Personally, I enjoyed the Tai Chi. I don’t get as much physical exercise as I should, that would help me get rid of these.” Tara states, while running her hands down her hips, frowning slightly.

“Don’t you dare!” Buffy jumps up growling slightly. “Don’t you change anything, I like you just the way you are!”

“Come on, Faith help me out here, my hips could use some slimming down.” Tara pleads.

“Nope. Not going there, Blondie. Personally I’m on board with B in this department. You’re perfect the way you are, I wouldn’t want you to change either.” Faith states shaking her head. “I’ll help out with teaching you the moves, but it won’t be because you need to lose weight. I just want you to have skills where you can protect yourself somewhat.”

Literally collapsing into a lotus position on the floor, Tara looks from Buffy to Faith. “You’re both going to be a pain in my ass. Leave me alone.” Tara pouts.

“Sorry, not going to happen.” Buffy states trying not to laugh at the witch’s pouting lip. “Your lips are absolutely the most tantalizing lips in the world, your pouting makes it worse. So please stop before I attack.” Buffy grumbles lowly as she heads towards the witch.

Faith looks in surprise at Buffy then turns to see Tara’s pout and silently agrees with the other slayers assessment.

Tara just continues to pout, daring the slayer to make good on her words. As Buffy drops down in front of her and sucks her bottom lip in her mouth, Tara giggles.

Sucking firmly on the lip she captured, Buffy grins when Tara’s giggles turn to a low moan. Finally releasing the lip Buffy grins at the witch. “I love you. You, not your body.”

Mock scowling at the slayer, Tara growls in a low voice, “You better be loving my body. You will have a very unhappy girlfriend on your hands if you don’t.” Seeing the look crossing Buffy’s face, Tara chuckles and finally laughs loudly. Winking at Buffy she looks over to Faith, who’s trying to ignore the two women. “Of course, if you aren’t willing to love my body, I’ll look around and see if there’s anyone else that would be up for the job.”

Looking in shock at the Wicca, Faith raises her hands backing up slightly. “I ain’t getting in the middle. This is between you two.”

Buffy frowns, stands and puts her hands on her hips, eyeing Faith up and down while Tara stands looking at Faith with a grin on her face. “What do you mean you ain’t getting in the middle? We ain’t pretty enough for you?” Buffy growls.

“Yo, wait a minute. I didn’t mean anythin’.” Faith starts back pedaling away from an advancing, she thinks, angry slayer. “B! Come on! I didn’t mean nothin'.” Faith, keeping an eye on the advancing Buffy says. “Blondie, a little help here!” Hearing the blonde bust up laughing makes Faith look to Tara in confusion. “Your girlfriend is about to fry my ass and I don’t even know why!!”

“Faith, you aren’t dense. Figure it out.” Tara states shaking her head. “I’m going to go change for patrol, you two get the living room straightened out.”

Looking at Buffy who’s standing there looking at her with her hands on her hips, just watching, Faith yells. “What the fuck am I missing here? Obviously I’m missing something, but what?”

“Come on, let’s get the furniture back where it belongs before Tara lays into us when she gets back.” Buffy states quietly, picking up the coffee table to set back in front of the couch.

Both women quickly get the living room set to rights and grab weapons, the whole time Faith keeps looking at Buffy, trying to figure out what was going on. Replaying what happened in her mind over again, Faith shakes her head. Blondie looking at her when saying that she would find someone else to love her body, B getting upset (? Did she) and coming at her questioning that they weren’t pretty enough for her. Faith shakes her head thinking about past comments made.

Sitting down heavily on the end of the couch, Faith looks with stunned eyes at Buffy who’s strapping her sword against her back and tucking a stake into the back of her pants. Hearing Tara come down the stairs, Faith’s eyes open wide. Tara’s wearing tight blue jeans with Doc Martins and a tank top that didn’t quite reach the waist band of the jeans. Feeling her body tighten at the sight of the curvaceous blonde, Faith closes her eyes tightly.

Seeing Faith looking at Buffy with the stunned look on her face, Tara thinks that maybe, finally Faith might realize what’s going on. As Faith’s eyes turn on her and she can actually see the desire crossing the Dark Slayer’s face as she looks over her body, Tara feels her body flush with the obvious appraisal.

Buffy turns around as she hears Tara on the stairs. “Oh, my, God.” Buffy whispers looking over Tara’s body. Glancing to see what Faith’s reaction is Buffy nods her head. ‘Definitely interested.’ She thinks to herself seeing the emotions on Faith’s face. Looking back at Tara, Buffy swallows hard. “Tara, not to be a girlfriend that orders you around or anything, but I’m going to burn your skirts. You will be wearing jeans from now on.”

Faith opens her eyes at Buffy talking to Tara. Nodding her head in agreement Faith huskily whispers. “B, might want to get her a pair of leather pants, she would really be hot in black leather pants.”

“Faith, we’re gonna have a hard enough time keeping men away from her, you want to put her in leather? We’ll have to blind every man and woman in Sunnydale. They’ll all be after her.” Looking Tara up and down, Buffy’s eyes darken slightly. “Yeah, black leather would look good. But I think white leather would be the color for her to wear. Black’s more your trademark, Faith. I like wearing brown or red. Get her some tight crop tops to wear with tight white leather pants.” Panting slightly at the thought, Buffy walks slowly up to the witch whose eyes are wide in shock at the conversation going on around her. “My God. Look at this.” Buffy whispers looking at the strip of stomach showing. The softness the slight roundness poking out. Looking at the belly button, Buffy groans. Running her fingers lightly over the exposed skin, unable to keep from touching, Buffy turns to look at Faith. “What do you think?” Buffy asks, lightly running her fingers around Tara’s belly button.

“Before I say anything else.” Faith states in an extremely low, hoarse voice. “I gotta know, are you two offerin' what I think you’re offerin'?”

Tara places her hand on Buffy’s arm whispering. “Let me.” At Buffy’s nod, Tara gently kisses her lips before turning to face Faith. “I guess it depends on what you think we’re offering, Faith.” Sitting down in front of the slayer, Tara looks her in the eyes. “I’ll tell you what we’re not offering. We’re not offering a one night stand. We’re not offering the get some get gone mentality. What we are offering is friendship, caring, family and most importantly, love. The decision is yours. We won’t force you, we won’t be mad at you if this isn’t what you want, just know that no matter what, you still have all that we are offering.” Here Tara smiles gently at the slayer. “It just won’t be in a more physical sense. It will be just in a family way.” Leaning in to where there’s just a breath separating her lips from Faith’s, Tara whispers. “Just know that Buffy loves you and actually has loved you since you first came to Sunnydale. And I am coming to love you as much as she does.” Searching the slayer’s eyes seeing the battle going on inside, Tara gently places her lips against Faith’s, before pulling away and standing up to walk back over to Buffy.

“If you have anything you want to add, Buffy, you might want to say it now.” Tara quietly states, looking at Faith sitting on the couch.

Slowly walking to stand in front of Faith, before kneeling, Buffy looks her in the eye, seeing the same struggle Tara had seen. Seeing the love fighting against the thought that no one could love her. “Everything she told you is true, Faith. Just one more thing, you do deserve to be loved. We all do.” Buffy leans in and places a firm hard kiss to Faith’s mouth before pulling away. “We all do.” She states again as a tear slips down Faith’s face.

Slowly standing, Buffy looks back and sees Tara approaching quietly. Offering her hand to Faith, Tara gently states “Let’s go on patrol, Faith. We need to save the world from the demons.” Faith gently takes the hand looking searchingly in those deep blue eyes, Faith stands and looks down, not believing what these two beautiful women are offering her.

Buffy smirks slightly at Tara looking her outfit up and down. “I just want to know where you’re gonna put a stake in that outfit.”

Turning to look at Buffy with a raised eyebrow Tara states in a slightly mocking tone. “Why, my dear, I don’t need to have a stake I have two slayers to protect me from the evils of Sunnydale.” Rolling her eyes Tara walks over to the wall and grabs her leather jacket. “Plus I’m wearing my jacket, it has three stakes sewn into hidden pockets inside it along with the holy water and cross that I carry.”

Realizing that neither Buffy nor Tara were going to push her for a decision. Faith looks up from one woman to the other. “Why?” She questions softly.

“Why what, Faith?” Tara answers just as softly.

“Why are you offering me a place in your hearts, why are you offering to let me be a part of your relationship?” Faith asks in a strained voice.

“We aren’t offering you a place in our hearts, Faith. You already are in our hearts.” Tara states firmly.

“And because we love you, we don’t want it to be our relationship.” Buffy states emphasizing ‘our’ with a gesture between herself and Tara. “We want it to be our relationship.” This time gesturing to include Faith.

“Let’s patrol and talk.” Faith states slowly, thinking about what was being offered.

As they are walking down the road heading towards the first cemetery, Faith glances occasionally from one woman to the other. “Are we talking about all three of us together at the same time here, or just as couples, like Buffy and Tara one night, me and Buffy another night and Tara and me the next?” Faith asks as they get to the first cemetery, cruising around looking for fresh graves and making sure there weren’t any older vampires in the vicinity.

“Well, we haven’t really discussed things that far.” Buffy states looking questioningly at Tara. “You’re the one that brought all this up originally, which way were your thoughts on this?”

Faith speaks up. “WHAT?” Turning to the witch with a raised eyebrow. “This is all happening because of you?”

Buffy nods her head. “Yep. If she hadn’t brought it up, I never would have acknowledged my feelings for you.”

Tara grins her lopsided grin looking at Faith. “I guess that you can blame me for your confusion.” Shrugging her shoulders slightly. “I’m not sorry for bringing it up. I know Buffy loves you, she loves me it went from there.”

“Actually I think when she made the comment about herself being a Sex Kitten with two slayers for lovers, it got her thinking.” Buffy smirks over at Tara.

Eyeing Tara up and down Faith smirks slightly. “Oh, yeah. I can see sex kitten.”

Just then a vampire breaks through the fresh grave they had been standing by, unconsciously waiting for him to rise. “Play or stake?” Faith asks Buffy.

“Stake him, he’s new and he isn’t going to have any money on him.” Buffy smiles as Faith stakes the vampire right after she gets out the words ‘stake him’.

Twirling the stake between her fingers, Faith prowls around the cemetery. “Do you feel anything else, B?”

Shaking her head Buffy glances around. “No, I don’t. Kind of unusual, most vamps check on their progeny. Maybe Daddy was one of the vamps we staked last night.”

“Let’s head on out, then.” Faith states before putting her stake away. “So, how was this possibly going to work, if this does come into being.”

“Actually, I kind of figured we would be doing things as a threesome and as individual couples. As long as everybody knows what the other two are doing, we’d more or less play it by ear. We just need to make sure to keep an open communication between all of us. I don’t want one person to feel left out or anything. Jealousy between the three of us needs to be non-existent for this relationship to work.” Tara states calmly as she had been thinking about this, trying to figure it out in her own mind.

“And we would be in a relationship, the three of us. No other people will be invited into our beds. No more get some get gone, Faith.” Buffy states quietly, not accusingly.

Faith thinks about that. ‘Can I give up the one night stands? Yes. That wouldn’t be anything to give up, especially if I had these two in my life. Can I allow myself to love? To love these two women?’ As they walked Faith thought about what she was being offered, what she had compared to this. Realizing she had nothing. She had always had nothing, because she wasn’t willing to open herself up, to allow herself to love. These two women knew her darkest secrets, and were still willing to love her. No, not willing to love her, they did love her and they would no matter what her decision was. Finally deciding Faith walks ahead of the two women and turns, facing them.

“Well, as I see it, there’s only two more things that I need to know before my final decision is made.” Faith states seriously looking from one woman to the other.

“What two things do you need to know?” Tara asks quietly, and just as she finishes asking the question, Faith’s lips are pressing insistently against hers, strong arms pulling her into a gentle embrace as a questing tongue gently flicks out across her lips. Tara moans in pleasure and then groans as the tongue gently strokes hers, enticing it into Faiths mouth, where Faith gently sucks and nibbles before releasing and following it back into Tara’s mouth to gently duel for long moments, finally pulling away when the need to breathe became a necessity.

Slowly turning with passion filled eyes, Faith grins wickedly, pulling Buffy into a rough embrace, plundering her mouth roughly. Where her kiss with Tara had been gentle and teasing, this one was rough and taking. Violent battling for dominance between the two slayers, first battling in Buffy’s mouth before Buffy chases Faith’s tongue back into her own mouth, growling as Faith sucks roughly on her tongue before forcing her tongue back into Buffy’s mouth, searching out all the nooks and cranny’s before finally pulling back panting heavily.

Tara starts giggling and finally laughing loudly. “Well, Faith. What’s your decision?” Realizing what Faith had needed to know.

“Oh, yeah.” Faith growls lowly before grinning at the blonde. Turning with a lighter step the three women continue on patrol.

“You mean to tell me, she wanted to know how good of a kisser we were before she made her decision?” Buffy asks exasperatedly.

“Yep. If I’m going to spend the rest of my life with you two, I want to make sure you’re good kissers. Can’t abide a terrible kisser.” Faith states seriously. “If a person can’t kiss, how can they do other things right?”

At that Buffy stops, looking in stunned disbelief at Faith. “Why the fuck didn’t you let me in on that before I met Riley! That damn boy couldn’t kiss to save his life. He was all open mouth as wide as it will go and slobbering all over me. Damn!” Buffy continues griping as the other two women laugh at her.

“I don’t know about that, but I can honestly say I want Faith to give me a kiss like she did you, Buffy.” Tara grins evilly at Faith. “Just because I’m the only true lesbian out of this threesome, it doesn’t mean I want it all soft, sweet and gentle all the time, you know.”

Faith’s eyes light up and she grins ear to ear. “Oh, yeah.” Quickly reaching in and treating the blonde to a rough, searching kiss.

Buffy shakes her head at the two women. “How come I have this feeling that things are going to get hot and heavy quick?” Buffy states rolling her eyes before feeling lips pressing hard and insistent against hers, quickly opening her mouth to the persistent tongue Buffy groans loudly at the quick flicking of a tongue against hers before the tongue retreats quickly followed by the lips. Opening haze filled eyes she opens to see laughing blue eyes looking back at her.

“Because you may be right.” Tara smirks before heading off to continue patrol with Buffy and Faith grinning at each other and turning to watch the swaying of the blonde’s hips.

“Definitely can’t let her try to get rid of them.” Faith whispers quietly to Buffy as they start following Tara.

“You got that right.” Buffy growls enjoying the view.

“If you two are finished ogling my ass, would you like to come up here and join me?” Tara calls out shaking her head at the two slayers.

“We weren’t ogling. We were….” Buffy looks to Faith for help.

“We were appreciating the gentle swaying of your derriere.” Faith grins at her eloquence.

“In other words you were ogling my ass.” Tara states with her hands on hips looking at the two women.

Looking at each other, Buffy and Faith look back at Tara and grin. “Yeah, we were ogling your ass.” They both admit.

As Tara turns around and continues walking, Faith and Buffy smile at each other. Buffy leans towards Faith, whispering. “We are definitely burning her skirts and buying her nothing but jeans and leather pants, you with me?”

“Oh, yeah.” Faith whispers back, quickly pulling away as Tara stops and turns to look at both of them with a frown on her face.

“Are we actually going to do a patrol tonight?” Tara asks in exasperation at the two slayers.

“Yes, ma’am.” Faith states quickly walking up beside the witch with Buffy following quickly to stand on the other side of Tara. Both women wait for Tara to start walking again.

Tara looks from Faith to Buffy. “What are you two doing now?”

“We’re waiting for you.” Faith answers.

“Goddess save me from slayers trying to drive me insane.” Tara mumbles before turning around to continue walking, both women walking with her.

“So, what’s the plan for tomorrow?” Faith asks as they head into the next cemetery, not noticing any new graves before continuing on patrol.

“Well, my first class is at 9:00 am and I have classes all day tomorrow until 3:00 with a break from 12:30 - 1:00 for lunch.” Tara states continuing walking. “I usually take a piece of fruit for lunch.”

Faith frowns slightly at the blonde when she states she usually only eats a piece of fruit for lunch. Turning to look at Buffy, she sees Buffy frowning also. “Okay, B. We’ll take care of that. What’s your schedule for tomorrow?”

“DMP arrive at 5:00 for breakfast and work through lunch, I should be home by 2:00.” Buffy gives a quick run down. “When I get home, I might get started on the garage and move the wood and tools downstairs. The rest of the stuff we need to go through, see if there’s anything worth keeping.” Hesitating slightly, Buffy feels a tear sliding down her cheek. “Mom put a lot of stuff out there that she was going to go through, but never got the chance.”

“Oh, Buffy.” Tara quickly gathers Buffy in a tight embrace, rocking her gently.

“I miss her, you know? Most of the time I’m okay, but occasionally it sneaks up on me.” Buffy quietly states into the witchs neck.

“Your mom was the best, B.” Faith states, her voice slightly rougher than normal. “She always treated me right. I was sorry when I found out.”

“She always liked you, Faith.” Buffy sniffs, lifting her head looking at Faith over Tara’s shoulder. “She once told me that she should have insisted on you coming to live with us, instead of staying in the motels.”

“She was a class act.” Faith smiles sadly. Watching as Buffy finally pulls herself together gently kissing the witch’s cheek before reaching out and clasping Faith’s forearm, giving it a gentle squeeze.

“Let’s continue. Tonight’s been a slow night so far.” Buffy states looking around.

“We’re only a few blocks away from the Bronze, wanna make a run by there and see if there’s any action?” Faith offers.

“Sure. It’s usually good for a vamp or two. After that we can make a run around the college campus and see if we can find any trying to have a late night co-ed snack.” Buffy suggests.

“Okay, let’s get going.” Faith states heading towards the Bronze at a good clip, quickly followed by the other two.

“I think she just wants to dance.” Buffy whispers loudly towards Tara smirking slightly.

“If we have time for one or two dances while scoping out the place, I say we go for it!” Faith whispers loudly back. “I want to see Blondie there shaking that ass.”

Tara’s eyes open wide and her head starts shaking quickly. “No. No. I don’t dance. Not going to happen, I’ll watch.”

Faith smirks at the witch. “You’ll dance.” Turning and grinning at Buffy. “What do you think? She needs to have the fun, right?”

Buffy grins in return. “Oh, yeah. She needs to have the fun. You going to give her the treatment, Faith?”

Tara turns pale. “Please you two, come on, I really can’t dance. You’re not going to make me, are you?”

“Okay, you don’t have to dance.” Faith gives in quickly, hearing Tara breathe a sigh of relief, she lets her get a step ahead of her and Buffy before winking at Buffy. “Nope, you don’t have to dance at all, we’ll do all the dancing.” Faith whispers so low only Buffy could hear her, making Buffy smirk.

Faith pays their cover charge. “You want to hit the upstairs while Blondie and I check out down here?” Faith asks quietly.

“Meet you on the dance floor.” Buffy grins, heading upstairs.

Grasping Tara’s hand, Faith leads them around the main floor of the Bronze. Letting go of her hand, Faith whispers. “Stay close, but not real close, okay?” Getting a nod in answer, Faith quickly walks up to a guy that has a woman pressed against the dark corner by the bathrooms. Quickly staking the vampire, Faith checks the woman, seeing she’s still conscious, she tells her to get out of here and be more careful in the future.

Walking back over to the witch, Faith takes her hand, lacing her fingers with Tara’s and smiling gently. “Well, that makes the tally so far, Slayers two, vamps zero. Do you want a soda?” Faith asks as they continue to walk around the outer edges of the dance floor, seeing if there are any more vampires.

“A coke would be nice.” Tara smiles at Faith, feeling the slayer gently squeezing her fingers.

Walking up to the bar she sees Buffy coming down the stairs, brushing at her pants. “B must have got one.” Buffy quickly walks toward the two women just as Faith is paying for the three cokes she ordered. Handing one to Buffy and then one to Tara, she quickly grabs hers, heading towards an empty table at the edge of the dance floor.

Sitting down at the table and sipping her drink, Tara glances around. Watching Faith head out onto the dance floor, eyes opening wide as she sees her start dancing a couple feet from the table.

Buffy’s trying not to smirk as Faith starts her sensual rhythm, that usually had every male at her side within seconds. Looking over at Tara and seeing her eyes open wide, Buffy grins before looking back out onto the dance floor. Seeing a couple guys easing up to the dark slayer, Buffy growls lowly. Seeing Faith shake her head and push them away, but continue dancing, Buffy smiles at Faith in appreciation.

Catching Buffy’s smile Faith grins back. Glancing over to Tara she raises and eyebrow.

Buffy looks at Tara and sees that she’s watching Faith intently. Slowly easing off the seat and towards Tara, Buffy whispers in her ear. “Come on, let’s go dance with Faith and let all these guys know she’s taken.”

Tara, not even thinking nods her head, in a complete daze. She had never seen anyone dance so blatantly sexy in her life. Those moves were putting all kinds of ideas in Tara’s head. Letting Buffy lead her out on the dance floor it takes her a few minutes to realize that she was dancing, following the Dark Slayer’s moves, not unlike how she had followed her Tai Chi movements earlier that evening. Stiffening slightly she feels Buffy ease up behind her. “Oh, no you don’t. You were doing absolutely wonderful. Don’t think, just flow with the music.” She whispers in Tara’s ear, gently resting her hands on the blonde’s hip smiling as she feels Tara relax as Faith eases in closer against her body literally slithering up and down Tara’s body, making her groan at the pure sexual display.

Faith smiles into Tara’s dark blue eyes. “Seems to me you can dance. I don’t ever want to hear you say you can’t dance again, okay?”

Swallowing and nodding her head in acceptance, Tara can’t say a word as she feels Buffy pressing against her back and Faith against her front.

“I think you broke her, Faith.” Buffy huskily comments. “And if we continue on with this, we’re not going to make it to the campus tonight. So I say let’s finish our sodas and head out.” Pulling away from Tara to turn towards the table, she hears a whimper come from the blonde. Turning back she looks at Tara, realizing both Faith and herself had pulled away at the same time. “Faith, might want to keep some contact going here for a few moments.”

“I am so not complainin’.” Faith growls lightly, easing back into Tara’s body hearing Tara sigh quietly, she grins. Putting Tara’s hands on her waist and gently grasping the blonde’s hips, Faith gently guides Tara back to the table. Handing Tara a drink, which she finally has enough cognizance to take and sip, Faith smiles at Buffy. “We need to do this again, preferably after patrol and when we don’t have to get up early in the morning.”

“We certainly will.” Buffy murmurs watching as the dazed look in the blondes eyes slowly dissipates.

“What the hell just happened?” Tara mumbles blushing deeply.

“You showed you can definitely dance, and you promised to come dancing with us again.” Faith chuckles.

“Please tell me were weren’t practically having sex out there on the dance floor.” Tara begs.

“Nope, we weren’t.” Buffy grins. “All clothes stayed on. No inappropriate hand placement.” Giggling at Faith, Buffy continues. “I mean other than the fact that Faith was practically rubbing herself all over you and you were doing a damn fine job of returning the favor, no, there wasn’t any sex on the dance floor.”

“Oh, Goddess.” Tara cries out quietly before burying her face in her hands, her shoulders shaking.

Buffy and Faith hop of their chairs, Buffy putting an arm around the Wicca’s shaking shoulders and Faith rubbing her hands up and down Tara’s arms.

“Tara, I’m sorry. I won’t ever do that again, I promise. Please don’t be upset.” Faith quietly but urgently pleads.

Finally a small laugh, followed by more laughs escape the witch, shocking the two slayers. Before finally pulling her hands away from her face, they realize her shoulders were shaking from laughter, not tears.

“You two are going to turn me into one big puddle.” Tara laughs as she shakes her head at the two slayers. “I need some fresh air, let’s head out.”

“I need to visit the bathroom real quick. If you two want to go ahead and head out, I’ll catch up to you.” Buffy states quickly before heading to the bathroom.

“Let’s go, Blondie.” Faith grins watching Buffy leave.

“Okay. Are you okay with this, Faith?” Tara asks seriously as they leave the Bronze, walking towards the campus.

“You mean all of us together?” Faith asks quietly.

“Yes. I don’t want you to feel like you’re being pressured into anything here, because you really aren’t.” Tara explains.

“I know I’m not. You two are actually offering me the world on a platter, ya' know?” Faith grins. “B ain’t been with a woman before, has she?”

“No, she hasn’t. I’m taking it you have?” Tara smirks slightly.

“Oh, yeah. Guys are easier, but I actually prefer women.” Faith shrugs looking at the blonde. “I think you two should get together before bringing me into the mix, 'kay?”

“Why?” Tara wonders out loud.

“Because with B not having experience, I just kind of figured her first time should be with you, not a combination to confuse matters.” Faith smiles. “No splitting of time between us, if you know what I mean.”

“Faith, you are a very considerate woman, you know that?” Tara smiles softly, wrapping her arm around the waist of the slayer as they continue their walk towards the college campus.

“Hey, there my two lovelies, what are you two doing?” Buffy comes up on the other side of Tara, wrapping her arm around the witch’s waist.

“Heading towards campus tryin’ to find some action, you?” Faith smirks over at the slayer.

“I go where the hot babes go.” Buffy smirks back.

“Yeah, she was following us for the last two blocks ogling our butt’s Faith.” Tara stage whispers.

“Well, I know yours is ogle worthy, but mine is a little lacking right now.” Faith states trying to look at her own ass.

Running her hand from Faith’s waist down to her butt, Tara grabs a cheek before lightly smacking it. “We’ll get you fed and filling out these pants properly in no time.”

“Tara can definitely cook.” Buffy grins patting her stomach lightly. “I’ve gained three pounds since she came to live with us. I’m going to have to start watching what I eat or my clothes won’t be fitting me much longer.”

“Nah, you can use a few pounds on ya' there, B.” Faith nods looking her up and down. “Watch the hands, missy. There’ll be consequences for that kind of thing.” Faith leers at Tara.

“What kind of consequences?” Tara leers right back before blushing and giggling slightly. “Goddess, what is going on with me? I’ve never been this forward in my life before.”

“Personally, it looks good on you.” Buffy grins. “I just think you’re feeling freer, not afraid of what people think. That’s of the good.” Buffy nods her head.

“Oooh, looks like we got a live one here, B.” Faith growls low, coming up on a vampire following a young co-ed. “You want him?”

“Go ahead, Faith. You need help, let me know.” Buffy smiles as she watches the feral grin cross Faith’s face.

“Thanks, B. I can definitely use a work out.” Faith quickly runs up to the vampire, tackling him over into the grass before popping up quickly waiting for him to attack.

“Come on, blood breath. Let’s see what ya' got.” Faith taunts the vampire, making him take a swing which she ducks and rams a fist in his stomach. Bouncing back on the balls of her feet she shakes her head. “Come on, fang boy. You gonna let little ol’ me get by with that?” As the vampire runs and lunges for the slayer, Faith spins out of his grasp and kicks him hard in the back, making him land face first. “B, this guy just ain’t no fun.”

As the vampire turns and snarls at her, Faith let’s loose and pounds him literally in the ground, as the vampire is laying there dazed she quickly checks his pockets pulling out a few bills before staking the vamp. Walking towards Buffy and Tara, Faith looks down at the money and raises her eyebrows. “Not bad, little boy there had $300 on him.”

“We keep this up, I might be able to catch up on some of the past due bills at the house.” Buffy smiles happily.

“Okay. First things first, we get Buffy’s bills caught up, of course keep the kitchen stocked with food and all other essentials we need in the house. After that I guess we can maybe go shopping?” Faith passes the idea onto the other women.

“That sounds good. Buffy, how much do you owe?” Tara questions softly.

“I don’t even want to think about it, honestly.” Buffy frowns slightly. “A few things I’ve been floating with partial payments, like the phone and electric bill. The house payment is about two payments behind. I guess roughly a couple thousand dollars should catch me up.”

“The bike is in my name, I could sell it and easily get the money to catch up everything and have some left over.” Faith suggests.

“No. Keep the bike, Faith. It might come in handy. Eventually I wouldn’t mind getting a vehicle, but that’s just more bills, plus the fact me and vehicles don’t get along to well.” Buffy smirks slightly, remembering when she had driven her mom’s Jeep and it getting clobbered in the side.

“Plus, we can always borrow Xander’s if we need a vehicle.” Tara suggests. “I have a license, so I can drive it.”

Looking around the campus, Faith shakes her head. “Damn, B. I figured this place would be hopping with vamps, what’s going on?”

“It’s pretty slow tonight, isn’t it?” Buffy looks around. “Maybe the demon population found out there are two slayers in town and are laying low?”

“Could be. Well, I guess we can head home. Actually a halfway early night of it.” Faith states looking at the witchs watch seeing it’s only a little after 10:00. “Is that okay, B?”

“Yep. A early night sounds good. Plus four vampires not bad, but still a little slow. Let’s head to the house.” Buffy smiles, reaching down to grasp Tara’s hand.

Faith leads the way home, followed by Buffy and Tara.

CHAPTER 15

As the three women walk into the house, Faith splits off mentioning something about brownies and milk.

Laughing at the slayer, Tara turns to look at Buffy. “I love you.” Leaning in and kissing Buffy on the lips gently. “Do you want some brownies, too? Or could I interest you in something a little different?” Tara smiles at the slayer with a glint in her eye.

Wrapping her arms around Tara‘s neck, Buffy grins. “Oh, I think you can definitely interest me in something different.” Starting off with a gentle kiss, Buffy slowly deepens it into an exploring kiss. Gently mapping the inside of the witch's mouth, making Tara groan lightly, before pulling back. “Upstairs?” Buffy whispers before placing gentle kisses down the side of Tara’s neck.

“Oh, yes. Most definitely upstairs.” Tara whispers hoarsely. “Let me go talk to Faith, okay?” Smiling at Buffy’s nod, Tara presses a quick firm kiss on her mouth. “I’ll be up in a few minutes.”

“Okay.” Buffy smiles before trotting up the stairs, whistling lightly.

Shaking her head at her girlfriend, Tara quickly heads to the kitchen and laughs at the sight of Faith sitting there with what had to be most of the brownies on a plate in front of her and a huge glass of milk. “Are you going to leave any of those?” Tara winks.

“Hey, you snooze, you lose.” Faith answers after finishing off a bite of brownie. “Heading upstairs?”

“Yes. I just wanted to make sure you were okay and hadn’t changed your mind.” Tara questions quietly.

“Nope. I think this would definitely be best for all of us. Go ahead.” Smirking slightly, Faith walks over to the blonde, pulling her in for a hungry kiss. “I’ll get mine soon. Patience is something I sort of learned in jail. Of course, I wasn’t getting any in there, so the quicker you two get it on, the happier I’ll be.” Faith jokes and winks before sitting back down to eat the brownies.

Walking over to the refrigerator, Tara pulls out a water before stopping beside the slayer and kissing her on top of the head. “I love you, Faith.” Tara whispers so low, that Faith almost didn’t hear it, before quickly heading out of the kitchen and upstairs.

Faith sits there looking to where the witch had disappeared. The quiet, heart felt statement warming her inside, like nothing had before. With a shaking hand, she sets the brownie back down on the plate, it really hitting her for the first time that they love her. And, yes, she loves both women back. Feeling a tear come to her eye, Faith swallows realizing what it means to love someone. Putting their needs and wants ahead of yours, taking care of them… Smiling slightly Faith looks at the clock, realizing it’s too early yet for her to go to bed so she facilitates between going in to watch something on the television or maybe seeing if she can take some of the stuff from the garage to the basement. Deciding to get a start on the garage, Faith heads for the door.

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

Easing in the bedroom, Tara stops watching Buffy as she stands in front of the window brushing her hair, wearing her pajamas. Closing and locking the door behind her, Tara sets the water on the nightstand, and slowly starts unbuttoning and unzipping her jeans.

Hearing the door click shut behind her, Buffy turns to watch Tara. Inhaling sharply as Tara starts to slowly undress. Watching the blonde ease the jeans down her legs, leaving her wearing the tank top and a skimpy pair of blue panties, Buffy feels her heart start to pound in her chest. As Tara lifts the tank top over her head, showing that the bra matched the panties, Buffy drops the hair brush on the floor.

Smiling slightly, Tara reaches behind her back to unhook her bra before easing it down off her shoulders and off her arms before putting it with the rest of the clothes she had thrown in the hamper. Hearing a strangled whimper come from Buffy, Tara turns to watch the slayer, seeing the flush of her skin, not in embarrassment, but in need. Placing her hands on the edge of the waist band of her panties Tara whispers. “Do you want?”

Buffy moves her eyes from Tara’s breasts up to look in the blue depths staring at her. Taking a moment to remember that Tara had asked her a question and what it is, Buffy’s eyes widen. “Oh, God, yes.” Buffy breathes out, looking back as Tara slowly eases the panties down off her hips past her knees to gently kick them off and pick them up to place in the hamper.

Walking slowly towards Buffy, Tara can’t help but grin. “Do you like what you see?” As Buffy’s head nods up and down enthusiastically, Tara chuckles quietly. “Would you like to touch?”

“Please.” Buffy whispers gently eyeing the blonde witch, feeling the desire coursing through her body, aching for this beautiful woman.

“What are you waiting for? You don’t need permission, Buffy.” Tara whispers and groans as Buffy quickly presses herself into her body, kissing her hungrily and deeply, her hands running down Tara’s back to gently cup her ass and pull her tighter into her body.

Buffy moans at the warmth of the witch’s skin against her hands, enjoying the sensation of the softness of the woman she loves.

Pulling back slightly, Tara pants out quickly. “I think someone is a little overdressed for this, don’t you?”

Buffy nods her head, starting to unbutton her top before she’s stopped by Tara’s hands on hers. “Please, let me.” Tara whispers and unbuttons the slayer’s top as Buffy raises her hands to run them through the blonde hair. Leaning in and placing a kiss on those full lips, Buffy smiles as she feels a hand reach in her unbuttoned top and gently cup her breast.

Easing her hands over the slayer’s shoulders to push the top off Tara inhales a deep breath at the firm pert breasts staring at her, with hardened nipples begging to be explored. Unable to resist Tara leans down quickly sucking one nipple in her mouth and gently laving it with her tongue, making Buffy groan loudly in response. Slowly easing away, Tara smiles as Buffy tries to push her breast back towards her. Placing her hands on the pajama bottoms, Tara checks with Buffy to make sure it’s still what she wants and kisses her lightly as she feels Buffy’s hands gently helping her push the pajamas down her legs, kneeling in front of the slayer, smelling the arousal coming from her, Tara’s head lightens at the musky smell. Closing her eyes and slowly getting control of herself, Tara eases first one foot then the other out of the pajamas, before standing back up and gently running her hands up the outside of the slayer’s legs to place her hands at Buffy’s waist.

“Buffy, I want to make love to you.” Tara whispers raising one hand to run it through Buffy’s hair.

“Yes, please.” Buffy huskily states before kissing Tara gently, but deeply, both tongues moving languorously against each other. Pressing her body against Tara’s, Buffy groans loudly at the pleasure of her breasts, stomach and thighs pressing against the blonde’s. Feeling her body start to shake with want Buffy pulls back from the kiss breathing heavily. “Can we lay down?”

Smiling at the slayer, Tara reaches to pull the covers back on the bed, easing down to lay on it, before gently tugging at Buffy’s hand to urge her in beside her. As they face each other, Tara leans in to suck Buffy’s bottom lip gently in to her mouth before releasing it and slowly twirling her tongue around Buffy’s stroking gently at first, but with more pressure as the kiss progresses. Running her hand down Buffy’s side to cup the slayer’s hip before squeezing gently. Easing from the kiss, Tara starts placing gentle kisses along Buffy’s cheek and jaw line before nibbling lightly on Buffy’s ear lobe. Easing Buffy onto her back, Tara groans as she feels the slayer’s hands cupping her breasts and thumbs gently caressing her nipples into hardened peaks.

Hearing Tara groan, Buffy smiles slightly before flicking her thumb nail across the hardened nub feeling Tara press hard into her hand, Buffy repeats the gesture on the other nipple and moans as she feels Tara suck on her pulse point.

Easing down Buffy’s body, Tara gently places kisses across the breastbone of the slayer, lightly licking up the stray sweat that was starting to gather on the slayer’s body. Placing a kiss between the slayer’s breasts Tara groans as Buffy gently pinches both nipples, making her arch into the slayer. “Goddess that feels so good, Buffy.” Tara hoarsely states before leaning down to suck one breast into her mouth while lightly flicking the other nipple with her finger tips.

Reaching behind Tara’s head with both hands, Buffy presses the witch against her aching breast, arching up hard into the caresses. Groaning loudly in pleasure as Tara gently scrapes her teeth over the nipple before sucking hard. Feeling her juices easing out of her body, Buffy arches her hips up looking for something to ease the pressure building in her body.

Feeling Buffy arch her hips Tara eases her body between the slayer’s legs, gently pressing her stomach into the slayer’s wet center, hissing out in pleasure at the wetness coming from Buffy. Feeling Buffy press up hard against her, Tara presses back down, giving her the contact she needs. Licking up over the slayer’s breast and nipple, Tara switches to the other breast gently kissing and nibbling, making Buffy squirm and buck under her.

“I love you, Buffy Summers.” Tara whispers as she eases down kissing and licking the slayer’s tight abdomen and stomach, gently nipping at the lower abdomen before placing a kiss on the neatly trimmed mound of the slayer.

“I love you, too.” Buffy groans out, bucking up into the witch as she feels her place a kiss so close to where she needs her, feeling fingers gently separating her lips and a warm breath blow across her most intimate area. Panting heavily, Buffy gets out breathily. “No ones, ever done this… OH GOD!” Buffy stops and exclaims loudly as Tara gently sucks the slayer’s nub into her mouth, flicking her tongue gently over the swollen muscle. Feeling her body tightening at the immense pleasure rocketing through her, Buffy can’t believe the feelings coursing through her.

Hearing Buffy try to say no one had ever given her this pleasure before, Tara smiles gently before sucking the slayer’s clit in her mouth, so hot so swollen. Tara gently sucks the clit and starts flicking the tip of her tongue repeatedly over the muscle, knowing that if Buffy had never had this pleasure it probably wouldn’t take long and might come in a serious flood. Easing her finger up, to gently run it through the slayer’s juices, Tara places it over the muscle to gently rub, keeping her on edge. “Buffy.” Tara states her name questioning.

“Yes.” Buffy finally gets out a minute later, rocking her body against the pleasure Tara is giving her.

“Have you ever had an orgasm?” Tara asks quietly. She had wondered previously about it, with Angel, it wasn’t likely since it was just the one night. Riley probably not, if the conversation earlier tonight was any indication and Tara didn’t even want to think about Spike.

“I…God” Buffy whispers at the pleasure that was unknown to her shifts through her body. “This is the most…yes, harder, please! Most pleasure I’ve ever had…” Buffy finally gets out in between pants and moans.

Hearing Buffy’s answer and her pleading for more pressure, Tara presses harder into the slayer’s clit, rubbing in a circular motion briefly before quickly replacing her finger with her mouth, sucking and licking hard and furious, quickly bringing the muscle to one continuous quivering exploding mass. ‘Oh Goddess, this has been building up forever.’ Tara thinks as the slayer keeps coming. Tara keeps up her continuous licking motion while swallowing the slayer’s juices. As the juices stop flowing, Tara eases up on her licking, knowing the slayer is probably getting tender. Shifting her body slightly further down, Tara kisses first one quivering thigh and then the other before gently separating the slayer’s outer lips with her fingers and lapping at the slayer before stiffening her tongue to a point and quickly inserting it into the slayer, setting up a quick in and out rhythm, making Buffy buck into her tongue and mouth.

Feeling her body explode, Buffy screams silently at the pleasure coursing through her as she comes continuously. Finally collapsing back down and panting heavily, Buffy goes to reach for Tara when she feels her separate her lips and a warm wet tongue inserts itself in her body before coming in and out, making the tension in her body ratchet up again.

Feeling Buffy building, Tara buries her tongue as deep as she can inside the slayer, flicking it up trying to reach the elusive sweet spot, feeling Buffy buck harder against her, Tara lays her hand across the slayer’s abdomen, pressing down gently while stroking her tongue over the spot again and again, feeling the slayer’s muscles clenching around her tongue, Tara groans loudly into the slayers body as Buffy releases into a mind blowing orgasm. Quickly lapping up the overflowing juices while inserting a finger, to continue the stroking over the slayer’s sweet spot to extend her pleasure as long as possible, Tara lays her head on Buffy’s thigh, keeping up the stroking in the slayer’s body, until Buffy has given her everything she has. Looking up at the glistening mound and the still swollen, red clitoris Tara growls low in her throat, wanting more, loving the musky sweet taste of the slayer. Leaning in, Tara gently licks across the slayer’s clit, making her body jump up hard into her mouth.

“Oh, God, TARA” Buffy screams out Tara’s name as she comes again arching hard before collapsing on the bed, her body shaking from the pleasure.

Slowly kissing her way up the slayer’s body, Tara shifts so one thigh stays between the slayer’s legs, gently pressing against her apex, while her own wet swollen sex gently presses against Buffy’s thigh. Kissing the slayer’s neck, Tara starts a slow rocking motion, unable to ignore her body any longer. As her body slides easier on Buffy’s thigh as it gets wetter from the juices flowing from her, Tara picks up the speed and presses down harder.

Buffy, feeling Tara rock against her leg, is surprised to begin with, but feeling the dampness easing out of the witch, she realizes what she’s doing. As Tara starts rocking faster and pressing down, Buffy stiffens her thigh and presses up, giving Tara more pressure to rock against.

Groaning loudly in pleasure, Tara bites down gently on the slayer’s shoulder as she feels her body coiling up, ready to release. As Buffy presses up even harder into her, Tara pushes down hard yelling out Buffy’s name as she climaxes. Still rocking against the slayer’s thigh, Tara finally eases down from the climax slowing the rocking motion of her body until she finally lays there, lower body tight against Buffy, her upper body being held aloft by her arms, a thin sheen of sweat covering her body as she pants heavily, trying to get control of her breathing.

Wrapping her arms around Tara, Buffy gently tugs on the witch, until Tara collapses on top of her. “Much, much better.” Buffy murmurs at the weight. Running her hands up and down Tara’s back Buffy kisses the top of her head.

Finally getting her breathing under control, Tara kisses the slayer’s neck before easing her head away and smiling gently at the slayer. “So, was it worth waiting for?”

Buffy’s eyes widen at the witch. “I never…my God, woman. What did you do to me?” Buffy blushes deeply. “I’ve never felt that before…I mean, I enjoyed, but I never…GOD!” Buffy finally explains before closing her eyes and pulling Tara down so she can bury her face in her hair. Finally mumbling out. “Yes it was worth waiting for, and how soon can we do it again?”

Laughing heartily at the slayer, Tara shakes her head, running her hand down the slayers side, playing with her hip. “We can do it again right now, if you’re serious.” Tara whispers, shifting her thigh back a little to gently ease her hand between their bodies, cupping the slayer’s mound.

Bucking up at the hand pressing against her, Buffy moans rocking slightly.

“Of course, you need to be at work in roughly four hours, so you may want to get some sleep.” Tara states quietly, leaning down and kissing Buffy’s shoulder.

“Damn early shift.” Buffy grumbles before jerking up as Tara flicks a fingertip over her clit.

“I mean, its up to you.” Tara smirks as she eases a finger down and gently inside the slayer, starting a slow steady rhythm, that was quickly matched by the slayer’s hips. Feeling the wetness and ease of the in and out motion, Tara quickly adds a second finger, moaning as she feels Buffy’s muscles clenching at her. Laying her head on the pillow beside Buffy, Tara whispers huskily. “Do you want me to stop?” She brings her thumb up to gently circle the slayer’s clit, pressing lightly, keeping up the circular motion while pumping in and out of the slayer, gradually picking up the motions of her fingers, using her thigh to give her extra force.

“Don’t…you…dare!” Buffy growls out between pants rocking up harder and harder against the Wicca’s hand before feeling her body start shaking as the orgasm works through her, making her groan loudly and grasp the witch’s waist, pulling her body in tight against her as she arches hard, burying Tara’s fingers deep inside her as she comes. Pushing down and grinding her hips in a circular motion, Buffy grunts out in pleasure, before easing back down on the bed.

Holding her fingers still inside the slayer, Tara waits until Buffy finishes clenching and unclenching before easing out and shifting her body to lay beside her lover, gently stroking fingers over the slayer’s stomach. Leaning in and kissing Buffy on the temple she smiles at the look of utter happiness and completion on the slayer’s face.

“I brought a water up with me, would you like some?” Tara whispers gently, running her fingers down Buffy’s neck.

“Please.” Buffy hoarsely gets out. Feeling Tara shift as she reaches for the water Buffy smiles.

“Here, baby.” Tara whispers handing her the opened bottle, helping her sit up so she can drink it.

Sipping half the water down, Buffy smiles in thanks at Tara and hands her the water back. “You finish it.” Watching as Tara accepts the water and tilts the bottle up to swallow, Buffy’s eyes watch as her throat moves as she swallows, never realizing how sexy that simple action could be. Leaning in, Buffy kisses Tara’s throat lightly, kissing down between her clavicle, before easing over to her pulse point, lightly sucking on it, hearing Tara moan in pleasure.

“Buffy, honey. You have to get up in a few hours.” Tara groans out, shakily setting the water back on the nightstand.

“Mmmmhmmm.” Buffy hums in to the side of Tara’s neck. Lightly licking up the side of her neck to suck on the tender skin behind her ear, growling lightly Buffy pulls away. “But I haven’t had a chance to explore all this delectable skin that is exposed to my hungry eyes, mouth and hands.”

“Goddess, Buffy.” Tara swallows hard. “But you need to get up early and I would really prefer you not hurt yourself at work tomorrow. I have a full load of classes tomorrow, also.”

Tara loses her concentration as Buffy works her way down to gently suckle on one nipple before nibbling lightly. Breathing heavily, Tara knows if she doesn’t stop Buffy soon, she won’t be able to, and she really does need to concentrate in class tomorrow with Finals coming up. “Buffy, please?” Tara begs.

Buffy growls deep in her throat, hearing that note in the witch’s voice, knowing she’s right, they should really sleep. Pulling away from the nipple she was enjoying Buffy looks in Tara’s eyes. “One night, real soon, you are mine completely so I can learn and enjoy all your delights, understood?” At Tara’s nod Buffy smiles slightly. “I have a lot to learn and you’re going to be busy teaching me. I might have to do things for hours and repeatedly to make sure I’m doing them right, you know.”

“Goddess!” Tara hoarsely states. “You keep this up and we won’t get any sleep tonight.”

Buffy frowns “And you have finals coming up soon.” Buffy shakes her head before gently kissing Tara on the lips. “You need your rest and I’m being all selfish wanting to…” Trailing off Buffy scoots down to lay on the bed, gently tugging Tara to lay down. Reaching down for the covers, Buffy pulls them up before snuggling in against the blonde, resting her head on the blonde’s breast and whispering. “I love you.”

“I love you, too, Buffy.” Tara whispers back kissing Buffy on the head. “And you weren’t being selfish, if it wasn’t for finals coming up, I would definitely be taking you up on your offer.” Running her hand through Buffy’s hair, Tara feels her eyes getting heavy.

“'Night, love.” Buffy whispers as she feels Tara’s hand slow with the stroking before stopping heavily resting on her back as she falls asleep. Smiling slightly, Buffy gives in and falls asleep, also.

CHAPTER 16

As the alarm goes off, Tara groans looking over before reaching to turn it off. Smiling as she hears Buffy mumble ten more minutes into her breast. Resetting the alarm to wake herself up in a couple more hours, Tara gently shakes Buffy’s shoulder. “Honey, wake up, you need to get ready for work.”

“Don’t wanna.” Buffy grumbles realizing what she’s burrowing into Buffy opens one eye seeing a nipple looking back at her and smiles. “Mine.” She whispers before sucking the nipple in her mouth. Gently suckling on it, Buffy closes her eye back. Almost falling asleep.

“Buffy!” Tara cries out quietly in pleasure.

Realizing what she’s doing, Buffy finally releases Tara’s breast looking up at the dark blue eyes looking back at her. “I’m not helping matters, am I?” Buffy questions quietly.

Shaking her head Tara smiles lopsidedly at the slayer. “No, and if you keep it up, you’re going to be really late for work. And I’ll be sleeping through a couple of my classes.”

“Okay, I’m going. I’m going to have Faith come in, okay?” Buffy asks quietly before gently kissing the witch before climbing out of bed.

Tara smiles at the slayer, before snuggling back under the covers, “Okay.” Tara mumbles already falling back asleep.

“I love you.” Buffy lightly kisses Tara on the temple before putting on a robe and grabbing her clothes, heading into Faith’s room.

“Faith?” Buffy quietly calls the slayer’s name. “Faith?” She calls out a little louder.

“What?” Faith’s gravelly voice asks as she sits up in bed blinking away the sleep in her eyes.

“Can you go in with Tara, I’m getting ready for work.” Buffy asks quietly.

“’kay.” Faith states standing up wearing a tank top and panties before walking towards the door, stopping when she reaches Buffy. Kissing her lightly on the lips she smirks slightly. “Sounds like you had a good night, B.”

“Faith!” Buffy hisses quietly. Starting to smile Buffy lets it turn into a full fledged grin. “I had no idea how good it could be. I mean, damn!” Buffy whispers to Faith. “I need to get ready, I’ll pop in before I leave, okay?”

“Sure B.” Faith yawns, heading toward the other bedroom. Quietly opening the door she smiles at the sleeping Wicca before gently easing the covers back getting ready to climb in bed beside the witch when she sees naked breasts staring back at her. “Ah man! She couldn’t get her to at least put a shirt on before telling me to come in here.” Faith growls out quietly. Taking a deep breath, Faith eases in beside the witch, pulling the covers up to cover the breasts that were peeking at her.

“Shut up Faith.” Tara mumbles half asleep before rolling over to bury her face in Faith’s neck, laying her arm across the slayer’s stomach, mumbling about clothes before reaching under the shirt to reach up and cup Faith’s breast while easing her leg over Faith’s. “Hmm. Better.” Burrowing in, Tara falls back asleep.

Looking up at the ceiling, Faith shakes her head slightly. ‘You’re tryin’ to kill me. I know you are.’ Faith thinks to herself before wrapping her arm around the witch’s back, hugging her gently to her body, while running the other hand over her arm. Hearing the door open she sees Buffy come in quickly and smile down at them. “Is she always like this?” Faith asks quietly.

Chuckling quietly Buffy answers “No, that’s usually my position against her. Though my face is usually buried against her breast. Take care of her, if you need me, call me on the cell.” Leaning down and pressing a firm kiss to Faith’s lips, she turns and places a gentle kiss against Tara’s temple. “Love you two.” Buffy states before heading towards the door.

“B?” Faith questions quietly.

“Yeah?” Buffy answers.

“I…” Hesitating, not able to say it Faith looks at Buffy hoping she understands.

“I know.” Buffy smiles gently at the brunette before leaving the bedroom, gently shutting the door behind her and heading to work.

“Thanks B.” Faith quietly says to the closed door, wishing she could tell the slayer she loved her. But knowing that she understood why she couldn’t.

***********

Hearing the alarm go off for the second time that morning, Tara reaches out to shut it off before realizing her hand is caught in a top. The next thing she realizes is that her hand is cupping a full, warm breast.

“What the fuck?” Faith growls out half asleep, reaching with a hand slamming it around on the nightstand before finally giving the thing making the noise a violent death. “Teach you.” She grumbles before reaching back, running her hand back over the arm across her body.

Chuckling quietly at the slayer Tara buries her face in Faith’s neck, gently squeezing the breast in her hand before pulling her hand out from under the tank top the slayer is wearing. “Morning, sunshine.” Tara grins pulling away looking at Faith.

“Bite me.” Faith grumbles before yelping when she feels teeth bite down on her shoulder.

“I’m going to take a shower and get ready for school.” Tara grins at the look she’s getting from Faith.

“So, you’re just gonna bite and run? Isn’t that, like against the rules or something?” Faith asks in her rough voice. “I mean, if you were a vampire, you’d stick around to suck the life from me.” Faith smirks as she comes fully awake. “I’m all for you sucking the life out of me. From what I heard, you’re pretty good at that.”

“Damn!” Tara groans loudly. “Between you and Buffy, I have a feeling I’m not going to get much sleep around here.” Grinning wickedly Tara continues “Death by orgasm. I like the idea.”

Laughing in appreciation Faith gives her a quick kiss. “Go on, get ready for school, I’ll be right behind ya.” Faith watches as the blonde climbs out of bed, walking over to the closet to grab a robe to wear. Giving a low wolf whistle, Faith grins as she sees the blonde blush. “Come on, Blondie. You’re hot. If you didn’t have to go to school I’d have you back in bed showing you how hot you are.”

“Shower time.” Tara states quickly, running out the door hearing Faith’s chuckles behind her as she slams the bathroom door.

Grinning, Faith swings her legs around the edge of the bed. Stretching and yawning Faith’s eyes open wide. Getting a good whiff, she can still smell the sex from last night, how she didn’t smell it before now, she didn’t know. Inhaling deeply, Faith grins. “Oh, yeah. She definitely had a good time last night.” Faith growls out before deciding to head to her bedroom to get ready to play bodyguard. Opening the bedroom door, she steps into the hallway and almost runs into Dawn.

“Morning, Faith. I trust you had a good night?” Dawn smirks at the slayer before heading downstairs.

Faith stands there confused, wondering what the hell was going on. Shaking her head she goes to her bedroom, grabbing clothes to wear for the day before heading back towards the bathroom. Hearing the shower shut off, Faith grins evilly. Reaching down, gently turning the door knob, Faith realizes Tara didn’t lock it. Poking her head around the door she grins, watching the witch dry herself off.

“Faith, if you’re coming in, get in here and shut the door. It’s one thing for Dawn to know what’s going on, another to see you poking your head in here for a free show.” Tara smirks as she looks up, catching Faith’s eyes.

“Squirt knows?” Faith’s eyes open wide at the thought. “I mean…when, how?” Faith mumbles out, temporarily distracted from watching the blonde dry her body, coming into the bathroom, shutting the door behind her.

“Yes she knows. Last night. I talked to her.” Tara answers the questions, seeing the confusion on Faith’s face as she tries to figure out what she’s saying. Finishing drying her body, she tosses the towel in the hamper. Grabbing the other towel, Tara gently rubs her head, drying her hair.

Faith gives up on trying to figure out what’s going on. Deciding it’s not something to worry about if Tara isn’t worried. Focusing back in on the blonde, Faith’s eyes are drawn to her breasts which are jiggling tantalizingly as she rubs the towel over her head. Unconsciously licking her lips, she steps closer to the blonde her eyes not straying from the sight before her.

“Faith, take a shower. There isn’t time for anything else.” Tara grins, enjoying the effect she seems to have on both slayers. Figuring her hair is dry enough, Tara throws that towel in the hamper before turning to the mirror, brushing the knots out of her hair until it’s smooth. Reaching over for her clothes on the chair she pulls her panties on and reaches for the bra when a hand intercedes her.

Faith growls lightly. “Let me just do this then I’ll behave.” Leaning down, Faith gently sucks Tara’s nipple in her mouth, while reaching with her hand, lightly pinching the other nipple, making Tara groan quietly. Pulling away Faith takes a deep breath looking into the blondes blue eyes, she smiles and states “Yummy,” before quickly turning to jump in the shower turning the water on full blast cold, to the laughter of the witch.

Shaking her head at Faith, Tara grabs her toothbrush to quickly brush her teeth and gargle before getting dressed for school. Looking down at her skirt and loose top, she giggles, remembering last night and the two slayers’ threats.

“Don’t giggle, witch. Those clothes will be gone in a matter of time, trust me.” Faith states between chattering teeth as she hops out of the shower. “Fuck, I forgot to get a towel.”

“I’ll get it.” Tara laughs as she cracks open the door before heading out to the linen closet and grabbing a couple towels for the Dark Slayer. “Here.” She throws the towels at Faith. “I’m going to go downstairs and fix something for breakfast. I can probably fix you a dozen scrambled eggs with cheese and some toast if you want?”

“Won’t hear any complaints from me.” Faith grins at the witch. “Thanks, Tara.”

Stopping in surprise at Faith using her name Tara smiles walking over to the slayer and placing a quick firm kiss to her lips. “You’re welcome, Faith.” Before turning around and heading downstairs to fix breakfast.

***********

“Good morning Dawnie.” Tara grins at the teenager eating a bowl of cereal. “You’re going to have a good dinner tonight, with eating that sugar for breakfast.”

Rolling her eyes, Dawn can’t help but smile at the woman. “Yes, Mom. I’ll be sure to eat my vegetables for dinner like a good little girl.” Smirking slightly at the witch, Dawn raises an eyebrow “So, you three get everything situated last night?”

Looking up quickly catching Dawn’s eye, Tara laughs at the teen. “Well we got some things situated. Yes, we three are going to be together, Faith decided after talking and …” Tara looked up at the ceiling blushing slightly. “after kissing each of us in turn to make sure we were good kissers.”

Dawn giggles then starts to laugh loudly. “So, I’m assuming if you’re together, you must be a good kisser, huh?”

“Honestly, I wouldn’t know. I’ve never had the opportunity to kiss myself.” Tara smirks at the teen. Getting a mixing bowl out, Tara grabs the eggs out of the refrigerator along with cheese and butter and quickly scrambles the eggs before pouring them into the heated skillet, quickly adding the cheese.

“Do you need any help on your project?” Tara quickly glances over to Dawn.

“Nope, almost got it done. I’ll probably finish it tonight and turn it in tomorrow. Maybe I’ll get extra credit for getting it done early.” Dawn smiles as she hops off the stool to rinse her bowl and put it in the dishwasher. Quickly kissing Tara on the cheek she grabs her book bag to head to school.

“Have a good day, Dawnie.” Tara calls after the teen.

“You, too Tara! See you tonight.” Dawn calls out before heading out the front door.

**********

Scooping the scrambled eggs out onto a plate with six pieces of buttered toast for the slayer, Tara makes herself a fried egg sandwich before sitting down. Taking a bite of her sandwich Tara looks up as Faith comes in the kitchen. Looking at the slayer in jeans and a tight t-shirt Tara grins. Taking a sip of juice watching the slayer sit down and dig into her breakfast, Tara giggles slightly.

“Okay, what’s so funny?” Faith asks around a mouth full of eggs.

“Just seeing bad ass Faith wearing a Tweety Bird t-shirt.” Grinning Tara winks at Faith. “I honestly think of you more as Taz. We’ll have to buy you some t-shirts with him on it, instead.”

“Be careful what you wanna do.” Faith smirks at the witch. “I’ll get you back.”

“I certainly hope so.” Tara flirts as she finishes her breakfast and gets up to put her dirty dishes in the dishwasher. “I need to grab my book bag, I’ll be right back.”

“’kay.” Faith mumbles around her food watching the witch. Quickly finishing her breakfast and putting her dishes away, Faith heads to the living room, putting her shoes on looking up the stairs as Tara quickly heads towards her with the book bag slung over her shoulder.

“We need to hurry for me to make it to my first class.” Tara says, grabbing Faith’s hand to head out the door.

“Wait a minute!” Faith growls before pulling her back and kissing her quickly. “We can take the bike, that way I can get a couple more kisses in before we have to leave.” Faith leans in and presses her lips firmly against Tara’s, insistently passing her tongue over her bottom lip before sucking the lip in her mouth, making Tara groan.

Easing her body into Faith, Tara drops the book bag before reaching up and wrapping her arms around Faith’s neck. Gently pushing against the slayer’s body until her back is against the wall. Opening her mouth, she lets Faith’s questing tongue in to battle gently with hers. Capturing the tongue, Tara sucks gently at first and then more firmly as she hears the deep moan come from the slayer.

Finally easing back away from Faith, Tara rests her forehead against her shoulder, breathing heavily. Taking in deep gulping breaths until she finally gets control, Tara finally looks up to see dark brown eyes shining with love looking back at her. Feeling her knees weaken slightly at the look, Tara runs a hand through Faith’s hair and gently pulls her in for a sweet gentle kiss. “I love you.” Tara whispers quietly as she pulls away before bending down to pick up her book bag. “Come on, let’s get me to school. I got some higher learning to do.”

“Okay, Blondie.” Faith huskily states. “Here, you wear the helmet. I guess it wouldn’t hurt to invest in a couple more helmets for everyone.” Quickly hopping on the bike, Faith starts it up, waiting for Tara to climb on behind her.

“You know I’m wearing a skirt, right? Plus, what am I supposed to hold onto?” Tara asks loudly to be heard over the engine.

“You’ll be showing some leg by hiking up your skirt, so climb on and you’ll be holding onto me, baby.” Faith grins.

Tara smirks “Okay.” Making sure she has her book bag situated, Tara wraps her arms around Faith and then raises her hands to cup both breasts, grasping firmly. “Ready.”

Laughing at the witch, Faith shakes her head before gunning the engine and easing out the clutch to head towards the college. Feeling Tara ease her hands down to clasp around her waist, Faith pouts at the loss.

Faith quickly and carefully drives them across town to the college. Pulling up to the parking lot, she shuts the engine off and waits as Tara gets off the bike. Putting down the kickstand, Faith swings her leg over to watch as Tara takes the helmet off and grins at the witch. “Looks like you enjoyed the ride.” Faith smirks.

Tara, flushed and grinning from ear to ear, nods her head. “That was great! Where should I put the helmet?”

“I’ll carry it.” Faith takes the helmet, following the witch to her first class. Sitting down beside Tara, Faith looks around the class room as the other students file in grabbing seats.

“What class is this?” Faith whispers quietly.

“Psychology.” Tara whispers back. “This class is two hours long. The teacher is nice and interesting. Hopefully you won’t be too bored.”

Faith shrugs, then smirks slightly “I can always watch you if I get bored.”

“Faith!” Tara tries to keep a stern note but ends up giggling. “Maybe we should get you some books or something to read, just in case.”

“Don’t worry about me, I’ll be okay.” Faith smiles while looking around with interest. Just then a slightly older woman enters the class room shutting the door behind her and walking up to the board. Faith paying attention as the teacher discusses the chapters the students had read since the last class, asking if anyone had any questions or wanting to argue any points, as the discussion went on, Faith became engrossed in the different arguments brought up by the students and smiles as the teacher played devil’s advocate to their discussion. All to quickly the class ends and the teacher loudly states to read the next ten chapters before the next class and they would have a quiz that day, so be prepared.

Tara had watched the emotions crossing Faith’s face as the class went on and grinned as she saw the interest in her eyes. “So, what did you think?”

Looking at Tara, Faith smiles. “After you read your chapters and study, can I borrow your textbook? It kinda peaked my interest.”

Tara smiles, wrapping her arm around the slayer. “Let’s head to my next class. You can borrow it anytime.”

Faith grins happily, never realizing that school could actually be interesting.

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

Buffy groans as she lets herself in the house. “Definitely need more than a couple hours sleep, my ass is dragging.” Buffy mumbles to herself as she heads upstairs to shower.

Scrubbing her body five times and still feeling like she didn’t get all the grease off, Buffy shakes her head. “I have definitely got to find a new job, I’m going to turn in to a big pile of grease one of these days.” Quickly drying off, she goes into the bedroom and grabs shorts and a t-shirt to wear. Stopping to smile at the bed, she thinks about the night before. Turning to head out of the bedroom, she spies the remains of her alarm clock and laughs. “Faith must not have liked the alarm clock.” Quickly throwing the remains in the trash Buffy heads down to get a snack before heading to the garage.

Walking into the garage, Buffy stops confused. Looking around, she doesn’t see the tools or the wood that was normally in the one corner. Quickly turning around she heads back into the house to the basement, seeing the tools and wood neatly organized Buffy grins. “Guess Faith decided to get a head start last night.” Heading back upstairs, Buffy opens the garage door to let some air circulate through and starts sorting through the boxes, making a pile of junk to throw away, a keep pile and a questionable pile.

Hearing the phone ring, she runs inside and grabs it. “Hello…Hi Tara….You are?….Okay…Do you want to tell them now?…Yeah it would be best to let them know what’s going on….I just don’t want to take advantage of you….I mean you talked to Dawn and now you’re talking to Anya about our relationship, shouldn’t I be helping you out?….You’re going to tell them about Faith, also? Don’t you think that might be too much at once?….Yeah, but I kinda wanted to see Xander’s face when we told him!…Yeah, inviting them over to dinner would be good, we can order pizza….Okay, babe. I’ll talk to you later….Love you too, bye.”

Buffy gets off the phone grinning. Looking over at the clock on the stove Buffy realizes she probably has another hour that she can work out in the garage before needing to finish up to take another shower before everyone got there.

***********

“So, I take it from the convo, that we’re inviting Xan-man and the demon to dinner tonight?” Faith questions.

“Yes, we are. That way we can let them know what’s going on with our relationship.” Tara smiles reaching out to brush some hair off Faith’s face. “I spent too much of my life hiding away, Faith. I don’t want to hide anymore.”

Faith nods her head, leaning down to place a gentle kiss on the blonde’s lips. “Come on, let’s head over to the Magic Box so you can do your thing.”

Hopping back on the bike behind Faith, Tara shakes her head realizing that she will definitely have to buy more pants if this became an everyday occurrence. As Faith pulls up in front of the shop, Tara looks around, feeling like someone is watching them. Not seeing anything she hops off the bike and heads into the shop, closely followed by Faith.

“Welcome to the Magic…Hi Tara.” Frowning at Faith, Anya walks over to her. “Just to let you know, Xander is mine. You had your chance you’re not getting another one. You leave him alone and we’ll get along fine.”

Tara had headed over to the books, looking for something that might have a spell to ward the house against Willow, half listening to Anya and Faith.

Raising her hand and backing away from the ex-demon Faith shakes her head. “No problems, there demon girl. I got an offer I couldn’t refuse last night, and it’s kinda a forever kind of thing.”

Chuckling at the comment Faith made, Tara looks up with laughing blue eyes looking at the Dark Slayer.

Anya frowns turning to look at Tara as she chuckles and looking back at Faith. “NO! Damn it, I wanted Tara and Buffy to get together. You need to leave her alone, she isn’t yours!!” Anya states angrily.

Shocked at the display of anger coming from Anya, Tara quickly walks over to the ex-vengeance demon. Laying a calming hand on her shoulder Tara quietly states “Anya, it’s okay. It isn’t quite what you think. Please, I want you and Xander to come over for dinner tonight, so we can discuss things, okay?”

Anya still frowning at Faith turns to look into Tara’s calm blue eyes and sighs. “You’re my friend. I’ll let you explain, but she” Turning to give Faith the evil eye “better not be messing things up.”

Tara hugs Anya to her “She’s not Anya, trust me.” Feeling Anya hug her back Tara smiles before pulling away. “It’s really okay, Anya.”

Nodding her head Anya heads back over to the cash register, counting the money and calming down, occasionally looking up to eye the slayer who sat down at the table and was watching the witch intently.

“Anya, can I borrow this book? Actually, can I ask you a question?” Tara speaks up as she flips through the spell book, looking for anything that might work.

“Of course you can ask me anything. You promise to take care of the book if you borrow it?” Anya asks frowning slightly.

“I promise to take very good care of the book. And I greatly appreciate you letting me borrow it.” Looking up, making eye contact with Anya, Tara asks “Do you know of any spells that we could use to guard the house against Willow, so she can’t just pop in and out at will using magic?”

“Oh, no! Did she do something?” Anya asks worriedly.

“She kinda popped in on us Saturday afternoon and pissed me off.” Faith growls out lowly. “I want the house to be Willow-proofed if possible, that way Tara has somewhere that she doesn’t have to worry about running into the bitch.” Faith spits out the last word.

Anya unconsciously backs away at Faith’s vehemence. The slayer seemed to be taking this very seriously. “I can’t think of a spell off the top of my head. The book you have might have something…” Quickly walking over to the books on the shelves Anya runs her hands over the bindings, reading them and coming across two more. “Here these two might have something in them also.”

“Thank you, Anya.” Tara smiles in gratitude. “I have a spell at home that should work, but it calls for a couple of ingredients that are extremely expensive and rare. I was kind of hoping to find a different spell to use.”

“What ingredients?” Anya questions.

“Mangabola Root and Drazna blood.” Tara quietly states watching the ex-demon.

“Damn.” Anya frowns pacing back and forth across the floor. “I think I can get the Mangabola Root. The Drazna blood will be the hardest to get a hold of.” Looking up at the witch Anya tilts her head slightly. “I would be willing to sell them at cost when I got them, but as you said, they would be very expensive. I will start checking with my resources tomorrow to see what I can find out.”

“Thank you, Anya.” Tara smiles in thanks.

Waving her hand away at the thanks Anya nods her head “This is what one friend does for another. See I’m learning.” Anya smiles happy with herself before dusting the shelves behind the counter.

Adding the three books to her book bag, Tara grunts quietly as she lifts the heavy bag. Looking up in surprise as Faith’s hand gently covers hers and relieves her of the bag, Tara looks up.

“Let me get this for you.” Faith huskily states looking at the blue eyes of the witch. “It’s the least I can do.” Handing the helmet to Tara, Faith turns around and heads towards the door.

“Thanks again Anya. See you at 7:00 for pizza?” Tara calls out heading towards the front door.

“Yes, we will be there.” Anya calls out waving as the blonde leaves the store.

***********

Waiting for Faith to get on the bike and get the book bag situated on the gas tank, Tara looks around frowning.

Faith looks up and sees Tara frown. “What’s up, Blondie?”

“I don’t know. I just got this feeling we’re being watched.” Tara states looking up the street.

Faith swings her leg back off the bike and looks around. Nothing setting off slayer senses, but it doesn’t mean a human, or possibly Willow isn’t in the vicinity. “Stay here in sight. I’m just gonna make a quick trip up and down the street, okay?” At Tara’s nod, Faith walks quickly up the block, looking around. Crossing the street she heads back down the other side, stopping at an alleyway that is almost across from where Tara is standing, Faith looks trying to see if there’s anything there.

All of a sudden a two by four comes flying out of the darkness of the alley straight for Faith’s head. Quickly ducking, the wood grazes Faith’s shoulder. Growling deeply Faith runs to the area she was sure the wood had come from.

“FAITH!” Tara yells out seeing the piece of wood glance off the slayer, quickly looking for vehicles, Tara runs across the street to make sure Faith is okay. Feeling the magic in the alley Tara pales slightly. “FAITH!! BE CAREFUL! It’s Willow and she may not be able to use magic against you directly, but she’s figured out she can throw other objects at you.”

“Why don’t you come out and fight like a man, Red?” Faith growls out loudly being more careful after hearing Tara.

“She’s mine, killer.” Willow hisses out of the darkness. “She’ll never love you, she’s too pure and sweet to love a killer.”

Tara quietly listens to the two women, readying a spell to reveal where Willow is.

“I don’t think you know your ex too well, here Red.” Faith mocks the Redhead. “She loves who she chooses, not who she is forced to love. You need help, Red. This jealousy thing you got going don’t work for you none.” Faith states easing around the dumpster to see if Willow is hiding behind it.

The spell ready, Tara yells out to Faith “Be ready, Faith.” Setting the spell in motion with the last word “REVEAL“, there’s a flash of light as it shoots down the alley hitting and exposing the invisible Willow to Faith and Tara.

Faith quickly dodges a knife that’s thrown at her before taking a swing at Willow, barely catching the witch a glancing blow as she dodges quickly.

“I’m not going to be easy for you, slayer.” Willow taunts. “My magic will help protect me.” Sending two knives at the slayer this time, Willow laughs.

Quickly doing a back flip onto the top of the dumpster, Faith is able to dodge one knife that imbedded itself into the wall, but the other one slices her thigh before bouncing off the wall. “FUCK!” Faith yells out in pain as the knife cuts her, causing her to lose balance and fall off the dumpster.

“FAITH!” Tara screams quickly putting a protection spell around the slayer before turning to Willow. “You have no right. This is going to end, one way or another, I won’t have you hurting the people I love.” Tara growls out, her eyes sparking as she slams a bolt of white magic into Willow.

Screaming out in pain at the magic coursing through her, Willow collapses to one knee, looking up at her ex-lover with hatred in her eyes. Slowly her eyes and hair turn coal black. Standing up she advances on Tara. “You love that murdering bitch? But you can’t forgive me for a little spell?” Willow spits out.

“You just can’t figure it out, can you Willow?” Tara yells exasperatedly. “It isn’t the damn spell, it’s the fact that you lied to me, took away my right to be angry, treated me like a possession and you can’t even see what you did as being wrong! I gave you my love and you spit on it! Buffy and Xander are your best friends and you turned your back on them, treat them like shit! If you don’t get help, you’re going to die. I really don’t want to see that happen.” Standing to where she’s nose to nose with Willow. “But if you harm anyone else, especially Faith and Buffy, I will strip you of your powers and send you to hell.” Tara states calmly and quietly, so even Faith with her slayer hearing can’t hear her.

“You don’t have the power!” Willow snarls back at the witch.

“Don’t fuck with me, Willow.” Tara hisses. “Just because I don’t use my powers at a drop of a hat, doesn’t mean I’m not powerful. Maybe you should pay more attention to the people around you. Now I suggest you get the hell out of here, before I make you.”

“I’d like to see you try!” Willow yells as she swings at the witch trying to slice her with her fingernails.

With a quick raising of her hand, Tara blocks the blow with magic and sends Willow back slamming against the building. Pressing her hard against the bricks, Tara slowly advances on the pinned redhead. “You hurt my family, I will wipe your ass from the face of this earth, do you understand me?” Tara yells her eyes white with sparks shooting from them. “I won’t like it, but I will do it!”

Willow actually looks in fear at her former lover, seeing the power in her eyes. Deciding for now, that it would be best to leave and regroup for later Willow narrows her eyes. “This isn’t over” She hisses before transporting herself away.

Shaking with the power coursing through her, Tara breathes deeply before turning to run towards Faith. “Are you okay?” Tara asks hoarsely seeing the blood soaking the slayer’s pants.

“I will be.” Faith groans out. “What the hell just happened?”

“We’ll talk later, we need to get you taken care of first.” Tara whispers, gently helping the slayer up onto her feet and supporting her back into the Magic Box.

“Oh, my God! What happened?” Anya cries out as Tara helps Faith into the shop.

“Willow!” Tara spits out the name. “I’m taking her in back, can you get the first aid kit?”

Nodding her head, Anya quickly runs to the bathroom, grabbing the kit and following the two women to the back room, setting the box down. “I have customers, I’ll be right outside if you need anything.”

“Thanks Anya.” Tara states without looking up, slinging open the first aid box and pulling out the scissors. Quickly cutting the jeans away from the wound, Tara reaches for some clean cloths to gently wipe the blood away. Pressing a pressure bandage against the cut, Tara reaches with one hand for the rubbing alcohol, setting it down beside her, she grabs the thread and a needle to stitch the wound.

Looking up into the pain filled eyes of the Dark Slayer, Tara hesitates a second before reaching up with her free hand and gently pushing the hair behind her ear. “You’ll be okay.” She whispers quietly and smiles in response to the grin Faith gives her.

“Let me put the pressure on the wound, while you get the needle and thread ready.” Faith offers around a grimace.

Nodding her head, she let’s Faith’s hand replace hers while pouring some of the alcohol on her hands before grabbing the needle, threading it quickly. Laying it aside, she soaks a pad with the alcohol. “Release the bandage, I need to clean it off to see what I’m dealing with.” Tara quietly states, before gently easing the soaked bandage from the wound, Tara inhales sharply. “It’s deep, but I don’t think it’s done any nerve or tendon damage.” Quickly wiping the blood away from the wound and cleansing it as gently as she can, Tara inspects it a little more intently. “She didn’t hit the artery, thank God.” Tara whispers noticing it isn’t the deep dark red of arterial blood. Reaching quickly for the needle, Tara glances up at Faith. “I need to stitch this, here.” Reaching for a clean cloth, Tara rolls it up tight before pushing it in the slayer’s mouth. “Bite down on this, I didn’t see anything in the box to give you for pain but regular aspirin.”

“Ready?” Tara asks and at Faith’s nod she smiles reassuringly at the brunette. “I love you.” She states quietly before leaning down to gently start stitching the wound closed. Roughly twenty stitches later, Tara ties off the thread, snipping it and reaches for a bandage to put on the slayer’s thigh. Quickly taping it down she looks up to see Faith watching her closely, having pulled the cloth out of her mouth. “What?”

“When did you learn to do that?” Faith queries.

“Around here?” Tara rolls her eyes. “Come on, its kind of a prerequisite to do this type of thing. If we went to the hospital every time something happened, our medical bills would be in the million dollar range for all of us all together.” Smirking slightly Tara looks at Faith before leaning in and kissing her lightly. “Plus, when I have spare time I read up on medical texts, trying to flesh out my talents so I can be of help.”

Hearing the door slam against the wall, both women turn to see a scared Buffy come running in. “What happened? How badly are you hurt?”

“How did you know I was hurt?” Faith questions.

“Anya. Now tell me.” Buffy slides to a stop beside the two women, quickly dropping down on her knees looking at the wound that was now bandaged. With a shaking hand she reaches out to try and move the bandage to look underneath it.

Capturing Buffy’s hand, Faith looks her in the eye “I’m okay. Tara stitched me up and she doesn’t think any serious damage was done. I’ll be fine in a day or two.”

“What happened?” Buffy growls low in her throat looking from one woman to another.

Alternating turns, Faith and Tara explain what happened, when Faith was telling Buffy about Tara slamming Willow with her magic and her yelling at Willow, telling her she would wipe her from the face of the earth, Buffy looks at Tara, seeing the hint of coldness in Tara’s normally warm blue eyes.

“She will not hurt my family.” Tara states. Neither woman doubted that Tara would do whatever she deemed necessary to take care of them.

Reaching out to place a calming hand on the witch, Buffy shakes her head. “Tara, we’ll figure out something. I’m going to call Giles, Faith take a couple aspirin for now. I have some pain killers at the house.”

Reaching over and gently kissing the witch on the lips Buffy runs a gentle hand down her cheek before turning to Faith and kissing her gently. Standing up and turning to head out to the main shop she stops as Anya is in the doorway watching the three women. “Umm, Anya…”

Anya smirks slightly looking from one woman to the next. “I guess that explains things.” Nodding her head before smiling genuinely. “Good for you.” Turning and walking back out into the shop, leaving three women staring after her, and Tara’s the first to laugh.

“You said she wouldn’t have a problem with it.” Buffy mumbles under her breath. “I bet you’re going to be right about Xander too.” Buffy grumbles before leaving the training room.

Gathering up the used cloths and throwing them in the trash, Tara puts the rest of the items up in the first aid box. Setting it aside she moves to sit behind and slightly to the side of Faith, so Faith can prop herself against her. Running her hands through the dark curls Tara leans her head into Faith’s neck. “I’m sorry.” She whispers quietly feeling the tears welling up inside her.

Reaching down to grasp the witch’s leg gently Faith asks quietly. “What are you sorry for?”

“I’m sorry that I wasn’t quick enough with the spell to keep you from getting hurt.” Tara whispers out before a quiet sob escapes her.

Shifting her body, Faith grasps Tara in a tight hug. “Normally she wouldn’t have even come close to getting me, Tara. This isn’t your fault. I’m still slow from not being able to keep up with my training. My reaction time is screwed up. Please don’t blame yourself.”

Nodding her head Tara wraps her arms around Faith and rests her head on her shoulder. “We all need to be more careful. I honestly didn’t think she would harm anyone else, but I believe she’s actually capable of killing you. I don’t want you going anywhere alone, okay?” Tara whispers quietly.

“Tara…” Faith starts and Tara cuts her off.

“No, damn it! Out of every one of us, she would be most willing to go after you. I’m not going to let that happen, you hear me?” Tara looks deep and hard into Faith’s eyes, daring her to argue. “I’ve just found you and I’ll be damned if I’m going to let her take you away. So no arguing.” Tara leans in and gives Faith a punishing kiss on the lips before pulling back to stand up and grab the first aid kit. “I’m going to go put this up.”

Buffy stands there watching the display and watches a scared and angry Tara stride by her before coming in to sit down beside a stunned Faith. “I think she’s right, Faith. Giles doesn’t have any new information for us. He said that there are binding spells, but he doesn’t know if they’ll work on Willow. Most of them have been used on witch’s with a lot less power and even then they have been able to break them in a matter of time.”

Faith looks into Buffy’s hazel eyes. “We can’t let it come down to Tara taking Willow out. It’ll kill her. She isn’t like me, it’ll tear her up inside until there’s nothing left.” Faith hoarsely states.

Buffy sees the fear in Faith’s eyes. Not for herself but for Tara and nods her head. “I know.” Taking a deep breath Buffy looks up to the ceiling in contemplation. “I don’t think I can do it, either Faith.”

“I don’t expect you to be able to do it, Buffy.” Faith states quietly, looking down at her clasped hands.

Placing her hands on top of Faiths, Buffy shakes her head. “You’re not going to do it either Faith. We’re going to find some way to do this, but it won’t be any one of us taking her out. Hopefully another alternative will show itself.”

Looking up with tears in her eyes Faith shakes her head. “I’ll do it if I have to.” She states roughly. “I may not be able to say it, but I…care too much for you two to let anything happen to you.”

“I know you do, Faith. We both do.” Buffy whispers before placing a kiss on her forehead. “We love you, too.” Pulling her into her arms Buffy rests her head on top of Faith’s. “We’ll get through this.”

*********

“Don’t worry about dinner tonight.” Anya quietly states to Tara. “I’ll talk to Xander. I am assuming what I saw in there is you three are together, right?”

Tara looks up at Anya and nods her head. “Yes. Or at least we will be.” She smiles slightly. “Buffy and I admitted out feelings for each other a few days ago and when Faith came here, she let me read her aura and I knew that she loved Buffy, even if she wasn’t aware of it herself. Kind of went from there.” Tara shrugs slightly. “I guess Willow was right.”

“Willow was right about what?” Anya questions.

“She accused me of having Buffy, then Faith as lovers. Even though technically Faith and I aren’t lovers yet, it is going to be true.” Tara smirks slightly.

Anya smiles “Personally, I see all three of you having lots and lots of orgasms together. Kind of makes me jealous, but I wouldn’t trade my Xander for anything.”

Just then Xander came in the Magic Box, smiling at Tara and reaching over to kiss Anya. “Hi Ahn. Good evening Tara. What brings you to this neck of the woods?” Xander jokes.

“Nothing good.” Tara growls out before heading back to the training room, leaving a shocked and confused Xander behind.

“What?” Xander turns to Anya.

“Willow hurt Faith. They need the vehicle to drive Faith to the house, do you know how to drive a motorcycle?” Anya asks bluntly.

“Uh, I drove one a couple times when I was younger, I think I can still drive one, why?” Xander asks stuck on the fact that Faith was hurt.

“Good. You drive the motorcycle to the house. Tara can drive Faith and Buffy home, then you can come back and pick me up. I’ll explain what’s going on then.” Anya quickly gets out before heading back to the training room.

Xander stands there shaking his head. “What the hell is going on?” He asks the empty room.

“Xander will drive the motorcycle back to your house, Buffy. Tara, you can drive the rest of you home in his car, okay?” Anya asks as she comes in to the training room seeing Buffy and Tara helping Faith up to balance on one leg.

Faith turns pale as she stands up.

“Easy, Faith.” Tara whispers holding on to her tightly as she sways a bit. “You lost a lot of blood and even with slayer healing it will probably take you a few days to get back to normal.”

Buffy, supporting Faith on the other side nods in agreement. “You need to take it easy.”

Faith, finally feeling the light headedness leave, growls slightly. “What the fuck good am I if I can’t protect her, B?”

“Don’t even fucking go there!” Tara growls right back at Faith. “I won’t put up with that kind of talk or thoughts! I’ll tear a strip out of your ass, you hear me?”

Faith’s eyes open in shock at the seriousness in the voice of the normally calm witch. “Okay.” Faith whispers quietly in agreement.

Helping Faith out to the vehicle Tara turns to Xander as Buffy finishes getting Faith situated. “The keys are probably still in the bike. I appreciate this, Xander.”

“I’m not doing much, but I would like to know what’s going on.” Xander states seriously.

“Anya can probably fill you in on the basics, maybe we can get together in a few days to discuss it in more details.” Tara wearily states as the events of what happened finally starts hitting her. “Right now, I want to get my family home and taken care of. Thanks Xander.” Tara turns and gets in the vehicle and drives off.

Xander watches her leave before getting on the bike, putting the helmet on and starting it up, after a few seconds of playing with the gears, he slowly heads towards Buffy’s house.

CHAPTER 17

Parking the motorcycle up near the garage door, Xander heads into the house to get his keys and leave the keys to the bike. He stops in shock looking at the couch in the living room as Buffy has Faith’s head in her lap and is gently stroking her fingers through her hair. ‘What the fuck?’ Xander wonders to himself before turning as Tara taps him on the shoulder.

“Here’s your keys, Xander. Thank you.” Tara smiles softly at the young man. “I’m sorry for getting an attitude earlier.” Looking over at Buffy and Faith her eyes fill with worry. “We’ve got to do something about Willow. I honestly didn’t think she would physically harm anyone, but I guess I was wrong.”

Xander looks at Faith and Buffy on the couch and back to Tara. “Tara…I kind of thought you and Buffy…” Trailing off he looks in Tara’s eyes worriedly.

Smiling gently at Xander, Tara states quietly “You aren’t wrong, Xander.” Looking back at her lover and hopefully soon to be lover she looks back at Xander. “It’s a little different dynamic now. Do you think you’ll be okay with that?”

Xander blinks in confusion and looks from the two slayers back to Tara and back again. “Okay, what the hell am I missing here?” He asks quietly.

Tara can’t help but giggle slightly. “I’m sorry, Xander. All three of us are in a relationship together. Or will be when Faith is healed up enough.”

Xander stands there still not quite getting it then his eyes widen in surprise looking at Tara. As he continues thinking about it for a moment, his eyes start to glaze over.

Trying not to laugh as she watches the emotions crossing Xander’s face Tara starts to blush as his mouth opens and a little bit of drool escapes. “Xander, go get Anya from the shop.” Tara laughs smacking him in the shoulder.

“What?” Xander shakes his head looking at the blonde and then blushes when he realizes what he had been thinking. “Okay, get Anya, go home. I can do that.” Turning to leave, he’s stopped by Tara’s voice.

“Do you think you’ll be okay with this?” Tara asks quietly.

Xander looks at her before grinning widely. “I don’t know, Tara. Three hot chicks, together? It might be too much for me to handle.” Softening the grin he looks her in the eyes and seriously states “Do you love them?” At Tara’s nod he smiles softly. “If you guys love each other I guess that’s all that matters. Who am I to judge anyone? I think I’ve done enough of that. Plus I’m in love with an ex-vengeance demon, I think I need to grow up and let everyone else live their own lives.”

Reaching up and kissing Xander gently on the cheek Tara pulls away smiling. “Thank you Xander.”

Blushing and looking down Xander mumbles “You’re welcome, Tara.” before heading out of the house.

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

Dawn waves goodbye to Janice and her mom as they leave from dropping her off. Turning and heading into the house she turns to go in the living room and sees Faith laying there with her leg propped up on a pillow and reading one of Tara’s text books. Dropping her book bag on the floor she rush’s over to the woman and kneels beside her. “What happened?”

“Willow happened.” Tara states coming from the kitchen with a couple pills and a bottle of water. Handing them to Faith, Tara sits down gingerly beside the brunette on the couch and gently runs her fingers through her hair. “She attacked Faith. I had to stitch her leg up. It should heal in a couple days.”

Dawn pales looking down at the bandages on the slayer’s thigh back up at Tara. “Why is she doing this?”

Looking with concern at Dawn, Tara reaches out with her other hand and lays it gently on the young girls shoulder. “I really don’t know why, Dawnie. I can just guess.”

“Why do you think she’s doing all this?” Dawn whispers watching as Tara’s eyes sadden.

“I think it all boils down to the power. She wants to control everything and everyone. She thinks of us more as possessions than thinking, breathing humans with our own choices to make.” Tara sighs looking down. “I don’t think we’ll be able to reach her, Dawnie. I think she may have already crossed the line. When she physically hurt Faith….” Closing her eyes in pain Tara shakes her head and a tear slips down her cheek as she feels Faith wrap her arm around her waist, pulling her tight against her side.

“You need to make sure to be careful, Little D.” Faith huskily states looking seriously at the teen. “I don’t think she’ll actually physically harm the rest of you. I think because of our past history she doesn’t care if she hurts me.”

Buffy smiles sadly at her family as she comes down the stairs. “Unfortunately Faith is probably right. There never was any love lost between the two even when Faith first came here, before everything else happened.”

“That’s because she was jealous of your relationship with Faith.” Tara states quietly.

“What?” Buffy asks sitting down at the other end of the couch, gently placing a hand on Faith, rubbing her thumb across the ball of her foot.

“From what little she told me before about what happened, I got the feeling that Willow knew how you felt for Faith and was jealous.” Making eye contact with Buffy, Tara continues. “She felt like Faith was stealing you away from her and she didn’t like it. I think she might have went out of her way to cause any kind of antagonism between you two that she could. It’s probably nothing that you would even be able to recall now, but I think this has been brewing inside Willow for a long time.” Looking down at Faith, smiling softly. “It could have just been a simple word or two placed in a conversation that would make you take something out of context. It wouldn’t take much.”

Buffy and Faith look at each other, wondering if Tara could be right. “She’s been pretty dead on with everything else, she could be right about this.” Buffy states to Faith.

Faith nods her head looking back up at Tara. “I guess it would have been easy to drive a wedge between us back then. Okay guys, enough sad and depressing talk. What’s for dinner?”

Laughing at Faith, Tara reaches down and kisses her quickly on the mouth. “I haven’t laid anything out for dinner and unless everyone wants soup, I guess we better order out.”

“I ate at Janice’s when we were doing our Science homework.” Dawn states smiling slightly. “I think I’ll head upstairs and finish the project I was working on.” Dawn grabbed her book bag and quickly headed upstairs.

“She really is okay with this, isn’t she?” Buffy whispers watching her sister run up the stairs.

“Yes, she is.” Tara smiles softly at Buffy. “I think she’s pretty much like everyone else. She just wants everyone to be happy. Even if we are sick puppies.” Tara smirks at Buffy.

“I’m going to pay for that comment, aren’t I?” Buffy groans out before smiling.

“For a very, very long time.” Tara grins. “What do you guys want to eat?”

“Well, we had planned on ordering a pizza, I guess we still could?” Buffy suggests.

Looking at Faith and seeing her nod Tara stands up. “Any requests for toppings?”

“Meat!” Faith yells out, making Tara and Buffy laugh.

“One Carnivore’s Delight for Faith.” Tara jokes looking at Buffy.

“I’ll take anything, I’m easy.” Buffy smiles up at Tara.

Tara walks quickly over to Buffy. “I know you’re easy.” She growls lowly, before kissing her passionately. Finally pulling back after a few minutes she grins at the slayer’s dazed expression.

“Hey! What about me?” Faith whines slightly.

“Are you trying to say you’re easy, too Faith?” Tara smirks easing up beside the slayer and kneeling on the carpet beside the couch looking at Faith.

“If I get a kiss like that, hell yeah.” Faith smirks back at Tara and then moans as her lips are captured in a pressing firm kiss. As she moans, Tara’s tongue slips in battling gently with hers before being chased back into her own mouth by Faith taking control of the kiss. Faith growls deeply as Tara captures and sucks down firmly on her tongue and flicking it lightly at the same time.

Pulling out of the kiss Tara grins at Faith. “Let me get the pizzas ordered, then I’ll want to double check your leg and put some ointment on it before seeing if it needs to be wrapped back up.”

Both slayer’s watch the witch head into the kitchen before looking back at each other and smiling. “That woman can damn well suck the paint off the side of the house!” Faith growls lowly.

Eyes unfocusing Buffy nods her head “Oh, yeah.” Shifting slightly at the arousal coursing through her at the thought of how well Tara could suck, Buffy groans deeply.

“Damn, B! That good?” Faith questions watching Buffy and smelling the arousal coming off the other slayer, feeling her own arousal kicking up another notch in response.

Leaning in to whisper quietly Buffy growls out “She made me come like four times last night, Faith.”

Eyes darkening in response, Faith groans quietly. “I’m about to pop here, with the damn teasing and everything B.”

It hits Buffy that Faith probably is, since she hadn’t been with anyone since coming here, and that was one thing Faith wasn’t shy about before. “I’m sorry, Faith. I wasn’t even thinking.” Shaking her head at her own selfishness, Buffy frowns slightly.

“Yo! B. It ain’t your fault. Just all the teasing before was fine, but here lately with the kissing and touching it’s just kind of keeping me on edge. Now…” Faith trails off closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. “Now, thinking about it, it kind of pushed me almost over the edge, you know?”

“I’m still sorry” Buffy whispers looking to see if Tara had come back in from the kitchen yet. “Let me see what’s taking Tara so long.” Buffy gets up and runs her hand through Faith’s hair before heading into the kitchen.

“’kay.” Faith states smiling slightly shifting to get more comfortable. Picking at the bandages Faith pulls the tape back to ease the bandage off and look at the stitch job the witch had done. ‘Damn, girl can make nice tight small stitches.’ Faith thinks checking them out, lightly running her finger over the wound.

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

“Hey, are you okay?” Buffy asks coming into the kitchen seeing Tara standing at the kitchen sink staring out the window.

“Hmm?” Tara turns her head slightly to look at Buffy.

Walking up behind the witch, Buffy wraps her arms around her waist and rests her chin on her shoulder. “Are you okay?”

Placing her hands on top Buffy’s arms Tara looks out at the darkening sky. “She could have easily killed her, Buffy. I can’t let Willow hurt any of you.”

“Tara, we can’t let you take her out. There has to be some other way to get control of her.” Buffy whispers quietly.

“It doesn’t look good, Buffy.” Tara clenches her jaw. “I won’t let her hurt you guys. If something like this happens again…” Shaking her head Tara closes her eyes and takes a deep breath.

“Let’s not think about this right now.” Buffy whispers quietly before placing a kiss on the witches neck. “Right now we need to think about a certain horny slayer that’s lying on the couch in the living room.” Buffy smirks at Tara. “I think you might want to drag her ass up the stairs when I go on patrol and help her out.”

Tara snorts back a laugh. “What were you two discussing or doing while I was in here ordering the pizzas?”

“Oh, we were just talking somewhat.” Buffy smiles as Tara turns in her arms and looks at her with a raised eyebrow. “Okay, we were discussing you. Your kissing abilities, among other things.”

“Really? And what other things were you discussing while I was making sure you two are going to be fed?” Tara smirks slightly.

Blushing a deep red Buffy looks down and mumbles extremely lowly. “Sucking ability and making me come four times last night.”

Not quite catching what Buffy said Tara leans in and asks “What was that?”

“Tara!” Buffy whines, making the witch laugh.

“Okay, I won’t make you say it.” Tara grins before gently brushing her lips across Buffy’s. Pulling back and smiling into the slayer’s eyes, Tara reaches up behind her neck and pulls her in to a deep kiss, flicking her tongue repeatedly against Buffy’s before swirling it around gently. Finally pulling back, panting quietly, Tara rests her forehead against Buffy’s. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.” Buffy whispers hugging Tara tightly to her. “Better check on Faith’s leg before the pizza gets here.”

Chuckling Tara pulls away gently before tapping her finger on the slayer’s nose. “I’ll check on Faith’s leg, among other things tonight.”

“Hmmm. Makes me wish I didn’t have to go on patrol. I would kind of like to watch that. I learn well from watching.” Buffy huskily states, making Tara laugh.

“You are hopeless. And you’ll definitely get your chance.” Tara smiles.

“My chance at watching or doing?” Buffy questions smirking slightly.

Walking towards the living room Tara smirks back over her shoulder “Both.” Making Buffy laugh quietly.

*********

“Faith!” Tara exclaims coming into the living room, seeing the slayer poking at her wound. “Stop that. What do I have to do sit on you to make you behave?”

Looking up at Tara practically yelling her name Faith leers at the rest of the comment. “Oh, yeah you can sit on me to make me behave, come on over here.”

Rolling her eyes at the slayer, Tara sets the supplies on the coffee table and sitting down by Faith’s knees, Tara reaches out to look at the wound. “Your slayer healing has kicked in.” Tara sees that the skin looks like it’s already knitting together nicely. “Some redness around the stitches, but that’s to be expected. Hopefully between your slayer healing and the small stitches, you shouldn’t scar.” Reaching over for the healing salve, Tara gently works it into the cut.

“Tara.” Faith huskily calls her name.

Looking up at Faith, Tara stops the light motion. “What is it?”

Reaching up with her hand, Faith pulls the witch down on top of her and kisses her deeply. Pulling back slightly Faith places small kisses up Tara’s jaw line to her ear. “I want you.” Faith hoarsely whispers before kissing her way down her neck, nibbling at her pulse point before sucking gently.

Groaning at the sensations Faith is causing, Tara reaches up grasping the dark slayer’s hand, squeezing tightly. “Faith, I don’t think…oh Goddess…the couch is a good place for this.” Tara pants out roughly.

Scraping her teeth over the witch’s neck, Faith sucks down hard on the soft skin, moaning loudly. “Don’t care.” Faith mumbles as she pulls away from the skin that had garnered her attention. Looking at the mark on the witch’s neck she smirks and says “Ooops.”

Sitting back up slowly, Tara looks at Faith with passion filled eyes. “How come I got this feeling I’m going to have a mark on my neck for a week?”

Looking at Tara with raised eyebrows Faith shrugs. “I don’t know what gives you that idea.”

“Maybe because you placed a mark the size of a half dollar on her neck?” Buffy growls out having watched the two women kissing. “I’m really hating having to go out on patrol now!” Buffy mumbles before heading back to the kitchen.

Taking a deep breath, getting control of her hormones, Tara looks at Faith, reaching out and running her hand through the dark locks. “How’s your leg feeling?”

Closing her eyes at the pleasure from the soft touch, Faith slowly opens them back up smiling “It’s feeling good, slayer healing should heal it great by tomorrow morning, we should be able to take the stitches then.”

“And having a good dinner tonight, will help also.” Tara states before smirking slightly. “Still don’t mean you aren’t on bed rest all day tomorrow.”

Frowning in displeasure Faith snarls slightly. “Come on. I’ll be almost good as new in the morning, I can still go with you to your classes, I mean all I’ll be doing is sitting there, that’s as good as bed rest.”

Standing up and gathering the items Tara raises an eyebrow. “It’s not open for discussion, Faith.” Quickly taking the items to put them up.

“Pain in my ass.” Faith grumbles loudly.

“I heard that.” Tara states heading up the stairs.

“You were meant too.” Faith states sarcastically. Looking up to see that Tara was up the stairs, Faith swings her legs around and slowly stands, grinning. Heading towards the kitchen, limping slightly.

“Get your ass back on the couch, Faith before Tara comes down here and flings you on it.” Buffy quietly states standing in the kitchen doorway.

“Damn it, B! You know as well as I do that I’ll be pretty much healed by the morning. So what’s the big?” Faith growls out.

“The big is that you were hurt badly. You were hurt by my best friend since sophomore year of high school. You were hurt by Tara’s ex-lover. And it scared the shit out of Tara. That’s the big. Now get your ass on the couch and don’t give Tara a hard time or I’ll fucking kick your ass, understand?” Buffy states lowly and quickly.

By the time Buffy finishes Faith’s shoulders are slumped and her eyes are filled with sadness. “I’m sorry B. I didn’t realize…” Shaking her head Faith turns around and limps back to the couch, laying down. Tucking her arm under her head she looks up at the ceiling with a tear working its way down her face.

“Faith…I didn’t mean to…” Buffy closes her eyes trying to think of what to say. Walking over to the slayer and kneeling down beside her. “I didn’t mean to upset you, Faith.”

Faith looks over to Buffy as more tears start rolling down her cheeks. “It’s hard isn’t it?” At Buffy’s questioning look Faith takes a deep breath. “Caring for people, letting people care for you…Loving someone.” Faith roughly wipes the tears from her face.

Buffy nods her head swallowing. “Yes, Faith. It’s hard, it’s painful, sometimes it feels like it’s going to rip the heart out of your chest. But it can also be the most wonderful thing in the world. The feeling of being loved, loving back. Having someone care for you. Someone that when you think about them you smile. Someone that with a single touch can make you want them so much…” Buffy trails off for a second. “I never really had that before Faith, not the good parts. Now I have that with two wonderful women and I’ll be damned if I’m going to give it up.”

Just then the doorbell rings announcing the pizza delivery. Looking at Faith, Buffy leans down and whispers quietly “You are loved, and even though you can’t say it, you love us. We both know it Faith and we’ll be here for you no matter what.” Standing up and answering the door, Buffy pays for the pizzas before taking them to the kitchen.

Tara comes down the stairs with slightly reddened eyes heading straight for the kitchen. Grabbing plates down then turning to the refrigerator to grab drinks out for the three women. As she turns from the refrigerator she feels strong arms wrap around her. “I’m sorry” she whispers into Buffy’s neck as she starts shaking.

“Shh. It’s okay Tara. The adrenalin of what happened finally ran out and your natural reaction came to the forefront. You did great…You’re doing great.” Buffy whispers hugging her tightly. “You took care of Faith. And you kept yourself from being hurt. That’s what’s important.”

“I love you both so much. I’m afraid that something bad is going to happen to you and it scares me so much.” Tara cries softly into Buffy’s neck. Taking a couple deep breaths, getting control of herself. Pulling back she grins sheepishly at Buffy. “Just hormones going crazy. Will Faith be okay in the morning?”

Buffy smiles softly. “Pretty much. The stitches will need to be pulled out. She might be a little sore and stiff but getting up and walking around will help that. The blood loss will probably take another day to get her back to normal, but it isn’t anything that should keep her from her normal activities.”

“I kind of went a little overboard, huh?” Tara smirks softly.

“Yeah, but I understand why.” Buffy smiles softly. “We better get the food in there before she starts yelling and screaming that we’re starving her to death, since we won’t let her hobble around.”

“I’ll take a plate piled with her pizza and a soda.” Tara smiles. “Maybe she’ll accept the peace offering.”

Grabbing up the plate she fixed for the slayer, Tara quickly heads to the living room.

Watching Tara take the plate to Faith, Buffy smiles. “I don’t know what we ever did to deserve you, but I’ll pray to whatever God, Goddess, Deity there is and thank them for the rest of my life.” Buffy whispers to herself. Shaking her head out of her contemplation, she grabs a plate and piles it high with pizza for herself before grabbing one for Tara and putting a couple pieces on it for her.

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

Carrying the plate and soda into the living room, Tara sets them down on the coffee table before turning to look at Faith. Seeing sad brown eyes looking back at her, Tara feels her heart going out to the slayer. Sitting down on the edge of the couch Tara places her hand above Faith’s heart. “I’m sorry for being a pain in the ass earlier, Faith.” Tara quietly states looking at her hand. “If you feel up to it tomorrow, I would love for you to take me to school.”

Raising her hand up to cover Tara’s, Faith smiles softly. “Look at me, Tara.” As Tara raises her eyes looking back into those beautiful brown eyes, she feels the tears start to fall again. Reaching up and gently wiping the tears from the witch’s face, Faith smiles. “It’s okay. I’m here and I’m alive. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

Moving her hand up and around the slayer’s shoulder, Tara pulls her up gently to hug her tightly against her. “It wasn’t your fault, Faith. It just hit me hard how easily we could have lost you. I’m sorry I went kind of off the deep end tonight.” Pulling back Tara smirks at Faith. “Anything I can do to make it up to you?”

Faith grins hugely. “I’m sure I can think of something.” She states making Tara laugh.

“Are we okay?” Tara asks seriously.

“Yeah, we’re fine Blondie. I’ll be more careful from now on, that way I don’t bring out your butch side.” Looking the blonde up and down Faith smirks slightly. “Even though it does do something for me.”

“Maybe if you’re lucky you’ll get to see it again.” Tara smiles. Standing up, she swings Faith’s legs down on the floor and hands her, her plate of pizza before sitting down beside her watching her eat.

“Is it safe for me to come in here now?” Buffy asks from the hallway holding both plates in her hands and smiling.

“Get in here, Buffy.” Tara smiles at the slayer. “And I’m assuming one of those plates are for me?” At Buffy’s nod Tara says “Thank you.”

Coming over to the couch Buffy hands the plate to Tara and sets her plate down on the table before going back to the kitchen and grabbing a soda for Tara and herself.

Coming back to the living room she sets the sodas down before sitting down and grabbing a piece of pizza to eat. Looking over, she sees that Faith has already ate all the pizza that was on her plate and Tara was slowly eating a piece of hers shaking her head in disbelief at the dark slayer.

“Go ahead and get more, Faith. I know you want to.” Tara smiles softly as Faith grins standing up grabbing her plate and limping into the kitchen. Turning to Buffy, Tara leans over and places a kiss on her cheek. “You have my permission to take me down a notch if I get all Alpha Female again, okay?”

Blushing slightly Buffy smiles. “Actually, I think I’m kind of like Faith. I like it when you go all butch.”

Rolling her eyes at Buffy, Tara reaches for her soda. “Next thing I know you two are going to insist on getting me a harness and vibrator.”

Faith smirks as she walks back in. “There’s an adult store over on Elm and Chestnut, Buffy. They should have those items.”

Plopping back against the couch Tara closes her eyes and blushes. “Figures.” She states resignedly, making both slayers laugh.

“My birthdays coming up in a few months….” Faith hints as she sits down and eats another piece of pizza.

Buffy looks at Faith and grins. “Do they have different kinds? I never have checked them out before.”

“Goddess help me.” Tara murmurs before standing up and grabbing her plate to take to the kitchen.

“Yeah. Different colors, different lengths, thickness’. I would say one of the soft leather harness’ would be best to have.” Faith states around a piece of pizza. “Probably one that’s either hot pink or purple, I think that would appeal more to Tara.”

Buffy blushes slightly. “You seem to know a lot about these things, Faith.”

“Better believe it. I didn’t always want a bed partner, you know. Sometimes a little help makes a world of difference.” Faith smiles at Buffy.

“I’m sure Tara will come around, if you really want it Faith.” Buffy smiles softly. “She’d do anything for us if we asked.”

Nodding her head Faith grins slightly. “Yeah, I know it. That’s why I’m not going to ask.” She whispers quietly.

Frowning in confusion at Faith, Buffy shakes her head. “It’s why…What are you saying?”

Looking towards the kitchen to make sure Tara wasn’t coming back Faith turns to look at Buffy. “I’m not gonna ask because if I ask, she’ll do it. I…I don’t want her to do it because of me, does that make any sense?” Faith asks Buffy.

Staring at Faith for a few long seconds Buffy finally realizes what she’s saying. “You’re afraid if you ask her, the only reason she would be doing it is because you asked her, not because she wanted to.”

“Right.” Faith smiles happy that Buffy understood what she was trying to say. “Are you working tomorrow?”

Buffy nods her head. “Yeah, I work 11-7 tomorrow.” Buffy puts down her empty soda can, debating on whether or not to get another piece of pizza. “What is Tara up to now?”

Faith smiles “Can I go and see?”

Buffy grins “She let you go to the kitchen before, I don’t see why you can’t again.”

Smiling in thanks at Buffy, Faith hops up and quickly limps into the kitchen. Seeing Tara scooping out batter onto cookie sheets Faith chuckles.

Turning around when she hears the chuckle Tara smiles at Faith. “What are you laughing at?” Turning back around to finish putting the peanut butter cookie mix on the sheet, Tara quickly slides it into the oven. Turning around and running hot water into the bowl, she turns it off and looks back at Faith, drying her hands on a tea towel.

“I’m laughing at the fact that Buffy and I were worried about what you were doing and you’re in here making…” Sniffing the air deeply, Faith smiles. “Peanut butter cookies.”

“Well, it seems that certain people in this household have a sweet tooth. And since I am such a nice, kind, caring girlfriend, I need to fix stuff to take care of this problem.” Tara smiles at Faith. Slowly walking over to her, she looks her up and down. “I guess I could have at least got you something to wear.”

Looking down at the mutilated jeans Faith grins. “Might as well finish cutting that leg off and then the other one and make a pair of shorts out of ‘em.” Faith suggests.

“I can do that.” Tara whispers before reaching up and running a hand down her cheek. “I love you. And I really, really want to make love to you.” Leaning in and placing a gentle kiss on Faith’s lips, Tara pulls back. “May I make love to you tonight, Faith?”

Faith swallows hard and closes her eyes. Breathing heavily Faith realizes that Tara was being literal. That she wants to make love to her. Not have sex and not fuck her, but make love to her. Opening her eyes looking into the blue depths so filled with caring and love Faith can’t help but nod her head. “Please.” She quietly states.

“Thank you.” Tara whispers. Reaching in and kissing Faith lightly again on the lips, Tara smiles as the timer goes off on the stove. “Cookie time.”

Pulling the two sheets of cookies out of the oven and laying them out to cool, Tara turns and smiles as she sees Buffy standing behind Faith with her arms wrapped around the dark slayer.

“I need to head out for patrol. Will you two be okay?” Buffy asks quietly.

“Yeah, we’ll be okay B.” Faith grins and winks at Tara. “I’m gonna see if I can get Blondie over there to scream my name tonight.”

Grinning wickedly at Tara, Buffy whispers in Faith’s ear. “Make sure you make her come at least three times for me, okay? Last night was a little one sided if you know what I mean.”

Chuckling as Tara scowls at the two of them, Faith leans back to whisper in Buffy’s ear. “You mean to tell me, that she made you blast off four times to her once?” At Buffy’s nod Faith smirks slightly before whispering again “Did you at least get a taste?”

“No. She actually borrowed a thigh.” Buffy whispers as she blushes at the thought of going down on the blonde witch. “I still haven’t…”

“You will. And a lot of it.” Faith growls before nibbling on her earlobe. “Just do what feels natural, trust me.”

“Enough with the whispering you two.” Tara states walking towards the two women. Leaning in and giving Buffy a quick kiss, she pulls back smiling softly. “Be sure to come back in one piece. Let us know when you get home, or just come on in.” Tara wiggles her eyebrows slightly.

Buffy’s eyes open wide before she blinks a couple times and whispers. “Okay.”

Chuckling at Buffy, Faith turns and gives her a quick passionate kiss. “Be careful out there B.”

“I love you.” Tara whispers as Buffy turns to get ready for patrol.

“I love you too.” Buffy turns back and kisses the witch before turning to Faith and kissing her. “I love you both.”

*****

“Do I even want to know what you two were whispering about?” Tara asks as she goes to pull the cookies off the cookie sheets.

Coming up behind the blonde, Faith sneaks a hand around her and grabs a cookie. “I’ll give you three guesses.” Faith smirks as she munches.

“Well, I figure it’s obvious it was about me.” Tara looks at the dark slayer with a raised eyebrow.

“You wouldn’t be wrong.” Faith smiles watching Tara’s eyes narrow slightly. Reaching for another cookie Faith leans a hip against the counter a short distance from the blonde.

“Hey, do I smell cookies?” Dawn squeals when she sees the peanut butter cookies. “I’m getting my fair share of these, especially since someone” She looks pointedly at Faith “Got the majority of the brownies.” Dawn reaches and grabs four cookies. “I finished my project and I’m going to watch that show on Discovery.”

As quickly as Dawn popped in she was out of the kitchen again, making both women chuckle.

“How come I always feel like it’s been a drive by teen-ing with Squirt?” Faith states grinning.

“That pretty much sums it up. She’s a good kid.” Tara smiles softly before getting down a container to put the cooled cookies into leaving some on a plate wrapping it with saran wrap for Buffy when she gets home from slaying.

Watching the blonde stretch up for the saran wrap, Faith watches the witch’s shirt tighten across her breasts. Eye darkening she watches till Tara’s done wrapping the plate before reaching for the her. Shifting her body so her back is against the counter and her legs spread, she pulls Tara in, wrapping her arms loosely around the witch’s waist.

Looking at Faith in surprise at the maneuver that only took seconds, Tara relaxes into the slayer’s body. Raising a hand to run her fingers through the slayers hair and the other hand grasping her hip, Tara raises an eyebrow. “You’ve got me, now what are you going to do with me?” Tara asks huskily.

“Please, before you do anything with her can I get something to drink?” Dawn pleads from the doorway to the kitchen.

Growling under her breath at the interruption Faith looks at Dawn and can’t help but laugh. “Go ahead and get something to drink, I’m going to take this to somewhere a little less busy.” Faith grasps Tara’s hand and pulls her up the stairs and to the bedroom.

“Faith!” Tara exclaims before laughing as she hears Dawn mention something about horny slayers.

Pulling Tara into the bedroom, Faith quickly shuts the door behind her, and pulls the witch into a tight embrace, going in with open mouth and tongue searching and finding a willing mate. Tongues wrapping around each other rolling in continuous motion Faith groans in pleasure as Tara wedges her thigh between her legs and presses against her center. Grasping the blonde’s hips and pulling her in tighter against her, Faith works her hips in a circular motion against her thigh. Capturing the blonde’s tongue, Faith sucks gently at first and then more forcefully as she feels the pleasure building inside her.

Pulling back, panting heavily Tara looks at Faith with passion filled eyes. “This time isn’t going to be fast and rough, Faith. I want you to know that. There’s time for that later.” Tara leans in and kisses Faith gently but firmly, starting a softer exploration.

Groaning out in frustration Faith finally breaks away. “But, Tara….”

Quickly pressing her lips against Faith’s to quiet her Tara pulls back “My way first, then your way, okay?” Seeing Faith battling with herself Tara pleads silently with her and the moment she saw Faith acquiesce she softly smiles. “Thank you.”

Faith looks at the blonde with a slightly worried look on her face. “I ain’t used to soft and slow, Blondie.” Faith whispers quietly.

“You’re not used to being made love to, Faith.” Tara whispers back keeping eye contact with the Dark Slayer. “But you will be.” Leaning in and running light gentle kisses along the slayer’s cheek and jaw line to her ear before whispering “I’m going to undress you slowly and as each piece of skin is revealed I’m going to make love to it.”

Moaning at the heat running through her body just from the Witch’s words Faith looks at her. “You’re gonna kill me. I know you are. But what a way to go.” Faith growls lowly and then smiles at the blonde. “I’m yours to do what you want, but remember payback is a bitch.”

“Goddess, I hope so.” Tara murmurs before pulling away and gently tugging the slayer’s hand to have her go to the bed. “Lay down.” Watching with dark blue eyes at Faith lays down in the middle of the bed Tara smiles softly. “I’m going to ask something of you, and I know it won’t be easy.”

Faith growls out “What?”

“Can you try and keep your hands to yourself until I tell you to touch me?” Tara whispers watching the slayer’s face. Watching the slayer’s refusal on her face, Tara sighs quietly. “I’m going to let you touch me, hell I’ll let you do anything you want, but just let me have this? Please?”

“You’re asking a lot here Blondie.” Faith growls lowly. “And this ain’t gonna be like last night, I’m giving you a heads up right here and now.”

Blushing slightly Tara looks down. “Is that what you two were talking about earlier?”

“Damn straight. B wanted to make sure you got yours tonight. I’m gonna make sure that happens.” Faith looks the blonde up and down before smiling with a calculating look on her face. “How about we make a sort of compromise?”

Tara looks at her trying to figure out what the slayer is up to. “What is it?”

Chuckling at the blonde Faith shakes her head. “Nothin’ bad. How about we both go ahead and get naked, and you can do your thing, but maybe not as slowly as you planned?” Faith raises an eyebrow, having a feeling the blonde was going to draw it out for hours until Faith was screaming in frustration. “And if you do that, I’ll try real hard to keep my hands to myself while you do it?”

“I don’t get a promise?” Tara asks, knowing already that Faith was giving her a lot more than she had honestly expected from the woman.

Shaking her head Faith states “I can’t promise. I’ll try real hard, but that’s a promise I can’t make to you.”

Nodding her head in acceptance Tara smiles. “Deal.”

Faith grins hugely and rolls off the bed to quickly start stripping, as she hears Tara laugh quietly in front of her she looks up with a bra in one hand and the fingers of her other hand at the button of her pants. “What?”

“Easy, there wild child.” Tara murmurs as she puts her hand over the slayers. “Let me help you out of the pants, I don’t want you to accidentally mess up my handiwork, okay?”

Faith, realizing the blonde has a point, nods her head. “Okay. But I get to help you out of your clothes.” As Tara chuckles Faith smiles.

Easing the button out of the hole and unzipping Faith’s pants, Tara kneels in front of Faith and eases them over the slayer’s hips and inhales realizing Faith has gone commando. Stopping for a moment Tara looks at the completely bald mound of the slayer and the juices glistening on it. Inhaling deeply, Tara moans at the dark spicy smell coming from Faith. “Goddess you aren’t making this easy.” Tara murmurs before easing the pants slowly over the wound and down the slayer’s legs, smiling as Faith steps out of the pants. Looking back over at the wound one more time to make sure it looks okay, Tara slowly stands up looking Faith in the eye before leaning in and pressing a firm kiss on her mouth.

“My turn.” Faith states huskily. Pulling the top off the witch and seeing the white lace bra underneath Faith groans at seeing the nipples insistently poking at the fabric. Brushing her thumbs over the nubs Faith growls wanting another taste.

Moaning as the slayer plays with her nipples Tara steps back. “You’re supposed to be undressing me, not playing.” Tara states quietly.

“Bitch.” Faith mumbles good-naturedly.

“I can be.” Tara acknowledges before reaching behind her back and unhooking her bra to quickly pull it off. Seeing Faith is leaning down towards her breasts, she puts a hand up and says “Nope.”

Snarling her lip slightly Faith flops back on the bed. Easing to the middle of the bed, Faith turns on her side to watch the witch undress.

Easing off her skirt, Tara grabs the clothes on the floor and quickly drops them in the hamper before hooking her thumbs in the side of her panties and easing them down her legs. Looking over at Faith she smiles. Faith’s eyes are glued on her breasts watching them sway gently. “Enjoying the view?” Tara asks huskily as she stands up and quickly discarding the panties walks towards the bed.

“You have no idea.” Faith whispers in a low rough voice. “You are absolutely gorgeous. And after we go shopping for you, I am going to make damn sure that belly button of yours gets pierced. Your stomach is just crying out for attention to be drawn to it.”

Tara blushes and places a hand to her stomach. “I’ve never liked my stomach, the poochiness of it. I thought it was ugly.” Tara explains.

“Oh, no. God no, Tara.” Looking up with pleading in her eyes “Can I touch it, please?”

Seeing Tara nod her head in acceptance, realizing she isn’t going to be able to keep Faith from touching her, she slowly climbs into the bed to lie beside the slayer. Reaching down with her hand to run it lightly over Tara’s lower abdomen, Faith smiles. “It’s soft and warm and beautiful Tara. It calls out to be kissed. I want to rub my face over the softness, lick and nibble it.” Faith lightly arches her hand so her fingernails gently scrape across Tara’s stomach, making her arch up into the slayer’s touch. “So responsive. I wish I knew the words to explain what you make me feel inside, Tara. Not just your body, but you.” Looking up with a serious look in her eyes Faith whispers. “I care for you so much. You and Buffy both.” Feeling a tear ease from her eye and run down her cheek she looks down. “I wish I could say it…”

“It’s okay Faith” Tara whispers quietly. “One day you will. For now, Buffy and I know you love us, and that’s the most important thing.” Leaning in Tara gently kisses the tear away. Starting softly and slowly, Tara starts placing kisses over the Slayer’s forehead, eyebrows, eyelids, cheekbones, jaw line and finally, reaching the slayer’s bow shaped lips Tara gently eases her tongue inside to gently caress the inside of the dark slayer’s mouth, gently making love to her with her tongue before gradually pulling away to Faith’s displeased groan. “Got more to kiss, Faith.” Tara mumbles as she eases Faith onto her back and starts to slowly kiss down the slayer’s neck, lightly nibbling on the cord at the side until reaching the pulse point that was beating so quickly with the slayer’s blood pumping through.

Licking repeatedly over the area before gently sucking on it Tara listens as Faith moans, making Tara heady with want. Lightly kissing across her strong shoulder, Tara works back around to the collar bone, licking and sucking. Working her way down, Tara runs one hand up to lightly circle the slayer’s breast with her fingertips, while supporting herself with her other arm. Easing herself further down, Tara slowly kisses around the other breast, licking with a firm tongue on the sensitive skin underneath where it meets the rib cage smiling as she feels Faith buck up slightly.

Clenching her hands into the bed sheets so she doesn’t grab the witch and make her take her nipple into her mouth, Faith groans at the teasing, at the love coming from Tara. Unbelieving of anything feeling this good, but God needing so much more.

Licking up and around the nipple, not touching it with either her hand or her lips Tara smiles, pleased Faith is trying to keep her end of the bargain. Glancing down at the dark rosy nipple that she’s been teasing around she sees Faith’s hands clenched in the sheets so tightly that her knuckles are white. Feeling the tenseness of Faith’s body Tara shakes her head, realizing she isn’t going to be able to take her time as much as she wants to. Changing her mind about what she was going to do to the slayer, this first time, Tara quickly sucks the nipple in her mouth while pinching gently on the other nipple at the same time, making Faith arch up into her. Sucking firmly and flicking it with the tip of her tongue Tara feels it harden even more. Pulling slightly away, Tara lifts her body, making sure to not hit the slayer’s sore thigh. Easing the slayer’s legs apart so she’s laying between them before leaning down and lavishing attention on the other nipple, while pinching the one she was previously sucking on more firmly.

Groaning in approval at the firmer treatment the witch is giving her, Faith pushes her hips up, pressing against Tara.

Deciding she would come back to the slayer’s luscious breasts later, Tara quickly works her way down kissing the slayer’s ribs and stomach, running her finger over the scar that Buffy had given her. Kissing the scar then lightly running her tongue over it, Tara thanks the Goddess that she had spared Faith’s life that day. Shifting herself down further, Tara eases Faith’s legs up and over her shoulder to make her more comfortable before inhaling deeply, watching as the juices flow from the slayer, Tara quickly leans in and starting at the bottom of her slit she quickly runs her tongue up collecting the juices and moaning at the spicy flavor. “Goddess, so good, Faith.” Tara moans quietly. Quickly delving her tongue between her lips, Tara greedily gathers more of the slayer’s essence before sucking on first one outer lip then the other quickly sucking the juices off before diving back in, flicking her tongue up and over the swollen muscle aching to be touched.

Faith bucks up hard as she feels Tara flick her tongue over her clit, groaning loudly and rolling her hips around. “Please, Tara.” Faith groans out.

Quickly bringing her hand up, Tara separates the outer lips and then the inner lips of the slayer before bringing two fingers to her opening, glancing up she sees the glazed look in the slayer’s eyes and the need coming from her before quickly easing two fingers in the slayer, keeping eye contact and watching as Faith closes her eyes and pushes her hips against her fingers. As her fingers easily slip into the slayer, Tara pulls them almost all the way out before quickly going back in with three fingers and leaning down to suck the swollen clit in her mouth, setting up a quick pace inside Faith as she sucks continuously on the swollen muscle, not stopping, a continuous steady strong sucking and feeling as the muscle starts quivering and spasming in her mouth, Tara quickly flicks her tongue over it repeatedly as she sucks harder, making Faith buck hard over and over against her as she climaxes. Curling her fingers in the slayer, Tara searches out the sweet spot, locating it, she rubs firmly but gently over it continuously until she feels Faith’s whole body shaking in response and growls out as Faith grasps her head pulling her tighter against her as she explodes drenching the witch and the covers.

Keeping up the motion with her fingers, Tara eases back from the slayer’s clit, licking up the sweet juices that came from orgasm the slayer had just had. Licking around her hand and back up to repeatedly placing gentle kisses on the slayer’s mound, feeling as the slayer’s muscles finally relax, letting her gently remove her fingers from inside her. Pulling her hand up to her face Tara smiles at the fluid running down before lapping it up quickly, enjoying the slayer’s essence to the fullest. Finally Tara rests her head on the slayer’s stomach, realizing her own body is rocking slightly, looking for release she chuckles quietly.

Slowly getting her bearings after the most intense orgasm of her life, Faith looks down at the chuckling witch. Feeling the bed rock slightly it takes Faith a moment to realize that it’s the Witch rocking, her body craving it’s own release.

“You want some help with that?” Faith calls out quietly in a sex roughened voice.

Looking up at the slayer in confusion Tara frowns slightly. “Help with what?” When she sees the lascivious smile cross the slayer’s face, her confusion clears up and she blushes slightly.

“Come up here.” Faith whispers. As Tara eases up her body, gently dragging her breasts up Faith’s stomach and then pressing them down hard against Faith’s breasts Tara moans and closes her eyes, rubbing her breasts firmly over the slayer’s Tara leans her head down against Faith’s shoulder taking a deep breath.

Enjoying the pleasure of their breasts rubbing together Faith pushes up slightly to cause more pressure. Reaching up with one hand, Faith reaches around the witch and slowly runs it down her back, following the line of her spine, before reaching the top of the witch’s ass. Teasingly running her fingers along the crevice between the witch’s firm butt cheeks, Faith finally cups one cheek tightly, squeezing it firmly. Keeping the one hand on the witch’s ass, Faith takes her other hand and reaches for Tara’s head, gently urging her from her shoulder to look up. Looking into the dark, dark blue eyes of the witch, Faith groans before pulling her down for an intense, dominant kiss. Flicking her tongue repeatedly against Tara’s before invading her mouth fully wrapping her tongue around Tara’s repeatedly before pulling back slightly, panting heavily.

“You’ve got two choices and you better make your decision quick.” Faith hoarsely states.

“What choices.” Tara asks between pants rocking her body against Faith’s, enjoying the pleasure of her breasts rubbing against Faith’s firm, full breasts.

“You keep climbing until you’re above me and I make you come until you can‘t support yourself, or you can roll over onto your back and I’ll spend the next couple hours making you squirm all over this bed in pleasure. Either way you’re mine.” Faith states intensely.

Tara feels her body already starting to shake in response to the slayer. Knowing she probably won’t be able to support herself much longer, she kisses Faith firmly before easing off the slayer to lay on her side looking at Faith. “You irritate your leg, I’ll kick your ass, understood?” Tara seriously states looking in Faith’s eyes.

“Yes, ma’am.” Faith states before grinning hugely. “You are so mine.” Faith growls out before shifting her body and gently pushing Tara onto her back before kissing her over and over again, both of them moaning in pleasure. Easing down Tara’s neck, Faith sucks where the skin of her neck meets her shoulder, sucking down hard leaving a mark.

Tara groans loudly as Faith sucks on her neck. Running her hands through Faith’s hair repeatedly, Tara cries out as Faith eases down and takes a nipple quickly in her hot wet mouth, flicking her strong tongue over the nipple repeatedly while pinching the other nipple firmly.

“Mmmm. Taste so good.” Faith mumbles before switching to suck on the other nipple. Gently trapping the hardened nub between her teeth and pulling up gently.

“FAITH!” Tara cries out in pleasure as Faith’s teeth bring that pleasure bordering on pain that can be so sweet.

Smiling to herself at the witch’s response, Faith release’s the nipple before laving it gently with her tongue. Easing her body further down, Faith rubs her face against Tara’s lower abdomen growling out at the smell of the witch’s arousal, easing a hand down to the witch’s opening and gently running her fingers between her lips, making Tara buck up into the touch. Kissing and nipping at the witch’s soft stomach Faith huskily states “Want to spend hours here kissing your stomach. I will one day, but not today.” Shifting her body further down Faith looks upon the witch’s most intimate place.

Inhaling deeply Faith moans silently. Looking at the neatly trimmed mound Faith’s mouth waters at the thought of soon tasting the witch. Seeing the swollen sex, the witch’s clit poking out insistently, begging for attention. Blowing a warm breath of air across the muscle Faith smiles as she sees the slight spasm in response.

“Faith” Tara begs quietly looking down at Faith, rocking her hips against the fingertips just teasing her opening and the mouth blowing warm air across her.

Looking up and seeing the desperate need in the witch’s eyes, Faith whispers “Okay.” Before looking back down and running the flat of her tongue over the swollen muscle as she eases a finger gently in the witch’s opening.

“Yes!” Tara hisses as Faith starts a slow easy pace inside her while running her tongue repeatedly over her clit. Rocking her body against the slayer, Tara groans as her body quickly tightens, looking for release.

Faith, feeling Tara’s body tightening under her and the muscle she’s licking gently over and over again flex against her tongue realizes it won’t be long before the witch reaches orgasm. Quickly adding a finger Faith moans as she feels the witch clenching down repeatedly on the fingers easing in and out of her. Picking up the pace of her fingers, Faith sucks the swollen muscle in her mouth gently. Keeping up a gentle sucking motion, Faith flicks the tip of her tongue against the muscle. As the muscle starts to spasm continually, Faith hums into the witch and flicks her finger against the witch’s g-spot making her scream out as she comes in Faith’s mouth.

Rocking hard into Faiths tender ministrations, Tara screams out Faith’s name loudly as she feels her body release. Clenching the slayer’s fingers hard inside her Tara push’s hard against Faith before easing her hips back down against the bed, her legs shaking from her release and panting heavily.

Faith releases Tara from her mouth and starts placing gentle kisses around the witch’s clit before gently easing her fingers out of her as Tara unclenches her muscles. Leaning down further Faith gently licks up the witch, running her tongue repeated over the outer lips collecting all the stray juices before running her tongue between the lips and sucking on each inner lip alternately. Feeling Tara grasp gently at her head, Faith smiles before swirling her tongue around her opening, tickling the sensitive nerve endings there. As Tara starts rotating her hips, Faith slips her tongue deep inside the witch flicking with her strong slayer muscles.

“Oh, Goddess!” Tara cries out quietly, rocking against the slayer’s tongue.

Feeling the witch building up again and her clenching down on her tongue, Faith curls it up, hitting the pleasure spot within the witch. Flicking over the spot repeatedly until Tara screams out her name, flooding her mouth with her juices.

Collapsing from the strength of the orgasm, Tara grasps Faith’s head once more before dragging her hand up her own body and placing it upon her pounding heart. Breathing hard, trying to catch her breath, she feels Faith easing up her body placing kisses here and there on her way up, licking up a pocket of salty goodness on her way to Tara’s breasts, flicking a strong tongue over one nipple then the other, alternating back and forth continuously until Tara grasps her head and pulls it to a stop between her two breasts, making Faith chuckle quietly.

Still breathing heavy and not able to say anything just yet, Tara runs her hands over Faith’s shoulders and upper back. Smiling as she feels Faith place tiny kisses between her breasts as she runs her hands up and down her sides.

Pulling back slightly Faith places a hand on either side of the witch’s outer breasts and gently pushes them together. Smiling Faith quickly sucks both nipples in her mouth at the same time, making Tara groan appreciatively.

Hearing a knock on the bedroom door, Faith pulls her mouth away from the witches nipples. “Who’s there?” Faith calls out huskily and laughs when she hears Buffy’s quiet answer, that only slayer hearing picked up. “Come on in.”

“What did she say?” Tara croaks out. Smiling as Buffy eases open the door and slips in the room, turning to lock the door behind her.

Turning back after locking the door, Buffy grins at the sight before her. Stripping the towel that she had wrapped around her after her shower, she throws it in the hamper before walking towards the bed. “I said a horny slayer.” Looking from Faith laying on top of Tara and the fact that she had obviously been enjoying the witch’s assets, Buffy’s eyes darken slightly, seeing Faith’s darkness contrasting so beautifully against Tara’s lightness. “You two are beautiful.” She whispers before kneeling on the floor by the bed, crossing her arms on top of the mattress and resting her chin on them.

Inhaling deeply of the arousal coming from both women, Buffy smiles. “Don’t stop on my account.” She huskily states and chuckles as Faith squeezes Tara’s breasts back together and sucks both nipples into her mouth at once.

“Faith!” Tara exclaims quietly before lightly smacking her on the back of the head. Looking over at Buffy, Tara asks “How was patrol tonight?” Arching her back up into Faith’s mouth, Tara smacks her a little harder on the back of the head. “Stop that! We could at least talk to Buffy first.”

“You talk, I’ll play.” Faith mumbles around the breasts in her mouth.

“Do you want me to cut you off?” Tara threatens and giggles as Faith quickly stops and pulls up slightly.

“So, how was patrol tonight?” Faith asks with a fake smile on her face, making both women laugh at her.

“It was fine. Dusted four vamps and some demon munching on this poor dog, that decided I might be a better dinner.” Buffy snorts in disgust at that thought.

Faith smiles “So not to bad of a night.” Quickly turning and sucking Tara’s nipples back into her mouth. Being smacked on the back of the head again Faith pulls away and loudly asks “What? I talked, we discussed, we’re done! It’s play time.”

“Enough play for the moment, let me check your leg.” Tara states while rolling her eyes.

Growling lightly Faith squeezes the breasts in her hands quickly before rolling off the witch and onto her back looking up at the ceiling.

Shaking her head at the impossible slayer, Tara looks at Buffy and sees her smirking. “Would you mind turning on the overhead light?” Tara quietly asks Buffy.

Nodding her head, Buffy quickly hops up and turns on the light coming back and sitting on the edge of the bed looking with Tara at the healing wound. “It’s looking good.” Buffy comments quietly. “You’ll be able to take the stitches out in the morning and probably by tomorrow night it’ll be like new.”

“Goody!” Faith states sarcastically. “Now can we please continue with play time? I wasn’t done, you know.”

“Did I interrupt before you guys actually did anything?” Buffy questions looking from one woman to the next. “I think she’s grumpier now than she was earlier.”

“Personally I think she’s perpetually horny.” Tara smirks. Running her eyes over Buffy’s body she sees a bruise on her ribs. “What happened?” She questions quickly leaning in lightly running her fingers over the bruise.

“I’m okay. One of the vamps got in a lucky shot, is all.” Buffy dismisses Tara’s worry. “So what are we going to do with horny slayer?”

“You two do realize I’m laying right here and can hear everythin’ you two are saying, right?” Faith growls out quietly.

Tara winks at Buffy and gets up and walks around the bed to the other side, easing her body close to Faith. “Buffy, want to get the overhead light? I appreciate it baby.” Tara smiles as Buffy quickly turns the light off and climbs into the bed on the other side of Faith, mirroring Tara’s position.

Leaning down and nibbling down the side of Faith’s neck to her shoulder and running her hand up to cup the breast nearest her, Tara looks over to see Buffy watching what she’s doing before repeating the caresses down Faith’s other side. Looking up into Faith’s eyes Tara smiles before leaning in and kissing her deeply. Pulling back she shifts her body down slightly to kiss around Faith’s breast watching Buffy lean in and kiss Faith more roughly and passionately.

Groaning at the dual pleasure of having both women working over her body, Faith moans in approval as both women start suckling at her breasts. Reaching a hand up to gently cup behind both heads she smiles. “Oh, yeah.” She groans out feeling one breast being sucked on strongly while the other one was being nibbled on gently and tentatively. Lifting her hips and rotating them around, Faith feels her arousal hitting a higher level.

Glancing over at Buffy as she sucks strongly at Faith’s breast she catches her eye and pulls her hand up from where it was resting on Faith’s lower abdomen and wiggling it at Buffy. Buffy frowns slightly in response before it hits her and she raises her hand to Tara, letting Tara intertwine their fingers together before easing both their hands down Faith’s body.

Extending her index finger straight out, Buffy does the same, pressing the two fingers together. Tara eases their hands between Faith’s thighs to run the extended fingers gently through the slayer’s wetness. Watching the emotions crossing Buffy’s face, the surprise and then the desire Tara smiles softly before releasing the nipple she had been sucking on. Easing her body slightly further down she kisses across the ribs and abdomen of Faith slowly while continuing the stroking between the slayer’s lower lips before gently easing past the lips to flick Buffy’s fingertip over Faith’s clit, making her hips buck up against the light, teasing flick.

Leaning across Faith’s stomach Tara gently kisses Buffy on the lips before pressing in harder, flicking her tongue out to tangle with Buffy’s repeatedly. Continuing the stroking up and down Faith’s lips to occasionally flick her clit. Slowly easing down to Faith’s opening Tara pulls out of the kiss with Buffy, panting slightly before leaning back in to suck her bottom lip in her mouth and nibble on it lightly.

“Man, that’s hot!” Faith mumbles out having been watching Buffy and Tara kiss as she was trying to buck her hips up to get more pressure against her clit.

Looking up at Faith, Tara winks before whispering “You ain’t seen nothing yet!” Making Faith strangle out a laugh. Slowly easing both hers and Buffy’s index fingers into Faith, Tara looks back at Buffy smirking at her incredulous expression. Feeling Faith clench and unclench repeatedly against their fingers. Easing the two fingers back out Tara winks at Buffy as she extends out her middle finger, Buffy quickly following before slowly easing the four fingers into Faith.

“Yes!” Faith hisses out at the additional fingers and consequential fullness she’s feeling, rocking her hips against the invading fingers, trying to urge them to a fast rhythm.

Sliding further down Faith’s body Tara whispers to Buffy “Do you want to taste?” Hearing Faith groan and push up even harder at her suggestion she smirks slightly before shaking her head at the impatient slayer.

“Oh, God, yes.” Buffy murmurs quietly back.

Easing their fingers out of Faith, to her vocal disapproval Tara states “Behave Faith. You’ll get what you want and even more if you can be patient.”

“Shit!” Faith grumbles before shutting up.

Looking back at Buffy, Tara smiles encouragingly. “Do you want to explore on your own, or do you want some visual aids?” Faith groans loudly at that comment.

Buffy’s eyes open wide and she blushes deeply. “I-I don’t know.” Looking up and making eye contact with Faith she simply questions “Faith?”

Looking at the question in her eyes Faith shakes her head “It’s up to you, B. Whatever you’re comfortable with doing.” Faith states hoarsely.

Watching Buffy with soft gentle eyes Tara states quietly “Whatever you’re comfortable with. You don’t have to do anything tonight, if you don’t want to.”

“What do you suggest?” Buffy looks to Tara for her honest opinion.

“Well, most people don’t get someone to show them the lay of the land as it were. Part of the fun is figuring things out, you might do something different than I do because of that. Where as if I show you, you will subconsciously pick up and do things the same way.” Tara shrugs her shoulders lightly.

“That is so not a bad thing, Blondie.” Faith growls out. “But whatever someone decides, will you please hurry up? I’m ready to pop, here.”

“Really?” Tara asks grinning wickedly as she runs her hand down between Faiths thighs and quickly inserts three fingers, setting up a hard fast rhythm, curling her middle finger before pushing her thumb against her clit rubbing it almost in a punishing circular motion, bringing Faith quickly to the edge before stopping her motion with her fingers buried in the slayer.

Grunting out loudly Faith opens her eyes seeing the glint in Tara’s eyes and the surprise in Buffy’s. “Tara!” Growling out in displeasure. Then as Tara slams her fingers in and out quickly, pressing hard against her clit, making Faith come fast and hard screaming out her name, Tara smirks.

Easing her fingers out of the dazed slayer’s body and unconsciously bringing them up to suck on them one after the other Tara turns to Buffy. “Go ahead and explore to your hearts content Buffy.”

“Damn, Tara.” Buffy mutters in shock and arousal. “You definitely have butch in you.”

Tara tilts her head considering the comment. “You could be right. Do you want to explore? Or…” Looking over the slayer’s body, Tara’s eyes darken considerably. “Do you want to meet Butch Tara?” She huskily asks.

Faith raises her hand and mutters out “Go for Butch tonight, B.”

Tara grins crawling over Faith and smiles as Faith shifts over to the edge of the bed, giving the two women more room. “Guess you’re mine now, Buffy.” Tara growls out lowly closing in pressing her lips forcefully against Buffy’s before exploring the inside of Buffy’s mouth. Pushing gently against Buffy until she is lying down on her back, Tara contemplates a second and whispers “Turn over.”

Buffy blinks a moment at the order and turns over, turning her head with a questioning look toward Faith. Seeing Faith’s shrug and inquisitive look as she watches Tara, Buffy knows she isn’t going to get any help from there.

Easing behind Buffy and straddling one of her legs, Tara reaches down to her hips, lifting gently to get Buffy to pull herself up onto her knees. Reaching behind and down, Tara runs her fingers through Buffy’s wetness, groaning at the juices dripping from her lover before feeling for her clit moaning at how swollen it is and the heat coming off her.

Reaching around with her left hand under the slayers waist and running her fingers through the slayer’s wetness, she uses her left hand to gently rub the slayer’s clit while with the right hand she quickly presses two fingers inside the slayer, moaning in pleasure at the slickness, Tara quickly adds a third finger and starts pounding into the slayer, at the same time pressing in hard against her clit.

Not noticing that Faith has shifted her body behind her, she jumps and groans loudly as Faith quickly inserts two strong fingers inside her, starting a steady rhythm while kissing and licking her neck. Realizing that she was letting off the pressure on her own ministrations when Buffy whimpered, Tara quickly picks them up again putting a little more force behind her thrusts. Feeling Buffy clenching around her fingers, Tara feels her own body clenching in response as they both come at the same time.

Partially collapsing over top of Buffy, Tara kisses her back before easing her fingers out. After a few moments, Tara rolls off Buffy. Flopping onto her back beside Buffy, in the middle of the bed Tara closes her eyes, realizing the sweat is almost dripping from her. “I think I need a shower.” She mumbles out to no one in particular.

Faith chuckles as she curls up on the other side of Tara and watches as Buffy finally collapses on her stomach with her face buried in her pillow. “You don’t need a shower, you smell of good clean sweat and hot sex. In other words you smell absolutely wonderful and if we could bottle it we would make a fortune.”

“Faith, you are one sick puppy.” Buffy mumbles from her pillow. A few seconds later you can hear her giggling quietly. “I still haven’t gotten a damn taste.” Buffy bitches quietly.

“Not my fault.” Tara mumbles sleepily. “Buffy, sweetie?”

“Yes.” Buffy answers quietly, looking over at the blonde that was half asleep and sees Faith looking up smirking slightly, but with heavy eyes.

“Can you turn the lamp off?” Tara whispers and as Buffy turns the light off she smiles in thanks. “I love you two.”

“Love you to.” Buffy smiles over at Faith. “Love you Faith.” Shifting her body down to burrow her face against the witch’s breast, Buffy reaches over to touch Faith as she snuggles up against the other side of Tara.

Throwing a leg over the witch and burying her face in her hair, Faith smiles reaching up to run her hand over Buffy’s arm. Slowly the three women fall asleep.

Faith stretches as she slowly wakes up and looks across a sleeping Tara into mischievous looking hazel eyes. Raising her eyebrow slightly, she whispers “What ya up to B?”

Buffy had woken a few minutes earlier and was lightly running her fingertips over Tara’s body, debating on letting her and Faith sleep or waking them up for an early morning love fest. Watching Faith wake up Buffy smirks slightly at the Dark Slayer’s question.

“I was thinking about possibly having an early morning snack.” Buffy whispers so quietly that only Faith’s slayer hearing could pick it up so as not to disturb Tara yet.

Faith smirks at Buffy before looking at Tara, sleeping so peacefully. “Thinking about maybe a little payback?” Faith whispers back and at Buffy’s nod, she grins. “Go for it, B.”

“I…Should I?” Buffy hesitates slightly, looking at Faith.

“Hell, yeah. You want to. And if there’s something I know about Blondie here after the short time getting to know her, she’s happy making you happy.” Faith grins hugely. “And if that makes you happy…” Faith trails off quietly.

Buffy smiles and leans over to give Faith a gentle kiss. “Thank you.” Eyes lighting up looking at the witch’s body, Buffy starts placing feather light touches across her breasts, gently working her way down between the witch’s thighs. Hearing a slight moan, and feeling Tara shift slightly, Buffy stops looking up. Seeing Tara is still asleep Buffy eases the witch’s legs further apart and settles her body between her thighs. Looking for the first time upon this most intimate place, Buffy inhales deeply. Smelling the witch’s rich, musky, earthy smell makes Buffy groan quietly. Gently running her fingers over the witch’s lips, Buffy strokes and separates them.

Seeing Tara in this way is a humbling experience and Buffy stops to thank God for letting her know this wonderful woman before slowly extending her tongue and easing it out to touch the witch gently. Tentatively easing her tongue in to gather the juices that were already starting to ease from the witch, Buffy tastes Tara for the first time and groans in pleasure. Not able to help herself, Buffy dives in licking more firmly up the witch, gathering more of the wonderful nectar, before running across the witch’s clit. Hearing a loud groan come from the witch and her body starting to shift more, Buffy smiles. Licking more firmly over the hardening muscle, starting to feel it spasm under her attentions, Buffy groans and sucks it into her mouth gently.

Slowly waking from what she believes is a very wonderful dream, Tara realizes that parts of it definitely are not a dream. Feeling an insistent sucking motion on one of her breasts and a hand stroking her stomach she smiles recognizing Faith’s firm, confident touch. Coming more awake she jerks her hips up in response to a persistent mouth sucking and licking her clit.

“Oh, Goddess.” Tara whispers out huskily. Bucking her hips harder into Buffy’s mouth she closes her eyes as both women start a more thorough assault on her body. Feeling Faith suck forcefully on her nipple while running her hand up to knead her other breast, Tara grasps the back of her head pulling her in tighter against her. Rocking her body against Buffy’s increased sucking and firmer licking motion, Tara groans out “Goddess, yes, Buffy! Feels so good.”

Smiling to herself at hearing the witch, Buffy slowly eases a finger inside Tara’s needy center, feeling it clench against her finger. Easing out, Buffy tries for a second finger, feeling how it slid in with no resistance, Buffy hesitates for a moment wondering if she could try for a third. Remembering the women telling her to trust her instincts, Buffy eases a third finger in the witch and groans as Tara bucks hard against the hand, moaning loudly. Quickly setting up a steady rhythm in the witch, Buffy licks persistently at the muscle that is so swollen and red, that Buffy knows it has to be aching for release. Sucking down firmly on the muscle, Buffy gently scrapes her teeth over it making Tara cry out in pleasure as she floods Buffy’s mouth with her juices. Licking up the juices, Buffy extends Tara’s orgasm, before easing up and slowing down her hand motions, feeling the slowing of Tara’s aftershocks.

Turning her head, Buffy kisses first one inner thigh then the other before gently easing her fingers out of Tara and slowly working her way up placing gentle loving kisses along her delectable stomach before flicking her tongue repeatedly against her belly button, making Tara giggle slightly.

Laying to the side of Tara, Buffy watches as Faith continues her assault on the witch’s breasts. “Faith, I think you have a breast fetish.” Buffy laughs out quietly. Then laughs even harder as Tara groans out as Faith bites down on her nipple.

Letting her teeth pull the breast up before releasing it, Faith smirks. “It would be a shame not to with these delights.”

Finally getting her breathing back under control, Tara looks from one slayer to the other then flopping her head back on the pillow before groaning out “Good morning to me.”

Licking her lips to get more of Tara’s taste, Buffy grins. “Nope. Good morning to me. Absolutely delicious breakfast you fixed Tara.”

Faith chuckles in appreciation lying beside Tara, running her hand over the witch’s stomach.

Tara blushes a dark red. “That was so not fair. Taking advantage of a poor sleeping woman like that. How could you?” Tara asks frowning at the two women before smirking. “And when do you plan on doing it again?”

All three women crack up laughing until they hear a knock on the door and Dawn calling out to them.

“Yes Dawnie?” Tara answers.

“Just wanted to let you guys know that I’m heading to school.” Dawn states loudly through the door before giggling. “And can we sound proof my room? You know, poor innocent ears hearing things that might damage me for the rest of my life.”

The three women look at each other in shock at first and as they hear Dawn laughing loudly as she runs down the stairs they all shake their head.

“She’s getting to be a little too smart alecky.” Buffy growls out before smiling slightly.

“Maybe. But she does have a point. We’re either going to have to be quieter or figure out a way so she doesn’t hear what’s going on. Maturing or not, I’m sure some of the noises coming from this bedroom are not meant for young ears.” Tara states seriously.

“I’ll talk with Xander and see if he has any suggestions.” Buffy offers agreeing with the witch.

Faith nods in agreement. “Yeah, don’t want to stunt Squirt’s emotional well-being.”

“And I’ll stop at the store Faith mentioned and pick up some ball gags.” Tara deadpans.

Buffy looks confused at Tara and Faith snorts out a laugh, quickly covering her mouth. “I don’t know what’s worse, the fact that Tara knows what a ball gag is or the fact that Buffy doesn’t.”

Tara smirks at Faith. “You guys don’t know everything about me. Got to keep you on your toes.”

Buffy rolls her eyes and finally growls out “What is a ball gag?”

“It’s what it sounds like, Buffy. A gag with a ball.” Tara grins. Looking from one woman to the other she shrugs her shoulders. “You’d be amazed at the things you learn over the years. Especially at some of those on-campus meet and greets.” Climbing over Buffy to get out of bed, Tara squeals as her butt is smacked firmly. Turning around with narrowed eyes, she sees both women laying on the bed with their arms across their chests smiling innocently. “Right. Like I’m going to believe those looks.”

Throwing on her robe, Tara heads to the bathroom and the first aid kit, grabbing out the small scissors. Coming back into the bedroom she laughs at the two slayers arguing. “What are you two arguing about?”

“Nothing.” Buffy sits up straight on the bed, putting her most innocent face on and looking out of the corner of her eye to Faith.

“Uh Huh.” Tara nods her head and raises her eyebrow looking at Faith.

“Honestly, Blondie. We weren’t arguing over nothing.” Faith grins at Tara. Looking her up and down from where the robe was gaping open since the witch hadn’t tied it closed. Licking her lips at the breasts that she gets a tantalizing glimpse of, she glances at Buffy. “You had your breakfast, I want mine.” Catching Tara’s eye she winks and nods her head almost imperceptibly towards Buffy.

“I’m not stopping you.” Buffy smirks looking up at Tara seeing her breasts peeking out. “She’s definitely…FAITH!”

Tara busts out laughing as Faith literally pounces on Buffy, unceremoniously pushing her legs apart and burying her face in her apex. Knowing from personal experience what the long tongue of Faith’s is capable of, Tara just shakes her head and heads downstairs to fix something for breakfast.

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

Tara smirks as the two women finally come down to eat breakfast. “I know you’ve already eaten…” Tara trails off looking knowingly at the women, “But you might want to have something more substantial.” Grabbing the plates she had left in the oven to keep warm, Tara sets them down in front of each slayer. “I’m going to take a shower and get ready for school. Faith, when you finish, come on upstairs so I can take the stitches out, okay?”

Nodding in acknowledgement as she shovels the food in her mouth, she winks at Tara.

“You two are impossible.” Tara mumbles as she quickly heads upstairs to get ready.

*********

Stepping in the shower, Tara groans at the heat, letting it seep into her bones before reaching for the shampoo, encountering a strong tanned hand instead of the shampoo Tara grins. “Not enough that you watch me dry off, you want to watch me get wet?”

Faith chuckles. “You look all sweet and innocent, but you like making suggestive comments don’t ya?” Picking up the shampoo and putting a dollop in her palms, Faith works Tara’s hair into a rich lather.

“Mmmm. Feels good.” Tara moans at the strong fingers working over her scalp.

“Rinse, I need a shower also, so I figured you wouldn’t mind sharing.” Faith smiles watching Tara lean back and rinse the shampoo out of her hair.

“Go ahead.” Tara murmurs to Faith as she switches places and starts lathering her body up quickly, watching Faith wash her hair, Tara smiles at the picture of a very sexy Faith soaking wet. Grabbing the body wash, Tara fills her palm up with soap and rubbing her hands together before quickly running her hands over Faith’s shoulders and down her arms. Washing Faith’s body, Tara wishes they had more time to do a thorough exploration and groans in displeasure at having to hurry.

“We are going to have to do this again when we have more time.” Tara states running her hands over Faith’s ass and between her cheeks to tease the rosebud there, giggling when Faith spreads her legs and pushes against her. “Definitely deserves further exploration” Tara huskily groans. Quickly rinsing off, Tara climbs out of the shower, chuckling at Faith’s bitching.

“Tease.” Faith grumbles as she climbs out behind Tara and grabbing a towel to quickly dry herself off before running another towel over her hair.

“Sit.” Tara motions to the toilet seat with the scissors in her hand. Kneeling down beside Faith, Tara quickly snips the threads before taking a pair of tweezers and pulling the strings out. Pleased with how well the wound is healing, Tara runs her fingers lightly over the scar before leaning down and placing a kiss on it. Standing back up and putting the items away, Tara dresses quickly.

Faith watches as Tara takes care of her stitches quickly and efficiently, then softly caresses the scar. Seeing the brief flash of pain cross Tara’s eyes as she stands up to finish getting ready, Faith watches her intently. “It’s not your fault, Tara.” Faith whispers quietly, watching Tara stiffen in response.

“Damn it, girl. You got a guilt complex that rivals mine and B’s together! Everything’s not your fault, so stop taking what happens so fuckin’ personal, okay?” Faith stands up looking Tara in the eyes. “I need to get my clothes.” Faith grumbles heading towards the bathroom door, but is stopped by a soft hand on her arm. Turning and looking into apologetic blue eyes, Faith waits.

“It’s just that if it wasn’t for me, you wouldn’t have been hurt, Faith.” Tara whispers quietly.

“Yeah, and if it wasn’t for you I’d still be in fuckin’ jail. For everything I’ve done, I should be buried six feet down, Tara. Instead I’m pardoned from jail, and have the love of not one but two beautiful women. I could die right now and I’d die happy. And all because of you. Take the blame for that instead.” Faith states clearly and sincerely before turning around and quickly leaving the bathroom.

Buffy leans against the doorway of the bathroom with her arms crossed looking at Tara’s shocked face. “She’s right, Tara. You’re helping me realize that I’m not to blame for every bad thing that happens. Now, you need to realize you’re not to blame, either. You’re teaching both of us about love. I can’t speak for Faith, but I’m finding out I didn’t have a clue what love was. Infatuation, yes. Wanting a normal relationship I hooked up with Riley, and didn’t that just turn out wonderful?” Buffy states the last sarcastically. Looking into Tara’s eyes, Buffy whispers in a heartfelt tone “I love you. I can say it and mean it with my whole heart. And you’re the reason.” Buffy quietly states before leaving to go back downstairs.

Leaning back against the sink, Tara stares at the doorway stunned, thinking over what both women had said to her. “Surely I haven’t made that much of a difference in their lives. I can’t have been the reason for it, could I?” Tara whispers to herself wonderingly. Honestly thinking about everything that happened with Buffy since that fateful day she knocked on her dorm room till now, Tara starts believing that maybe her part in everything, was a bigger part than she had ever realized. Her portion in Faith’s life even more so. Running her fingers over her eyebrows, Tara softly smiles. Faith isn’t the only one lucky to have the love of two beautiful women.

“Time to get you to school.” Faith growls out lowly, having been watching Tara for the last few moments, seeing the different emotions crossing the beautiful woman’s face.

Tara jerks her head up at Faith, seeing she’s already holding her book bag in one hand and the helmet in the other. Walking quickly up to Faith, Tara grasps her shirt and yanks her in for a forceful kiss. Pulling back seeing the surprise on Faith’s face, Tara states quietly “I’m going to need to take the blame for fucking you senseless tonight in apology also.”

Watching the blonde head down the stairs with a stunned look on her face, Faith slowly smiles. “Oh, yeah. I can handle that kind of apology.” Faith quickly heads after the blonde, whistling quietly.

Seeing Buffy folding up towels in the living room, Tara quickly walks to her and kisses her passionately. “Thank you.” She whispers before quickly heading out the front door to wait for Faith to take her to school.

Buffy looks up at a smiling and whistling Faith as she heads downstairs. “I guess everything’s straightened out?”

Faith grins before walking over and kissing Buffy. “Pretty much, she’s planning on fucking me senseless tonight in apology.”

“Faith! Did you have to phrase it that way?” Buffy shakes her head in despair.

“Yep. I’m just repeating what I was told word for word.” Faith smirks at the shocked look on Buffy’s face. “Got to take the potty mouthed witch to school. See you tonight?”

“Yeah, I’ll do patrol on my way home, so don’t expect me till 10:00 or later, okay?” Buffy watches as Faith heads towards the door.

“If you’re gonna be much later than that, call.” Faith states before heading out the door.

“Yes, mom.” Buffy mutters to the empty room shaking her head at how much all of them had changed in such a short time.

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

“She was hitting on you.” Faith argues.

“She was not, Faith. She was just being friendly.” Tara states exasperatedly. “She always says hi to me either before or after class. It’s nothing more than that.”

“Then tell me why she turned pale as a ghost when I wrapped my arm around you?” Faith growls out.

“Maybe that’s why!” Tara states with her hands on her hips looking at Faith.

“What is why? My putting my arm around you?” Faith asks confused.

“No, the fact that you growled at her and gave her your ‘I’m gonna stake your ass’ look!” Tara waves her hands in the air. “Personally when you growl, it turns me on. But other people? Not so much.”

Getting sidetracked Faith smirks. “My growling turns you on?”

Rolling her eyes at her lover Tara turns to head towards her next class. “You are a pain in my ass. Why in the world I made Buffy own up to her feelings about you and then let myself love you I’ll never know. Of course the fact that I didn’t have a choice in loving you has no bearing on this!” Tara grumbles with a chuckling Faith following close behind.

“You know when you’re pissed you have this extra sway to your hips that is an absolute turn on?” Faith growls her eyes on Tara’s behind.

“Stop staring at my ass, Faith.” Tara growls loudly, not paying any attention that they had made it to her next class and were attracting the attention of the other students.

“But it’s such a great looking ass.” Faith smirks before glancing up and seeing quite a few people were looking at them with varying expressions on their faces. Throwing her hands up in the air Faith states to the whole class “Well it is a great looking ass - I mean look at it” Faith points to a now extremely red faced Tara. “Of course when it’s clad in tight blue jeans….YUMMY! Even better with noth…”

Slamming her hand over Faith’s mouth Tara looks in her eyes and whispers “Shut. Up.”

“Don’t pay any attention to my friend. She’s practicing for a play she’s in.” Tara states quickly before heading to a chair in the back of the class room amidst giggles and chuckles.

One of the guys leans in as Faith walks by “Personally I like your ass.”

Faith turns and looks him up and down and smirks. “You may like it, but you ain’t gonna get it. That blonde I followed in here does things to me you couldn’t even imagine, let alone hope to duplicate. So go find some gullible co-ed that’ll fall for your cheesy lines.”

Chuckling quietly, Faith sits down beside Tara and scoots the chair closer to the blonde. Seeing the guy looking at them with not a small degree of lust on his face.

“What happened with drool boy?” Tara whispers quietly as she grabs her book and notepad out of her book bag.

“He made a comment about my ass and I set him straight.” Faith grins at Tara.

Tara looks up quickly searching Faith’s eyes. “Exactly how did you set him straight? You didn’t offer a threesome or something did you?” Tara grins slightly.

“Hell no. Just explained to him that he couldn’t hope to ever do the things to me that you do. It seemed to have the response I was looking for.” Faith smirks slightly.

“What to make him drool and want you even more?” Tara groans out quietly and shakes her head. Looking over at the guy in question seeing him still looking at Faith.

Faith watches as Tara quickly stands up and heads over to the guy, frowning as Tara leans in close whispering something in the guys ear. Seeing the man turn pale and quickly turn away Faith looks questioningly at Tara when she sits back down.

“What did you say to him?” Faith asks in a worried tone.

“I just explained things to him.” Tara states innocently flipping her notebook open and pulling the cap off her pen ready to take notes as the teacher walks in.

“Tara?” Faith questions quietly.

“Faith.” Tara states with a raised eyebrow.

“You’re not gonna tell me, are you?” Faith asks lowly.

“Nope.” Tara smiles.

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

Walking in the house Tara rolls her eyes as Faith is almost whining. “I’m not going to tell you, Faith. Give it up already.”

Dawn looks at the two women “What’s going on with you two?”

Faith groans loudly. “Tara said something to this guy in one of her classes and she ain’t telling me what she said.”

“And I’m not going to.” Tara states opening her book bag and spreading her books and notes out on the dining room table before heading to the kitchen to grab something to drink before doing her homework.

“Got any homework Dawnie?” Tara asks as she sits down looking over at Dawn.

“Did it in my free period.” Dawn states changing the channel to Animal Planet. “What’s for dinner?”

“I laid out chicken breasts for you guys, so I figured I’d make chicken alfredo.” Tara states flipping to the chapter to start her assignment.

“What are you having?” Faith questions quietly.

Looking up and smiling Tara looks back down. “I have some vegetables that I’m going to steam and have vegetable alfredo. I’ll probably make some garlic bread to go with it.”

“Anything I can get ready or help with?” Faith looks at the witch.

“If you’re serious, you can get the broccoli and cauliflower heads out of the refrigerator and break off a couple sections of each and clean them and chop them in bite size pieces for me. Throw them in a container back in the fridge.” Tara suggests and smiles as Faith quickly heads to the kitchen. “Thank you, Faith.”

“No problem.” Faith mumbles before heading to the kitchen to keep busy while Tara does her homework and studying.

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

“Faith, will you stop pouting already.” Dawn rolls her eyes at the slayer. “You’re worse than me!”

Tara snorts silently agreeing with Dawn as she comes into the living room looking at Faith sitting in the corner of the couch pouting. “I’ve made Buffy a bowl. And I don’t know about you two, but I’m on the tired side.”

Dawn smirks at the witch “I wonder why that is?”

Flopping down on the couch Tara leans her head back and closes her eyes. “Be nice Dawnie, or the first time you bring a boy home I’ll tell him all kinds of mean things about you.”

“That’s just wrong, Tara.” Dawn whines, making Tara smile in response.

Faith watches Tara and looks carefully at the witch seeing the slight shadowing under her eyes. Frowning in concern she moves to sit beside her. “Are you okay?” Faith whispers running her hand lightly through the honey blonde hair.

Smiling softly at the concern in Faith’s voice, Tara nods. “Yeah, just a little tired is all.”

“Here, lay down.” Faith encourages shifting her body to the other end of the couch and patting her thigh. Smiling as the witch shifts and lays down with her head in her lap, Faith runs her hand down the witch’s shoulder and back. Gently stroking Tara’s back, Faith watches her as she slowly relaxes rubbing her face against Faith’s thigh as she sighs and finally falls asleep.

Dawn watches the two women and smiles seeing the love on Faith’s face for Tara. As Tara falls asleep Dawn stands up. “I’m going to bed.” She whispers quietly to Faith and at Faith’s nod, quietly heads upstairs to bed.

Running her fingers lightly through the soft silken hair Faith grins as Tara moans quietly and shifts her hand up, tucking it under Faith’s thigh. “You are adorable Miss Tara Maclay.” Faith murmurs. “And you’re going to get a full nights rest.”

Faith gently strokes Tara’s hair and back before slowly dozing off.

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

Quietly coming into the house, Buffy locks the door behind her before kicking off her shoes. Looking in the living room, ready to turn the lights off and head upstairs she stops looking at Tara and Faith on the couch asleep.

“Well, I guess there won’t be any celebrations for our windfall tonight, huh?” Buffy states quietly more to herself than the two sleeping women.

Kneeling in front of both women, Buffy notices the shadows under Tara’s eyes. Running her fingers gently down the witch’s cheek.

Faith slowly wakes up noticing Buffy leaning down and gently caressing Tara. “I think everything kind of caught up to her tonight, that and the lack of sleep the last few days, kind of made her crash.” Faith whispers.

Buffy looks up at Faith with concerned eyes. “Is she okay?”

Nodding her head Faith looks down at the witch. “Yeah. She’s okay, just tired. I think a good nights sleep without two horny slayers taking advantage of her will do a world of good for her.” Faith smirks slightly. “How was patrol tonight? What time is it, anyway?”

Buffy grins at Faith. “We do kinda need to remember she doesn’t have our stamina and strength, huh? Even though she has a tendency to make me forget…” Buffy trails off looking at the witch. “She’s beautiful. All this time she didn’t even realize. Such a kind, giving spirit deserves the world, you know.”

Looking back up at Faith, Buffy smiles. “Umm I think it’s close to 10:30 now. Patrol went great, actually one of the vampires had a good chunk of change on him. Enough for me to get everything paid up and current with some left over.” Smirking up at Faith she looks back down at Tara. “I think we need to go shopping this weekend.”

“Good.” Faith whispers. “You didn’t get hurt of anything did you?” Faith asks worriedly.

“Nah, one of them was a scrapper, just felt good to stretch the muscles some, you know. Think I should carry her upstairs?” Buffy looks at Faith smiling softly.

“Yeah, we’ll get her all tucked in bed between two warm bodies and let her get some rest tonight.” Grinning mischievously Faith looks from Tara up to Buffy. “Then we’ll keep her up late tomorrow night. She still owes me.”

Laughing at Faith, Buffy stands up and leans over to gently lift the Wicca into her arms. Smiling as Tara snuggles against her neck and wraps an arm around her. Pressing a kiss to Tara’s head Buffy whispers “I love you.”

Faith smiles at the two women. Following Buffy up the stairs Faith whispers out “We really need to get a bigger bed if all three of us are going to be sleeping together.”

“I know. The only thing is, my room isn’t big enough to have a much bigger bed in.” Buffy whispers back as she gently lays Tara down on the bed. Slowly disrobing the blonde, Buffy glances back to Faith who is quickly stripping off her clothes. “Should we put on her night wear?” Buffy asks quietly as she finishes stripping Tara.

“Nope. I’ve decided bed is nowhere for clothes.” Faith whispers huskily looking at the blonde. “I like the feel of a soft warm body against me.”

Buffy smiles softly at Faith. “I can’t argue with that.” Watching as Faith climbs in the other side of the bed and Tara unconsciously rolling over and snuggling up against the Dark Slayer, Buffy giggles. “She’s like a homing missile towards heat, isn’t she? At least towards you. Me, I’m usually snuggling up against her. Weird.” Shrugging shoulders in dismissal Buffy strips and climbs in bed pulling the covers up over the three women before snuggling up against Tara’s back and wrapping her arm around the blonde to rest her hand on Faith’s stomach.

Running her fingers over Buffy’s hand, Faith smiles as she feels Tara’s hand easing up and cupping her breast. “Night.” Faith whispers out to the two women.

“Love you.” Buffy murmurs plastering herself against Tara and burying her face in the blondes hair before drifting off to sleep.

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

Waking up slowly Tara nuzzles into Faith‘s neck. Smiling at the perpetual spicy smell of the slayer Tara gently sucks at the skin humming in pleasure. Coming more awake she realizes she’s in bed naked between the two slayers. Lifting her head she looks at Faith and smiles before placing a gentle kiss on the slayer’s lips. Easing over the slayer trying not to wake her, Tara smiles as Buffy scoots into the place she had just vacated. “You two are too precious for words.” Tara smiles lovingly at the women before grabbing her robe and heading to the bathroom.

Singing quietly as she makes pancakes, biscuits, eggs and bacon, Tara feels rested and a hundred percent better. Feeling a pair of strong arms wrap around her, pulling her back away from the stove and a face nuzzling into her neck, she giggles quietly. As Faith eases in front of her wrapping her arms around both women and nuzzling into the other side of her neck she groans.

“We woke up and were missing someone.” Faith whispers quietly before kissing Tara’s ear. “So we came to find our missing lover.”

“The eggs are going to burn if you don’t let me go.” Tara whispers, not really knowing if she cares about the eggs or not.

“Personally I’m hungry, so if you two wouldn’t mind letting Tara finish fixing breakfast, I’d like to have something besides cereal this week.” Dawn comments opening the refrigerator and pulling out juice, giggling as she hears the groans coming from her sister and Faith.

Finishing breakfast and scooping it on the plates Tara winks at Dawn. As all the women head to the dining room and sit down to eat, Tara laughs as Buffy and Faith both move the chairs to sit close to her. “What is it with you two?”

“Are you feeling better?” Buffy asks quietly looking into the blondes eyes, noticing that the slight darkening around her eyes was gone and the blues eyes were sparkling.

“Yes. I just needed a good nights rest. Nothing more serious than that.” Looking from Buffy to Faith, Tara smirks slightly.

“What are we doing this weekend?” Dawn asks as she finishes her breakfast.

“Well, I have a rare Saturday off, so we got a full weekend.” Buffy grins looking at Faith and Tara. “I think we need to go shopping.”

“Shopping?” Tara questions.

“Yep. Came across a vamp with a pocket full of cash. I’ll be able to catch us up on bills and have money left over. I figure we could all use some new outfits.” Giving Tara an intent look, Buffy wiggles her eyebrows. “Some of us more than others.”

“I love you two, but you’re going to drive me to drink” Tara exclaims gathering up the dirty dishes taking them to the kitchen before heading upstairs to get ready for school.

“What are you two up to?” Dawn asks getting ready to head to school.

“Tara wore this pair of jeans the other night…” Faith growls low and deep, her eyes hazing over slightly in remembrance.

Buffy giggles at Faith before turning to Dawn. “Let’s just state that Tara has an extremely jeans worthy body and we’re going to update her wardrobe. We aren‘t going to let her hide behind the skirts and ill fitting tops.”

“You two are sick puppies.” Dawn smirks. “I’m going to school. You three try and behave.”

“Bye Dawn. Have a good day.” Buffy grabs her plate up to take to the kitchen.

“Bye Squirt.” Faith winks at Dawn. “See you tonight.” Faith smiles as Dawn leaves, shutting the door behind her. Shaking her head at the young girl, Faith grabs up her dirty dishes and follows Buffy into the kitchen.

“What’cha gonna do today B?” Faith asks quietly watching Buffy load the dishwasher.

“Do you want to take Tara to her classes?”

“No, you go ahead. I’ll go pay off some of the bills then I think I’m gonna finish sorting out the stuff in the garage. Put the trash out by the road since tomorrow’s pick up day.” Buffy smiles as Faith leans in and kisses her briefly. “I think you’re kind of having fun at college, aren’t you?”

“Yeah, actually I am.” Faith grins at Buffy. “Who woulda figured? I guess I better go get ready or Blondie will have my hide.”

Buffy laughs as she watches as Faith hurries out of the kitchen. It seems Tara has Faith wrapped around her little finger. Buffy’s smirk turns into a laugh as she realizes she’d do absolutely anything for the blonde also.

“Should I worry about you being in a room by yourself and laughing?” Tara asks quietly watching Buffy with a small smile playing about her lips.

“Nope.” Buffy smiles before walking over to the blonde, giving her a firm kiss. “Love you.”

Wrapping her arms loosely around Buffy, Tara leans down placing a kiss on the side of her neck. “I love you, too. What are you going to do today?”

Giggling Buffy states “We should all get together to go over each others plans for the day, so we don’t have to repeat ourselves. I’m going to go take care of some of the bills and then work on the garage some more.”

“Are we all going out on patrol together tonight?” Tara murmurs becoming more interested in the skin beneath her lips, lightly kissing and licking between words.

“You keep that up and you won’t be going to class today.” Buffy groans out tilting her head to give the witch better access.

“Why did you remind me?” Tara groans burying her face in the slayer’s neck. “I need to work extra hard the next week to be ready for finals. The professors are hitting on some of the more important information this week. It’s amazing how they wait till right before finals to get to the important stuff.”

“You’re brilliant. You’ll do great.” Buffy states with conviction. “Faith and I will do anything to help you. Just let us know what we can do.”

“Thank you.” Tara whispers before giving a quick kiss to Buffy’s lips before pulling back to reach for her book bag. “I wonder where Faith is?”

“Coming down the stairs!” Faith states as she jumps down the last few steps to land in front of Tara. “Want me?” Faith smirks.

“You know the answer to that.” Tara smirks back. “Let’s head out.” Reaching over and giving Buffy another kiss Tara whispers “Don’t work too hard, today. Love you.”

“Love you, to.” Buffy murmurs. Reaching over and pulling Faith in for a quick hard kiss, Buffy pulls back “I love you.”

Looking down briefly Faith mumbles “Me, too” before quickly heading out the front door, leaving Tara and Buffy looking after her in surprise.

“She’s getting close to opening up completely.” Tara whispers quietly. “She’s come a long way in a short period of time.”

“It’s amazing that all this time all she really needed was someone to love and to love her.” Buffy murmurs quietly. “How could things have been different if we had seen this when she originally came here?”

Tara shakes her head before running her hand softly down Buffy’s shoulder. “Don’t dwell on that, Buffy. Unfortunately there’s nothing we can do to change the past. All we can do is be here for her now. And, just to be selfish, I’m glad we have now, together.” Kissing Buffy quickly, Tara turns around and leaves to go to school.

“Oh, yeah. Definitely enjoying the here and now.” Buffy smiles at the empty room before starting on her day.

**********