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Mirror	By : norwalker Category: -Buffy the Vampire Slayer > FemmeSlash - Female/Female > Buffy/Faith Views: 8848 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Buffy the Vampire Slayer (BtVS), nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 6
- 7
- 8
Mirror

By Norwalker

Part 7

Disclaimer: Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy and Fox own the BtVS characters in this story. Original characters and the story itself are mine.

WARNING: Some BD/SM , mostly suggested, is in the final three scenes of this story( 7, 8 and 9). IF THIS WILL UPSET YOU OR DISTURB YOU, DON"T READ BEYOND SCENE 6. You don't need to read past that to keep up with the story. Read beyond that at your own volition. I've warned you.

"There is only one difference between a madman and me. The madman thinks he is sane. I know I am mad."

Salvador Dali.

1

Buffy's eyes open. She shivers, because she's cold. She looks around.

" What?" She says softly. She sits up, holding her head.

" Oh god, what time is it?" She suddenly remembers she's supposed to be at Giles. For a meeting. She pulls the robe around her, and hurries out of her cubbyhole. Kicking the door behind her, she runs across the attic floor, nearly tripping on a beam. She notices her groin feels very sore. God how many times did I…?

She hurries down the chain ladder, arriving in her room. Grabbing some clothes, she heads for the shower, to wash off her rather pungent odor.

Hurrying downstairs, trying to pull on her boots while on the fly, she sees her mom in the kitchen.

" Mom! What time is it?"

" Quarter of four honey."

" Damn, I was supposed to be at Giles at 3 . Damn!" She hops around on one foot, trying to get on her boot. " Why didn't anyone get me?"

" Faith wanted to, but I told her to let you sleep."

" WHY? I have a meeting , mom. You know that!"

" Honey, you were out all night," Joyce says, " Maybe next time you'll remember your responsibilities before staying out til all hours."

" Mom, really not a good time for a lecture, ok? Can you give me a ride?"

" Sorry honey, I'm on my way back to the Gallery. Don't have time to drop you."

" Mom, please!"

" I'm sorry dear, but I'm meeting with an important buyer in…" She looks at her watch, " … 15 minutes. I better be going."

" Mom, please, it's important!"

" So is this, dear. Sorry, but you've got to learn your actions have consequences. You'll just have to walk." Joyce heads for the door, " See you later honey." She exits.

" Damn, " Buffy grumbles as she heads for the front door, " Now she has to ' Mom knows best ' routine!".

Cursing up a storm, Buffy disappears through the front door.

2

" Well, isn't this just sucky?" Faith grumbles.

She's leaning against a small bookcase by the window in Giles' apartment. Her hands are gripping the edge tightly. The others are scattered about the room. Closest to her is Angel.

" Faith, don't take it that way," Angel says, moving towards her.

" How'm I supposed to take it, Angel? Tap dance across the floor and blow kisses? What's the sudden rush to leave?"

" It's not sudden, Faith. I've been here nearly a year now. It's time to go."

" What? How'd you figure that? Someone timing you? Someone checked a clock and said, " Hey, big fella, times up. Move on"?"

" There's nothing more for me to do here, Faith," Angel says, a little exasperated.

" Nothing more to do? What about your girlfriend? You know, the one who went undead and then back alive? She doesn't need you anymore? How'd you work that one out? Oh, she's been back two whole weeks, so of course she's ' over it' now, right? No issues there,nuh-uh. Never mind she spends all day sitting at home, staring at the plants, and talking to walls. Nope, she's back and hey, Angel's out of here."

" Faith, don't you think you're exaggerating a little…" Giles says.

" No, I'm exaggerating a whole lot. But that's not the point, is it?" She walks over to Angel. " What are you thinking? Wasn't it less than 3 weeks ago you were all boo-hooing to me on Willow's porch that you felt all guilty, and how you failed Buffy, and how you should've protected her better? Now it seems you can't wait to get your ass outta town. So what changed, Angel? Did your little squeeze in L.A. call up and threaten to leave you if you don't come home?"

SLAP!!!

" There's my boy!" Faith smirks, rubbing her cheek." Did I hit a nerve, Fang?"

"Alright, you two, I think that is quite enough, " Giles says, walking over between them. " I don' think this is helping anything!"

" Oh I think it's helping bunches," Faith says," At least I know there's something in there, " Faith pokes Angel's chest, " not just a big block of ice."

"Faith, that's quite enough. I told Angel it was time to leave, " Wes says, arms folded across his chest.

" Oh, you did?" Faith comes over to him. " When did you become the expert, Wes old boy?" She reaches out, touching his cheek, " Maybe we should go in the next room and have a chat about this. Like the old days. You tied up in a chair, me with an aerosol spray can and a bic? What do you think?"

" Threatening me won't do a thing, Faith. Angel's done all he can here. There's nothing more for him to do. It's time he left."

" All he can do? What was that exactly?" Faith turns to the others, " Stand around all broody? Lurk in the shadows. As I recall, I'm the one with the sore ribs from fighting psycho girl. And now, when she needs him the most, he's bailing. So I'm wondering, exactly why'd you even bother to come in the first place."

" Exactly what can I do, Faith?" Angel says, " You're right. I'm lurking in the shadows, following her around, for what purpose? I can't protect her all the time. No one can. She has to learn to do that herself. All I'm doing here is smothering her."

" Where'd you get that from. Oh wait, let me guess, " Faith points at Wes, " Mr. Expert over there."

" It's true, Faith, " Giles intercedes. " Buffy's at a crossroads now. Angel being here only complicates matters. She has to start living her life as normally as she can. She can't really do that while Angel's in town. Him being here only brings up the past for her, what she was. To compare to what she became. That won't help her."

"What if she needs to talk about it?" She turns on Giles, " What then? She going to come to you? She needs someone who's been there, knowing what she's going through. Can you do that?"

" No, " Angel says," he can't. But you can."

" What?"

" You've been there, Faith. You know what it's like. She can talk to you."

" Oh, that's great! Why didn’t I think of that?" Faith says acidly, " not only do I get to be the slayer, I get to be her Dr. Laura, too." She shakes her head, walking back to the window. " I've been talking with Angel for nearly 5 years what happened to me, and I'm still dealing with it." She turns back to them, " how'm I supposed to be able to help her?"

" By listening. That's what she needs most, like you," Angel says, " listening, and encouragement. That's all I've done for you."

" Well, what if I need someone to listen then? Who do I talk to, huh? Who's going to listen to me?"

" I thought maybe I could do that, " Willow says softly. She gets up from the couch, and goes to Faith. " I thought we were friends? Maybe I could listen…"

" Thanks, Red, Appreciate it. But you're not part of the Murder Club. How could you understand?"

" No, I haven't murdered anyone, you're right, " Willow says, " but I've touched power, Faith. Dark power. Power you can't imagine. I know how it feels to have that power, to want to use it. To want to …" She trails off. She looks at Faith with hardened eyes. " I know how addicting it is, how hard it is to come back. " she touches Faith's arm. " It hurts, and you know you've hurt others. You wonder if you can ever make up for that."

The two stand there, silently looking at each other, sharing a brief moment.

" There is something else we have to discuss, Faith, " Giles says, " could you please sit down?" He waves at the sofa.

" Oh swell, more good news, " Faith makes a face, but sits. Giles sits next to her.

" So?" Faith says, as the pause lengthens.

" There's something I should've said since your return, and haven't Faith." Giles begins. " I'm glad you came back."

"Well, so far, that makes one of us."

" Please Faith, I'm trying to be serious, " Giles says.

" Well, there's a switch," Faith mocks. She sees Giles' expression, "ok, ok, don't have a Angus. Go on."

" When you came here 5 years ago, it was a difficult time for all of us. You'd lost your watcher, the Mayor was working on Ascending, and everything was at sixes and sevens." He pauses for a moment, collecting his thoughts, " I didn't realize then you were as … troubled as you were. Looking back on it, I should've done more to make you feel a part of this. But I was distracted, and I didn't see you needed more than I gave you. And then there was the trouble…"

" Giles, don't pussyfoot around. I killed Alan Finch, ok? I know that."

" Yes, I know, and I also know I didn't handle the aftermath very well. I didn't get much help from a certain Ex-Watcher who took matters into his own hands and will remain nameless…"

" I was carrying out the accepted Council protocol Giles, for that situation. Maybe if you'd taken me into your confidence, rather than sneak around behind my back… I was Faith's Watcher, after all…"

" Yes, and we know how that turned out, don't we Wes?" Faith says dryly.

" Yes, " Wesley replies, equally aridly.

" Perhaps I should've, Wes. Except if you recall, you were rather a full of yourself Prig in those days. And that's beside the point. The point is, I handled it badly, and I wish to apologize to you."

" Well, I didn't make it exactly easy for you, Giles. I mean, going evil and killing a bunch of people." She sighs. " But it would've been nice to know I could've trusted you and turned to you when it went down, won't deny that."

" Exactly so, and I wish you'd felt that way too, but that wasn't the case, and I'm sorry."

" That's ancient news, Giles. Maybe this time we can handle it differently." Faith pats his shoulder.

" I'd really like that," Giles smiles briefly. " Now, Buffy's in the same position you were in…"

" I knew there had to be a catch, " Faith frowns.

" Faith, she needs someone to be there for her, that understands what she's going through to help her…"

" Gee, wasn't that what I was saying oh…. Five minutes ago?"

" Someone who is not Angel, who can help her over this time. Part of her problem is she did all these terrible things, but she has no way to … atone for them. She's not the slayer anymore; we took that when we took the vampire out of her. Still, she needs something she can fight, something she … how did she put it once?… oh yes, … beat up … so she can feel better about herself. Do you understand?"

" What? Do you want me to let her beat me up once a week or something? Just for old times' sake?"

"Of course not. That's… a joke, yes, very funny," Giles coughs, " No, Faith, what we think, and Angel, Wes and I talked about this, is that Buffy needs to go on patrols with you."

Faith sits there momentarily, as if she can't believe her ears. Then she smiles. " Oh, you made a joke. Ummm… not really funny, but Yuk, Yuk." She stands up, walks a few feet, then turns. " ARE YOU PEOPLE NUTS? Take Blondie out on patrol with me? Nutso girl? Isn't my life crappy enough? You just said it, Giles. She's not a slayer. How's she supposed to cope out there without the powers. Beg the vampires to hold still for a minute while she drives a stake in them? She'd get herself killed. Worse, she'd get BOTH of us killed. This has got to be the … dumbest idea I've ever heard of."

" I'd agree, Faith," Angel puts in, " if Buffy had never done this before. But she was a slayer a long time. She's not going out green. She knows the ropes."

" Right. But what happens the first time a vampire hits her and she crashes into a wall? Lights out for Buffy!"

" Faith, its not like civilians haven't gone out before. Willow here often accompanied Buffy patrolling."

"Yeah, and I'm still here!" Willow pipes up.

" Right. But you were playing with a full deck, Red. Buffy's not. You knew to be careful. She won't. No, this is a stupid idea. I don't need an Insane-o ex-slayer to babysit…"

There's a crash by the front door. Everyone turns. Buffy is standing there, standing in a pile of vase shards. She looks up at them, her eyes dead.

"Sorry, " She said softly, " sorry."

Without another word, she turns and walks out the door, slamming it behind her.

"Aw crap, great, really great, " Faith sighs." I better go after her…"

" No, stay. I'll go, " Willow says, coming to the front." I think you've done enough, Faith."

She follows Buffy out.

3

Willow finds Buffy sitting at one of the tables in the courtyard, staring straight ahead. She walks over, and sits down next to her. Buffy looks at her, then goes back to staring.

" What do you want?" Buffy says in flat tone. She doesn't look over at Willow.'

Willow reaches out to take Buffy's hand, but Buffy pulls it away.

" I just came to see if you were ok?"

" Know what? I wish you and everyone else would quit asking me that. It doesn't matter what I answer, you'll think I'm not ok, anyway, so why bother?" Buffy starts drumming her fingers on the table.

" Buffy, I really want to know. Are you ok?"

" You're still here? Why don't you go, please?"

" Is that what you want?" Willow asks.

" Yes, " Buffy almost seems to sigh it. " Please, just go away."

Willow starts to stand up. Then she sits back down.

" No."

" What?"

" No, I'm not going until you talk to me. We've been running away from each other, and I'm tired of it. I want to know, so I'm not leaving til I do."

" Running away? I haven't been doing the running. You're the one who's always leaving when I show up."

" Ok. I admit, it's been hard to be around you, Buffy. I got the feeling that you didn't want me around. That you were all about Faith."

" Is that why you told her what you did? God, I wish…"

" What?"

" It's hard enough living around her without her thinking I'm a nutcase, Will. Why'd you tell her that?"

" Because when I came to see you, all you could do was talk about her. What did you expect me to think? I thought you… had a crush on her. I was…ok, I was jealous, ok? I was your best friend, but all that seemed to come out of your mouth was Faith. It hurt. Why do you think I didn't come back? Or want to be around you?"

" You came to see me what? Third day I was 'back'? I was really out of it then, Will. Did that occur to you? Although, listening to you I wonder who was really out of it."

" What's that supposed to mean?"

" God, don't you remember how awkward it was? I sure do. You sat there, staring at me, not saying a word. I felt like I was on display or something, the freak to come look at. Every time I'd bring something up that wasn't Faith, you were skittish and nervous and looking to bolt. I finally figured that Faith was a safe thing to talk about. So I did. A lot, because YOU sure weren't helping things along much."

" What was I gonna say, Buffy? You looked so… and you'd just been a … and I didn't know what to say. I was afraid I'd make things worse. And when I got there, you didn't look all that happy to see me. Maybe it was the fact you were 'out of it' like you said, but that sure didn't make it easier. And you seemed … I don't know, calm about talking about Faith, and it seemed like something you wanted to do, so I let you. "

" All you had to say was " How are you" and mean it. I wanted so much for someone to listen to me. But no one did. Not even you, my best friend for… god, forever it seems, Will. No one wanted to know how I really was. Everyone wanted me to just ' get over it' and move on. But that's not gonna happen, Will. Don't you see that?"

" No, I really don't see that, Buffy. Everyone has something that really shakes them up, Buffy. Sure, for awhile, they're out of it, trying to find their feet again. But eventually they start to adapt, to make adjustments, and move on. Eventually they come back to who they are. You say it's not going to happen. I don't get that."

" You guys want me to be Buffy again. The Buffy you knew. Funny, sorta clever, some would even say sweet. Totally self involved, but big hearted, loves her friends, would do anything for them, right? And terribly innocent. Oh god was she innocent."

" Ok Buffy, why're you talking about yourself like it's a totally different person? That's creepy!"

" It is a totally different person. What I went through, what happened to me? Changed me Will. Changed me in ways I can't just ' change back.' The Buffy you knew… she's gone, Will. Spike killed her. She's not coming back. Not completely, not ever."

" Buffy!"

" No, will, it's true." Buffy sighs heavily. " She's gone. I … what I did… is all coming back to me, Will. I had dreams all along, dreams of killing and feeding, blood and … and I couldn’t sleep it was so scary. I wrote the stuff down, in a journal, trying to make sense of it. Then they started leaking into my consciousness, and I knew it wasn't just dreams. They were memories. Memories of what I'd done. God it made me sick, Will. I wanted to hide, to hit my head against a wall until I couldn't think anymore, they’re so horrible. I withdrew because I knew, I just knew you'd all see what a monster I'd become!"

" Oh, Buffy! We know that wasn't you. That was the thing that lived in you. You're not that way…"

" Aren’t you listening to me, Will? I just told you, I've changed. The Buffy you knew, the Buffy you want? She's not that way. But I am. God, it's so bad that when I look in the mirror, I don't know that person. Who is she? She's not me, not the monster. She doesn't look like the monster, Will. Maybe she is… maybe that's what the monster is. Putting on an innocent face to hide the ugliness."

" Buffy, honey, " Will gets up, going to her and putting her arms around her, "don't, please! Don't do this to yourself."

" Do this to myself? Think I like this? Feeling this way? God…" Buffy lays her head on the table." I hate this, hate knowing all this. Hate what it's done to me, how it's changed me. But the worst part? No, I can't tell you… "

" Buffy, you can tell me anything… anything," Willow hugs her. " You're not alone, honey. I'm your best friend. Don't be afraid. I'm here… I'll do whatever I can to help you. Just talk to me. "

Buffy looks up, her eyes are wet. " No, you won't understand. You'll hate me, you'll know I'm a monster. I can't take that, not from you too. Everyone looks at me like… and I just couldn't take it from you…"

" Buffy, I love you. You're my best friend. You're like my sister. Nothing you can tell me will change that," Willow pulls her closer, looking in her face. " Trust me, Buffy, please. Please don't shut me out, not now."

" Stop it. Stop touching me. It just makes it harder, so much worse. Don't forgive me, I don't deserve it. Run, Will, Far away, get as far from me as you can. Please, for your own sake, just go."

" No, I won’t go, Buffy. You're hurting, and I cant' stand seeing you this way. I won't run away just because things are rough. "

" Rough? Things are rough?" Buffy laughs, " You have no idea…" She shakes Willow off, and moves away from her. " Rough isn't even scratching the surface, Will. You have no idea what I'm feeling, what's happening to me. Not a clue."

" Then make me know! I'm not going, Buffy Summers, and you can't make me go. Make me understand what you're going through, because otherwise I'm just going to be after you until you do."

" I can't, don't you see?" She looks at Will, and seems to lose her energy. She sits down heavily." Alright, you really want to know? God, I should just shut up, because when I tell you, you'll hate me. Hate me more than anything. But I need… you're sure you want this?" She puts her head down on the table.

" Yes, yes, I'm sure. I want you to tell me!" Willow exclaims," please, I need to know."

" Fine," Buffy says, raising up.

Willow is almost shocked by the look on her face. Her eyes look dead, her whole face seems to belong to someone else. She's never seen Buffy like this before, and it scares her.

" Buffy," She whispers.

" You want to know what's in me. Fine. I'll tell you, " Buffy says, looking at her with dead eyes, " As much as all of this makes me sick, so sick I want to puke my guts out, as much as I wish so much that I couldn't remember this, how I want to drive nails in my head to forget, with all that, I want it. I want it bad."

" Want what, Buffy?"

" All of it, Will. The feelings, the cravings, the power. The emotions, oh god, how they tasted, the blood, .. I want it all back. I crave it like a drug. I need it Will. I only feel half alive without it. I want it back!!

" Buffy… I don't understand…"

" I WANT TO BE A FUCKING VAMPIRE AGAIN!"

4

Willow feels like someone just reached inside her and twisted her guts. She feels like she wants to throw up. Her heart feels like ice, and she can't seem to breath. She gets up, overturning her chair.

" Buffy…" the name seems to hiss out of her lips.

" I warned you, didn't I? I told you. You hate me, and I can't blame you. I hate me, for wanting this. But God, Will, I can't help it. I can't help it." Buffy starts to cry.

" Buffy…" Willow approaches her, but Buffy waves her off.

" No, don't. DON'T! I'm evil Will, I'm weak and evil. God, the craving burns in me. It's like crack. Like heroin. I crave it so badly it makes me shake. And I hate that I feel like this, I hate it!"

" Buffy don't, please, " Willow comes to her. She finds she's afraid to touch her. " I told you, you can tell me anything, and I meant it. I'll help you, I promise."

"How, how can you help, Will? How can you know what I feel? How much I need it. How awful I feel wanting it so bad, and how awful it feels not having it?"

" Don't you remember, Buffy, how badly I was addicted to the magic? How much I craved it? I remember you staying with me, holding me when I was so shaky I thought I would die. I wouldn't have made it without you and the others. Now, let me help you."

" You can't… you went through that, and came out you again. It didn't change you, it didn't make you into a monster. You didn't… "

" No, I didn't kill anyone. But I came close Buffy, so close. When Glory did what she did to Tara, I was furious. Not just furious… I was beyond that. I was full of hate. Hate and guilt. I wanted to just give in, let the magic take me. I wanted to destroy the whole town, the whole World if I had to, if that's what it took to destroy that…thing."

" But you didn't, Will, you didn't . You weren't so weak that you gave in. You stopped yourself."

" Only because you killed Glory. If you hadn't…." Willows eyes are hard as gems, remembering what she'd planned.

" I never knew, Will."

" It was after that, coming so close, and watching Dawn die… that I stopped. I had to. I was way out of control. I know I would've done it … I know it."

" I'm so sorry, Will."

" This isn't about me," Willow says, shaking it off, " It's about you. If I can do it, you can too. You can come back, Buffy. I know it."

" I can't, I just can't. I've tried so hard to drown it , to bury it, but it just comes roaring back stronger. When I'm not torturing myself over what I've done, the need comes back, wanting me. And I want it. Every day, it’s stronger, and I'm weaker."

" Tell me, Buffy, tell me about it, " Willow gets over her fear, and leans over, hugging her, " It'll be easier if you tell me about it."

" How can I tell you so you understand? " Buffy's voice and face seem to change, become dreamy. " It's like the ultimate thrill. To hunt. To go hunting. To feel that need in you, like a burning fire. You go out, and look. Some do it in alleys, but I liked clubs. I liked the noise, the heat, and the sweat. But more, I liked the raw emotions. Need, lust, desire, the sexual tension so thick you could cut it. All of them hunting, hunting for someone to hold them, need them, love them. Desperately posing to attract someone. It was delicious, just standing on the catwalks, just looking down, feeling it wash over me like waves." Buffy shudders.

Willow hugs her, misunderstanding. " It's ok, baby, I'm here."

" I'd scan the crowd, looking, searching for the perfect one. The one with the most need. The one that didn't seem to quite fit, didn't quite belong. Wasn't sure what he or she was doing there…"

" He or she? You went after girls, too…?" Willow looks confused.

" Oh god, yes. Women were the best. I swear, there's a difference in taste between the two of them. And I liked how women tasted more than men."

Willow is silent. And a little shocked.

" I'd find her. I knew her as soon as I saw her. I had a feeling in my gut that she was the one, the one with the most need. It almost seemed to roll off her in waves." Buffy stops and turns her head to look at Willow. " Please, Will. It's not helping you hugging me. Go sit down." Her voice is flat.

" Ok, Buffy, " Willow again misunderstanding, feels hurt. She lets go, and sits across from Buffy. " Go on," She says quietly.

" I felt this incredible charge through my body, because I knew I was close. That I was close to getting what I needed. I would slip down, but not go immediately to her. I'd move around, working to get her to notice me, see me. It was important. I needed her to notice me. Maybe not realize she was, but she was. And then I'd move in. It was like …I can't describe it. But I'd be here, then I'd be there, next to her. " Buffy uses her hand to show this, " and it was like I was weaving her in my net, pulling her in. But I had to be careful. I had to read her, figure out what she was looking for, and be that for her. Sometimes they just wanted someone to talk to. Sometimes they just were lonely, and needed someone with them. Mostly, they wanted more. They wanted to be touched, to touch, to feel needed. And I was good at making them feel needed."

Willow watches Buffy's face, and sees it seem to change. She can see the lust, the desire in it. She can feel the need roll off her in waves. It scares her, and fascinates her.

" I had to get them to trust me. I'd work them, bringing them out. I watch for the cues. The little touches, the smiles, how they'd get the little flush …" Buffy reaches out, touching Willow's neck. Willow shudders. "… here… or…" She touches Willow's cheek."… here. I’d laugh at their stupid jokes, smile at the right times, and commiserate with their problems. Soon they felt I was their long lost best friend." Buffy looks at Willow, and Willow feels a strangeness course through her.

" Then I'd manage to get them to dance with me. Think of it like a mating ritual. I'd dance with them, at first ' accidentally' touching them, or bumping into them. But as I sensed and smelled their increasing desire, I'd get more aggressive, touching them, rubbing against them, getting my lips so close to theirs I could taste their ache. I loved that ache, that need. I ate it like candy, and it got me hot. Real hot. I kept feeding it so I could feed on it."

Willow finds herself spellbound. She doesn't even realize she's leaning in towards Buffy. She suddenly finds her hand in Buffy's, Buffy's thumb caressing her palm. She feels a warmth go through her, and her tummy feels all tingly.

" Everybody needs something, Will. They need to feel wanted, needed. To be seen, to have someone really see them, and want what they are." Buffy's voice is hushed, almost a whisper." That's what I'd give them. That feeling of being seen and wanted."

"Sometimes we’d dance one dance, sometimes a lot of dances. But by the time we were done, they were ready. I could sense, I could feel, I could smell how ready they were." Buffy is staring straight into Willow's eyes.

Willow feels a shiver go down her spine, but is it fear or excitement? She sees Buffy's eyes, and they seem to have grown larger. She feels she could get lost in her eyes. Without realizing it, she's leaned in closer, and so has Buffy. She no longer is holding Buffy's hand; Buffy's hands are on her arms. She hears Buffy's words, but they seem far away.

" I'd take their hand, or put my arm around them, or do whatever they wanted me to do, and lead them out of the club. I'd pretend I needed air, but it wasn't air I was after. Once out the door, I'd draw them in, and start kissing them. Hot, wet kisses, Will, kisses that make your hair curl and your toes tingle. Kisses that seemed to go on forever. I'd taste their sweetness, and they'd taste my fire."

Willow feels a warmth in her groin, and a dampness between her thighs. And she doesn't care.

" If they were bold, I would take them there. Make love to them, open their clothes and caress them with my tongue, my fingers, and my lips. See their hard nipples aching for my kisses. Smell their wanton desire leaking out of them. If they were shy, I'd hold them, and touch them, and light their fire. But I'd take them to my nest, my special nest I had for just taking them. Either way, I'd make them feel me, want me, need me. "

Willow feels herself quivering in need. Buffy's hands are on her shoulders, her face, her lips scant inches from her own. Her eyes seem to have swallowed Willow up, caressing her, undressing her, touching her.

" I made love to them, Willow. I touched them with a softness, a sweetness if that's what I felt they wanted, or with a wildness, an abandon if that was their need. I'd taste their honey, and I'd let them taste mine. And I'd bite them, Willow. Just little bites, so they'd get used to the idea of being bitten. Sometimes I'd draw just a little blood. Just enough to taste. Oh, god, Willow, there is nothing sweeter than the taste of a woman's blood as it leaks from her breast."

Willow feels her nipples aching painfully, and her dampness has increased. Her breathing has become more difficult.

" When I had satisfied them, when I'd made them feel loved and special, that's when I took them. I'd watch the afterglow in their eyes turn to fear, pain and ecstasy as my fangs sunk into their neck. The blood, god, it was sweet, it tasted like heated wine as it ran down my throat. I could taste their fear, their pain, and their ecstasy as I drained them. As it happened, as they let go of life, I'd give them a kiss… a soft kiss… a loving kiss goodbye."

Willow feels Buffy's soft lips on her, and her own seem to be on fire. She kisses her hungrily, mewling her need. Buffy gently pushes her away, looking in her eyes.

" That's what I had, Will. That's what I crave again. That power, that feeling. To take what I need, and give what they needed. I … " She blinks, and breaks the spell.

Willow sits back hard in her chair. Her body shakes with lust and fear. She looks at Buffy with wide, frightened eyes.

Buffy comes over to her, kneeling beside her chair. Her face is a mask of sorrow and contrition.

" Oh, God, Willow. I'm so sorry. I got lost in my story, and I didn't realize… oh god, I didn't mean to scare you!"

Willow shivers again, all her body telling her to run, run, and run now. But she grasps the arms of her chair, and holds tight.

" No, no, it's good Buffy. It's good you told me. To get it out and face it…" Her voice is quavering, fear competing with lust.

" I'm so evil," Buffy cries, moving away. " you're my best friend. God, how could I do that to you?"

" No, Buffy, shhh, " Willow says, coming behind her and circling Buffy with her arms. " It's a good thing, really, Buffy. To get it out, we can understand it, and help you cope." She feels Buffy shaking in her arms." No baby, don't cry. Don't"

"I've missed you so much, Will, "Buffy sobs. " I thought you hated me. It was like a knife in my heart."

" I couldn't hate you, Buffy, " Willow says softly, squeezing her. " You're special to me. I love you, Buffy."

Buffy leans heavily into her. " All I want to do is help. Why can't they understand that? Why can't she understand that? I just want to make up for the evil things I did. I just want to help!" Her breathing hitches. " Help me?"

" Shhh… don't worry. I'll talk to her, convince her. We all will, Buffy. " Willow puts her head on Buffy's shoulder." I'll help you. We all will."

" I love you so much, Will, " Buffy turns in her arms, facing her. " I…" She slips her arms around Willow's neck." … I love you, you know that, don't you?"

Willow nods. " Yes, I know that."

" I can feel it, Willow. Your need. I guess that's a leftover from…" She trails off.

" Need? I don't…."

" Oh, Will. It's been so long since someone held you, isn't it? " She moves her face closer." Since someone looked at you, wanting you. I can tell, honey."

" Buffy, " Willow feels suddenly uncomfortable. " Don't. I love Tara."

" I know, honey, I know, " Buffy says, quietly, " I'm not … oh god, I wouldn't Willow. I just…telling you I feel … and I know how much you hurt, you ache. I wouldn't… I mean, god, that'd be wrong!"

" Buffy.. I didn't mean…I just… oh god, " Willow lowers her head onto Buffy's shoulder. Buffy hugs her tightly. "It's just been so long ,Buffy. I love Tara, I do. But I never see it back in her eyes. She doesn't see me. I need someone to see me, want me again. I …" She sniffles, raising her head. " God, I'm sorry. This is about you, and here I am getting all weepy about myself."

" Shhh, don't, Will. I understand, I really do, " Buffy says. She looks directly into Willow's eyes. " It wouldn't mean your cheating on her, honey. You're just… needing to be loved a little. What's so bad about that?" She leans in, and kisses Willow's throat.

Willow sighs audibly. The feeling is incredible. But she pushes Buffy away, gently.

" No, please, Buffy. Don't. It's not right."

Buffy looks hurt. Then she sighs, and pulls away. " I know. I'm bad. God, I'm so sorry." She turns away.

" No, Buffy…no…" Willow catches her shoulder, turning her around. She feels awful when she sees the tears in Buffy's eyes. "God , you… I haven't felt anything like that… but, I can't. Not with you. I might fall in love with you, Buffy, and I couldn't do that to Tara. I just couldn't. It'd break my heart if I had to hurt you."

Buffy nods, " I’m sorry, I shouldn't have done that. But I just felt your need, and wanted to make it better."

" I know, Buffy. You're so sweet. You think you're this evil thing, but I can so see the sweetness in you. You're just lost, you're not gone."

" You really think so?" Buffy says, looking hopeful.

" Of course."

" I just wish I could help you, Will. I hate to see you , feel you hurting like this." Then she smiles knowingly.

" What?"

" It's…her, isn't it?"

"What? Who?"

" Faith? You want her don't you? You want her to fill the need, don't you?" Buffy chuckles knowingly. " It's not me with the crush, not really, is it?"

Willow starts to protest, then blushes and lowers her head.

" I knew it!" Buffy almost crows. " I knew I saw what I saw."

She lifts Willow's chin, smiling." C'mon, it's ok. I'm not hurt. Heck, she's gorgeous, we can agree on that? Right?"

Willow nods, shyly.

" And she's funny, and smart, and so alive. God, I'd pick her over me any day!"

" Buffy!" Willow looks pained, " it's not like that at all!"

" Hey, it's ok, you know? Anyway, it’s best we stay just friends, don't you think? It could get all weepy and complicated with us. But with her…" She nods. " I think you could get what you need, and not get burned."

" I dunno, Buff, " Willow says.

" Look, it's just to take care of that…" Buffy makes a grunting sound." It doesn't have to be more. And if it is, would that be the end of the world?"

" Buffy, I love Tara!"

" Will, I'm your best friend. And I hope you won't get angry with me. But she's gone, baby. She's been gone for three years. I know you love what she was, but she's not that anymore. She's just the body. The spirit, what she was, has moved on. And so should you."

" But, Buffy, I… I just…"

"Will, you can't wear black forever. You can't mourn her forever. It's not healthy, and it's not right, " Buffy takes Willow's face in her hands. " And she wouldn't want this, either. Do you think she'd want you to hurt like this forever? Be honest."

" N-No, I guess not," Willow looks intensely sad.

" Of course she wouldn't. She'd want you happy. Like I do. And anyway? Who knows if this would turn into anything but simple comfort? I don't, you don't. So don't get all fired up before something does happen, ok?"

Willow nods.

Buffy drops her arms to Willow's shoulders. " Look, it’s not going to be easy. I kinda sounded Faith out on the subject, and she's kind of … well…hesitant."

" You what?" Willow's head snaps up. " You talked about this with Faith? When?"

" This morning, at breakfast. After she confronted me wanting to know if I have a ' thing' for her."

" Oh."

" That's how I found out how you told her. And I also suggested to her that maybe you were crushing on her."

" YOU DIDN'T!" Willow looks panicked. " Did you?"

Buffy nods.

" And I don't think she's exactly hating the idea. To quote, when I asked how the kiss was…"

" She told you about that?" Willow asks.

" Uh-huh… you little vixen, she did!"

Willow blushes. She looks at Buffy. " Did she hate it?"

Buffy snorts. "God no. How'd she put it?" She thinks about it. " Oh yeah, ' it was nice' not exactly sounding like she hated it."

" Really?" Willow looks almost eager. " She thought it was nice?"

Buffy nods, "But I gotta tell you, she's a little wiggy about…being with a girl."

" Really?" Willow's face falls.

" Oh, don't get sad. I think she's not allergic about it, more like she's …well, shy about it. It's a new idea to her, I think. And hey, not like she hasn't fantasized about it."

" Really?"

" Yeah… and guess who was her fantasy?"

" You?" Willow says.

" No, silly… you!"

" NO WAY!"

" Way"

"No ... I don't believe you Buffy Summers. You're yanking me!"

" Ok, don’t believe me, " Buffy says, " but she said she came so hard, she almost broke her bed."

" No way! Now I know… really?"

Buffy nods.

"Wow!"

" I'd say, definitely wow. So… maybe just take it slow. Drop hints. Let her know you're willing, but won't push it, you know? Give her time to warm up to the idea. I'm thinking in time, she'll come around."

" You think?"

" Yeah, but don't rush it, Will. Let it take its course, ok? If you rush it, she might bolt."

" Ok… she's not like repulsed by the idea, is she?"

"No… just when it comes to girls, she's a virgin. Nervous and flighty. So you can't get all amorous, or she'll turn and run."

"Ok."

" Feeling better?" Buffy kisses her cheek.

" Yeah, I do," Willow says. " Oh my god, this wasn't supposed to be me feeling better. God Buff I'm so sorry!"

"Hey, if I give you a happy, I'm happier, ok?" Buffy smiles, " and anyway, now that my little secret's out, at least to you, hey. I mean if Faith moves too slowly, and you're feeling really horny, you know my bed's open to you."

" Buffy!" Willow makes a face. " You're terrible!"

" Uh-huh… but not in bed!"

" God, you are changed. You never used to be so…"

"Aggressive?"

" I was gonna say, slutty, but aggressive works."

Buffy laughs. " I like sex. I found that out being a vampire. Sue me!"

" Oh, I don't think that's necessary. And I gotta admit, when you were telling me about being a vampire, it was really hot!"

"Sooo…?"

" But I just so afraid, with how I feel about you, things could get messy."

" Mmmm… messy. I like messy!"

" BUFFY SUMMERS !!! YOU' RE SUCH A …"Willow exclaims

" Hot little piece of ass?" Buffy wiggles her brow.

" GRRRR. "

" Well, think about it. Trust me, you'd love it. And hey, " She paddles Willow's bottom, " wouldn't mind biting that butt!"

" Vampire!"

" Witch!"

They giggle.

Buffy pulls Willow close. " Seriously, honey, I understand your need. " She leans in, whispering in her ear. " You do what you need to do, and so will I."

Willow smiles, not realizing the import of those words.

" So, I guess we should go back inside. Show them I haven't totally lost it."

" Don't worry, Buff. I'll get this straightened out. We'll get Faith ok with this."'

" Good, because I really want to help. I need to!"

Buffy closes her eyes, as if in pain.

"What is it, Buffy?" Willow asks worriedly.

" Just another flash, Will," Buffy shudders. "I'm ok."

" Ok, you sure?"

Buffy nods.

" You need a minute?"

" Yes, please."

" Ok, I'll go in. Start talking to them."

" Thanks, Will. You're the best," Buffy smiles at her.

Willow returns the smile, then walks across the courtyard and enters Giles' apartment.

She doesn't see Buffy's face change, to one of cold calculation.

" Hmmm… yes, I think you'll make the best of pets. I know I'll enjoy turning you."

Chuckling softly, Buffy waits a couple of minutes, then follows her in.

5

" So, this is really it, huh?"

Faith and Angel are standing a little distance from his car. Wes is standing by the car, a way away, giving them some privacy.

" Yeah, this is really it," Angel says.

"I'm still not loving this, Angel. I still think you're bailing too soon. "

" Faith , we've been over this and over this. It's time for me to go."

" Yeah, yeah, so you say. But it doesn't mean I gotta like it, " Faith frowns.

" Ok, what is it?" Angel says, putting an arm around her shoulder. " What's bothering you now?"

" Nothin' "

" Faith, c'mon. This isn't the time for secrets. What is it?"

" I'm scared, Angel. Really scared. This is like the first time I'm really back in charge here. On my own, you know? What if I fuck it up? What if I slip, go bad again? What if I get her killed? God I'm so not ready for this!"

Angel turns her face towards him. " Faith, you're ready. If you weren't, I wouldn't put you here. You're a lot stronger and a lot smarter than you give yourself credit for. You're going to do fine."

" I dunno, Angel. It's just so … " She shakes her head. " I'm still a little queasy about taking Buffy along on patrol. She's going to be really exposed out there. Who knows what'll come after her, now that' she's human."

" Buffy will be fine, Faith. She did this for a long time. She's not going to let herself get killed. And hey, you might find it's nice to have her there. She might surprise you. She's really excited about it."

" Yeah, too excited for me."

"What does that mean?"

" IT means, I'm wigging thinking she might have this crush on me, and it'll make her do something stupid. Deadly stupid."

" C'mon, Willow explained that. She got it wrong."

" Well, she gives me a wiggins too."

" Huh?"

Faith cocks her head, brow arched.

" Oh. Well, aren't we full of ourselves?" Angel teases her.

" Hey, she didn't kiss you, did she?"

" I'm the wrong gender for her, " Angel keeps it up.

"Stop it, Angel, Not funny!"

" Geeze, Faith. Lighten up!" Angel chides her. " Willow's pretty level headed. She's not going to attack you… until you're ready."

" ANGEL!"

" Look, if you make it clear you're not interested, she's not going to pursue you. She's not like that."

" Yeah, well, what? Do I have to wear a chastity belt to get it across?"

" Just chill, and be yourself, Things will be fine."

" Yeah, easy for you to say. You don't got two girls giving you the googly eyes!"

Angel gives her look.

" Ok, ok, " She puts up her hands. She breaks away from him, putting a little distance. " So, I guess this is goodbye then"

" Faith, I'm not leaving the country, or anything. I'll be two hours away. If you need anything, call me. I'll be here, 'k?"

" Ok," She smiles, a little wistfully. " So do we hug now?"

" Do you want to?"

" If we HAVE to," She says, but it's her that goes to him, bear hugging him.

" Faith? Faith! I don't have to breathe, but you're going to crack a rib!"

Faith chuckles, loosening up a bit." Sorry. Damn, why'd you have to be vampire? I could really go for you!!!"

" Faith!"

" Ok, Ok, I know. It's Buffy. All Buffy. I get that. Doesn't mean a girl can't dream does it?"

" You're something, " Angel says, breaking the hug. " Not exactly sure what, but something."

" Well, goodbye, Fang, " Faith teases him

" God, Faith, could you let up on the vamp jokes?" Angel pretends exasperation. " Take care of yourself."

" Always do. Really pisses some guys off, you know?"

" Are you ever serious?"

" Yeah, you take care of yourself, big guy. Gonna miss your stupid hair, you know? Be careful, ok?"

Angel quickly touches his hair, laughs, and walks to his car. " Bye Faith," He calls. He waves to Wes to get in.

" Bye Dead Boy!" Faith calls out.

" I really hate that, Faith!"

" Bye, Angel!"

She watches his car until it disappears up the road. Sighing she turns around.

With a sad little half frown on her face, she heads for home.

6

" Damn"

Faith is tearing apart her room, trying to find that ring. The ring Angel gave her back when he got her out of prison

A Claddah ring.

She was feeling a little blue about Angel leaving, despite the brave face she put on. She was feeling like the sheep left out alone with the wolves. So she decided to wear the ring he gave her, for luck. To feel a little protected. Kind of like a piece of him was still here with her.

Now she can't find it. It's not where it's supposed to be, and she's getting a little frantic. God, if I lost that… idiot!

"Shit, where'd I put it? I swore it was in the box. I know it was. " She goes back to her dresser, and pulls out a small, ornate box. She opens it, and stirring through the few nice pieces of jewelry she's managed to hang onto, she still can't find it. Frustrated, she throws it back in the dresser. She stomps over to her bed, and plops herself down.

" Ok, Faith, get a grip. Think. I know I had it when I came to Sunnyhell. I was wearing it, and I put it away so I wouldn’t lose it. I really didn't want to lose that. Think. Did I put it in the box?"

She thinks and thinks. She swore she put it in the box. It's not there. She thinks some more, and… maybe I put it on the dresser, meaning to put it on the box.

She runs over to the dresser again, but it's not there. She kneels down , looks under. Not there. She moves it away from the wall. Looks . Not there. She pushes the dresser back, and sits on the floor.

If I lost that ring, what'll I tell Angel? " Gee, sorry guy. I put it away for safekeeping, and I can't find it now?" What does that make me look like. Moron, that’s what. It just doesn't make sense The ring couldn't have just walked outta the box and outta my room….

She frowns. Her brow clouds over.

Buffy! I bet that… oh, I'm gonna so kill her if she took that ring. I'll kick her bony ass all the way back to L.A. if she took my ring.

Faith jumps up, ready to storm to Buffy's room. She gets a few steps then halts.

Wait. If I go in there like Attila the Hun, she'll just freak, and deny it, and I'll never get it back. Stop, Faith. Think. Ok, ok… I'll go in, asking if she's seen it. Give her a chance to save face. Long as I get it back, I don't care. I'll be wearing it, she can't get it again. But I'm so locking my room from now on. Damn her. I thought I left the kleptos back in prison!

Faith takes a few moments to collect herself, then walks out the door.

Buffy checks herself out in the mirror, and smiles.

"Mirror, Mirror on the wall, who's the sexiest hottie of all?"

She giggles as she turns from side to side to see herself.

She's wearing a black satin bustier with red piping. Covering her hips and ass, barely, is a very tight leather micro mini skirt. Black thigh highs, 3" pumps and a black choker complete her ensemble. Her hair is tied back in a ponytail with a black velvet ribbon.

She moves to grab her coat when there's a knock at her door.

" Hey, Buffy? You awake?"

Faith?

" Can I come in? Just wanna talk for a minute."

Buffy smiles. She looks in the mirror, winks at herself, and walks to the door. She leans against it.

" Hey, Faith. What's up?"

Faith, in the hallway, steams.

" Just open the door, Buff. I need to talk to you."

" Ok"

Buffy opens the door, with her behind it. Faith walks in.

" Hey, Buff. Something of mine went missing…"

Buffy shuts to door, leaning against it. She puts on the perfect pouty face.

"… and I was wondering if you had…" Faith turns around.

And nearly has a heart attack. Her mouth drops open, and her eyes go wide. More, she feels her heart start to beat faster in her chest, and she's got this incredible tingle happening in her groin.

" HOLY SHIT, B!"

Buffy smiles, and puts her finger to her lips.

" Keep it down, Faith," Buffy whispers. She is almost dancing inside seeing Faith's reaction.

" Buffy?" Faith almost chokes, her mouth having gone dry. " Wow!" is all she manages.

Buffy is eating it up like candy. She doesn't walk, she sashays over to Faith. Moving close, but not touching her, she turns around slowly, giving her a full view of her outfit, up close and personal. When she's facing Faith again, she stops, giving her a pouty little smile.

" So, what do you think?" She thrusts a hip, almost but not quite touching Faith.

"I'm thinking…" Faith is a little foggy. She can't quite get over what she's seeing. "… that you totally surprised this girl." Faith moves a little back, because she's feeling a little woozy. She walks around Buffy, and lets out a low whistle. " Man, gotta admit, Buff, didn't think you had it in you." She nods her approval.

Buffy feels every bit of her body tingle, and her nipples are pushing achingly against her bustier. Still, she feels she's doing better than Faith, who can't seem to stop staring at her. And that just makes her get that nice low down feeling.

" You really like it?" Buffy's voice is a bit throaty.

" Oh yeah, really … looks like something I'd wear," Faith gives her the highest praise. All the while, she's doing her best to get her breath back, which is a lot harder than she'd figure it'd be.

"Mmm…" Buffy says. She's getting that aggressive feeling. She moves in on Faith, coming behind her and pressing herself against her. " I bet you'd look hot in it" She whispers, close to her ear.

Faith feels the urge to run, and at the same time, finds her feet glued to the floor. Ok, this is not supposed to be happening.

" So, ummm… Buff, what's the deal? Why the hooker wear, anyway?" Faith asks, a little nervously.

" Bored. Thought I'd go out, have some fun," Buffy whispers, her lips next to Faith's ear. " Wanna come?" She puts her hand on Faith's ass.

" Geeze, Buff!" Faith scoots away, turning around.

Buffy chuckles. She's loving what she's doing to Faith. And what Faith's reaction is doing to her.

" Going out, like that? What's your mom gonna think?" Faith asks. Why does she have this room so damn hot?

" Not that way silly," Buffy nods towards the hallway door, " That way" nodding towards the window.

" Sneaking out, Buffy? What are you, like 16?"

Buffy smiles, and walks over towards Faith. She puts a little extra roll in her hips. Reaching her, she drapes her arm over Faith's shoulder.

" What do you think, Faith?" She looks Faith in the eyes, " Do I look 16 to you?" She licks her lips.

Faith has that run with glued feet thing going again. Worse, her heart is doing it's best to break out of her ribcage. She feels like she's swallowed sand. And damn, if her nipples aren't hard as a rock. She gasps, drawing air.

" No, don't look it, B. But acting like you're 16, sneaking out of the house."

Buffy pouts prettily. " Gee, Faith, you know mom would have a Guernsey if I came downstairs dressed like this. And she's still flipped about me being out all last night. Thought this would just be easier all around."

" Uh-huh. Maybe you shouldn't be all down on her, Buff, you know? She's just concerned about you." Faith has a strange thought flash through her mind. I wonder if that bird ever gets away from the cobra?

" I'm a big girl now, Faith. Don't you think?" Buffy drops her other arm over Faith's other shoulder. " I can take care of myself."

Gulp!

" She's just concerned, Buff. I mean, after all that's happened, you know? You're lucky you got a mom that cares. Wish mine gave a shit."Mommy!

" Aw, I'm sorry, Faith, " Buffy brings her hand up, caressing Faith behind her ear. " I know you've had it bad." She casually brushes her leg against Faith's. " I know mom cares about you. Me too, " She leans in a little closer. " You're special."

Faith, panicking just a little, breaks away, finding herself next to Buffy's bed. She breathes in hard, trying to cool off.

" Thanks, B. But its just not the same thing," Faith says, watching Buffy like a hawk. " So … ummm… you meeting car guy?"

"Nope, not tonight, " Buffy, her whole body close to the boiling point, her fantasy seemingly coming true, slinks over to Faith, almost standing on top of her. Her hands seem to find Faith's hips. " Solo tonight. Love some company, " She winks, " So, wanna come?"

" Tempting, Buff. Real tempting, " Faith huffs, " But… ummm… gotta get up early. To run. Right, run."

" Well, we don't have to go out, you know," Buffy says, pushing Faith over on her bed. She climbs on top of Faith, her legs just above Faith's hips. " We could stay in. " She slides close to Faith, so her face is less than an inch from Faith's " Sure we could find something to do…" She sucks on Faith's lower lip.

Faith feels like every nerve in her body is ready to pop. She's been dry for a long time. A long, long time. Being with another woman? Not an option. Not in prison, where most of the women were skanks or whores, or worse, would stab you in the back. But this was Buffy. The Buffy she had that fantasy about. And god, when did she get to be so fucking hot? Faith's needy, and Buffy is definitely willing. Well, guess I can't stay a virgin forever. She exhales, and starts to respond to Buffy's advances.

"Faith? Are you in there?" Joyce calls through Faith's door next door.

" SHIT" both girls say at once. Buffy jumps up, and Faith rolls off the bed, falling on the floor.

" In here, Mrs. Summers!" Faith calls out. " Just chatting with Buffy!"

Buffy's in a panic. If her mom comes in, seeing her dressed like this … Damn, why'd she have to come up NOW! She looks around, trying to find a place to hide.

" In the bed, in the bed. Cover up!" Faith hisses at her.

Buffy jumps in the bed, pulling the sheet up to her neck. She pulls the ribbon out of her hair, and wipes the crimson lispstick off on the pillow case, and flips it around.

Joyce walks in to Buffy's room, and turns towards the bed.

" Hey girls … Buffy? You in bed already?" Joyce comes over to her. " You feeling ok, honey?"

"Fine, mom. Just pooped. After last night, thought I'd get to bed early tonight."

" Oh, ok honey. That's smart. You need your rest, " Joyce smiles." Faith? Could I borrow you for a few minutes?"

" Aw, mom, we were talking here."

" Buffy, I'm sure your gossip can wait a few minutes," Joyce looks at Faith," The idiot delivery drivers delivered a load of cases for the Gallery here. I really could use those slayer muscles of yours to get them loaded into my car. Give me a hand?"

" Sure Mrs. Summers. Not a problem. Be right down, ok?"

" Sure, Faith," Joyce says. " It's good to have Supergirl back in the house again. " She blushes. " Sorry, Buffy I didn't mean…"

" No prob, mom. I was Supergirl, now Faith is. Just glad she's here. Right?"

" Right," Joyce smiles. " See you downstairs , Faith?"

" You betcha, Mrs. Summers, " Faith smiles.

" Joyce, honey. Kind of awkward calling me Mrs. Summers all the time. I keep looking around for my mother in law!"

Faith laughs, maybe just a shade too hard.

" You sure you're ok, honey?" Joyce turns to Buffy.

" I'm fine, Joyce, " Buffy says.

"That's Mom to you, sweetie," She leans over, and kisses Buffy's forehead. " Honey? Aren't you taking your makeup off?"

" Uh… in a bit, mom."

" Ok, well…I'll be waiting downstairs, Faith. Thanks again."

Joyce smiles at both the girls, and leaves.

" Damn, that was close."

" My mom. Master of timing, " Buffy pouts for real.

" Ok, well, I better get downstairs and help her…" Faith gets up, walking to the door.

Before she can make it, Buffy is out of the bed, and blocking the door.

"Wait, Faith. Ummm… we can continue this, you know." She runs her fingers along Faith's chest. " I can wait for you…"

" I dunno, Buff," Faith says, " I'm thinking maybe it could get a little sticky if we continue …"

" Oh honey, it'd definitely get sticky, " Buffy giggles. Faith turns beet red. " You know, you're just adorable when you blush." Buffy touches her cheek.

" Buffy… ummm… not that you're not attractive, you are, believe me." Hot as a sun, would be more like it!" But … well, we're going to be working together, you know? And … office romances… well, you know how that can be…"

" Oh yeah, "Buffy says, throatily. She takes Faith's face in her hands, and pulls her in. She kisses her passionately, and feels Faith's mouth open. She slides her tongue in, caressing her palette, the sliding back out over Faith's tongue. The kiss breaks." They can be fun."

" Buffy, no. We kinda got caught up in the moment, but … ummm… well, I think right now we gotta concentrate more on the slaying, and less on the … whoo… "

"Faith?" Joyce calls upstairs, " You coming?"

No, dammit, thanks to you, mom, Buffy growls to herself.

" Right down, Mrs. … Joyce!" Faith calls out. " Gotta go, B!"

" C'mon, Faith, don't be shy," Buffy strokes her arm. " I'll be gentle."

" No, I think it… just wouldn't work out. Gotta go, Buff. Bye!"

" Ok, Faith. You're loss, " Buffy shrugs.

" Bye!" Faith makes her escape.

Buffy closes the door behind Faith. She walks over to her dresser, and knocks the pictures off it.

" DAMMIT !"

She retrieves her velvet ribbon off the floor, and walking over to the mirror, ties up her hair. Grabbing her lipstick, she leans over, applying it to her lips. Smacking them, she smiles.

" Well, baby, you might've escaped this time. But this isn't over, honey. "

Buffy goes over, and arranges her pillows so it looks like someone's in the bed. From a distance, anyway. She then goes and snaps off the lights. Walking to the window, she opens it, and slides through,

" Not by a long shot."

7

Buffy looks down on the dance floor from the Gallery rail.

She feels horny, and a little angry.

The encounters with Willow, earlier, and now Faith, have left her feeling hungry. She is itching, badly. And she wants, no needs, scratching badly.

Her anger is from Faith's rejection. Damn her, I saw it in her eyes. I know she was ready. What's her problem? What’s wrong with me? What do I gotta do? Crawl in her bed naked?

She thinks about that for a moment, and a smile comes to her lips. Then she shakes her head. No, then she'd totally wig, ruining everything. Patience, Buffy. All comes in time…

She pulls something from the tiny pocket in the skirt. She looks at it. Faith's Claddah ring. She brings it to her lips, and kisses it.

" Soon, baby, really soon" She whispers softly, and pockets the ring.

She looks over the railing, searching for a little touch. She sighs. Nothing looks tempting on the floor. But she needs to scratch the itch.There's got to be something…

She looks more carefully. Then her scanning stops, and her eyes go wide. Her mouth turns down into a frown. Flushing, she runs to the Gallery stairs and down to the floor.

" You're kinda cute, " Kris, the girl dancing with Ford says. She smiles at him seductively. " So, you with someone?"

" Not tonight," Ford returns her smile. " Solo tonight."

" Mmm. Don't know. Hard to believe a cutie like you is all alone, no one claiming him."

" Just me, " Ford smiles.

Kris takes Ford's hand, putting it on her hip. She moves closer, whispering in his ear.

" I heard this was a hot club, but not really impressed. What say we get outta here, have some fun?"

" I'm sorry, skank, he's busy" Buffy pulls on Ford's shoulder, pulling him away from Kris.

" Hey, Buff, " Ford smiles. It fades when he sees her face. " Whatcha doin' here?"

" More to the point, William, " Buffy hisses, " What're YOU doing here… without me?"

" Hey, shorty, get lost. The boy's with me now."

" Don't think so, skanky. Why don't you leave?"

" Who do you think you're talking to, shrimp?"

Buffy turns and faces the girl, who's about Ford's height. " Don't know. Don't know you."

" And that gives me a happy. Why don't we keep it that way, and you crawl back to your mouse hole, Minnie?"

" I'm guessing you don't know who I am either."

" Again, a happy, " The taller girl sneers.

" I own this club. It's an exclusive club, " Buffy says, in a low firm voice. "How'd you get in here?"

" Buffy, we were only dancing. Don't get…"

" SHUT UP, WILLIAM!" She barks at him. She looks at him, and frowns. " Where's your collar?"

" I left it at home. Didn't think it was important…"

" Goddamn you, William, I gave you that collar for a reason!"

"Whoa, Mama here really has you on a short leash." Kris laughs.

" And you!" Buffy turns on her, "Asked you a question. How'd you get in?"

" Not that's it you business, but she brought me."

Kris points to a tall, lanky blonde. Buffy stares at her, and Gwen, feeling her gaze, turns towards her. She sees the situation, and mouths " oh, shit." She hurries over.

" Buffy, Hi. Sorry, I … look, I didn't know Kris was dancing with your guy… " Gwen looks flustered.

" Gwen, what're you getting so flustered about? You scared of some shrimpy little human?" Kris tilts her head. " Buffy? You're shitting me. THIS is the scary vamp you told me about? She's a fucking happy meal!"

" Gwen, " Buffy says, her eyes hard. " did you tell her the rules?"

" Yes, Buffy, honest I did!"

" THEN WHY THE HELL WAS SHE GOING AFTER FORD?" Buffy yells at her. Gwendolyn moans, shaking.

" Shut up, you little pipsqueak." Kris vamps out. " Before I eat you for a snack."

" Oh. You're going to kill a human. In here?" Buffy says, her voice deadly low.

" Yeah, though you hardly qualify, " Kris goes to take her.

But before she can get a step, a stake appears out of Buffy's coat sleeve, in her hand, and in Kris's chest.

" Oh…fu…" She says, as she dissolves into a pile of dust.

Buffy stands blinking. She turns on Gwen.

" Gwendolyn," Buffy says in a sing song voice.

Gwen, shaking, moves closer to Buffy. Abject fear colors her features.

" WHY ARE YOU BRINGING SKANKS LIKE THAT INTO THIS CLUB?" She yells at the taller vampire. " DON'T YOU KNOW BETTER?"

" Y-Y-Yes, Buffy… I'm sorry."

" Buffy, chill, it was only a dance…" Ford intercedes.

By now there is no dancing, as everyone has stopped to look at the scene.

" If you think I'm really happy with you right now, WILLIAM, I'd think again. Don't interfere, and stay silent!"

Ford presses his lips together, but backs off a step, being quiet.

Buffy turns to Gwen. " I don't think I heard you right. What did you say?"

" I said, I'm sorry, Buffy, " Gwen replies, quietly.

Buffy slaps her, hard.

" WHAT DID YOU SAY?"

" I-I'm sorry, M-Mistress" Gwen rubs her cheek.

" You know the price, don't you Gwen?" Buffy, furious, holds up the stake.

Gwendolyn, totally losing it, starts to cry. Blood red tears fall down her cheeks. She falls to her knees.

" Please, please, Mistress. I'm so sorry. I thought she understood, I really did. Please, don't … don't…" She stares at the stake.

" You know the rules, Gwen, " Buffy comes over, grabbing her hair. She pulls her head back, and the stake goes flying at the kneeling girl's chest. Just before it hits, it stops. Gwendolyn is shivering, anticipating her death.

Buffy pulls the girl by the hair, to her feet. Gwen stands before her, head down.

" I know it wasn't ALL your fault, Gwen. That's why I didn't kill you. Do you understand that?"

Gwen nods.

" I didn't hear you, honey. What?" Buffy pulls on her hair.

" Yes, Mistress, " Gwen sobs, relieved to be alive.

" You're banned, Gwen." Buffy says simply. " Get out."

" Please, Mistress, give me another chance? I'll… do anything to have another chance. Please!" She starts sinking to her knees again.

" I don't give second chances, Gwen. You screwed up. You know how you have to earn your way back in. Are you willing?"

Gwendolyn, knowing the torture she's in for, still nods.

" Yes, Mistress. I … I'm willing." She starts to cry again.

Buffy walks over to Gwendolyn, taking her face in her hands. " Poor little pet. So sad. " She brushes her blood tears away with her thumbs. " I'll tell them not to go too hard on you, baby. Now get up."

Gwen stands, head down.

" Who do you love?"

" You, Mistress."

" Ok, go now."

Gwendolyn, totally chastised, turns and walks away.

Buffy looks around the silent dance floor. No one is moving, they're all staring.

" THE REST OF YOU, " She yells at them, " YOU NEVER EVER BREAK MY RULES!!! CLEAR???"

Almost in unison, Yes is heard loudly, and clearly.

" GOOD. ANY COMMENTS? QUESTIONS?"

The room is silent.

" THEN GO BACK TO DANCING!"

The DJ starts the music, and the crowd breaks up.

Buffy, still furious, walks to Ford. She grabs his arm.

" What the hell do you think you're doing , coming here without me?" She scolds him , " Do you know how close you came to being dead? DO YOU???"

"Summers, I was only curious. I … just came to dance and talk… I didn't think…"

" You're damned right you didn’t think!" Buffy looks like she wants to kill him. " Come with me!"

Grabbing Ford's arm, she starts towards the staircase.

" Buffy? Where we going?" Ford asks, a little uneasy.

" SHUT UP, WILLIAM, AND JUST FOLLOW ME!" Buffy screams at him.

Ford goes silent. He's never seen Buffy like this, and he's more than a little afraid.

Buffy drags him upstairs, along the hallway, to the bouncer at the door.

" Is he the one that let you in?"

Ford nods.

She releases his hand, and pushes him away. She walks over to the doorman, and turns him around.

" Did you let him in here this evening?"

" Er…"

"Simple question. Yes or no. Did you let him in?"

" Yes"

" Is he a member?"

The doorman shakes his head.

" Sorry, I didn't hear that." Buffy grabs his ear. " Is he a member of this club?"

" No, ma'am"

" Was he with a member?"

" Er… no… but you brought him in last night, ma'am. And he said he was meeting you here…"

" look at his neck."

The doorman looks, and winces.

" Right, no collar, right? And what would've happened if oh… he got stupid and left with a vampire?"

The doorman swallows hard.

" You broke the rules. What do you have to say?"

" I'm…I'm sorry, ma'am, really sorry."

" Me too," She whispers. She pulls out the stake, and plunges it in his chest.

The doorman collapses into a pile of dust.

" God, Buffy, why?" Ford looks at the pile of dust on the floor.

" He broke the rules. He knew you weren't a member, nor with one. He never should've let you in. Especially without my collar on you!" She looks at the dust pile. " He was a good doorman, too. Dammit!"

" That's harsh!"

"You haven't begun to see harsh yet, William!" She pushes him towards the stairs." Upstairs. Meet me upstairs in the playroom in 5 minutes."

" Buffy, what's going on, what's this about? Why're you so mad?"

Buffy looks at him. Her face is a mask of cold rage.

" Are you questioning me, William?"

Ford feels ice in his stomach. " No, I'm just not understanding…"

" Five minutes. In the playroom. Or, you'll never see me again, Ford. Ever. You'll never come here again. Is that clear?"

Before he can answer, she turns on her heel and stalks off.

Ford stands stunned. He feels anger, and resentment.

And fear. Fear of losing Buffy.

Fear wins. He heads for the stairs.

8

Buffy is waiting for Ford when he enters the playroom. She's standing in the center of the room, her arms crossed over her chest. She stares at him coldly as he crosses to her.

"What the hell were you thinking, coming here without me?" Buffy's tone is frosty." And why aren't you wearing that collar I gave you. Remember, that was for your protection, bonehead. Where is it?"

"At home. I left it at home. I didn't think I'd need it!"

" So you came to this club, alone, without my collar on to protect you. Smart, William, really smart!" Buffy shakes her head. " And why was that again?"

" I got curious, Summers. I wanted to know more about you. I came to find out. What's wrong with that?"

" What's wrong with that?" She mocks him, her voice acid, " What's wrong is you came within a hair of being someone's dinner. Don't you understand that?"

" We were just dancing, Summers!"

" You were dancing. She was planning the menu!"

" But you said I was safe here, that …"

" She wasn't following my rules. Or did you think I staked her for chuckles?" Buffy starts pacing, her nerves jumping. " If I hadn't come, you would've been dead. DEAD. That means, no breathing, no walking around, just a corpse in an alley somewhere. DO YOU WANT THAT?"

" No, of course not, " Ford walks to her. " We were only dancing, I wasn't going to go with her. "

" Ford, you don't get it, " Buffy says, her tone softening. " The rules only work if everyone plays by them. That's why I came down so hard on her. I had to, or there'd be chaos. No one would be safe. " She feels her anger rising. " But why were you here anyway?" She scolds him, " You're not supposed to come here unless I bring you. I can't keep you safe if I'm not with you. Don't you understand that? Are you stupid? "

" No," Ford says, petulantly. " I'm crazy about you, Summers. I can't get you out of my mind. I just wanted to know more about you. I did some digging around, found out about your nests…"

" You found out about my nests?" Buffy looks at him, face red. "How dare you! That's private. How dare you go snooping around on me?! " Her voice is ice cold. " At least, tell me you didn't actually go to one. TELL ME YOUR NOT THAT MUCH OF A MORON!!!"

" I didn't go to a nest, " Ford tries to calm things down. " Honest. I … wouldn't go except in daylight…"

" FORD! God, a nest is designed for a vampire. It's dark during the day. Vamps can move around in them. If you went to one, you'd be eaten faster than…. God, I don't understand you, Ford. If you want to know more about me, ask me, But don't be snooping around. Don't go snooping around my nests, ever! And don't, I repeat, DON'T come here without me again!"

" Buffy, what's the harm? I didn't get hurt, I'm not stupid…"

" You're incredibly stupid, Ford. You're so stupid, you don't KNOW you're stupid!" She paces around, her anger building again. "You're going to get yourself killed, and ruin everything. Everything. " She walks to the bar. Reaching under, she pulls out a phone. She presses a button. " Find Marie, Linda and Zoë. Send them up to the playroom. " She listens. " NOW WOULD BE GOOD!" She yells into the receiver, and slams it down. She strides over to Ford, getting into his face.

" Fine, you want to die, you'll die. But at least, I'll give my girls the pleasure of killing you." She marches away, seeming to want to hit something. " HOW CAN YOU BE SO ….AHHHH???" She nearly screams in her fury.

Ford, ashen at her rage, turns toward the door. " Maybe I should go…"

" No. NO!" Buffy yells running over and blocking the door. " NO! You don't get to just ' go'!!!! You don't get to just scare me like this, make me feel like this, then just GO! WHY DO YOU WANT TO HURT ME???!!!! "

Ford's resistance fades. " Buffy, god, baby, I don't want to hurt you…" He holds out his arms,

Buffy pushes him away. " What do you think I would feel if ANYTHING happened to you, Ford? WHAT? I'd… I'd be …. Oh god… " She starts to cry.

" Buffy…"

" NO! You defy me, you come here without me, you hate me, don't you? YOU HATE ME!"

" Buffy," Ford falls on his knees. " I'm so sorry…!"

" No, that doesn’t cut it, Ford. Sorry doesn't cut it!" Buffy fumes , seeming to walk in circles.

Linda, Zoë and Marie enter the playroom. They immediately feel Buffy's anger, and start to shake. They stand silently by the door.

" Sorry, Ford? SORRY? " Oh, I’m SO sorry I DIED ON YOU, BUFFY!! I'm sorry I WAS STUPID and GOT MYSELF KILLED!!! I' M SORRY I BROKE YOUR HEART BUFFY!!!!" Buffy can't seem to stand still, she keeps walking, pacing, circling. " GET OUT. GET OUT AND DON'T EVER COME BACK!!! DON'T EVER TRY TO SEE ME AGAIN!!!"

" Buffeee, " Ford moans, crawling to her on his hands and knees. "Please, please forgive me. I'm so sorry." He grovels before her feet, head touching the floor. " I'll do anything, anything to please you!"

Buffy stares at his abject form, coldly. Her arms are crossed. " You hurt me, Ford. You defied me! How am I supposed to forgive that? What? Tell me!"

Ford swallows hard. His voice is nearly a whisper." Punish me?"

Buffy smiles. It's a cold smile.

" Is that what you want me to do?" She asks, quietly.

" Yes," He whispers.

"Louder!"

" Yes!" He says

" Yes… what?"

" Yes, Buffy."

Buffy grabs his hair, raising his head. She slaps him hard across the face.

" Yes, what?"

" Yes… Mistress."

She drops his head, and smiles. She waves to the girls, who come to her.

" Darlings, Ford has been a bad boy. Haven't you, puppy?"

Ford doesn't answer, not realizing she's addressing him.

Buffy kicks him, and he groans.

" Haven't you, puppy?"

" Yes, Mistress, " He says, softly.

" Who are you?"

" Ford."

KICK

" Who are you?"

" Puppy"

SLAP!!

" Who are you?"

" Puppy, Mistress."

Buffy kneels by him, gently stroking him.

" There, there, poor puppy, " Buffy says softly. She looks up at the girls, who know what's coming. " I don't think Puppy is bad, do you girls?"

" No, mistress" All three answer in unison.

" I just think Puppy needs to be trained, don't you?"

The three giggle. They just love to train new pets.

" Yes, Mistress, Puppy needs to be trained."

" Little Puppy just doesn't know the rules." Zoë giggles.

" Puppy's not housebroken, " Linda chortles.

" Get Puppy ready for training girls," Buffy smiles.

The three lift Ford up. They start to strip off his clothing. Marie goes to the other room, and returns with a leather thong.

Buffy walks over to one of the panel, and pushes on it. It unlocks, and she turns it. Behind it is a set of chains and leg manacles, mounted to the wall. Locking it in place, she turns and inspects Ford's preparation.

" Bring puppy and chain him up, ladies, " Buffy coos at her pets.

She walks over, and inspects the implements on the wall. Taking down a crop, she swishes it through the air, smiling broadly.

She walks over to Ford, who's chained to the wall. She caresses his face with the crop handle.

" I think we'll start with the riding crop."

The crop swishes through the air.

9

Buffy lays back on the padded lounge, sighing contentedly. Her movements are slow and languorous. Her eyes are lidded, and she has a soft, sleepy smile on her face. Her bustier is gone, as is her skirt and thong. All that is left are her stockings , choker and shoes.

She looks down at Zoë, who is doing her best to please her mistress with her tongue. Beside Buffy's shoulder is Linda, alternately stroking and suckling her. She reaches out, caressing her flame red hair.

Mmmm, so nice… I think I want to marry Zoë's tongue, she giggles softly. Oh, god, yesss… mmmmm… sweet, sweet Zoë, my sweet baby sister, knows how to please me sooo much…ahhhh… mmmm… oooooo….

She pulls Linda close, and whispers in her ear. " Bite me!"

Linda vamps out, and sinks her fangs into Buffy's breast. Buffy winces, then sighs.

Oh, I love that sooo much she whimpers softly as the pain mixes with the pleasure in her belly, twin rivers of fire and ice. Oh god, sooo sweet… mmmmm… oooooo…. She feels the tiniest bit woozy. Slowly, honey, slowly… " Slowly, Linda… make it laaasst." Buffy hisses at her. Linda slows her pace. Oh, god, I miss biting. I want to bite. Ooooh.. . oooo…oh god oh god oh god!!! Yeeessss… Zoë yeeeessss babynow….now… Linda… ZOË … OH ..Ohhh… AHHHHH

Buffy screams as her body rocks in pleasure. Linda morphs to normal, and holds Buffy as her body shakes, giving into her sweet release. Zoë continues her ministrations, keeping her mistress clean and tidy. Finishing up, she crawls up and cuddles next to Buffy, wrapping her arms around her. Buffy sighs, happy.

" My darling babies, " She pulls them close, kissing them softly, "You're so good to your Mistress."

Both of the girls wriggle in happiness. Buffy praise is the best!

" How's our naughty puppy doing?"

She starts to sit up, and feels dizzy. She looks at Linda. " Someone got greedy, " She says. Then laughs, hugging her. Linda smiles.

The two girls help her up, and she stands for a minute, getting her balance. She walks over to Ford.

Ford looks somewhat worse for wear, bruised and beaten. Multiple lashes crisscross his chest and legs. He looks dazed.

Marie has gotten creative. Currently she is using the flail on him, more caressing him than actually whipping him. She looks at Buffy expectantly, and offers

Buffy shakes her head. " I think Puppy has had enough for tonight, " She smiles.

She walks over, and takes Ford's face in her hands.

" Puppy?" She coos. " PUPPY!"

Ford opens his eyes, and seeing Buffy, smiling at him, smiles goofily.

" Poor Puppy. I'm sorry, baby, but you scared me so badly. You were so, so naughty. You must learn to obey your mistress always. Do you understand that now, Puppy?"

" Yes, mistress," Ford answers softly.

" Good puppy! I worry that my puppy will be hurt, you know that don't you, puppy?"

" Yes, mistress, I know," Ford says, sounding happy.

" I love my good puppy," Buffy kisses him softly. " Will puppy ever be a bad puppy again?"

" No, never mistress, " Ford says.

" And he will obey his mistress always?"

" Yes, always."

" Good, Buffy loves her sweet puppy. Does her puppy love her?"

" I adore my Mistress," Ford says, eagerly.

" Good, good puppy," Buffy licks his chest, and Ford shivers in pain and pleasure. " Sweet puppy."

Buffy backs up.

" Take Puppy down and apply salve to him." She looks down, and her brow arches. " Naughty Puppy!" She says, pretending sternness.

" No, Mistress, no!" Ford says, abjectly. " I'm sorry."

" Oh… but Mistress loves Naughty puppy," Buffy giggles. She goes over, and kneels next Ford, staring at his obvious arousal. She gently caresses him, and he groans." Puppy is hurting. Oh, that's not good!" She giggles, and bending over, licks his thong. Another groan. " This will never, ever do!"

Buffy stands up, and goes over to Marie. Taking Marie in her arms, she cuddles her. " You did very well on training Puppy, honey." She kisses her. Marie wiggles in pleasure.

" Marie?"

" Yes, Ma'am?"

" I think you deserve a reward. Look at Puppy. Is there anything you want?"

Marie looks at Buffy shyly, and giggles. She makes a hand gesture. Buffy laughs.

" Why aren't I surprised?" She pats Marie's ass." Ok, honey, you can have Puppy." She looks up. " Zoë? Help Marie get Puppy on the bed. Apply the salve generously, ok? And Marie…you make Puppy feel better in your own special way."

"Thank you, Mistress" Marie says, her eyes greedily fixed on Ford's thong. "I'll do my best"

" That's all I ask."

" Linda, honey? Come with me, please"

Buffy leads Linda to the lounge, and lays down on it, indicating Linda should join her. Linda does, happily.

Buffy cuddles her, and kisses her softly.

" Is my pet happy?"

" Very happy, Mistress. You always make me happy."

Buffy smiles, and caresses her.

" Linda, my love, you're the brightest of my pets, so I need you to listen carefully. It's important."'

" Yes mistress, " Linda smiles, enjoying the closeness.

" I'm putting phase one of my plan into operation. That means that you all could be in danger, unless you listen to me carefully. Understand?"

Linda nods. " Danger?" She asks in a quavering voice.

" To convince the Slayer I'm with her, I need her to trust me. To do that, I have to reveal some of our nests. Unfortunately, some of ours must be sacrificed to the greater good, so to speak, " Buffy chuckles," or maybe, it's the greater evil. Whatever. The important thing, is I don't want you, or Zoë, or Marie harmed. You're all very special to me."

" Thank you, ma'am, " Linda blushes.

Buffy pulls her in for another kiss.

" So it's important that you three stay out of harms way. Ford is safe, being human. But I would be very upset if anything happened to my special girls."

" I understand, mistress."

" So, it's important. I won't reveal the main nest. That, and here, will be your only safe houses. So be sure you only sleep in one of those two places. Understood?"

" Yes, ma'am."

" Good. Make sure Zoë and Marie understand. Tell them they are to obey you without question, or they face my punishment. And that punishment will be very severe. Understood?"

"Yes, ma'am," Linda quivers. She knows how bad it can get.

" Good. And for God's sake, be discreet in your hunting. Don't get caught out. I can't guarantee your safety, and nothing will spoil my plans. Even if it means sacrificing one or all of you. Understood?"

" Yes, mistress, perfectly."

" That's my sweet pet," She coos softly. She tweaks Linda's nipple. Linda sighs happily.

" Do you love me, Linda?" Buffy asks softly.

" Yes, Mistress."

"Do you want to make love to me, Linda?"

" Oh, yes, Mistress!" Linda shivers excitedly. Rarely do any of the girls get the Mistress to themselves.

Buffy pulls her into a passionate kiss.

To be continued.
- 6
- 7
- 8
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