Rating: NC17

Pairing: Buffy/Faith

Disclaimer: These characters are not mine and I make no money off this.

Summary: Post Chosen. The crew has settled in L.A. but Faith decides to bail. Buffy goes with her and the pair have some breakthroughs in Boston.

Chapter One

Faith stretched out on the hotel bed. It had been over a week since the showdown on the hellmouth and she had barely ventured out of the room except for food. The fight had drained all her energy and left her beyond exhausted. All the other girls were wiped too, but they were all running around now. Faith could remember when she would be doing the same thing but right now, she didn't see much point in doing anything other than relaxing.

Someone knocked. "Unless you have some food or smokes, you can just turn around and walk away."

"Now is that any way to treat your fellow slayer," Buffy opened the door and stepped into the room, a bag and a couple of sodas in one of her hands. "You should really lock that door, Faith, you never know who'll just walk right in."

"I can take anyone who walks through that door," Faith pointed toward the door behind Buffy, "I just don't wanna go past it."

"Why aren't you out living life?" Buffy sat down at the end of the bed. "I mean, with your prison record fixed, you don't have to hide away. There is life outside of this room, you know."

"And I want none of it right now," Faith said, eyeing the bag. "Is that for me?"

Buffy nodded. "I thought you could use a burger or two and some fries." She tossed the bag toward Faith, who grinned and grabbed it.

"There's a lotta food in here, B," she said, looking into the bag then back at Buffy, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, well, some of that's mine," she responded and moved to sit next to the brunette on the bed. "I thought I could just hang in here with you for awhile. Is that okay?" she hesitated, a little unsure of herself.

Faith shrugged. "Sure, that's cool with me, just wasn't expecting it, I guess," Faith said, looking into the bag again and pulling out a burger. She thought for a second and looked up at the woman next to her, a grin forming on her face. "You can't take all those teens anymore, can you?"

"Not with you shirking your responsibilities, I can't," Buffy sighed. "They're just too . . . hyper. I don't know how much more I can take."

"Yeah, even the noise they make bothers me."

Buffy nodded in response and the two began eating, not saying much more for awhile. Both would glance up occasionally to find the other one looking at them. It was getting weird but neither one called the other one it, too busy eating and enjoying the silence.

"So Faith," Buffy spoke up once she finished eating, "what are you planning to do now? Are you going to stick around?"

Faith emphatically shook her head. "I don't think so, B. As soon as I get rested, I'm probably gonna take off. I don't think I could tolerate training those kids."

"You don't need to train them, Faith," Buffy said easily, "that's what the watchers will be for once Giles gets everything organized. I thought you could stay here and go slaying with me. Two full strength slayers are better than one."

"I don't know. I'd much rather travel around for awhile. Evil is everywhere, B."

"True," Buffy mused. "So you would just travel around, maybe stop back here to check in every once and awhile?"

"I suppose I could come back," Faith smirked at her. "I don't want to stay in one place for too long. I want to keep going. I guess that's what prison does to you."

Buffy nodded. "I suppose having a traveling slayer is a good thing." She thought for a moment then looked up at Faith smiling. "Want company?"

Faith just stared at her, shocked. "You serious, B?"

Buffy nodded again then frowned slightly. "Would you not want me to go?"

"Yes . . . No, I mean . . . " Faith stopped and took a breath. "Yeah, that'd be cool if you went with me . . . I just don't see why you would."

"I can tell you're not the same person you were, Faith," Buffy sighed. "I'd really like it if you'd stay here, but if I have to go with you to get to know you, for real this time, then I want in."

Faith stared at her wide-eyed and couldn't seem to find her voice and rubbed her ears to make sure she was hearing correctly. Buffy chuckled at her, "You're not hearing things, Faith. It'll be nice to get out of here, get away from all these young hyperactive slayers. Besides, I really haven't seen much of anything outside of Sunnydale."

Faith still didn't say anything, instead looking like she was deep in thought and staring at the floor. She finally looked up to see Buffy observing her with a look of doubt on her face. "Will your sister and Giles or even Willow and Xander take this okay?"

Buffy sighed. "They'll probably freak, but they'll get over it." She smirked at her. "I can be very persuasive."

"Sure, B," Faith gave her a small smile in return. "Are you sure about this? I mean, I'm not easy to travel with and I'm positive you're not," she ended, laughing.

"And how exactly can you tell that?" Buffy furrowed her brow and feigned anger then met Faith's eyes calmly. "You don't need to keep asking me if I'm serious, Faith. I know it's spur of the moment, but I have a good feeling about this."

Faith blinked her eyes a few times and shrugged. "Okay, B, if you want to come along, that's fine with me." They both turned toward the door as something banged against the wall outside, followed by several girls laughing and yelling. "Let's leave in a few days though, okay? If I have to put up with these kids any longer, I'll go psycho again."

******

The next two days were spent trying to convince Giles that it was okay to let both his main slayers leave and convincing Dawn, Willow and Xander it was okay for Buffy to go alone with Faith.

"Are you sure she can be trusted, Buff?" Xander stated, subconsciously fiddling with his eye patch.

"Yes, Xander. You know I'd normally be the last one to defend Faith, but she fought with us the last few weeks and really came through," Buffy said, defending the dark slayer as best she could.

"Okay, so she's good now Buffy, but she was when she first came to Sunnydale, too," Willow put in.

"I have this feeling she'll stay that way this time," Buffy responded and looked from her friends to her sister. "What to you think, Dawn? Giles already said you'll be staying with him. Is that okay with you?"

"Yeah, that's fine," Dawn said softly, looking down. "I think you're right about Faith, too. I just don't want you to go."

Buffy gave her sister a hug. "I know and I'll miss you, all of you. But I'll call and I'll come back every once and awhile."

"We can't talk you out of this, can we?" Xander cocked the eyebrow over his good eye.

"'Fraid not, Xand," Buffy grinned at them. "Don't worry guys. I'll be okay."

"Us worry? That's not gonna happen," Willow shook her head. "Just be careful, okay?"

"Absolutely," Buffy gave her head a strong nod. She started to turn when the three of them gave her a suffocating group hug.

"I told you they wouldn't let you leave," Faith said walking out of the hotel to where the rest of them were standing, a duffel bag over her shoulder. She stopped and eyed the trio surrounding Buffy. "They don't trust me, do they?"

"No," Buffy looked from her friends and sister to Faith, "but I do so that doesn't matter."

Faith gave her a smirk. "Fair enough," she paused and faced the group, "I know you think I'm up to something, but I'm not. I was going to leave anyway because I figured everyone would want me out of the way. B asked to tag along."

"We're trying to trust you, Faith," Willow said carefully, "but it's gonna take some time."

"I just don't know why you're worrying," Buffy grinned and pointed toward Faith, "I can take her."

"In your dreams, twinkie," Faith laughed and rolled her eyes. "I'd say we should settle this right now, but we got a bus to catch." She looked over at Buffy. "We should go."

"Yeah," Buffy sighed. "I'll call once we get to wherever it is we're going."

The three waved as Buffy and Faith walked toward the bus, each carrying their bags. "Where are we going, Faith?"

"I figured you'd want to get away from the west coast, B," Faith said, looking toward the bus. "I thought I'd show you around Boston."

"Sounds great."

******

When Buffy heard Faith say "Boston" as they walked toward the bus, she didn't think about it again until a few hours later when she realized they would be on the bus for a couple of days. She turned to Faith, who was sitting in the seat next to her and by the aisle, and smacked her on the shoulder.

"Ow! What the hell was that for?" Faith looked at Buffy, wide-eyed and confused.

"Why did you choose a bus to go to Boston?" Buffy narrowed her eyes at her. "We won't get there for over two days!"

"Was there another option, B?" she raised an eyebrow.

"Of course there is! How 'bout flying? We could have gotten there in hours, not days," Buffy rested her head on the head rest and sighed.

"I guess I didn't think about that," she put her head down slightly, thinking. "I guess I've never had enough cash to consider flying, B. I've always just hopped a bus." She paused then looked up at Buffy and grinned. "Sometimes I even paid."

"Ha, ha," Buffy responded sarcastically, "stop trying to be funny, this is serious." She turned in her seat away from Faith and looked out the window, refusing to look at her fellow slayer. Faith nudged her until she finally turned her attention back to the brunette.

"B, you've never been on a bus this long, have you?" she questioned and Buffy shook her head, scowling. "It's not that bad, you know. I usually just sleep most of the time or put on headphones and look out the window." She paused. "Of course, you insisted on the window seat so I guess all I have to look at is . . . you," Faith gave Buffy a sneer-grin combo the blonde didn't even think was possible.

"Wow, you're just a comedian today, Faith," Buffy responded with fake enthusiasm. "I hope you're planning to be this entertaining for the next two days, 'cause I get bored quickly."

Faith zipped open her backpack and tossed a magazine on Buffy's lap. "Here, look through that for awhile. I'm gonna try and get some sleep."

"You expect me to just sit here and read? Damn it, Faith!" Buffy looked down at the magazine on her lap. "And a sports magazine? Are you insane!?"

Faith gave her an evil grin. "Look on the bright side, it'll probably put you to sleep and you won't even realize how long you've been on a bus."

Buffy scowled at her. "Fine, but the next time we travel further than a couple of states at a time, we are flying."

"Uh-huh," Faith leaned back against the seat and closed her eyes. "You say that now, but once you've enjoyed all the benefits of bus travel, you'll never want to fly," she chuckled, knowing the blonde was pissed.

"Oddly, I have this feeling that won't be the case," the older slayer responded. She sighed and looked down at the magazine in front of her. She started to look through it as Faith reached into her bag and brought out a discman.

"Hey, B," she said as she put headphones on, "I was already right. You're not easy to travel with."

"Shut up, Faith," Buffy mumbled as she started to read and already starting to doze as Faith did the same.

******

Buffy woke up a few hours later with her head leaning against something. In her semi-awake state, she thought it was probably the window but then realized she was leaning to the wrong side. Her head was resting on Faith's shoulder. She opened her eyes a little and could she Faith was awake and reading.

"Sorry," Buffy mumbled and sat up, blushing, and stretched as much as she could.

"No big," Faith responded, looking up from her magazine and at her. "That way you were quiet and you didn't even drool."

"You are so not funny," the blonde remarked as Faith laughed. "You live to torment me, don't you?"

Faith stopped laughing and furrowed her brow, a confused look on her face. "What do you mean, B?"

Buffy thought about what she had just said and closed her eyes tightly, shaking her head. "Oh, shit, no. I didn't mean it like that, Faith," she sighed. "Look, I can't really say I'm over all the shit that happened 'cause it's still in the back of my mind, you know?" Faith nodded slowly, looking down. "But I don't think before I speak all the time and I don't want you to think I'm holding something against you. I'm not. That's not why I'm here."

"Okay, B," Faith said quietly, frowning slightly.

Buffy sighed again. "All right, I've obviously ruined a moment here. Let's just leave the past in the past, okay? Let's talk about all that later. You know, when we're not on this awful bus you're making me take cross country."

Faith finally looked up at Buffy and saw a smirk on the blonde's face. She grinned back. "Yeah, well, I saved us money," she said, poking Buffy in the arm, "so that means we can get a decent hotel room when we get there."

The older slayer lifted an eyebrow. "How decent?"

"Oh, you'll see," Faith laughed. "Don't you like surprises?"

"Not when I have to wait two days on a bus to find out what it is," Buffy crossed her arms and looked out the window. It had to be at least late afternoon. "Where are we anyway?"

"Not sure, B," the younger slayer said easily. "I wouldn't worry too much about it, though. We'll get there soon enough."

"Have you always been this relaxed?"

"Nah," Faith shrugged, leaned back and turned her head to face Buffy. "I'm just not in a rush is all, just happy to be out and not stuck in a cell."

"Was it bad?"

"It was prison, B, what do you think?" Faith said harshly and instantly regretted it. "Sorry, I didn't mean to say it like that."

"It's okay, we're both gonna have to get used to each other," Buffy said, giving Faith a smile. "You know, you could make it up to me by telling what we'll do when we get to Boston?"

"Not a chance, B," Faith grinned. "Besides, this is a working trip, remember? I know a couple demon haunts we should go to and clean out."

"Fine, be that way," Buffy teased her. "It shouldn't be all work, you know. We should have some fun, too. I mean, we're not the Chosen Two anymore. We're two of thousands now."

"Yeah, but nobody does it better than us," Faith laughed, "but, yeah, it won't be all work. Remember, I hate to actually work."

"Riiight," Buffy stated sarcastically, "you were more of a do now, think later, type of slayer, but you seem more relaxed now."

"Believe it or not, I've changed," Faith said as she looked her in the eye. "I really want to prove that to you."

"I already believe you, Faith," Buffy kept eye contact as she spoke. "Everything else will just take time."

"I can accept that," Faith agreed. She reached into her bag again and handed Buffy an entertainment magazine this time. "You'll probably like that one better."

"Why didn't you give me this one in the first place?!" Buffy looked at her in mock anger.

Faith laughed at her. "It's really funny to watch you all irritated," she took a breath, "and I knew that other one would put you to sleep."

"Well," Buffy eyed her suspiciously, "I guess it did make this ride a little faster." She leaned back in the seat again. "Just wake me when we get there."

******

Two very long days later Buffy and Faith stepped off the bus in a Boston terminal. Buffy looked around, exhausted and unimpressed.

"This is Boston?"

"No, B, this is a Boston bus station. Never judge a city by its bus station," Faith informed her knowingly as they picked up their bags. "Now, let's get to a hotel. I don't know about you but I could use a bed right about now."

"I'll second that," Buffy rubbed her neck. "No offense, but your shoulder does not make a good pillow." She had fallen asleep on Faith several times during the trip and Faith had done the same.

"Yeah and neither does yours," Faith remarked. She started out of the station and Buffy followed behind her. "I don't know about you but since we can afford it, I've booked a room in a better area of the city. We can go to the bad sections when we need to go slaying."

"Fine with me," Buffy answered still walking behind her.

Faith walked to the curb and hailed a cab. "Come on, B. I'm tired," she called back to Buffy who was still trailing behind her. "The slower you are, the slower we get to an actual bed."

"I'm coming," was all Buffy said as she followed Faith to a cab.

******

After about a fifteen minute ride through various parts of the city, the cab stopped in front of a decent enough looking hotel in what looked like an almost suburban area.

"This is it," Faith said simply as she paid the cab driver and moved to get out. "Come on, B, we just have to check in and then you can crash."

"Fine," Buffy grumbled and got out of the cab. Faith motioned for the driver to pop the trunk and they grabbed their bags. They walked into the lobby, Faith leading the way, as the brunette leaned into Buffy.

"The room's in your name, B," Faith quietly said. "I don't have any I.D. and don't want to explain that to the desk clerk."

"Sure," Buffy responded, yawning as she did. "How are we paying for this?"

"Cash for now," Faith got out her wallet, "but we should try to get a credit card out of Giles. You know, like a business account since technically we're here on business. The watchers' council had to leave behind some major cash."

"I like the sound of that," Buffy said as they continued to walk toward the front desk. She stopped and looked at Faith, as eyebrow raised. "Where did you get the money anyway?"

Faith shrugged and grinned. "A little from Giles and a lot from Angel," Faith paused to laugh at Buffy's shocked expression. "What can I say? I asked. I think Angel still has it bad for you, too, B. He said we could call anytime and he would wire more."

"Yeah, I don't know," Buffy mused. "He does want to look out for you, too, you know. I think he sees you as kind of a kid sister."

"Hmm, maybe, but I like my version better," Faith laughed and quickly walked the rest of the way to the desk. She drummed her fingers on the counter until a woman came up to help them. "We have a reservation under 'Summers'."

"Let's see . . . ," the woman said looking at the two women with a small look of disgust. Neither one had the opportunity to shower in the last two days and looked a little grungy. "Yes, 'Summers, Buffy'. Which one of you is Ms. Summers?"

"I am," Buffy stepped up to the counter and showed the woman her license. "How much is the room?" "It's already paid for," she replied without looking up from her computer screen. "You're in room 410." She looked back at Buffy and put two cards on the counter. "Here are your key cards. The elevators are to your right. Have a pleasant stay."

Buffy smiled at her and tried not to looked shocked. "Thanks. Come on, Faith," she tugged at the woman's arm. Faith was still wide-eyed and had her wallet open. Buffy walked toward the elevators dragging Faith behind her.

"Okay," she looked at Faith once they were in the elevator, "so I'm guessing you didn't pay for the room in advance?"

"No," Faith shook her head still looking confused. "I was planning to pay once we got here." She looked down and thought for a second then looked back at Buffy. "I told Angel and Giles where we were staying when I last talked to each of them."

Buffy caught on. "They paid for it."

"That'd be my guess," Faith said then brightened up. "Well, more cash for us. We should probably get some food . . . after a shower, of course."

"Absolutely," Buffy sighed and grimaced. "I feel all grimy. Have I mentioned that I'm never traveling by bus ever again?"

"You've might of mumbled it once or twice," Faith smiled. The elevator stopped and the pair got out and walked down the hall to their room. Faith grabbed a key card from Buffy and swiped open the door, pushing into the room.

"Faith, I've got to say, you've got good taste," Buffy said when Faith turned on the lights. The room was spacious with two double beds in the center of the room. There was a table with a couple of chairs by the window at the far end of the room and a couch at the other end toward the door. A dresser and TV were opposite the beds and there was a closet next to the bathroom, which was huge.

"Yeah, well, I figured we shouldn't blow our budget right away with a really nice hotel, but this will do. It's booked for a week," Faith looked around examining the room and tossed her bags on the bed closest to the window.

"Cool," Buffy said as she set her bags on the other bed. "Since you've picked a great place, you can use the shower first."

"I'm glad you said that, B," Faith gave her an evil grin, "'cause I would have insisted on fighting for it otherwise."

"Ha, ha," Buffy lifted an eyebrow, "just get in there and hurry up. I'm getting hungry."