"Dude you just rescued a Puppy..."

@arfarfpsycho​

“I bet.” The girl smirked. Oh yes, he was most definitely her type and she actually found herself excited about something since her father’s money went poof. “The verdict is hot, but I’m sure you knew that already… and since you and your sister seem so attached to leather we can also try some jackets.” She just knew he would look delicious.

Joyce had decided to let the teens have fun and went to look at some clothes for Faith while the two flirted. She chuckled and continue looking for something Faith might actually like. 

@fxd3ddr3xms​

Fae grinned wickedly at her comment about him looking hot and actually knowing it.  He changed back into his own clothes and held on to the selection she had picked out for him.

Before following Cordelia, Fae caught Mrs. Summer’s arm and gave her Faith’s sizes so that whatever the other Slayer’s mom picked out for his sister it was at least in the right size.

@arfarfpsycho​

“That is unexpectedly hot, color me surprised in a very good way.” She said, pleased with him so far. The guy was smooth, much more so than Faith who was too obvious and knew no subtlety… not that the target of her flirting had seemed to get it anyway. Oh well, not that she cared. The hotter twin was going to cook for her and oh boy he had a really nice chest, didn’t he?

“Good boy.” 

@fxd3ddr3xms​

He chuckled hearing her comment about being surprised, “I’m just full o’surprises.”  Fae held his arms out at his sides, “So what’s the verdict on the shirt?”  He asked curious even though it wasn’t really to his preference he knew he would probably find himself coming to like the style.

@arfarfpsycho

The blonde stood there taking in all the anger, all the pain pouring out of Faith. “Everything, Faith,.. being around you brings out a part of me I don’t understand… everything is so intense and I…” She trailed off confused and overwhelmed… how could she possibly explain something she didn’t understand. “…I-It’s messy and out of control and too real…” she placed a hand on her chest as if trying to reach for that place inside of her that was connected to the other woman, unsure of how to explain… was she the only one who could feel it? That thought hurt and confused her even more. 

“The closer we got the more intense it felt and I-I can’t… if I let it…if I reached out if I wasn’t in control anymore… and followed whatever I was feeling,  I wasn’t… everyone leaves… when I’m not good enough… dad left, friends I had since I was a child dropped me as soon as I became weird, mom made me choose between saving the world or coming back home…. Giles fucking drugged me, and my friends? you’ve seen it… the moment I step out of their ideal I’m given an intervention and judged and looked at as if I have committed a great offense against them… and you… if I let you in and you died like Kendra, it would be so much worse because with you everything is so much more, and I just made it worse and worse and you were hanging and I realized that it hadn’t worked anyway… that keeping you away didn’t work because you weren’t waking up and I felt like someone had gutted me and I was dying too.” She walked closer, crying, not even trying to hide it, she didn’t care if Faith hit her again, she could take it. 

“And I’m sorry Faith, I’m so sorry I ruined everything, I’m sorry I didn’t try, I sorry I was a coward, I’m sorry failed you too…” 

@fxd3ddr3xms​

Faith gave a sarcastic laugh, “You think you’re the only one that felt out of control around the other?”  She crossed her arms tapping her fingers on her bicep to try and keep from throwing another punch.  “For some bizarre reason I had wanted to let you get to know me.  I had wanted to let you in... and for fuck sake that is completely and utterly not something I would have normally done.”

Moving forward so that she was toe to toe with the blonde, “So while you were trying to keep me at arms length I was trying to find some connection and reason to stay.”  Faith much like with her connection to her brother had been blocking out the bond she had with the other Slayer to little more than allowing the other to sense her.  In fact she had been doing that since the whole Post fiasco even as she was slowly starting to open it back up.  In fact she hadn’t even thought that B even felt the connection and the only reason Faith had known about it was because it had been similar to her bond with her twin only felt different do to the emotions the blonde had brought out.

Faith scoffed, “Right now, B.  I don’t fucking care that you’re sorry.  I couldn’t care less if I tried because yeah you’re a coward.”

@arfarfpsycho

“Home cooked?” She raised an eyebrow. That would be a completely different experience to her after dating so many rich jocks… and Xander.  But most of everything in her life right now was a new experience, wasn’t it? Her parents had made sure… 

“Good to know you know your luck…” She trailed off staring a little. Maybe her own luck was changing. 

@fxd3ddr3xms​

“Yeah home cooked,”  He grinned looking up as he finished buttoning up the shirt to leaving the top two buttons undone, “And won’t even be Mrs. Summers making it either.”  Fae was amused by what he read as her skepticism of his ability to make food.

@arfarfpsycho​

Buffy couldn’t deny what the other girl was saying. Not when her actions had spoken for her, even if what she felt was different. She wanted to know more about Faith, she wanted to be around Faith, she wanted to feel whatever primal bond connected them, but the intensity of that want terrified her.  She had spent so long trying to control, to contain the slayer so that it didn’t overwhelm her and being around Faith made it, made her, let go of the retrains… made her lose herself in instincts that didn’t seem very human. 

It terrified her that she felt it, it terrified her that a part of her seemed to craved it. It terrified that her friends and even her watcher might not see her the same way if she allowed herself what she wanted. 

Sometimes it felt like they were waiting for her to screw up again and get more people killed, or just any reason to let go of her. It was probably in her head but she couldn’t make the fear go away. For all she had faced since becoming a slayer, the monsters she’d mocked and killed… in the end… When the punch came, Buffy wasn’t even a little shocked. Probably should have expected it… “I deserved that I guess… for being a  coward… I didn’t not want to get to know you, to get closer… but it scared me… you scare me.”  

@fxd3ddr3xms​

Faith scoffed as she stepped back away from the other Slayer.  She was a little frustrated that she threw that punch but damnit it had felt good.  Especially with everything else going on in her head.  She really didn’t need to be picking fights with the other slayer but at the same time she knew that things were going to come to blows and rather sooner than later.  Especially if she didn’t want to let the ghosts of those she failed get too ingrained into her thoughts.

@arfarfpsycho

“What I can suggest is out of our budget.” She said as she handed him two dress shirts not realizing her slip.

“Ha! I would have saved myself a lot of awful dates if I had.” But she certainly didn’t mind dressing him.

@fxd3ddr3xms​

He shrugged, “Never been the biggest fan of fancy.  How about you name a park or beach.  And I surprise ya with a good home cooked meal?”

Fae tilt his head and quirked a brow, “Sounds tragic for those dates but suppose mores the luck fer me then.”  He took the two shirts and headed back into the changing room.

@arfarfpsycho

“Because I’m a superficial idiot sometimes. Because I never had to think or consider those things and I assumed the watchers were taking care of it like they did with Kendra, like they’re supposed to.” Because thinking too much about Faith was confusing and overwhelming and scary and Buffy didn’t know how to deal with it until recently that she let herself be swept in by the brunette only to have that crash down on them in one single moment they could not take back.

“I can’t take back that I was so self absorbed that I didn’t ask, but Faith you never shared either, you would close yourself off as much as I did… when asking did cross my mind I didn’t think you’d want to talk. Would you have? Because at best you would have told me to go away and mind my own business and at worse it would have gotten violent.”

“It’s hard… Everything with us is so intense and even just talking for five minutes is full of defensiveness and weird mixed signals but that doesn’t mean I don’t care about you.” Buffy ran a hand through her hair in frustration, knowing that the conversation was getting out of control almost feeling the Slayer in Faith on the brink…

“I was scared! I freaked out and was in denial because a man was dead because of me… I know it’s not all your fault, we were both there, I’m the one who set up the kill and I couldn’t handle it. I regretted it the moment I said it Faith…” She stepped closer her hand moving to touch the other slayer’s shoulder.

@fxd3ddr3xms​

“Shows what you get for trusting the Watchers seeing as I’m sure it was her own watcher that covered her expenses,”  Faith gave a rather dry laugh, “Didn’t ask, fuck Blondie I may not have been open to sharing if it was say an asked question once but ya never showed the slightest interest in actually getting to know me passed training or patrol.  Hell why would I share that I have a twin brother or anything about my life when it never felt like you gave a fucking damn to even try to get to know me.”

She rolled her eyes, “Right because there are landmines and I have walls football field lengths tall and apparently I ain’t worth the effort to try and work past that.”

@arfarfpsycho

“If that’s you asking me on a date, the answer is dependant on how good you look in these pants.” Cordy flashed her best smile at him.

After waiting for him to come out she bit her lip as her eyes drank in the way his assets looked in form fitting slacks. “You got yourself a date…” Yes, she had never been happier to be over her Xander phase.

@fxd3ddr3xms​

“That’s me askin’.”  He called out to her.

@arfarfpsycho

She got that her relationship with Faith was complicated and not always friendly, but thinks had been getting better… Buffy had started to relax and let herself enjoy Faith’s presence… until Finch. Yes, she knew she had screwed up, but she was scared. It was Ted all over again but this time there was no robot. Just a dead man and a lot of blood… Buffy had reacted terribly, but she didn’t think Faith thought they were complete strangers.

“An understanding?” The blonde slayer asked trying to keep herself calm. Wasn’t it obvious that it was about Faith herself, that they met while trying desperately to keep her alive and there was no time for distrust. “Yes Faith, we have an understanding that we both care about you! I’m sorry that I didn’t stop to question him and be suspicious and throw him around a little, but I was too busy trying to get you to breathe!”

She gasped at the end, her trembling hand covering her mouth as she realized what she had said. All the out of control emotions she had been feeling since the moment she saw Faith’s unconscious pale body hanging all came back at that moment.

@fxd3ddr3xms​

Faith sneered even as she tried not to let the fact that it had been Buffy that saved her, “So terribly sorry that I’m suspicious of the fact that you claim to care about me when I was living in a fucking motel were vampires and demons could and did break in every other night.  Or how about the thought of how the fuck was I paying for that room?  How about did you even know my fucking last name before you met my brother?”

She stalked towards the blonde feeling herself stand straighter and almost seeming to loom over the other Slayer, “I don’t care that you didn’t stop to question him or be suspicious... it’s the simple fact that every other god damned person is given the benefit of the doubt but me...”  She bared her teeth similarly to how Fae would, “I make one mistake and it’s all my fault when you were there.  You threw him at me...”

@arfarfpsycho

“Hmm, didn’t think you would.” She gave him an appreciative look. He probably used that sexy smirk and cute dimple to get girls undressed for him all the time. She had seem Faith employ similar tactics but Cordy found it much more appealing in him.

“Let’s get you out of those pants and into something a bit…tighter.”

@fxd3ddr3xms​

Fae quirked a brow before humming, “Well now.  Not gonna go to dinner with me first before gettin’ me outta’o my pants?”  He felt a little lighter with the flirting but didn’t mind.

@arfarfpsycho

“Are you serious?” Her eyes rolled for what seemed like the gazillion time in the last ten minutes. What was it with the leather wearing people in her life today? “You gotta decide what to be angry at me about here, you either angry because you for some reason think I like him or angry cuz I don’t.” She sighed when Faith just changed the subject.

That part did hurt a little, because the blonde had become more aware of herself lately and she had realized that a lot of her actions did come off that way. “Because… Because I’ve been trying so hard to pretend that I’m alright that I fit every check box on everyone’s image of who I’m supposed to be that I didn’t let myself do more…” She trailed of looking away in shame. Admitting only to herself that for some reason getting more involved scared her, because the intensity of her own reaction and behavior when around Faith disrupted the lie she had become.

“I know, I’ve been terrible at actually helping and have even made things more complicated, but I really am trying now… it’s not out of pity.”

@fxd3ddr3xms​

Faith glared at the eye roll and snarled out, “I don’t fuckin’ know which I’d be more angry about.”  And she didn’t know, after all for the longest time Fae had been the only one in her corner all their lives so the idea that someone wouldn’t think her brother was good enough pissed her off but at the same time she just didn’t like the idea of her brother with the other slayer, “Could be that it took less than two weeks for you and he to have some weird understanding while I’ve been here how the fuck long and still barely treated better than a stranger?  How the fuck else am I suppose to know or view it?”

@arfarfpsycho

Buffy stared at Faith in confusion for a moment until she had a moment of realization.

What the hell?

“Oh God, not you too…” She rolled her eyes. What was it with people thinking there was something between her and Faelen? Because she had sided with him? And he seemed to be her only ally in this whole situation?

Seriously?

Did they think her incapable of interacting with a handsome guy without being involved or wanting to be involved with them?

“I’m not interested in your brother and I pretty sure he’s more interested in chewing my shoes than dating me.” She closed the door behind her with a little more force than she had meant to.

“And I don’t pity you!” She walked closer. “That’s not why I’m trying to help!”

@fxd3ddr3xms​

Faith narrowed her eyes at Buffy a look of protective anger, “What ne not good enough for you?”  She didn’t know why she was pushing this after all the idea that Buffy didn’t want her brother was what she wanted to hear wasn’t it?

@arfarfpsycho

“That’s why you are doing better than your sister, should have seen what she was wearing when we met her.” Though Cordy supposed it was what she was going for to get vampires to follow.

She noticed him look back at Buffy’s mother and smirked. “You wouldn’t be wrong, but no need to look at Mrs. Summers for help I won’t bite… Just undress you.”

Well, she could not be blamed if she flirted a little, Faith’s brother was a hunk and she was single…

@fxd3ddr3xms​

Fae rolled his eyes, “Could be what she’s comfortable in... also practical for vamp baiting or at least that’s what she’d tell me.”

He huffed at the tease but felt his smirk pull wider to showcase his dimples, “Oh will you?  Suppose can’t really complain if a gorgeous girl wants to undress me.”  Fae winked at her flirting back if only to take his mind off of what may or may not be happening between the two slayers.

@arfarfpsycho​ Buffy spun to face the door and sighed. When it rained it poured, didn’t it? She knew Faith had more than likely felt Angel’s presence but didn’t think she’d seek Buffy out. And from her tone of voice and the force behind her knock? She definitely wasn’t here for a hug.  Steeling herself for the confrontation she knew was about to happen she went to open the door muttering to herself. “So gonna get punched…”  Finally opening the door she found the brunette standing there, hair wet from a shower and looking better than anyone had any right to look. “Hey… guess it’s finally that time, huh?” She stepped aside so the other girl could come in.

@fxd3ddr3xms​

She gave B a mocking smile upon seeing the door open, “Sure lets go with that.”  Faith brushed passed the blonde slayer into the room and looked around in a passing curiosity before looking at the other Slayer.

Crossing her arms, Faith stared straight dead at Buffy as she debated on what she really wanted to start with.  Was it whatever was going on between her twin and the other slayer, or would she rather be blunt about not wanting to be B’s charity case and pity.

@arfarfpsycho​

Cordy raised an eyebrow at his offered arm but who was she to say no to tall, dark and handsome. He was quite the looker and Cordy would get to make him hotter by dressing him herself. She smirked at the thought and took the offered arm. “That’s right and I’m about to save you from fashion disaster… you do better than your sister but barely.” 

Joyce watched their interactions as Cordelia guided them to the men’s clothing area and smiled, this could be a good thing after all. Faelen was such a handsome boy and she got the impression that just like Faith he had very few bonds to keep him grounded. 

@fxd3ddr3xms​

Fae frowned a little at the jab at his sister but shrugged after all neither Lehane’s clothing choices were really about style and were more about practical protection and warmth against Boston weather.  The dark colors especially were about covering up any potential blood.  “Right seeing as jeans, tee-shirts and a leather jacket are common?”

arfarfpsycho​:

@arfarfpsycho

The blonde stared at the tall vampire for a moment.  Well? Were things well? Not even close, but him being here did absolutely nothing to make things better, if anything it would make things more complicated. Faith probably had felt him in the house already and given that she had never shown much love for the ensouled vampire, Buffy didn’t think she’d be happy about it.  The fact that Buffy had asked him to wait for her to reach out last time they saw each other at the hospital and after at the school he had acted so annoyed at Faelen’s presence, which Buffy thought was stupid and icky because yes, Fae was cute but she had not even considered him that way for a moment for obvious reasons. Not that Angel was aware of the circumstances or the fact Buffy’s thoughts had been mostly focused on the other sibling and unable to think about anyone else. 

Hell, other than the moments at the hospital and the library Buffy had not thought about Angel at all, which in itself was confusing but made sense considering the situation. Still no thought about trying to ease his mind even when she knew he was jealous of Faelen. “Things are a little better now that Faith is awake, but there’s still some stuff that are not mine to share and would be better if people stopped pushing for answers.” She winced at the implication that he was one of those people.

“Look, I’m sorry… it’s been a stressful couple of days.” 

He looked like a kicked puppy for a moment and she almost laughs at the fact that he kinda looked like Faelen for a moment there. She was sure neither one would appreciate the comparison.  “And it’s something about Faith… and Faelen.” He frowned a little at the name, which made Buffy’s eyes roll in annoyance. A little trust would be nice. “It’s something that I only know cuz I was there and it’s something that again no one should be pushy about… Faelen is Faith’s brother and I don’t know what stupid big men grudge or competition you two have going on, well stop it.”

Angel raised an eyebrow but got the message that she wasn’t happy about his attitude the last few days. “You’re right… I’m sorry. I just worried. I should go now before the weather changes… if you need anything.” “I’ll find you.” She said and watched him nod and leave through the window.

@fxd3ddr3xms​

After finishing her shower, Faith felt her mind was much clearer and having a talk with B would probably go over better even if Soulboy had been by.  Which now that she thought about it may bother her but she knew that the two needed to talk if they were going to coexist together in this house.

Walking up to the door, Faith could still feel the Vamp there and heard B say, “... Faelen is Faith’s brother and I don’t know what stupid big men grudge or competition you two have going on, well stop it.. “  She gritted her teeth as it started to make sense.

Feeling Fae’s gentle probe at her mind probably because she broadcasted her annoyance over the bond, Faith pushed him out of her head and closed the bond down.  She did feel a flash of hurt from her twin but at the moment she didn’t really care.  Maybe the ghosts were right, and neither B nor Fae needed her.  But what’s more is was Fae replacing her with B or did he happen to like her.  What was it about her brother that the other slayer found easier to get along with after less than two weeks that it took months for her to get only for Finch’s death to throw it all away.