DISCLAIMER AND AUTHOR'S NOTE: All Buffy The Vampire Slayer stuff belongs to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy and Warner Brothers. No copyright infringement was intended in the writing of this fiction. All other characters that appear belong to me. This story cannot be sold or used for profit in any way. Copies may be made for private use only and must include this copyright notice and disclaimer. There is some subtext in this story. If this kind of stuff is not legal where you live, if you're under 18 or if you don't like the notion of two women being in love, then you should find something else to read.

Innocence
By Kristjan Brezovnik

"Ah, Summers, come in," Mr Jones, Buffy's boss, said.

Buffy entered.

"You wanted to see me?"

"Yes. Please, take a seat." He waited for Buffy to sit and then continued. "You're familiar with the Oak Lake Estate?"

Buffy frowned.

"I've heard about it. I think we have something to do with it."

Mr Jones nodded.

"Yes. We were hired to buy the estate."

"Oh. What does that have to do with me?"

"Well, the owner is a retarded woman who inherited the estate from her parents. They'd been killed in a car crash. Anyway, she refuses to sell. I want you to pay her a visit and find out more about her. I need to know if we can have her declared dangerous to society."

Buffy frowned.

"Isn't that unethical, Sir?"

"It's the money that makes the world go around, Summers. We're getting paid a lot and we were promised a bonus if we can get it cheap."

Buffy thought for a moment.

"And what if she's not dangerous, Sir?"

"Then find something. Anything."

"Yes, Sir," Buffy said, not really liking the job.

"Here's all you need to know," Mr Jones said and pushed a folder across the table. "You leave tonight."

Buffy looked at him, surprised, as she took the folder.

"Tonight?"

"Yes."

"But tomorrow's Christmas Eve. I'll never be back for Christmas, not if you want me to do this right."

"I know, but we're on a deadline."

"Oh."

"Go now."

"Yes, Sir," Buffy said and left.

"You can't be serious, Mom," Dawn Summers, Buffy's daughter, said, upset, when Buffy told her about her trip.

"I'm sorry, honey, it surprised me as well. I'll try to be home by New Year and the hell with the job."

Dawn crossed her arms and pouted.

"This sucks."

Buffy smiled.

"I know," she said and ruffled her hair. "Come, help me pack."

"There's gonna be a blizzard, Faith," Rose O'Donnell, the of owner Rose's Diner, said. "Are you sure you have everything?"

Faith nodded.

"Uh-huh. I got everything from Mrs Park's list."

"Okay. Call if you need anything."

"Okay."

Faith left with her bags. When she got to her car, she put the bags in the back and drove home.

"Thank you, Faith," Mrs Park said when Faith came home.

"You're welcome," Faith said. "How are the children?"

"They are having fun. Come, let's get this inside and then we'll call them and they'll help decorate the Christmas tree."

"Okay," Faith said with a smile. She looked around. "Where's Blackie?"

"I think I saw him near the cabin. He's probably playing with the children."

"Probably," Faith agreed with a smile.

By Buffy finally got to the small town, it was already snowing heavily. She decided to first take a break and get something to eat before going to the Oak Lake Estate. She noticed Rose's Diner and decided to go there.

The food was delicious and she decided to give the owner/waitress a tip.

"That was delicious," she told Rose as she paid.

"Of course if was, honey. We serve only the best."

"Here, this is for you," Buffy said and gave her the tip.

"Why thank you, honey."

Buffy smiled.

"Anyway, could you direct me to Oak Lake Estate?"

Rose squinted her eyes, looking at Buffy suspiciously.

"You're not one of them lawyers, are you?"

"Eh…"

"'Cause Faith ain't selling. And we sure as hell won't allow no stinking company to build some stupid resort."

Buffy sighed, realizing she won't get any directions.

"Do you know where I could stay for a couple of days?"

"Sorry, honey, we're full. You might try Scenery Motel down the road."

"Thanks."

As soon as Buffy left, Rose called Scenery Motel to make sure Buffy wouldn't get a room there.

"Surprise!" Faith said, excited, when the children came in.

The children's eyes went wide and they started chatting, excited.

"Can we help to decorate?" a boy asked.

Faith nodded.

"Uh-huh, that's why you're here. Come."

"Careful, children," Mrs Park called. She looked at her colleague, Mrs Penn. "This will be interesting."

Mrs Penn smiled at her.

"Yes." She looked at the children. "Each pick a box of decorations," she instructed. "Okay, now surround the tree." The children did so. "Now put on one decoration and then all move a few steps to your right. Then put on another and move to your right again."

The children started decorating the tree.

Mrs Park looked out the window.

"The blizzard has started. It will be difficult to get back to the cabin."

"You can sleep here," Faith said.

"Here?"

Faith nodded.

"Uh-huh. I have a few spare rooms and they can share beds."

Mrs Park looked at Mrs Penn.

"I'll go get them a change of clothes."

Mrs Park nodded.

"Okay."

After failing to get a room, Buffy decided to go visit Faith and see if she could get a room there. She could already see the narrow passage widen and she could see lights in the distance when suddenly she heard deep rumbling. Then rocks started to fall and she realized she was right in the middle of an avalanche.

She increased her speed, hoping to get out of the danger zone before the rest of the avalanche came down. Suddenly, a big rock crashed in front of her car and the last thing she felt was pain.

"Do you hear that?" Mrs Penn asked.

Faith and Mrs Park listened.

"Sounds like a car horn," Mrs Park said.

Faith went to the door and opened it.

"It is," Mrs Penn said.

"I'll go look," Faith said.

She quickly dressed.

"Blackie!" she called.

The dog came running and they left.

It took them a few minutes before they reached the source of the noise. Faith saw that it really was a car, half buried under the avalanche material.

"Hello!" she called, but there was no response.

She quickly started showing the snow away with her bare hands. When she got to the window, she saw that there was a woman inside. She knocked on the window, but the woman didn't move. She tried to open the door, but it was blocked by the avalanche material. She quickly started to remove it.

A couple of minutes later, she finally cleared the door. She opened it and checked Buffy's pulse. She was still alive, so Faith reached over to unbuckle her. Then she dragged her out. She looked at her dog, who was sniffing at Buffy.

"Blackie, get help," she said and pointed toward the house. "Help."

Blackie barked and ran off.

Faith picked up Buffy and started to return to the house.

"Blackie," Mrs Penn said, surprised, when she opened the door and saw only Blackie there. "Where is Faith?"

Blackie barked and looked back to where he came from. Then he looked back at Mrs Penn and barked again.

Mrs Penn looked and could just barely see Faith carrying something. Or someone. She closed the door.

"I think Faith found someone," she told Mrs Park. "I'll go help her."

"Okay," Mrs Park agreed.

Mrs Park quickly dressed and then followed Blackie to Faith.

When they returned, the children surrounded them, curious.

"Children, give them some space," Mrs Park said. "I'll call 911," she told Mrs Penn.

Mrs Penn nodded.

"Okay." She and Faith quickly undressed. "What now?" she asked Faith.

"She's cold," Faith said. "We should give her a warm bath."

Mrs Penn nodded.

"Yes. Let's take her upstairs."

They took her upstairs to the bathroom. There, they stripped her to her underwear and then laid her in the bathtub, which had filled with warm water in the meantime.

"Do you have some medicines to take care of her cuts?" Mrs Penn then asked.

Faith nodded.

"Uh-huh."

She went to the cabinet and fetched the medicines.

"She was pretty lucky," Mrs Penn observed. "Only arms and face."

"Uh-huh," Faith agreed.

"Help me clean her up. We'll bandage her after we dry her."

"Okay."

"The phone doesn't work," Mrs Park said when Mrs Penn came back downstairs.

"The cell phones?" Mrs Penn asked.

"No. I talked to the sheriff on the radio and told him about the woman and the phones. How is she?"

"She'll be okay, she just got a few scratches and perhaps a concussion. We took care of the cuts. She's sleeping in Faith's bed now."

"Oh. I'll go tell the sheriff."

When Buffy woke up the next day, she had a major headache. When she could finally think, she realized she was lying on something soft. And she was warm. She opened her eyes and blinked a couple of times. She saw the ceiling of a room. She looked around and saw that she was lying in a bed. She lifted the cover and was relieved when she saw that she had on a nightgown. And someone else's panties. And also that her cuts have been taken care of. She looked around again and saw a photo of Faith and her parents and realized that Faith must've found her. She breathed a sigh of relief and continued to look around the room. She noticed a fresh set of clothes and decided to get up.

She uncovered herself and sat up. She groaned as she felt a bit dizzy. She took a deep breath and then slowly got up and stretched. Then she noticed that her bags were lying next to the chair.

"Thank god," she said, relieved.

She sat on the bed and rummaged through her purse until she found her phone. It was working, so she called home. Unfortunately, there was no signal. She sighed and put the phone away. Then she started to get dressed.

"Mrs Penn! Mrs Penn!" a girl called when she saw Buffy come downstairs.

"What is it, M… Oh, Miss." Mrs Penn hurried to Buffy, who was a bit dizzy, and helped her get down. "Faith!" she called.

Faith quickly came. Her eyes went wide when she saw Buffy.

"You shouldn't be up yet," she said and hurried to help Mrs Penn. "Come, sit down."

They took her to the sofa and Buffy sat down.

"Thank you," she said and took a deep breath.

"How do you feel?" Faith asked.

"Dizzy."

"Do you hurt?"

"My head hurts a bit and my face and my arms itch."

"Oh. What's your name?"

"Buffy."

Faith smiled.

"That's a pretty name. I'm Faith. This is Mrs Penn and that is Mrs Park."

"Hi," Buffy said.

"Are you hungry?"

"Yes."

"I'll get you a soup first," Faith said. She looked at Mrs Penn. "Will you look after her?"

"Yes, of course," Mrs Penn said with a smile.

"Okay," Faith said and hurried away.

"Can I help?" a little girl asked her.

Faith smiled at her.

"Of course."

The girl took her hand and they went to the kitchen.

"Is there a phone here?" Buffy asked.

"Yes but it doesn't work. The avalanche must've broken the lines."

"Oh. What about cell phones?"

"They don't work either."

"So we're cut off?"

"Faith has a radio station. You can tell the sheriff who to call."

"Yes, please."

"Come, let me help you."

After she told the sheriff to call her family, Buffy returned to the sofa.

"When did you find me?" she asked.

"Soon after the avalanche," Mrs Penn said. "You hit the car horn and it kept blaring."

"Oh."

"Faith got your stuff this morning."

"Yes, I noticed." Buffy looked around. "Who are you?" she asked. She frowned. "Are these children, em…"

"Retarded?"

Buffy blushed.

"Eh, yes."

"Yes."

"What are they doing here?"

"We came here for Christmas. We're staying in one of the cabins, but we came here so the children could decorate the Christmas tree. Then the blizzard came and Faith still hasn't cleared up the path."

"Oh." She thought for a moment. "You come here often?"

"Once a year. Though the group is usually larger. But these kids' parents are working, so we brought them here."

Buffy frowned.

"Is this some sort of resort?"

"Yes. I mean, not officially, but Faith rents out the cabins. They're cheap, so the parents can easily afford it. Plus, it's an isolated place, so we're not bothered. And the locals are nice too. In fact, during the summer, their children often come here to swim."

Buffy thought for a moment.

"So only, eh, retarded children come here?"

"And orphans."

"Oh."

"We usually bring our own cooks, but since it's such a small group, Faith cooks for us."

"Oh."

"And Molly." She smiled. "She loves to cook."

Buffy thought about it.

"And Faith is running this place all by herself?"

"Oh yes. But she can always count on the townspeople to help her."

"Oh."

"She may be slow, but she's not stupid. She's actually a role model for these children."

"I can understand why," Buffy said as she looked around.

Then Faith came from the kitchen.

"The soup is ready," she said.

"Thank you."

"Are you okay?" Faith asked when Buffy got up.

Buffy nodded.

"Yes. I'm not dizzy anymore."

"Okay. Come."

Buffy followed Faith to the kitchen. She smiled when she saw little Molly standing on a chair, stirring something.

"Here you go," Faith said when they got to the table.

"Thank you," Buffy said and sat down.

By the time Buffy finished her soup, Faith and Molly prepared the rest of the food.

"Do you want some more?" Faith asked when Buffy finished eating.

"No, thank you, I'm full."

"Okay."

"It was delicious."

Faith smiled.

"Thank you," she said and put the plates away. "You should rest now."

"I'll go sit on the sofa."

"Won't the children disturb you?"

Buffy smiled.

"No, no. And if I'll have a headache, I'll just go upstairs."

"Oh. Okay."

Faith followed Buffy to the sofa.

"Are you warm enough? Do you want me to get a blanket?"

"No, I'm fine," Buffy said with a smile. "Thank you."

"Okay," Faith said.

"Faith," Mrs Park then said.

"Yes?"

"We were thinking. Perhaps we should move into this house, if you don't mind. It would save energy and money."

"Okay," Faith agreed.

"And you're sure it won't bother you?"

Faith smiled.

"I'm sure. It gets kinda lonely sometimes."

Mrs Park smiled.

"Okay. We'll go get our stuff after you clear the path."

"Okay," Faith agreed and left.

"Why were you staying there in the first place?" Buffy asked.

"Because we always stay in the cabins. But now that it's such a small group, well, it would be more prudent if we stayed here. But we don't want to intrude, after all, this is Faith's home."

"Oh."

"And what do you do?"

"Eh, I'm a lawyer," Buffy said and Mrs Park looked at her suspiciously. "I was just passing through, but I couldn't find a room, so I came here," she quickly added.

"I see."

"Damn," Buffy quietly swore. "I promised my daughter I'd be home for Christmas, but now it looks as though I won't."

"Hopefully, they’ll clean up soon, and you'll be able to be with her for New Year."

Buffy sighed.

"I hope so."

As Faith bustled around the house, Buffy talked with Mrs Penn and Mrs Park, who were looking after the children. She was a bit surprised to see that they let the children accompany Faith as she took care of her chores. She also noticed that even though Faith was almost like a child herself, she had firm control over the children, who looked up to her. She also noticed that Faith took the time to explain things to the children when they didn't understand something, or asked Mrs Penn or Mrs Park if she didn't know the answer. In short, she didn't treat them as if they were stupid.

When lunch time approached, Faith and Molly started cooking. Buffy, being a bit bored, helped them.

After lunch, Faith went out to clear the path to the cabin. Buffy volunteered to help, but Faith strictly forbade her to go out or do anything exerting.

It took Faith almost two hours to clear up the path. Mrs Penn and Mrs Park then dressed the children warmly and they all went to the cabin to pack their things.

Finally alone with Faith, who sat down to rest a bit, Buffy decided to question her.

"Do you, em, live alone here?"

Faith looked at her and nodded.

"Uh-huh."

"What about your parents?" Buffy asked, even though she knew they were dead.

Faith's face became sad.

"They're dead."

"Oh. I'm sorry."

Faith smiled sadly.

"I miss them."

Buffy thought for a few moments.

"And you take care of this estate all by yourself?"

Faith nodded.

"Uh-huh. I helped Mommy and Daddy before the accident. And then Rose helped me."

"From the diner?"

Faith nodded.

"Uh-huh. You know her?"

Buffy nodded.

"I met her."

"Oh."

"So how come you only let, em, orphans and, em…"

"Retarded children?" Faith asked.

Buffy nodded, blushing a bit.

"Yes."

"Because there are not many places where they can have fun. And this place is isolated."

"Oh."

"It's good for them, they're not treated like they're stupid here."

Buffy smiled.

"I know. And you're not stupid."

Faith smiled back.

"I know. But I have trouble grasping some things."

Buffy briefly touched Faith's hand.

"Nobody's perfect. I had the same problem when I was younger."

Faith's smile widened.

Buffy hesitated for a moment.

"Em, Rose mentioned that someone is trying to buy this estate."

Faith nodded.

"Uh-huh. But I'm not selling, this is my home. And besides, if I sell, the children will have nowhere to go."

"Oh." Buffy thought for a moment. "When do you think will the road be cleared?"

Faith shrugged.

"I don't know. In a few days."

Buffy sighed.

"Damn."

"Are you in a hurry?"

"I promised my daughter I'd be home by Christmas Eve, but now it looks as though I won't."

"Oh." Faith thought for a moment. "Maybe you could come here in the summer," she then offered. "With your daughter."

Buffy looked at her, surprised.

"I thought you have the children here then."

Faith nodded.

"I do, but you two can stay in the house."

"Oh." Buffy smiled. "Thank you, I'm sure Dawn would like that."

"Ooh!" Faith suddenly remembered. "Can you cook?"

"Eh, sure."

Faith smiled and got up.

"Come," she said and headed to the kitchen, Buffy quickly following her. "I've been wanting to make a dish, but it's a bit complicated and I don't quite understand the instructions. Rose said she'd help me, but since you're here, we can make it."

"For dinner?"

Faith nodded.

"Uh-huh. It'll be special."

"Do you have the ingredients?"

Faith nodded again.

"Uh-huh."

"Okay then. Show me the recipe."

After the children got settled in, Buffy and Faith, with Molly's enthusiastic help, started to prepare the Christmas Eve dinner.

"Faith, that was delicious," Mrs Penn declared after dinner.

Faith beamed.

"Thank you. Buffy and Molly helped a lot."

Mrs Penn smiled.

"I know." She looked at the children. "Children, you can stay up longer tonight. We'll watch a Christmas movie."

The children all cheered.

"But you should get ready for bed first," Mrs Park said. "Slowly!" she called when the children started getting up.

Mrs Penn and Mrs Park quickly escorted the children upstairs, Blackie following them.

Buffy looked at Faith.

"Where am I going to sleep?"

"In my room."

Buffy frowned.

"And you?"

"On the couch."

"What?" Buffy said, surprised. "Can't you sleep in one of the rooms?"

"They're all occupied. You're in my room, the children are in the guest rooms and Mrs Penn and Mrs Park are in Mommy's and Daddy's room."

"Oh. I can sleep on the couch."

"Oh no, you need to be comfortable."

Buffy hesitated for a moment.

"We can share the bed, it's big enough," she offered.

Faith thought for a moment and then smiled.

"Okay."

Buffy smiled back.

"How about we clean up now?"

"Okay," Faith said and got up.

After the children got ready for bed, they came downstairs and watched TV. They fell asleep one by one and and Faith helped Mrs Park carry them upstairs. After all the children were tucked in, Mrs Penn and Mrs Parked turned in themselves. Buffy and Faith watched the movie to the end.

When Buffy woke up in the morning, she was surprised to find Faith cuddled up to her. She quietly observed her, deciding to try and convince her boss to find another location.

When Faith finally woke up and saw Buffy watching her, she smiled.

"Morning."

Buffy smiled back.

"Morning."

Faith yawned.

"How do you feel?"

"Much better."

"Okay," Faith said and rolled on her back. She looked at the clock. "Ooh! The presents!"

"Presents?" Buffy said, startled.

Faith looked at her.

"Uh-huh, for the children." She sat up. "Come, help me take them downstairs."

When the children were awoken, they immediately hurried downstairs under the watchful eyes of Mrs Penn and Mrs Park. Faith observed them, excited, as they opened their presents, and Buffy observed her. Her resolve to make sure Faith kept her home strengthened.

When the children opened their presents, Mrs Penn and Mrs Park ushered them upstairs to get ready for breakfast.

"I love this," Faith then said, and looked at Buffy, smiling.

Buffy smiled back.

"Me too." She thought for a moment. "Do you know how to use a computer?"

Faith shook her head.

"Uh-uh."

"Do you want to learn? I can show you how to use my laptop," Buffy offered.

Faith's eyes went wide.

"Really?" she said, excited. She frowned. "Is it complicated?"

Buffy smiled.

"It's not supposed to be. I don't think you'll have any problems."

Faith smiled.

"Okay."

"After breakfast?"

Faith nodded.

"Okay."

Three days later, the road was finally cleared. Faith invited the men who had cleared the road in for a coffee, and they gladly accepted. They also informed her that the phone was working, but not the cell phones.

Soon after they were gone, Rose came to check up on Faith.

"Hi, Rose," Faith said with a smile.

"Hello, Faith," Rose said, smiling back.

"Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas to you too, Faith."

"Come in."

"Thank you," Rose said and entered. She looked around and smiled again when she saw the children. "Looks like you had lots of fun."

Faith smiled widely.

"Uh-huh. Ooh! Remember that recipe? Buffy helped me with it and it was delicious."

"Good. Will you be able to do it by yourself the next time?"

Faith nodded.

"I think so."

"Okay." She nodded at Mrs Penn and Mrs Park. "Hello."

"Hello," Mrs Penn said.

"They're staying here," Faith said. "It saves the energy."

Rose nodded.

"A good idea."

"Hello," Buffy said.

"Hello," Rose said with a frown. "Everything okay with you?"

"Yes, thank you. Just a couple of cuts and bruises."

"I see."

"Could you take me back to town? I really need to get home."

"Yes, of course."

"Can't you stay longer?" Faith asked Buffy.

Buffy smiled.

"I promised Dawn I'd be home by Christmas Eve. I'm already three days late."

"Oh."

"I'll go pack."

"Okay."

Buffy left.

"You like her?" Rose asked Faith after Buffy was gone.

Faith nodded.

"Uh-huh. She's nice."

"She didn't try to convince you to sell, did she?"

Faith shook her head.

"Uh-uh." She smiled. "She said I wasn't stupid."

Rose smiled.

"You're not."

"Ooh! She showed me how to use a computer."

"Really?" Rose said, surprised.

Faith nodded.

"Uh-huh. She has a laptop with her and she showed me how to use it."

"I see." Rose looked around. "So, did you have a nice Christmas?"

Faith nodded.

"Uh-huh, it was fun."

"Good."

"Would you like some coffee?"

"No, thank you, Faith."

"Okay."

"Well, that's it," Buffy said when she came downstairs with her bags.

"Will you call me when you come home?" Faith asked.

Buffy smiled.

"Sure."

Faith hesitated for a moment and then hugged her.

Buffy was surprised for a moment, but then she dropped her bags and hugged Faith back.

"I'm gonna miss you," Faith said.

"I'll miss you too," Buffy said quietly, realizing that she meant it.

When Faith finally let go of her, Buffy picked up her bags and looked at the children, who had come closer.

"Bye, children," she said with a smile.

"Bye," the children started saying all at once.

Buffy then looked at Rose.

"I'll see you around, Faith," Rose said.

"Okay," Faith said.

"Bye, children," Rose said and waved at them.

"Bye," the children again started saying all at once.

Rose smiled and then looked at Buffy.

"Come."

"Bye, Faith," Buffy said and hurried after Rose.

"Bye, Buffy."

Faith watched form the door as Buffy put her bags in Rose's car and then got in herself. She smiled when Buffy waved at her one last time, and she waved back. She watched until the car disappeared from view, and then went back inside.

"Ah, Summers," Mr Jones said when Buffy entered his office. "Everything okay with you?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Have a seat."

"Thank you, Sir," Buffy said and sat down.

"So, how did it go?"

"Not good, Sir. She may be retarded, but she's not stupid. And she's not dangerous either." She shook her head. "There is no way she is going to sell."

Mr Jones frowned.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, Sir. Plus, the locals would make trouble if we tried to force her off." She hesitated for a moment. "Sir, I think they should find another location."

Mr Jones shook his head.

"They're not going to like it." He sighed. "Thank you. That's all."

"Yes, Sir," Buffy said and left.

A few days later, Faith got a letter from a psychiatrist to come for a check up. She had no idea what a psychiatrist would want from her, but she went to see him anyway. He had two friends with him and they asked her stupid questions. She wanted to leave. But they stopped her and injected her with something.

"Good morning," a nurse said when she entered Faith's room the next morning and saw that Faith was awake.

"Good morning," Faith said, scared. "Why am I tied up?" she asked when she noticed the restraints.

"That's for your own safety."

Faith frowned.

"What do you…" She trailed off when she felt something between her legs. "Eh, I think I peed myself."

The nurse smiled.

"I'll take care of it."

She removed the blanket and lifted Faith's gown. She removed the panties and frowned when she saw something white oozing out of Faith's pussy. She looked at the crotch of the panties and her eyes went wide.

"Oh my god."

"Is something wrong?" Faith asked, worried.

The nurse looked at her.

"Eh, I think you've be, eh, raped," she said.

Faith frowned.

"What does that mean?"

"Somebody had sex with you against your will."

"But I don't remember anything," she said, confused.

The nurse sighed.

"I know. I'll be right back."

A week later, Faith managed to escape from the hospital. The problem was, she had no money. She walked around for a while, looking around curiously. Finally, she remembered Buffy. She didn't know where she lived, but she knew how to find out. Plus, she remembered, she would need a lawyer and Buffy was one. She smiled, relieved, and went to find a payphone.

When she found Buffy's house, she walked up to the door and rang the bell, nervous a bit.

"Yes?" Dawn said when she opened the door.

Faith smiled at her.

"Hi. My name is Faith. Does Buffy live here?"

"Yeah, she's my mom."

"You're Dawn?"

"Eh, yes," Dawn said, surprised.

Faith's smile widened.

"Buffy told me about you. Is she home?"

"Eh, no."

"Oh. When will she come?"

Dawn shrugged.

"I don't know."

"Oh." Faith thought for a moment. "Can I wait for her?"

"Eh, I'm not allowed to let strangers in."

"Oh. Can I wait on the bench?"

"Eh, yeah, sure."

Faith smiled.

"Thank you."

She went to the bench, which was beside the path that led to the house, and sat down.

Dawn stared at her for a few moments and then closed the door.

"Eh, hello," Joyce said when she came home an hour later and saw Faith sitting on the bench.

"Hello," Faith said with a smile.

"Can I help you?"

"I'm waiting for Buffy."

"Oh. I'm Buffy's mother. Joyce."

"I'm Faith," Faith said and got up to shake Joyce's hand.

Joyce smiled back.

"Nice to meet you. Eh, you know Buffy?"

Faith nodded.

"Uh-huh. She spent Christmas with me."

"Oh! You're that Faith."

Faith nodded, excited that Buffy had told Joyce about her.

"Uh-huh."

"Well, come in."

"Okay," Faith said and followed Joyce. "Dawn said she's not allowed to let strangers in."

Joyce smiled.

"I know."

Joyce, Dawn and Faith were talking when they heard the front door open and close.

"That's Mom," Dawn said and ran to meet Buffy. "Hi, Mom."

Buffy smiled.

"Hi, honey," she said and gave her a hug.

"You have a visitor."

"I do?"

Dawn nodded.

"Uh-huh. Come."

Buffy followed Dawn to the living room, wondering who the visitor was.

"Faith!" she said, surprised.

Faith got up and smiled.

"Hi, Buffy."

"What are you doing here?" Buffy asked, hoping Faith wasn't some kind of stalker.

"I need a lawyer."

Buffy frowned.

"You do?"

Faith nodded.

"Uh-huh."

Buffy thought for a moment.

"How did you find me?"

"I looked you up in the phonebook."

"Oh." Buffy relaxed a bit. "How can I help you?"

"I got a letter from a doctor and I went to see him, but he and his friends only asked me stupid questions. I wanted to leave, but they said I was dangerous and then they made me sleep. And when I woke up, the nurse said I was raped, but I don't remember anything. Then they had me locked in some ugly room and they only let me out for a walk, but I managed to escape. Then I came here, because they might call the police and I don't want to go back. And you're a lawyer and you can help me," Faith shot out in one breath.

Buffy, Joyce and Dawn looked at her, shocked. Joyce and Dawn hadn't heard the story before, because Joyce had assumed that Faith wanted to talk to Buffy about business and she knew that Buffy never talked about her clients.

Buffy quickly realized why Faith had been declared dangerous and she had a feeling she knew who was responsible.

"You were raped in a hospital?" Dawn said.

Faith nodded.

"Uh-huh. But I don't remember anything, I was sleeping."

"Oh."

Buffy sighed.

"Look, Faith, I'll take care of this."

"You'll be my lawyer?" Faith said, excited.

Buffy hesitated for a moment.

"I can't."

Faith's face fell.

"Why not? I'll pay you, I have money."

"I know, but it's not about the money."

Faith frowned.

"Then why not?"

Buffy hesitated for a moment and then sighed.

"You know that company that is trying to buy your land?"

Faith nodded.

"Uh-huh."

"Well, they hired my company to buy it for them. I can't work for you and them at the same time."

Faith's face became sad.

"You want to take away my home?" she asked in a quiet voice, her lips quivering.

"No, I don't. But like I said, I can't work for that company and you at the same time."

Faith turned and left, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Faith!" Buffy called and ran after her. "Faith, wait."

"Leave me alone," Faith said.

"Faith, please."

"I don't want to see you ever again," Faith said and left the house.

Buffy stopped and sighed.

"I'm sorry," she said, but Faith kept going.

When Faith was gone, Buffy closed the door and returned to the living room.

"Buffy?" Joyce asked.

Buffy sighed.

"I had no idea they would try this."

"Who?"

"I have a pretty good idea. I'll take care of this."

"What are you gonna do, Mom?" Dawn asked.

"I'm going to get a few people fired."

"Buffy," Riley Finn, Buffy's legal aid, said when Buffy came back. "I thought you'd gone home."

Buffy bit her teeth, trying to control her temper.

"I remembered I left some files here," she lied.

"Oh."

She went to her office and then stopped.

"Oh! Do you know how the Oak Lake Estate case is going? I heard there's been some progress."

Riley grinned.

"It's been take care of."

"How?"

"That woman has been declared dangerous."

"By whom?"

"The doctors, of course."

"Why did the doctors examine her in the first place?"

"They got a little tip."

"From who?"

"From me."

"I see. You're fired."

Riley blinked, surprised.

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me. You're fired. You have one hour to clear your place. And don't expect a letter of reference."

Buffy stormed past Riley.

"You can't fire me."

"I believe she just did," a secretary snickered.

"Did you know about Faith?" Buffy asked when she stormed into Mr Jones' office.

"Know what?" Mr Jones said.

"I'm sorry, Sir, she just barged in," the secretary apologized.

"Yes, thank you, Janet," Mr Jones said. "Know what?" he repeated when Janet closed the door.

"That she has been declared dangerous."

"I did hear there has been some change in the matters, yes. But I've had some urgent cases to take care of and I didn't pay much attention to that case. How did it happen?"

"Riley Finn, my assistant, tipped off some doctors to declare her dangerous."

"What?!" Mr Jones said, upset. "And you're sure she's not dangerous?"

"I'm positive, Sir. She has cabins and she lets them out to retarded children and to orphans for the summer. I think there are enough competent people accompanying those children who are able to decide whether Faith is dangerous or not."

"I see." He pressed the intercom. "Janet, call Mr Finn and tell him to get his butt here on the double."

"I fired him," Buffy said.

"Oh. Good." He took a deep breath. "Where is Faith now?"

Buffy sighed.

"She managed to escape from the hospital. She came to me, but she left when she find out I couldn't help her. I think she went home."

"I see."

"I'm going to the hospital now to see about those doctors."

Mr Jones nodded.

"Go. I'll have a little chat with Mr Finn. And I'll warn that company to be very careful about that estate."

Buffy nodded.

"Thank you, Sir."

Mr Jones nodded and Buffy left.

When Buffy got to the hospital, she went straight to the director.

"Mr Manners?" she said when she opened the door.

"Yes."

"Hi, I'm Buffy Summers," she said and closed the door.

"Hello." They shook hands. "What can I do for you."

Buffy thought for a moment.

"Do you remember that rape case a couple of days ago?"

Mr Manners nodded.

"Yes. The technician has been arrested. But the woman has escaped a couple of hours ago."

"I know. But that's not why I'm here. The woman, Faith Spencer, she was here against her will. The doctors were probably bribed by my ex-assistant."

"Why would he do that?"

"Well, Faith is… retarded, there's no doubt about that, but she's not stupid, or dangerous. She owns a beautiful estate and one of our clients wants to buy it. My assistant apparently thought he could score some points by getting Faith committed."

"I see." He got up. "Let's find out what really happened."

"What's going to happen if they're guilty?"

"They're going to lose their licenses."

"Good." She thought for a moment. "Did she leave anything behind?"

"I'm not sure. We'll see."

"Faith!" Rose said, relieved, when Faith entered the diner. She hurried toward her. "Where've you been? We've been worried sick."

"I was in a hospital."

Rose frowned.

"Why?"

"I don't know. I got a letter from a doctor. I went to see him, but he and his friends asked me stupid questions and then they made me sleep. When I woke up, the nurse said I was raped, but I don't remember anything. Then they had me locked in a little room and they only let me out for a walk, but I managed to escape." She sighed. "I went to Buffy, but she said she works for the people who want to take my home away."

"Oh honey," Rose said and hugged her.

Faith hugged her back and started to sob.

"I thought she liked me," she said quietly.

"Buffy?"

Faith nodded.

"Uh-huh. I liked her a lot, but now I don't."

Rose sighed.

"Why don’t you sit down and I'll make you some hot chocolate with lost of cream."

"Okay," Faith said and let go of Rose. She wiped her eyes and smiled a little. "Thank you."

Rose smiled back.

"You're welcome, honey."

The next day, Buffy went to see Faith. She drove in Faith's car and Joyce followed her in her car.

"Go away," Faith said without opening her door, after Buffy rang the bell.

"Faith please, I want to explain."

"You want to take away my home."

"No, I don't. I swear. Please, Faith, I want to explain." She sighed. "Look, I was sent here to find out more about you, that's true. But I told my boss that you were okay and that you would never sell your home. He accepted that. But my assistant wanted to score some points and he had you committed. I fired him and I made sure that the doctors or the police won't be looking for you." She hesitated for a moment. "And I brought your car back."

There was a brief pause and then Faith opened the door.

They stared at one another for a few moments.

"Here," Buffy then said and gave Faith the car keys. She sighed. "I'm sorry, Faith, I never mean to hurt you."

"I'm not stupid," Faith said.

Buffy smiled.

"I know that. In fact, I think you're pretty smart. I mean, you escaped from the hospital, you found me, and you came back home."

Faith smiled a little.

"You think I'm smart?" she asked shyly.

Buffy nodded.

"Yes," she said and Faith blushed a little. "Can… Can Dawn and I still come for the summer?"

Faith thought about it and then nodded.

"Uh-huh."

Buffy smiled.

"Thank you."

Faith looked past Buffy and saw Joyce.

"Hi, Mrs Summers!" she called and waved her hand.

Joyce smiled and came closer.

"Hello, Faith."

"Eh, why don't you come in? I'll make you some coffee."

"Thank you, Faith."

Faith smiled and stepped aside.

"Come."

Joyce looked at Buffy.

"I take it you've explained things."

Buffy nodded.

"Yes."

"Good."

Two weeks later, Faith went to see Doctor Adams, the local doctor. Her period was late and she was worried.

"Faith! Now that's a surprise," Doctor Adams said. "I don't remember the last time you've been ill."

Faith smiled as she sat down.

"Hello, Doctor Adams."

"So, what's wrong?"

"My period is late."

"Oh?" the doctor said, surprised. He hesitated for a moment. "Did you, em… Did you have sex?"

Faith frowned.

"No."

"Hmm."

"Oh!" Faith remembered. "I was raped."

"What?" the doctor said, surprised.

"The nurse said that was when somebody has sex with you against your will. But I don't remember it, I was asleep."

Doctor Adams stared at her for a few moments, surprised. Then he thought for a moment. Then he got up and went to a medicine cabinet. He unlocked one and took something out. Then he locked it again and returned to Faith.

"Here you go. Go to the toilet and pee on the this."

Faith frowned.

"On the box?"

Doctor Adams smiled.

"No, no. There's a… a little stick inside. Just read the instructions first, okay? Then come back."

"Okay," Faith said, confused.

She got up and left.

She went straight to the ladies room. She locked herself in one of the stalls and then opened the box. Inside was a funny looking stick and instructions sheet. She took out both and looked at the stick first. Then she looked at the sheet and carefully read the instructions.

"Ah, you're back," Doctor Adams said when Faith returned to his office. "How did it go?"

"Okay," Faith said. "I read the instructions and then peed on the stick. It turned blue, like the instructions said it would if I'm pregnant. See?"

Faith showed him the stick and Doctor Adams smiled.

"Well, congratulations, Faith."

Faith hesitated for a moment.

"I'm gonna be a mommy?"

Doctor Adams nodded.

"Yes."

Faith smiled.

"Great! I can't wait to tell Rose."

Doctor Adams chuckled.

"You can throw the stick away now. Then go see Nurse Shelly and she'll set you up for further appointments."

Faith frowned.

"Why?"

"Well, we need to make sure that your baby is growing okay."

"Oh."

"Don't worry, all… mommies come here often during their pregnancy."

"Oh. Okay." She smiled. "I'm gonna be a mommy," she said, excited. Then her face became serious. "Will the baby be… like… me?" she then asked, worried.

Doctor Adams smiled softly.

"No, I don't think so. But don't worry, I'm sure you'll take care of your baby well regardless."

Faith nodded.

"Uh-huh."

"We'll know in a couple of months."

"Oh." Faith sighed. "Okay. I go see Nurse Shelly now?"

Doctor Adams nodded.

"Yes."

"Okay."

"Rose! Rose!" Faith said excitedly as she entered Rose's Diner.

"Faith? Hey."

Faith beamed.

"I'm gonna be a mommy," Faith said and hugged her.

"Huh?" Rose said, surprised, as she hugged her back.

"I'm gonna be a mommy," Faith repeated and let go of her. "I'm gonna have a baby," she said. She took Rose's hands and danced a little. "I'm gonna have a baby! I'm gonna have a baby!"

Rose smiled at Faith's antics.

"How come you're…" She trailed off when she remembered that Faith had told her she'd been raped. "Oh."

Faith frowned.

"Oh no."

"What's wrong, honey?" Rose asked as she led her to a table.

"I don't know how to be a mommy."

"Oh." They sat down. "Well, don't worry, I'll help you."

Faith smiled, relieved.

"Thank you."

Rose smiled.

"Tell you what. You go home now. I'll come visit you after my shift is over. Then we'll make a list of things you need to buy for the baby."

Faith's smile widened.

"Okay."

"Now, how about an apple pie? On the house."

Faith beamed.

"Yes, please. Thank you."

Rose smiled.

"You're welcome, honey."

Buffy came to visit Faith a few days later.

"Hi," she said when Faith opened the door.

Faith's face lit up.

"Buffy!" she said and hugged her.

Buffy hugged her back, surprised.

"You're in a good mood."

Faith let go of her and nodded.

"Uh-huh. I'm gonna be a mommy!" she said, excited.

Buffy frowned.

"You are?"

Faith nodded again.

"Uh-huh."

"Oh," Buffy said when she remembered that Faith had been raped.

Faith squealed, excited.

"I'm so excited. Rose helped me make a list of things I would need, but I haven't bought them yet." She hesitated for a moment. "Could you help me with shopping?"

Buffy blinked, surprised, and then smiled.

"Sure."

Faith smiled.

"Great! When do you have the time?"

Buffy thought for a moment.

"This Saturday?"

Faith clapped her hands.

"Great! I'll come to you in the morning."

"Okay. Come around nine."

"Okay."

"Oh! I just came to tell you that those three doctors who had questioned you have lost their licenses. And you don't have to worry about anyone trying to take your home away from you."

"Oh. Okay," Faith said, relieved. Then she smiled. "Wanna see the list?"

Buffy smiled.

"Sure."

"Come."

When Saturday came, Faith came right on time. Then Buffy took her to the mall. Faith had never been to a mall and she looked around, curious and excited at the same time. But Buffy had seen Faith's list and she had made a plan. They shopped all day and only took a break for lunch.

"Do you need help unpacking?" Buffy asked when they got back and carried everything they bought inside.

"Oh, no, I can manage," Faith said.

"Oh," Buffy said, disappointed.

Faith hesitated for a moment.

"But I could use some company," she said.

Buffy smiled.

"Okay."

Faith smiled back and they started to unpack.

During the summer, Buffy, Joyce and Dawn came to visit Faith. Dawn stayed there all the time and Buffy and Joyce took turns. At the end of Faith's pregnancy, Joyce stayed there all the time as well. When the time finally came, it was a Saturday and Buffy was there too. They took Faith to the hospital and at Faith's request, Doctor Adams allowed Buffy to stay with her throughout the birth.

"It's a girl!" Doctor Adams declared once the baby was out.

Faith took a deep breath to relax. She was tired, but her face lit up when she saw the baby.

Nurse Shelly held the baby as Doctor Adams severed the umbilical cord. Then she gave her to Faith, wrapped in a blanket.

"Here you go."

Faith took the baby, her eyes wide.

"She's so tiny," she said quietly as if afraid to disturb the baby.

Buffy smiled.

"Yes, she is."

"And she's perfectly normal," Doctor Adams said.

Faith smiled.

"What are you going to name her?" Buffy asked.

Faith looked at her.

"I get to name her?"

"Of course."

Faith thought for a few moments and then smiled.

"Can I name her Hope?"

Buffy smiled.

"Of course. She's your daughter, you can name her anything you want."

Faith smiled and looked at the baby.

"Then her name will be Hope."

"Okay."

Buffy reached over and caressed Hope with the tips of her fingers.

Faith did the same.

"She so soft."

"Yes."

Faith looked at Doctor Adams.

"When can I take her home?"

"Well, I'd like both of you to stay here for a couple of days."

"Why? Is something wrong?" Faith asked, worried.

"No, no, it's just routine. All mothers stay here with their babies for a couple of days."

"Oh. Okay."

"Let me take a couple of pictures," Buffy said. She looked at Doctor Adams. "May I?"

"Yes, of course."

Buffy took out her polaroid camera and turned it on.

"Okay, Faith, smile."

Faith smiled and Buffy took a couple of pictures.

"Here you go," she said when she was done, and gave one to Faith. "You'll have to wait a minute until it develops."

"Okay."

"Why don't you give Hope to Nurse Shelly now. You both need rest."

"Do I have to?"

"Yes. It would be dangerous if you slept with her."

"Oh."

"Don’t worry, you'll get to hold her later."

Faith hesitated for a moment.

"Okay."

She looked at nurse Shelly, who came closer and took Hope.

"I'll put her right here," Nurse Shelly said and put Hope in the crib.

"Okay," Faith said.

Doctor Adams looked at Buffy.

"You should leave now and let Faith rest."

"Okay. I'll come back later, Faith."

"Okay," Faith said and smiled.

Buffy smiled back and then left.

"Well?" Dawn asked excitedly when Buffy came out of Faith's room.

Buffy smiled.

"It's a girl," she said. "Faith named her Hope."

"Can we see her?"

"Later. Right now they're both resting."

"Oh," Dawn said, disappointed.

"We'll come back tomorrow then," Joyce said.

"Here, I have photos," Buffy said and gave Dawn the photo.

"Ooh," Dawn said, excited, when she saw the baby.

"I'll go see about the paperwork," Buffy said. "Faith gave me some papers and I'll fill in what I can."

"Okay," Joyce agreed. "We'll go to Rose's Diner and get something to eat."

"And tell Rose," Dawn said.

"Okay," Buffy said. "I'll come there when I'm done."

"Good," Joyce said and then she and Dawn left.

"Morning!" Buffy said as she, Dawn and Joyce entered Faith's room in the morning.

Faith smiled at them.

"Morning."

"So, how does it feel to be a mommy?"

Faith's eyes lit up.

"Wonderful! I breastfed her."

Buffy smiled.

"Of course."

"She's so cute," Dawn, who had gone straight to the crib, gushed.

"Yes," Joyce agreed.

Faith beamed.

"Thank you."

"I filled in some of the papers," Buffy told her. "Has the doctor shown them to you yet?"

Faith shook her head.

"Uh-uh."

"Oh. I'll remind him later."

"Okay."

"So, how do you feel?"

"Hungry."

Buffy smiled. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a candy bar.

"Here," she said and gave it to Faith.

Faith's eyes lit up.

"Thank you."

Buffy nodded at the crib.

"Has the doctor checked Hope yet?"

Faith nodded as she unwrapped the candy.

"Uh-huh. He said she's okay."

"Good," Buffy said, relieved.

There was a knock on the door.

"Hi, Rose," Faith said, excited, when she saw the woman.

"Faith," Rose said and closed the door. "How are you?" she asked as she approached the bed.

"I'm fine."

Rose looked at Joyce and Dawn.

"Hello."

"Hello," Joyce said.

Rose went to the crib.

"Oh, she's adorable," she said when she saw Hope.

Faith beamed.

"Thank you."

"She has your eyes."

"Really?"

"Oh yes." She looked at Faith. "When are you going home?"

"In a couple of days."

"Oh." Rose looked at Joyce. "Will you be staying with her?"

"Yes."

"Good. She'll need help."

"Yes."

"Hello," Doctor Adams said as he entered.

"Hello," Buffy said.

"Faith, there's still some papers to fill out."

"Okay," Faith said.

"I can come later."

"No, it's okay," Buffy said.

"Okay," Doctor Adams said and came closer.

"Here you go," Doctor Adams said and gave Faith the papers. "Ms Summers here already filled in most of them. Feel free to ask, if you have a problem."

"Okay." Faith looked at the papers. "Eh, I don't know who the daddy is," she said a few moments later, and looked at Doctor Adams.

"That's okay, you don't have to fill that out."

"But then Hope will only have one parent."

"Yes."

"But what if something happens to me? Can I write someone else?"

Doctor Adams frowned.

"Uh, I suppose."

Faith put the pen down, but she stopped. She looked at Buffy.

"Can I put your name there?"

Buffy blinked, surprised.

"Mine?"

Faith nodded eagerly.

"Uh-huh."

"You want me to be Hope's, eh, second parent?"

Faith nodded again.

"Uh-huh."

Buffy looked around.

"Why me?"

Faith smiled.

"I like you." She blushed. "A lot."

"Oh." Buffy smiled and thought about it. "Okay," she then said.

"You want to be Hope's mom?" Dawn asked.

Buffy looked at her.

"Does that bother you?"

Dawn looked at Hope and smiled.

"No." She looked back at Buffy, her smile widening. "I have a baby sister."

Buffy smiled.

"Yes." She looked at Faith. "You can write my name. Elizabeth Anne Summers."

Faith frowned.

"I thought your name was Buffy."

"That's what everyone calls me."

"Oh." She thought for a moment. "I like Buffy better," she declared and then wrote down Buffy's name.

Buffy smiled again.

"Me too." She thought for a moment. "Listen, Dawn and I will go home today, but we'll come back next Friday afternoon. Like usual."

"Okay."

Faith looked back at the papers and started filling in the missing information.

"Mom?" Dawn said when she came downstairs in the evening and saw Buffy sitting at the kitchen table, sipping some drink, and staring at the photo of Faith and Hope.

Buffy jerked, startled.

"Yes, honey?"

Dawn came closer and sat on a chair.

"How do you feel about Faith?"

Buffy frowned.

"Why?"

"Well, I mean, I know you like her, but…"

"But?" Buffy prompted when Dawn trailed off.

Dawn hesitated, blushing.

"Well, em, are you in love with her?"

Buffy's eyes went wide.

"What? What makes you say that?"

Dawn shrugged.

"The way you act around her."

"Oh," Buffy said, blushing. She sighed. "I don't know. I do care about her, a lot, but I'm not sure it's love."

"Because she's retarded?"

Buffy took a deep breath.

"That's part of it, yes. I mean, I'm not sure I care about her because I want to help her or because I love her."

"She's not stupid."

Buffy smiled.

"I know."

"I think she loves you."

Buffy frowned.

"She does?"

Dawn nodded.

"I don't think she knows it. She's probably never been in love before."

"Oh." Buffy sighed. "Would it bother you?" she asked after a moment.

Dawn shrugged.

"No. I like her."

Buffy smiled.

"Good."

Dawn left, and Buffy took a deep breath and thought about it.

The next week, while Joyce and Rose made sure everything was ready for the arrival of Faith and her daughter, and while Buffy was taking care of the paperwork, Dawn kept Faith and Hope company and help Faith with packing.

"Faith," she said when they waited for Buffy.

"Yes?" Faith said, and looked at her.

Dawn hesitated for a moment.

"Do you, em, do you love my mom?"

Faith frowned.

"Love?"

"You know, like you loved your parents and like you love Hope, only, you know, with the kissing stuff."

"I haven't kissed Buffy."

"I know. But you want to, right? Eh, right?"

Faith blushed a bit and nodded.

"Uh-huh."

Dawn smiled.

"And you want to be with her, right?"

Faith nodded.

"Uh-huh."

"So you love her."

Faith smiled and nodded.

"Uh-huh."

"Hey," Buffy said as she entered.

"Cool," Dawn said.

"What is?" Buffy asked.

"Oh, nothing," Dawn said with a smile. "Can we go now?"

"Yes."

"Welcome home, Faith," Rose said when Buffy brought Faith, Dawn and Hope home.

"Hi," Faith said with a smile.

They got in and Faith gave Rose the baby so she could undress herself.

"She's so cute," Rose cooed.

"Like her mother," Joyce said with a smile as Hope grabbed her finger.

Faith beamed at that.

"Ohhh, she's sleepy," Rose said when Hope yawned. "Here."

Faith took Hope and caressed her.

"I'll take her upstairs," she said.

"I'll go with you," Buffy said.

"Okay."

After she tucked Hope in, Faith took Buffy's hand.

"Our baby," she whispered.

Buffy looked at her. She stared at her for a while and it was finally clear to her that she did love her. She smiled.

"Yes," she said and gently squeezed Faith's hand.

Faith looked at her.

They stared at one another for a few moments and then Buffy leaned closer and kissed Faith.

Faith's eyes went wide from surprised, but she finally responded, a bit nervous because it was her first kiss.

When Buffy finally pulled back, they stared at one another for a few moments, both blushing.

"Eh…" Buffy then started, nervous.

"Can we do that again?" Faith asked, beaming.

Buffy blinked, startled, and then smiled.

"Let's talk first," she said.

"Okay," Faith said and almost dragged her out.

She stopped outside, thought for a moment, and then headed to her parents' bedroom, where Joyce was now staying.

"Eh, Faith…" Buffy started.

"I love you," Faith said, excited.

"Huh?" Buffy said, surprised.

Faith smiled.

"I talked to Dawn and she helped me figure it out."

"I see," Buffy said and smiled. She hesitated for a moment and then reached out and touched Faith's cheek with her palm for a moment. "I love you too."

Faith smiled widely.

"Cool! Can we kiss now?"

Buffy smiled.

"Sure."

She licked her lips, hesitating, and then leaned in for a kiss.

Faith gulped, suddenly nervous, and then leaned in herself.

They lips touched and pressed together. Buffy considered using her tongue, but she decided against it.

"I like kissing," Faith declared when they stopped.

Buffy smiled.

"Me too."

"Can we kiss some more?" Faith asked, excited.

"Later. We have guests, remember?"

"Oh," Faith said, a bit disappointed. "Okay."

"Don't worry, there'll be plenty of time for kissing."

Faith smiled.

"Cool."

"Let's go downstairs now."

"Okay."

Faith took Buffy's hand and they went downstairs.

When Dawn saw that Buffy and Faith were holding hands, she smiled widely.

"So what do I call Faith now?" she asked.

Buffy blushed.

"Whatever you feel like," she said.

"I can't call her Mom, it would be confusing." She thought for a moment. "Mother?"

Buffy smiled.

"You can call her Faith, if you want," she said and looked at Faith, who was frowning, obviously confused.

"What are you two talking about?" Joyce asked, equally confused.

Dawn smiled at her.

"They're a couple," she said, excitedly.

"You are?" Joyce said, surprised, and looked from Buffy to Faith and back.

"Yes," Buffy said, blushing again.

Faith smiled, finally realizing what they were talking about.

"Uh-huh. "We're… We're… Eh… Ooh! We're girlfriends!" she looked at Buffy. "Right?"

Buffy smiled.

"Yes."

"I didn't know you were gay," Joyce said.

Buffy looked at her.

"I'm not." She frowned. "I mean, I don't think I am. I've never… I mean…" She shrugged. "I don't know. I don't really care, I guess."

"Oh." She looked at Dawn. "And you're okay with this?"

Dawn shrugged.

"Sure, why not?"

"Oh."

"Well, em, I guess congratulations are in order," Rose said, just as surprised as Joyce.

"Thank you," Faith said with a wide smile.

Rose glanced at Buffy.

"And how long have you two, em…"

"Well, I guess we've been in love for a while, but we only admitted it to one another a couple of minutes ago," Buffy said, blushing again.

"I see."

"Can we order a pizza and celebrate?" Dawn asked hopefully.

"You're too late," Joyce said with a smile, "lunch is already cooking."

"Oh."

"Come, sit down," Rose said, "we want to know more."

Buffy and Faith both blushed.

They went to the sofa and sat down.

The End