New and Old
by Rin
Return of the Old Life
[reviews]
"Hey, Red." Faith peeked her head into Willow's office, and waited outside the door for the redhead to acknowledge her presence. Willow looked up from her computer, and smiled at the brunette, motioning for her to take a seat on the couch. Willow saved her work, went to shut the office door, and turned around to greet Faith.
"Hey! I just heard the tracks from the other day. Things are coming along great. Once the mixing is complete, we'll start thinking about marketing. What brings you here? You should be getting some rest today. Big photo shoot tomorrow." Willow sat down on the couch beside her, and moved positions so she could face her directly with Faith mirroring the action.
"I was just coming by to see what was up, ya know."
"Oh, well...things are calm after last weekend, that's for sure. Why aren't you at home resting?" Faith just shrugged her shoulders, and started looking around the office.
"Nice office."
"Thanks." Willow eyed the girl worriedly. "Is something wrong?"
"Oh, no. Just got bored, thought I'd see if you were busy for lunch, or if that girlfriend of yours was around."
"Buffy's not coming over for lunch today, no. She has a lot of work to take care of over at the magazine, so she's taking a quick lunch over there. Did you want to go somewhere to get something to eat?"
"Ah, nah. I mean...I was thinkin' that maybe I'd buy you lunch, since you bought me lunch the other day. Even the scales, that sorta thing, ya know?"
"You don't have to do that, Faith."
"Yeah but I wanna." Faith looked like she didn't care but she was really hoping that Willow would accept her offer. Willow just smiled warmly at the girl's offer, and accepted. After grabbing her coat, the two walked a few blocks down to a little health food restaurant that Faith walked into with caution. "You sure this is good?"
"Trust me. Plus, extra bonus for the food containing all sorts of healthy alternatives to the usual greasy French fries." They sat down, and ordered their food, with Faith a little reluctant to ask what was contained in some of the items. "So, on your day off, you decide to come and take your boss out to lunch?"
"Yeah...I guess."
"Are you crazy? I used to stay far away from my boss on days off but it was kind of difficult, since he was my dad."
"You worked for your dad?"
"Yeah, he owned the Bronze before he died."
"Well, what did you do?"
"I was one of the bartenders."
"See...it makes a difference when your boss is cool."
"Oh, so you think I'm cool?"
"Hell, yeah, I do! Who wouldn't?"
"All the kids in my high school." Faith arched an eyebrow in disbelief. "Yeah, hard to believe such a hot mama yama was the school nerd but that's where my roots lie. What about you? Where do you come from? I really don't know much about you."
"Oh, well, I'm from Boston. Grew up there until I ran away when I was fifteen. Lots of bad stuff goin' on at home...just didn't wanna be there anymore. I don't know how I ended up in Sunnydale but that's where I landed. Been here ever since."
"You ran away when you were fifteen?"
"Yeah...not the best of times but as you can see, I managed." Faith started playing with her glass rim, running her fingertips across the top. "Got my GED two years back because I couldn't get a job that was worth shit. Then, I met the guys, and we started playing together on a regular basis. From there, the rest is history...the stuff that you already know."
"Wow, Faith. I had no idea. You seem so calm."
"Yeah, well...I felt like I was gonna burst all the time. I'd been in jail for some time, and that cooled me down...made me think things through."
"What about now?"
"Yeah...it's still there...but I can control it better now. It's not controlling me anymore. It's probably where you see the calm."
"Maybe. Faith?"
"Yeah?"
"What about where you live?"
"What about it?" Faith tried to stare at Willow but knew that the redhead already sensed something.
"I know that you aren't living comfortably. You never gave an address or number to be reached...you're just always there. Do you not want us to know where you live? If it's bad, then I can guarantee you that some of our other acts were worse off before we signed them. You can tell me."
"Um...there's this old motel on the outskirts of town that I've been staying at for awhile. They let me pay $15 a day...nothing to fancy but it has running water and a bed."
"The necessities of life. There were some guys that were living over at the car compound, sleeping in broken down cars, so you're doin' better than you think. Don't be ashamed."
"I'm not ashamed...just..."
"Lonely." Faith looked up at the redhead, and wondered why she was so intuitive. "I've been there. Hardly anybody knows where I live now."
"I'm sure Blondie knows it inside and out, though."
"Yes, well...things have changed recently."
"How recently?"
"Over two months now...but that's not the point."
"Oh, and what's the point?"
"That I was hiding...not just from others but from myself, as well. Only three people knew where I lived. Others had been there but were unaware that I lived there, too. They just thought it was a party building that I had rented."
"Ah, the infamous Rosenberg parties. Tell me, are we gonna get one of those?"
"Maybe...if you keep up the good job. I'll see what I can do. Look, Faith..."
"I don't want any advice."
"I'm not giving any."
"What then?"
"I have a spare room in my apartment, and nobody has ever even used it. It's got everything in there already, so nothing needs added but it's lonely, too."
"Is this the part where you offer to let me stay with you because you feel sorry for me?"
"No. I don't feel sorry for you. I'm not trying to help you in any way. I just have an extra bedroom, and thought it'd be nice if you'd like to live there with me. You don't have to, of course. It's not necessary for you to keep your job...it's just an offer. Not as a boss...as a friend."
"Friend, huh? I've heard of those." Willow smiled at Faith's smirk, knowing that it wouldn't take much to talk the girl into staying. "Yeah, well...as long as you and Blondie keep it down, I'll give it a shot. Couldn't hurt, right?"
"Right. Plus, you'd be there for all the parties this way...at least, when you're not off touring, or doing publicity...those things. There's just no sense in keeping that ratty motel room if you're not even going to be there half of the time."
"Why haven't you offered this to any of your other employees?"
"I'm not that close with the other bands, and besides...I trust you...you've come by everyday to my office...even on your day off, so you must trust me, too. Plus, you caught me in a giving mood."
"Whoa, Red...I'll bet Blondie can't wait to see you tonight." Willow blushed as the waitress brought their food. While they began digging in to the assortment, Faith was shocked that the food wasn't terrible. "So, what are you and Blondie doing tonight? Friday night...date night, right?"
"Um, actually. I'm not seeing Buffy tonight." Willow looked sheepish but guilty at the thought of having dinner with another woman.
"Wow. Already cheatin'?"
"No...I'm not cheating on her. I was supposed to have dinner with this woman earlier in the week but things come up, and I couldn't, and this was the only time that we could work out...hence, no Buffy."
"Why not? If it's a business deal, then you coulda taken B...she wouldn'ta minded."
"It's not business."
"So, it is leisure then..." Faith smirked, trying to get a reaction from the other girl. All Willow did was blush, and want to hide from her probing eyes.
"No. Well...sorta. I don't know."
"Ex?"
"How'd you know?"
"You have the guilty ex face."
"Huh?" Willow scrunched her eyebrows together in confusion, and Faith just laughed. "What?"
"You didn't tell B who you were havin' dinner with, did ya?"
"Yeah. I told her about Ken. She knows."
"And she's not worried?"
"Should she be?"
"I'm not the one to answer that. This guy...Ken...was it serious?"
"Well, Kennedy and I were together for two years but I didn't love her."
"Ah, so you don't drive stick at all, eh?"
"Never have. Never intend to."
"Well...to each his own, I guess."
"What about you...um...do you drive stick?"
"Not always...depends on what mood I'm in...not much for relationships, though. Been in a few...bad, good...take 'em or leave 'em...doesn't really matter one way or the other. I live more by the want, take, have philosophy of dating."
"What's that exactly?"
"If I want them, then I take them...and I have them. Pure and simple...nobody gets hurt...it's just purely fixin' the physical needs."
"Okay...I understand that to some level. I guess my perspective's changed within the last few months, though."
"Yeah, yeah...B's got ya on a leash."
"Hey! She does not."
"Right...but it goes both ways. You two are so into each other that it's sickening at times. But like I said...to each his own. She makes you happy, and vice versa, and that's a beautiful thing." Willow smiled at her friend's sexual logic, and the fact that everything logical involves sex. The rest of the lunch was spent in casual conversation, and the two decided that Faith could move in that night, while Willow was out with Kennedy. For the first time in her life, Faith felt like she was wanted, and that felt good.
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Another Friday night without Willow, and Buffy was more than disappointed. She didn't want to be jealous girlfriend, especially since Willow assured her that the dinner was purely platonic, and that there was nothing going to happen between her and Kennedy. However, the illogical part of her brain was on overload, and she kept pacing the floor, wanting to call the redhead every ten minutes to make sure that nothing had changed. Luckily, Dawn decided to come in that weekend from college, and was currently watching her sister pace for the umpteenth time in front of the couch.
"Buffy...sit down." The blonde just looked at her sister in a daze, obviously agitated and frustrated. "Buffy, please. You're making ME nervous."
"Sorry, Dawnie." Buffy sat down but her legs were shaking rapidly, and her eyes kept darting around the room in panic. "What if they end up having sex in the bathroom again?"
"Huh?"
"Willow and Kennedy...it's happened before...and even after they were broken up after a year...what if I'm not enough for her anymore?"
"Buffy...Willow loves you...this Kennedy, she doesn't love her...they may have had sex in the past but that doesn't mean that it will happen again. Calm down, you have nothing to worry about...stop being so jealous."
"I'm not jealous!"
"Buffy...you are so jealous that the Jolly Green Giant has taken a vacation." Dawn crossed her arms, making sure that her sister understood her point. Buffy relaxed for a second but tensed up again, and Dawn caught her before she could start mouthing off bad things about the other brunette again. "Buff...honestly...this isn't healthy. Sure, you're jealous...hell, I would be...but not to the point where I'm about to hyperventilate. You need to relax. Willow said she would call as soon as she left the restaurant." Buffy slumped back into the couch, and sighed dramatically.
"I know...it's just...it's been two Fridays that Will's had to cancel, and I just get frustrated is all. I mean, I understand...I do...I just want more Willow time is all."
"Maybe you should try actually dating during the week, and not just on Fridays and Saturdays? It's a crazy idea but it just might cure those Willow blues."
"Yeah, I know. We just don't want to jump into things...right now, the weekends work."
"It's not from where I'm sitting, or where you're sitting, either if the puffy cheeks are any indication. I'm not saying see each other every day...just maybe if something comes up that you have to cancel on a Friday or Saturday, you should make up the day during the week." Buffy looked at her sister with an impressed expression.
"When did you get so smart?"
"Since you started dating Willow."
"Well...good to know that she affects the both of us."
"Obviously you more than me because, no offense to Willow...but I'm doing fine in the boys department." Buffy smiled at her sister, and Dawn smiled back before the two started giggling, and falling into a more relaxed environment. "Buffy...I really like Willow."
"Me, too, Dawnie."
"Do you think this is the real thing? Like...the forever kinda thing with you two?"
"We'll see how things go. It's only been almost three months, and I don't wanna scare her, or myself for that matter."
"Are you scared?"
"Not in the least bit."
"This is new."
"I know." They settled into the couch more, and Buffy started stroking Dawn's hair in a sisterly fashion.
"I've never seen you this happy before, Buffy. It really suits you. I hope it is a forever kinda thing because I don't wanna have to go back to broody Buffy again."
"Hey! I was not broody."
"You so were. Plus, she gets me good concert seats, and backstage passes to see Glory perform, which is major bonus Buffy's girlfriend points in my book."
"I still don't understand why you like her."
"Come on...how could you not like that song 'You're the Key to My Universe?' Honestly, Buffy, I don't know where you find your musical tastes."
"She has more diva attitude than Aretha and Celine combined."
"You're just jealous because she's a goddess."
"Yeah, a hell god more like it."
"Music differences aside, Will is still cool for getting me the tickets. I've thanked her thousands of times over emails."
"You email her?"
"Well, yeah...just because you're dating her doesn't mean that I can't email her. If she's going to be my sister-in-law someday, might as well get along, which we have no problem doing." Buffy was about to comment when there was a knock at the door. Hoping with every fiber of her being that it was Willow, she jumped off the couch a little too quickly for Dawn to gain balance, and she fell off the couch with her. Buffy threw the door open, and she was half disappointed to not find Willow there but she was also excited at who it was.
"Charles!" Buffy rushed to hug her best friend, and ushered him and his guest inside. "What are you doing here? I thought you were still working in LA at that detective agency." She looked up at him in awe. They hadn't seen each other in over a year, and with Gunn's new job, the emails weren't twice a day like they used to be. Now, they were stuck with just the one email, just a little longer in length. She was aware that he was dating a new girl but couldn't remember her name, and Buffy had mentioned Willow repeatedly to the point where Charles couldn't wait to meet her, despite the fact that neither knew when they'd see each other again. Obviously, now was the time, and Charles had brought his girlfriend but she didn't have Willow with her, and that caused Buffy's face to fall shortly until she remembered that her best friend was standing in front of her.
"I am. I just took the weekend off to come see you. Thought I'd meet this infamous girlfriend of yours. Oh, this is Fred by the way." Fred smiled, and the two girls shook hands and exchanged greetings. Dawn had made it into the foyer by then, and jumped into Charles's arms when she recognized him. "Hey there, Dawn. How's the school life treatin' ya?"
"It's great. This is my last semester, thank everybody. I can't believe you're here! I haven't seen you in a year."
"I know, and sorry 'bout that." He looked apologetically from Dawn, and finally resting his gaze back on Buffy, who just smiled. "Well, I'm here now, so let's get this party started. Where's the redhead?" Buffy sighed, and Dawn decided to speak up before Buffy started ranting again.
"Actually, she's out with a friend right now but she's going to call later. Are you in town for long?"
"I'm yours all weekend. Got a place to put a poor brother up?"
"Charles, you're hardly poor. You make more money than me, for crying out loud but yes, you can stay in mom's old room. We changed it into a guest bedroom, although we seem to always lack guests."
"Well, now ya got 'em! We'll just put our stuff up then, and settle in for the weekend. I remember where it is." Buffy hugged Charles again, and watched as the tall black man, and tiny brunette ascended her staircase. Buffy turned around, and Dawn already knew what her sister was thinking, so she handed her the phone, getting a thousand 'thank yous' and hugs in return.
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"Ken, I can't take this."
"I want you to." Willow was currently staring at a large canvas that showcased a time that the redhead actually reviewed as nice between her and the younger woman. It was of the day that they had spent on the beach. However, there was no sex involved. The day had been gentle, and they actually had managed a decent conversation. That was when the friendship part of their relationship had actually blossomed, and it was a memory that was always pleasant for both girls. The painting showed the beach, the two girls looking out into the ocean. The distorted images were still present but the colors were softer, and the strokes gentler. Willow was amazed at the difference between this piece, and the others that her ex had painted about their relationship. "It's of that day on the..."
"I remember. That was a nice day."
"The best day of my entire life." Willow felt uncomfortable again at the girl's obvious adoration of her, still after two years. "I don't want you to be uncomfortable, Will. It's just a fact for me, and there's no other way to describe it."
"No, it's okay. It was a great day, and I enjoyed it as well. Just...things worked differently, and we saw things differently. Different life, different experiences. I'm not proud that I treated you like I did but I am glad that you were in my life, if that makes sense at all."
"No, I get it totally. I'm sorry I cheated on you."
"Hey, that was mostly my fault for not being a good girlfriend. We even stopped having sex those last few months, so there wasn't even that anymore. I was hurt by the principle of it but when I actually thought about it, I'm not mad. I deserved it, and I know that." Kennedy leaned the frame against the table, and placed her hands on top of Will's.
"You never deserved anything like that. We should've just talked it out instead of me getting drunk every night to hide the pain."
"Well, it's over now, and we've moved on, and we're not any worse for wear."
"Guess not." Kennedy took her hands back, and played with them under the table. "So, are you dating anybody now?"
"Yeah, actually." Willow's face lit up at the thought of her girlfriend. "She's amazing. I've never felt this way before."
"You've been in love before, Will."
"Yeah but not to this degree."
"Wow...even more than your beloved Tara? This is serious, Red."
"I hope so."
"So, you two living together, or what's the deal? Tell me about her." Willow eyed her ex curiously, wondering if she heard her correctly. "Come on, Will. I'm a big girl. We're the past, this is your future we're talking now. I wasn't kidding when I said that I wanted to be friends earlier."
"Okay...if you're sure."
"I'm totally sure." Willow rolled her eyes amusedly, and they both relaxed a little in their seats. They had finished eating about ten minutes earlier, and conversation was still being kept light. That's when Ken decided to bring out the painting, and wanted to get into some deeper conversation with the redhead, hoping that there could be a friendship blossom once again, like it did that day on the beach. "So spill, Will."
"Okay...her name is Buffy. I actually met her that night at your opening."
"Wait...the magazine reporter? She's hott, Will. She's really..."
"Yeah..."
"Lucky you."
"Yeah, lucky me." Willow had a glazed over look, and Ken had to stop her fingers a few times to get the redhead back from cloud nine. "Oh, well, she and I have been taking things slow...wanting to get things right."
"So, you haven't slept with her yet? It's been almost three months..."
"Oh, we've totally...just not right away like it usually is with me."
"We didn't jump right into bed."
"I know...but that was different. You had to coax me out of my shell before I'd even date you to begin with...once you were in, you didn't waste any time, though."
"I know...you were just too hott to resist. Now, back to Buffy."
"Oh, well...she works for 'Art Today,' as you know."
"She gave me an awesome cover story, too. My stuff is selling like crazy thanks to her. Remind me to thank her when I meet her, and I will meet her. You can't hold out on me, Will. If we're going to be friends, I want to be part of all of you this time...except the sex and cuddles part. Those are now reserved for Buffy."
"Darn tootin'. Kennedy, I really am sorry."
"It's okay, Will. We just weren't meant to be, and I'm cool with that. You helped me become a better person, and I'm eternally grateful for that. I couldn't ask for anything more." Willow genuinely smiled, and decided that she would try and be friends with the brunette, especially since the dinner had been easier than expected. Willow's cell rang, and she ignored it for a second. "Answer it, Will. I don't mind." Willow reached into her purse, and read the name. Seeing that it was Buffy, she was torn between utter excitement at hearing her girlfriend's voice again, and nervousness that something was wrong.
"Buffy?"
"Hey Will! You'll never guess who's here right now."
"Um...Dawnie?"
"Well, yeah actually but that's not who I'm talking about."
"Okay...Mickey Mouse?"
"You're too cute...no, Charles! He and his girlfriend drove up from LA for the weekend. He wants to meet you, and wait until you meet his girlfriend. You two will get along just fine. She babbles as much as you do almost."
"Okay. Well, do you want me to come over after I leave the restaurant then?"
"Most definitely, and not just to meet them, either." Willow blushed at the seductive tone Buffy was using to lure her to the Summers residence. Kennedy noticed, and started putting her jacket on, mouthing to Willow that they should leave. Willow nodded, and started putting her jacket on as well, still talking to Buffy. "I've missed you, Will. Come home to me." The two stood up, and left the restaurant. Willow grabbed Kennedy's arm before she could walk away. Kennedy nodded, understanding that she should stay a moment.
"Me, too. I'll be over in a little while then. Okay?"
"Great...I can't wait. I love you, see you soon."
"Love you, too. Bye." Willow hung up the phone, and turned back towards the brunette. "Kennedy, thank you."
"For what?"
"The painting, dinner...getting together. It was nice."
"Ah, don't mention it."
"No, really, and if you're serious about the friendship deal, then I'm in." Kennedy's eyes lit up, and Willow hugged her ex before saying goodbye.
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Before she took off towards Buffy's, Willow stopped at her apartment on the way to drop off the painting, grab the present that she had bought earlier that day, and check to see if Faith was there yet. Walking in, she noticed Faith was sitting comfortably on the couch in the main room, and after dropping the painting off, chatted for a few minutes to make sure she was getting settled. After explaining that she would be at Buffy's for the night, Faith nodded, smirked, and teased the blushing redhead until she had walked out the door. Now, Willow was standing on the porch, and waiting for somebody to answer her knock. She still didn't want to just walk in like Buffy had endlessly told her she could. Buffy opened the door, and immediately flung herself in the redhead's surprised arms, kissing her firmly before hugging her again.
"This is so great. My best girl gets to meet my best friend. It's a momentous occasion, and I'm glad that you're here."
"Well, who else would fall under the category of your best girl? Is there something you're not telling me, Buffy Summers?" Buffy kissed her firmly again before pulling her into the living room. Charles and Dawn were sitting on the couch, eating popcorn, and watching a movie on the television.
"Charles, I'd like you to meet Willow, the best thing that ever happened to me. Willow, this is Charles, the best friend money can buy." Charles stood up, and greeted a blushing Willow. "Where's your better half?"
"Oh, she went to change into her pajamas. She'll be back down in a minute." He turned his gaze towards Willow, and observed her for a few moments studiously. Willow tensed under the study until Charles nodded his head in affirmation. "Yep...you did good, Buff. She's a hottie, for sure. Although, I gotta say, Willow...if you're dating this one, better keep all of your socks hidden."
"Charles!"
"No, she needs to hear this. You're a sock thief, Summers."
"I couldn't find any socks to wear, and my feet were cold!"
"For a month? I went around without socks for a month because she kept stealing mine in college."
"You always had the good, thick socks. So sue me."
"Yeah...wait until you hear some of the stories I can tell you about this wild one."
"There will be no storytelling. I want to keep my record clean with her. As far as she knows, I'm a perfect angel." Willow eyed her girlfriend amusedly.
"You've got to be kidding me, Buffy. Angel? More like...oh my goddess!! Fred?!" The others turned around to see the slim brunette rushing down the stairs, and Charles and Buffy eyed each other curiously as their girlfriend's crashed together in a tight embrace.
"Willow! What are you doing here? Well, that's a still question. You're obviously entitled to be here, just...why are you here? I haven't talked to you in a few days, I was beginning to worry!"
"No, no worrying. There will be no worrying for you, missy. This is a worry free zone. Why are you here is the better question? I actually live in Sunnydale but you...you live in LA."
"I came down with Charles. He wanted to meet Buffy's new girlfriend, and catch up on old times. He wanted me to meet Buffy, too...and I just realized that I'm rambling again."
"No, it's alright. I've missed it. I've missed you. How are you? And Charles is your boyfriend?"
"Yeah. About a month now. How did you...Buffy! You're Buffy's...oh my! This is silly...we're supposed to the smart ones!" Both girls giggled, and hugged each other excitedly again, jumping a little at seeing each other again. Charles leaned down towards Buffy to whisper conspiratorially but loud enough for the other girls to hear. Dawn just watched from the living room, shaking her head in amusement at the display.
"Is it me...or have our girlfriends just ditched us altogether, and decided to go for each other?"
"Looks that way..." The two girls turned around, and decided to link hands to tease their lovers.
"Buffy, you didn't say Fred was here."
"Well, Will...if I'd known you were going to get that excited, I would've brought a thousand Freds. Maybe not Fred Flintstone."
"No, you remember me telling you about Fred."
"Um...pretty sure this is the first time."
"Fred! You know...high school sweethearts. My first love. Pretty much my first everything." Buffy's eyes opened wide, as she recalled some of the saucy stories Willow told her about her time with the slim brunette. She felt the jealously return but ignored it totally when Willow crushed her into a warm embrace, and kissed her neck lovingly.
"I just didn't put two and two together, I guess. Wow...so this is the infamous Fred. I look upon you in a whole new light now." Fred's smile was still wide but she blushed slightly under the smirk Buffy was sending her, knowing exactly the kind of things Willow had told about her. Charles was still unaware of the stories but he was definitely curious since the heat in the room rose considerably.
"And what exactly brings this new light about?"
"Oh, nothing, Charles...just that Willow and I dated in high school, and a little into college before the long distance thing started to get harder. We both just mutually decided that it was time to move on, and have been the best of friends still to this day. And I assure you, Buffy...there are far worse stories I could tell you about Willow than what I'm sure she's told you about me." Willow blushed, knowing that Fred would tell many of the stories of their better years that still embarrassed her after several years. Deciding to move into the living room, the four joined Dawn, and began to watch the movie. However, it wasn't even five minutes into the movie before the stories began, and that night, each of the four found out all sorts of interesting and embarrassing things about their respective lovers that they could tease them about for years to come. Finally, Fred and Willow yawned simultaneously, and giggled before Charles and Buffy decided to take them to bed...to sleep, of course. After saying their goodnights and preparing for bed, Buffy and Willow snuggled together in her bed.
"I like Charles, and Fred seems to like him so that's a plus."
"Well, I like Fred, and Charles seems to like her, so we're agreed." Buffy kissed her girlfriend's smiling face, and the two smiled into the kiss. "I've missed you."
"Mmm...me, too."
"How was your day, honey?"
"Well, work was pretty much uneventful...well, as uneventful as the label gets. Oh, I had lunch with Faith today."
"Again?"
"Well, this time she bought me lunch."
"Oh, there's three women in one day that've caused me to turn green with jealously." Willow kissed Buffy lightly before snuggling in closer.
"No reason to be jealous. I'm all yours." Buffy kissed her softly. "Actually...speaking of Faith. She's living with me now."
"What?" Buffy moved back a little to see her girlfriend's face. "When did this happen?"
"Today, actually. I asked her, and she moved in while I was at dinner with Ken."
"So, you see two ex-girlfriends, and invite a girl to live with you, and I have no reason to be jealous?"
"Buffy...it's not like that, and you know it. I found out that Faith has been living down at that old, beat-up grossness they call a motel outside town, and I couldn't bear the thought of her living like that. We've become good friends these past few weeks."
"Really? Why was she staying there?"
"Don't know exactly, and I didn't want to push it but I think it was the money issue. They played for practically nothing before, and since I have that extra bedroom that's never used anyways...wouldn't hurt to have the company during the week."
"I'm not good enough company for you?"
"You know I'd live with you in a heartbeat but we're not ready for that yet."
"I know. It's just strange thinking of Faith living with you now but I'll get over it." She kissed the tip of her nose lightly. "You have the biggest heart of anybody I know."
"Yeah, well...yours isn't so small from what I've heard."
"Charles was just kidding. I never gave up my lunch everyday to that girl. You've seen me eat."
"That's why you had two lunches with you everyday, sweetie. The fact that you decided to let the girl have your second one, though...that's the sweetest thing I've heard in a while."
"I love you."
"Okay...the second sweetest thing." Willow kissed Buffy's neck. "Dinner with Kennedy was nice. She wants to actually be friends, and I think it'll actually work. She also gave me a painting that she didn't display from that series that showcased our private life."
"Oh, the sex pictures?"
"Okay, miss art reporter...I'm sorry we couldn't find another day to meet but I promised her we would this week."
"It's cool."
"That's why Dawnie said you were pacing the entire house, and she had to hide the phone from you."
"I didn't say that I was cool then. I am now because you're here now."
"Plan to be for quite some time, if that's alright with you."
"Sounds like heaven." Buffy stroked the arm that Willow had around her body gently, and started playing with the auburn locks with the one that was around the redhead's body, holding her closer. "Dawn actually mentioned something tonight that I thought we could consider."
"Mmmm...what's that?"
"These past few weekends, we haven't been able to see each other because things have come up, and she thought that we shouldn't just limit ourselves to the weekends anymore. What do you think?"
"Sounds like your sister is one smart cookie. Don't know where she gets it from, though because it sure doesn't run in the family."
"Hey!" Willow ran her fingertips loosely on Buffy's side with the arm that her girlfriend was stroking. "So, do you think we're ready?"
"I'm always ready for anything that includes you."
"Aww, Will...who's the sap now?"
"What can I say I learn from the best. Yes, I think we've been ready for a few weeks now. We're beyond the point of no return now. You're stuck with me, Buffy Summers."
"Well, good...because I'm not going anywhere, either, which works out perfectly." They kissed a few more times, and continued just lying in their comfortable silence, relishing in the warm contact of each other's body pressed against them. Soon, Willow drifted off to sleep from Buffy's soothing strokes, and it was long after that Buffy followed after her.