For the next hour, Buffy knew she needed to attempt to complete her homework. She had a couple subjects she had assignments for and was thinking she could work at her desk while Faith slept. The other slayer wanted her to sit by her, however.

It worked for awhile. Buffy began to read the assigned chapter for her history class and Faith reclined next to her, eyes closed with her head resting on a pillow. She had her hands resting on her stomach and after a few minutes Buffy could tell she was asleep.

Buffy tried to continue reading, sitting next to the girl she could now call her girlfriend, but she kept looking over at Faith. She moved closer to Buffy in her sleep, snuggling up to her, and after that Buffy couldn't take it anymore. She closed her book and moved to lie down with Faith, wrapping an arm around her.

She couldn't believe how good it felt simply lying with Faith. They'd only done it a couple times before but those times were under very different circumstances. Now it was simple and there wasn't any baggage behind it. Buffy loved it.

Resting her head next to Faith's, Buffy closed her eyes and began drifting in and out of a light, peaceful sleep. She was just much too comfortable to stay awake and before she realized it, she heard the door open and someone clearing their throat a minute later.

Buffy opened her eyes to find her mother standing in the doorway, a small smirk on her face. She looked at Faith next to her, head resting on her shoulder and arm draped across her stomach, before looking back at her mother with a smile and was thankful her mother was okay with how she found them. At least, she hoped since she wasn't making a scene she was okay with it.

"So she came back?" Joyce asked with a whisper so as to not wake Faith.

Buffy nodded. "She was in the library when I got out of class."

Her mother smiled. "I'm going to start dinner. Why don't you wake her up and come down?"

"Okay." She waited for her to leave before putting her lips to Faith's ear. "Faith, time to wake up."

Faith groaned and shifted slightly but didn't seem to be in any mood to open her eyes.

"Come on, Faith," Buffy said, nudging her shoulder. "My mom's home."

The other slayer's eyes popped open quickly at the news and looked at Buffy with wide eyes. "Is that bad?"

"Not really," she laughed. "She was already up here. She said she was starting dinner and we should come down."

Faith sat up and Buffy did, too. "So she's not freaked out we were asleep on your bed?"

"It's not like we were naked or anything and I'm sure she'll say something about it when we go downstairs." Buffy raised an eyebrow. "Why? Scared?"

"No," Faith scoffed but looked away. "Maybe."

Buffy leaned in and softly kissed her. "Don't be. Come on."

Both girls got off the bed and walked downstairs. Buffy looked toward the living room, thinking her mother might be waiting for them there, but the room was empty so she led Faith into the kitchen. Joyce Summers had the refrigerator door open and was hovering at the opening, muttering something under her breath. Buffy cleared her throat and her mother jumped slightly before turning to them.

"Hey, Mrs. Summers," Faith said and tried to smile. It looked as though she was a little nervous despite Buffy telling her there was no need.

"Faith, you've come back," Joyce said in an upbeat tone and looked at them with a smile. "I was thinking of making something nice in celebration." She paused. "By the way I found the two of you, I'm assuming you've made up."

"Kind of," Buffy answered and tried to read how her mother felt about that but couldn't read the expression on her face.

"You don't have to do anything special." Faith put her hands in her pockets and looked away. "It's not a big deal."

"Of course it is." She let the fridge door close and walked over to the girls. "This has been a very sad house without you here." She looked at Faith, observing her demeanor, before grinning. "Do I make you nervous, Faith?"

"A little," she admitted quietly.

"I kind of like that."

"Mom!"

"Honey, I'm a single mother and I never thought I'd have much impact when it came to the people you date. I'm simply happy I was wrong," she laughed.

Buffy leaned into Faith. "You don't have to be nervous."

"Okay."

"Buffy's right for the most part," Joyce said but kept her grin. "I'm assuming you already know how much my daughter means to me."

"I do."

"Then we'll be fine." She walked back to the cupboards and began rummaging through them. "When did you get back in town?"

"Early this morning," Faith answered. She looked from Joyce to Buffy and back again, realizing she hadn't told Buffy about that yet. "Decided to come back last night and got on the next bus I could." She laughed. "Between getting a place to stay and trying to get up the nerve to head to the school I haven't slept."

Buffy furrowed her brow. "Maybe you should've kept sleeping. You can sleep in my room until dinner's ready if you want."

"Maybe you shouldn't patrol tonight, Faith," Joyce commented.

"Can't do that." She smiled. "Giles is angry enough. I think I will take that nap though."

"Go ahead, honey." Joyce smiled. "Buffy can wake you when dinner's ready."

The dinner was relatively uneventful. Joyce decided to make lasagna, knowing it was probably the only item in the house that would take long enough for Faith to get a decent nap. Soon enough though dinner was ready and Buffy was sent up to get Faith.

All three had a good time, making small talk as they ate. Buffy could tell Faith was starting to become more comfortable around her mother and she loved it. The longer the dinner went on, the more relaxed the other slayer looked. Of course, once dessert was served she became uncomfortable again.

"Faith," Joyce started as she looked at her, "why did you leave? You hurt Buffy quite a lot."

"Uh . . ." Faith started and looked away, toward the floor.

"Mom . . ."

"Buffy, I'd like to know Faith's answer."

Faith looked up, making eye contact with Joyce but still looking nervous. "I didn't mean to hurt Buffy. I got a little freaked and that's what I do when I get freaked."

"And you came back because . . ."

"I want to be here. B's here, so is the hellmouth. This is where I'm supposed to be." Faith looked to Buffy and smiled. "I know I messed up."

Joyce nodded. "So it won't happen again?"

"No."

She smiled. "Good. Faith, if you ever hurt my daughter . . ."

"I know," Faith answered quickly and smiled as Buffy put a hand on her arm. "I'll never hurt her."

"I know that," Buffy said and looked at her mom. "We've worked this out, Mom."

"I'm just trying to protect you, Buffy." She smiled. "It's something a mother has to do."

"It's okay, B," Faith said and smiled at her, trying to be reassuring. "I'm okay with it."

"All right." Joyce folded her hands on the table. "Faith, where are you staying?"

"At the same crappy motel as before."

She nodded. "I think we need some rules."

"Mom, we really don't . . ."

Joyce held up her hand to stop Buffy. "I know there were nights when you didn't come home. That is not acceptable. I don't want you out all night after slaying without my knowing where you are."

Buffy blushed and looked at Faith, who was trying not to laugh. She wanted to get angry about that but she knew she'd probably do the same thing if it wasn't her mother saying everything. "Mom, you don't need to worry."

"But I will." Joyce thought for a moment. "Here's what we'll do. I do not want you going to that motel."

"Mom!"

"Let me finish. Faith, you are welcome here anytime, day or night but I have to be here."

The two slayers looked at each other, thinking it over. Buffy knew her mother was being more than generous and she understood why she didn't want her over at the motel. No parent wanted to know their child was having sex.

Buffy smiled. "I'm okay with that."

"It's cool," Faith agreed easily.

"It's settled then." Joyce stood up and started picking up empty dishes. "Okay, you girls can help me with these dishes then I bet it'll be time to patrol."

Both girls nodded, not too happy about doing dishes but overall happy with the outcome of the dinner.

Faith took a breath and walked over to Buffy as they finished off the latest group of vamps. "Yeah, I think we've got the last of them for the night."

"I hope so . . . sun'll be up in a few hours and I don't know how much longer I can keep this up."

"Has it really been this bad all week?"

Buffy nodded. "I took the whole gang a couple times in an attempt to keep up but they're still coming every night."

Sliding an arm around her girlfriend, Faith smiled sweetly as she probably could but it looked more sexual than anything. "Have I said I'm sorry?"

"Maybe once or twice."

Faith pulled Buffy as close as she could while they walked and Buffy put her head on her shoulder as a response. They walked out of the cemetery in silence, tired but still keeping alert in case any vamp wanted to test their skill.

"Wanna get some food or something? Maybe go to the Bronze?" Faith offered.

Buffy kept her head on Faith's shoulder as she thought about the offer. As much as she wanted to go out the week had been very tiring. Since patrol had been busy, she'd only gotten a couple hours sleep each night and it was catching up with her. She didn't want to disappoint Faith though, especially when they were finally getting on the right track.

The other girl must have been getting impatient with the silence, kissing the top of Buffy's head and causing her to giggle. "You're tired, aren't you?"

"Maybe a little," Buffy admitted.

"We don't have to go out."

"Good 'cause I'll probably fall asleep," Buffy laughed quietly as they walked in the direction of her house.

"I should probably head toward the motel then," Faith said and started to pull away but Buffy stopped her.

"Wait, Faith."

"B, you're tired and your mom made it pretty clear what she thinks about you going to my room," Faith said, grinning. "I really don't want to test your mom's limits."

Buffy laughed. "I have something different in mind."

She took Faith's hand and starting walking toward her house again, ignoring the other slayer's protests and questions. She figured she could explain once they got there but as soon as her house was in sight Faith stopped her.

"B, what are you doing?" Faith asked, trying to stop Buffy.

"You were listening to my mom's rules, right?"

Faith raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, that's why I'm wondering what you're doing."

"My mom said I couldn't go to your motel room but you could be at the house anytime as long as she's there." Buffy smirked. "She's there right now."

"I don't know about that, B," Faith said, furrowing her brow and looking toward the house. "Don't think that's what she had in mind."

"Just come on."

Buffy pulled Faith the rest of the way, who still gave her some resistance. She couldn't understand why either. She knew there was a reason behind what her mother had said and she thought it meant that if her and Faith were together she'd rather it be at the house where she could keep an eye on them. That's what she wanted it to mean.

They reached the house and Buffy got them inside quietly. She listened for a moment, checking if her mother was still awake, before turning to Faith.

The other teen looked a little uneasy. "B, you could get in major trouble here. I admit seeing you break rules is all kinds of hot but I don't want you grounded. Then when would I see you?"

"We'll be fine . . . just don't put the moves on me."

Faith laughed quietly. "You're crazy."

"Maybe," Buffy said. She smiled sweetly before taking Faith's hand and leading her up the stairs and to her room.

Once they got inside, Buffy put her arms around Faith and smiled. Faith smiled back before leaning in and tenderly kissing her. The kiss lasted a few seconds before they mutually broke away.

Buffy looked around the room, thinking. "You'll need something to sleep in. I know you didn't the last time you were here but that was very different."

"You don't have to do this, B," Faith said quietly.

"Are you telling me you'd rather go back to your motel room alone than stay here with me?"

"That's not what I mean," Faith said as she watched Buffy rummage through her dresser. "You know what I mean."

Buffy pulled two pairs of pajamas out of the dresser and turned back to Faith. "I know." She smirked. "I just think it's kinda funny."

Faith groaned. "I don't want you to get in trouble."

"I won't," Buffy claimed, handing Faith a pair of pajamas. "I think these will fit. They're a little big on me."

"Did you just call me fat?"

"I meant I'm too short." Buffy narrowed her eyes. "Now put them on."

The other slayer raised an eyebrow then examined the clothing for a second before looking at Buffy again. "I can't wear these. There are pineapples all over them."

Buffy smiled and shook her head. "Stop complaining and put them on. They're more comfortable than sleeping in your clothes."

Faith sighed but did as she was told and the pair quickly changed. Both unconsciously turned away from each other as they changed. Buffy was a little nervous and figured Faith was as well, especially with her mother right down the hall.

Once she was finished, Buffy turned around to find Faith changed and scowling at what she was wearing. She couldn't help but laugh at the sight causing Faith to direct her scowling toward her.

"This is not funny. I look ridiculous," Faith said, looking disgusted at what she was wearing.

Buffy walked over to her, smiling sweetly. "You look cute. I'll be right back."

She ran to the bathroom, doing her nightly ritual before going back to her room. Faith did the same and before she realized it, they were in her room and looking at each other nervously.

"Come on, Faith."

She led her to the bed and they got under the covers, finding each other instantly. Buffy felt Faith's strong arms wrap around her and she did the same.

There was no way Buffy was having sex tonight, not with her mother in the next room. She had a feeling Faith felt the same way she did, considering how nervous she had been. The nervousness was apparently going away at the moment though as she felt the other slayer's body slowly relax against hers.

Never feeling more comfortable than she could ever remember being, Buffy quickly fell asleep.

As the sun began to brighten up the room, Buffy was fighting the urge to wake up. She was so relaxed, so comfortable that she didn't want to open her eyes. It felt like it was still early and that was all the rationalization she needed to stay right where she was.

The best feeling she was having at the moment was the warmth she was sensing off to her side. She knew that was because Faith was lying next to her and that made her feel all warm and fuzzy inside. She sighed quietly and let herself enjoy the feeling for a few minutes before she finally gave in and opened her eyes.

Buffy very slowly opened her eyes, letting them adjust to the light little by little, before turning her head to see that Faith was already awake. She smiled at her girlfriend who was lying on her side, watching her. "Good morning."

"Morning," Faith said, smiling before leaning down and giving her a light kiss. "Sleep okay?"

"Yeah." Buffy raised an eyebrow. "Have you been watching me sleep?"

"Kinda," she admitted, grinning. "I've been up for awhile."

"Didn't you sleep okay?"

Faith moved the hand she'd been using to hold her head up so she could rest her head on the pillow again and so she could move closer to Buffy. "I slept fine. I don't think your mom did though."

"What do you mean?"

She laughed and quickly kissed her cheek. "I'm pretty sure she's been checking on us all night."

"Seriously?"

Faith nodded. "She's already checked in here once since I woke up and it's doubtful that was the first time."

Buffy laughed, finding it incredible her mother was going to that much trouble to make sure the two slayers' clothes stayed on. "Did she know you were awake?"

"Nah, I could hear her coming and I didn't want to freak her out."

"Aw, you're so sweet."

Faith grinned, showing her dimples. "Whatever, B."

The pair simply smiled at each other for a minute, looking deep into each other's eyes. Buffy found herself getting quickly lost in them. They were so expressive, just as much as when she first saw her but this time she could understand what she saw. She could see how much she cared. She could even see a small amount of fear but she was okay with that. Faith could probably see a little fear in her eyes, too.

Buffy closed what little space there was between them and pressed her lips against Faith's. The other girl responded slowly but eventually began to move her lips along with her girlfriend. They kept it simple and chaste for a minute but couldn't stay that way forever.

Buffy wrapped an arm around Faith's waist, pulling her more on top of her while Faith oh-so-subtly ran her tongue along Buffy's lower lip. She got the message instantly and parted her lips enough for Faith. Immediately their tongues slid against each other, eliciting moans from both slayers.

Faith began to slide her hands along Buffy's covered body and the other girl moved into her as a response. She was loving Faith's strong yet gentle hands on her but knew they couldn't go much further. In fact, if they didn't stop soon Buffy just knew her mother would walk in on them and that would be embarrassing for everyone. She brought her hands to Faith's shoulders and gently pushed Faith away, breaking their kiss.

"What's wrong?" Faith asked, trying to catch her breath while giving Buffy a concerned look. "Not okay?"

"More than okay." Buffy reached up and caressed Faith's cheek as she hovered over her. "I just don't want my mom to walk in on us."

"Right." Faith moved off her. "We should probably get up, huh?"

"Yeah. I bet we can get Mom to make breakfast. Pancakes, maybe?"

"I like the sound of that."

The Chosen Two grinned at each other and got out of bed, stretching a bit as they stood. Buffy looked at Faith and knew she wanted the waking up with her girlfriend beside her to be more than just a one-time thing. It felt too good and she thought she had the courage to talk to her mom about it. She hoped it could even be over breakfast. She wanted Faith there.

"What are you smiling about?"

Buffy looked at Faith, loving how cute she looked in her pajamas covered in bright pineapples, and took her hand. "Everything. Let's go."