CHAPTER EIGHTY-ONE “Ugh. I hate this magical mumbo-jumbo shit.” Faith said, sweeping up what remained of the casting circle in Willow’s room.
“I know…but I really appreciate you helping…you know that, right?” Buffy asked, finishing up changing the sheets and making the bed.
“Yeah…I know, B. It’s no big…just wanted to help, you know?”
The blonde Slayer reached over, taking the other girl’s hand in her own. “Yeah…I got that.” she said, pulling Faith closer, she leaned in, placing a gentle kiss on the once-dark Slayer’s lips.
To Buffy’s surprise, Faith made no attempt to deepen the kiss. Instead, she returned the kiss slowly and tenderly. Her actions sent little tendrils of electricity throughout their bodies. Slowly, the two pulled back.
“Wow.” Buffy said, quietly, her eyes still trained intently on Faith’s.
“Yeah…wow.” Faith said, smiling softly. “I’d really like to umm…discuss this further, B.”
“Yeah?” Buffy said, still somewhat dazed.
“Yeah…but I think Red and her wife are probably waiting…” Faith said, softly.
“Yeah…what? Oh yeah…right…Wills…” Buffy said, coming back down to earth.
“Hey…I’d like to continue this later…if you want…”
Buffy smiled, leaning in to brush her lips against Faith’s once more.
“I’ll take that as a yes…” Faith said, smiling as she led Buffy through the doorway back to the livingroom, where Willow, Tara, and the rest of the gang were. As they arrived, Maggie and Logan walked back in as well.
“Hey Buff…thanks for cleaning things up…didn’t mean to leave it like that…I was kinda in a hurry.” Willow said, smiling, giving Tara’s hand a squeeze.
“No problem, Wills. It’s all set for you guys. Just let me know if you need anything else, k?”
“Will do. Hate to do this, everybody…but Tara’s had a long day…and she needs her rest. I promise, we’ll be all ready to get researchy tomorrow morning.” Willow explained, rising up from her place on the couch, guiding Tara up beside her.
“I-it was a pleasure m-meeting all of you.” Tara said, smiling gently, still a bit nervous among her new friends.
Giles walked forward, kissing the blonde on the cheek and giving Willow a hug.
“The pleasure has been all ours, Tara. Welcome to the family.” He said, smiling before turning to walk towards the door.
“Likewise.” Xander said, copying Giles’ actions.
“It was nice meeting you, Tara...you’re much nicer than Willow…and very beautiful. I can see why Willow chose you.” Anya said, matter-of-factly as she joined Xander.
“Maggie, Logan…you’re staying with us tonight, right?” Buffy asked.
“I’m afraid not, dear. Logan and I have some things that we must take care of out at our house. I would like to invite you all there in the morning, if that would be alright with Willow and Tara.” Maggie said, looking to the girls.
“Are you sure? You really shouldn’t be travelling that far away…Kaliphicus and all…” Buffy said.
“We’ll be fine, dear. I promise.” Maggie said, placing her hand on the Slayer’s shoulder, in an attempt to quell her apprehensions. “So we’ll see you all at the house at 8:00 am?”
“Kinda early, isn’t it?” Buffy said.
“Buffy!” Giles scolded.
Maggie laughed. “She’s fine, Rupert. How about I make everyone a nice breakfast…would that make an 8am start time a little easier?”
Buffy perked up at the thought of a homemade breakfast. She wasn’t one to mess with cooking in the morning…cold cereal was about the best that she could manage.
“I’ll be there at 7:45am with mocha in hand!” Buffy said, with a wink.
“Sounds good, thank you, Maggie.” Willow said.
“Rupert, would you be so kind as to drop us off on your way back?” Maggie asked.
“Of course. We’ll see you all in the morning.” Giles said, leading Maggie and Logan to his car.
“See you in the morning!” Xander said, Anya in tow as he headed out to his truck.
Buffy closed and locked the door behind them.
“Well…looks like it’s just us!” She said. “Can I get you guys anything? Are you hungry? I think there’s some leftover pizza in the fridge.”
“Baby? Are you hungry?” Willow asked, looking to Tara.
Tara shook her head no.
“J-just tired.” She answered, weakly.
“Right…I think we’re set, Buff. Thanks for everything…both of you.” Willow said, looking to Faith.
“No problem, Red. You get your girl some rest…we’ll make sure you’re up in the morning.”
“I-it was nice meeting y-you both.” Tara said, still a bit nervous.
“You, too, Tare…welcome to the family!” Buffy said, smiling at the blonde.
“We’ll see you in the morning…g’nite.” Willow said, leading Tara upstairs.
“So…looks like it’s just you and me, B.” Faith said, looking to the blonde.
“Yep…looks like.” Buffy said, moving closer.
“Care to continue that conversation we started earlier?” Faith asked.
The blonde Slayer moved closer, wrapping her arms around the taller girl’s neck.
“Yeah…that’s exactly what I’d like to do…” she said, closing the gap between their bodies as she leaned in, her lips meeting Faith’s once more…
To Be Continued...
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