Getting Ahead of Myself
by sailor80
Two
[reviews]
"How was patrol?" Tara asked.
"Good," Faith answered. She shrugged out of her jacket and hung it on the door.
"I made you some sandwiches. They're in the fridge."
Faith smiled. "Thanks. I'll be right back. Want anything?"
"Water? Please?"
"Sure."
Faith hurried downstairs, found what she was after, and returned as quickly as she was able. She heard the shower start as she closed the bedroom door. Tara took her water, and watched Faith wolf down both sandwiches in quick succession. Then she drained a can of CokeŽ and let out an enormous belch. "Scuse me."
"You're excused."
Faith got up from the bed and put the paper plate, napkin, and empty can in the trash. She paced the length of the bed a couple times.
"Something wrong?"
Faith stopped and turned to Tara. "No."
"Why are you pacing?"
Faith shrugged. "Too much energy?" she suggested.
Tara smiled. "You're awake, and I'm awake, and it's a lovely night. Why don't we go out back and watch the stars for a while?"
"Okay."
"Okay," Tara said, and got up from the bed. She pulled the quilt off and handed it to Faith.
They went downstairs as quietly as possible. At the back door, Tara turned off the bug light and made sure the screen door didn't slam. In the middle of the yard, Faith spread the quilt with a careless flap. Tara looked up for a few moments before deciding to lie with her feet toward the house.
Faith followed Tara down, and fished for her hand once they were settled. "Pretty," she said softly.
"It is," Tara agreed. She squeezed Faith's hand.
"B was really quiet tonight," Faith volunteered.
"Oh?"
"Like she had something really big on her mind."
"Probably worried about Willow," Tara guessed.
"Maybe."
"I worry about you when you're out there."
Faith rolled onto her elbow. "Why?"
"I don't want anything to happen to you."
"Nothin's gonna happen," Faith said confidently.
"You don't know that," Tara answered.
"I do," Faith said firmly. "I'm good. The only time I got hurt really bad, it was B who did it."
Tara reached with her free hand to push Faith's dark hair behind her ear. She wanted to say a dozen different things, but was certain that any of them would end this moment. Instead of speaking, she moved her hand to Faith's neck and urged her down.
Faith didn't need any more encouragement. She leaned down and began kissing Tara. When Tara moved both of her arms around Faith, Faith lowered herself beside Tara. Their kisses were soft and easy, and tapered away slowly because they both knew they had things to discuss before going any further.
Faith started. "I'm leavin' for Cleveland at the end of July."
"I can't go then, Faith."
"I know."
"I don't want you to go, either."
"I have to," Faith told her quietly.
After a long silence, Tara said, "It'll be less than a year, and I can see you during breaks."
"That what you want?" Faith asked cautiously.
"No, it's not what I want. I don't see any other way." Tara sighed. "I looked into transferring, but it's too late. I'd lose a year of credits and my scholarship."
Silence fell between them again until Faith said, "This sucks."
"Hugely," Tara agreed.
"I don't wanna be away from you, Tara," Faith said, and kissed Tara before the blonde could answer. When they came up for air, Faith added, "Ever."
"Me either," Tara gasped, and sucked Faith's lower lip into her mouth.
The longer they kissed, the harder it became for Faith to maintain her control. After a particularly torrid exchange, she panted into Tara's ear, "Love you."
"I love you, too, Faith," Tara answered, and pulled the Slayer's lips back to her own.
Faith stopped suddenly and pushed herself up. "I, uh, I, I never," she began.
Tara shushed her. "I know. Now shut up and kiss me."
The stars had turned several degrees by the time they grew tired. Faith settled them with Tara's head on her shoulder, and watched Tara's finger draw designs on the sky. Her voice grew sleepier until she faded out, and Faith soon followed her into sleep.
Buffy again woke up alone. She checked the time and rolled to the edge of the bed. As she stretched, she heard the now familiar noise of Willow's morning sickness, and her own stomach tightened into a knot as she crossed the room.
Buffy rinsed two washcloths in cool water and put one in Willow's hand before kneeling beside her. Buffy's hand made small circles over Willow's back while the redhead regained her composure.
When she recovered, Willow pushed herself up. Buffy supported her, and Willow let her. They sat on the bedside and looked at the floor instead of each other.
"There's got to be a mistake. It's the flu or something," Willow insisted.
"Okay," Buffy said numbly. Every possibility terrified her, especially the three closest to the front of her mind: Willow had cheated on her; Willow was suffering from some exotic disease; or something supernatural was afflicting her. She hadn't decided which of the three was worse.
As if she read Buffy's mind, Willow said, "I swear I haven't been with anyone else, Buffy."
"I know, Willow," Buffy answered evenly.
"I swear," Willow repeated urgently.
Buffy turned and found Willow looking at her. "I know," she repeated, and kissed Willow's cheek. "Lie down until you feel better." Buffy pushed Willow's hair away from her face. "I love you."
Willow smiled tightly and bolted for the bathroom.