Detective Lockley was sitting on her couch drinking coffee, when all of a sudden her door burst open and in the doorway stood a very pissed off slayer. Kate watched in amusement as Faith stood there for a moment, kinda lost now that her dramatic entrance was done. Kate smirked as Faith placed her hands on her hips and scowled. Faith wasn't too happy.

"How could you do something so stupid Katie?" Faith asked. Kate's grin faded for a moment and than she walked over to Faith and pulled the younger girl into her arms.

Hugging her tightly "You using your first day of freedom to yell at me?" She asked in disbelief.

Faith hugged her back briefly before pulling out of the embrace. "Damn Straight I am. When you try to do something as stupid as killing yourself, you bet your ass, I'm yelling at you."

Kate winced at both the harshfullness and the truthfulness of Faith's words. She took Faith's hand and pulled her over to the couch. They both sat down and Faith waited for an explanation.

"So your first day of freedom." Kate knew she was grinning like an idiot but she was happy for Faith. "Don't you want to do something to celebrate."

Faith crossed her arms and shook her head. "No way Detective. I want an explanation. I deserve one Dammit."

Kate didn't answered her as she averted her eyes. Her and Faith were friends yes but why should Kate burden Faith with her problems when she had enough of her own? Since Kate was the arresting officer on Faith's case, the two women had spent alot of time together, talking. They became friends. Faith told Kate things that she never told anyone. She trusted Kate and that was saying alot considering Faith trusted no one but Angel. The idea of Kate leaving her made Faith sick.

Faith still sat there all stone faced. She wanted an answer and she wasn't leaving or giving in until she got one. She locked her gaze on Kate's face and she felt bad for the cop. She had gotten part of the story from Angel but she wanted the whole thing and she wanted it from Kate. She finally realized that Katie wasn't gonna give in so she resorted to the one thing that never failed in making Katie give in. She smiled a sexy little smile, and pleaded with her eyes. When Kate rolled in eyes in response, Faith pouted. Finally Kate sat back and took a deep breath.

"I was fired. I tried to have my own little pill-a-thon and I think I died but Angel saved me. Happy now Brat?" She said it with a smile so Faith knew she wasn't really mad.

"You think you died? How do you think you died?" Faith had her eyebrows raised in a cross between curiosity and confusion.

Kate shrugged as she answered. "I never invited Angel in but yet he came in and saved me."

Faith's eyes widened as she comprehended what Kate was saying. "Do you realize how lucky you are? If you ever ever do that to me again I swear I will kick your ass from here to Boston. Do you understand?" Faith had a smirk on her pretty face but she was dead serious. Losing Kate was something she knew she couldn't handle.

Kate had tears in her eyes now. At the comment from Faith and the fact that she almost lost her life was just taking it's toll on her now. "What am I gonna do now? I don't have a job. I can't do anything else. I'm a cop and that's all I know how to do." The tears were coming in streams down her face now.

Faith sighed lightly. Comforting someone else was not her strong point. She wrapped her arms around Kate and hugged her. Smoothing her hair Down with her hand, she whispered in Kate's ear. "It'll be ok. I promise Katie. We'll work it out." She continued comforting her until Kate's tears stopped completely.

Kate sat up and pulled away from Faith. She smiled slightly as she met Faith's gaze. "Shouldn't that be my line to you?"

Faith shrugged. "I'm 5x5 Katie, Your the one who needs help so your the one who's gonna get all kinds of Faith help."

Kate grinned good naturally. "So what exactly is Faith Help?"

Faith smirked. "You really have to ask?"

Kate rolled her eyes in response. Everything was sexually related to Faith. "Well, Thank you Faith. I really do feel a little bit better."

Faith smirked again. "Only a little bit?" She wiggled her eyebrows as her smirk got wider.

Kate rolled her eyes as but she grinned nonetheless. Faith always made her feel better. "So Missy, what do you wanna do on your first day of freedom?"

Faith raised her eyebrows "Missy? What's the what Katie?"

Kate grinned. "Im so Sorry Faith. What would you like to do now Faith?"

Faith grinned. She loved Kate. Whoa back up there. Did that thought just run through her head. She quickly diminished the thought. No Way. Falling in love was bad. Not a Faith thing to do. She snapped back into the conversation to find Kate asking her what she wanted to do. "Umm I have to go to Angel's. Well, back to Angel's."

Kate nodded. "Back?" She questioned.

Faith adverted her gaze this time. Staring at anything but Kate. She promised Angel that she wouldn't tell Kate that Angel was keeping her updated on her health but how did she get out of this one? "Yeah he offered me a place to stay." Faith grinned. That was a good save.

Kate was staring at her intently now. She knew something was up but she refused to push Faith. She knew Faith would tell her eventually. She smiled. "You could always stay with me if you want."

Faith snorted aloud. "Yeah right. Cute Katie."

Kate gave her an innocent look. "What? I'm serious. I don't mind and I could use the company. Besides I kinda like you." Kate grinned.

Faith smirked. "How much do you like me?"

Kate let out an exasperated breath. "Wouldn't you like to know?"

Faith was silent. Kate smirked. She had her there. Finally Faith grinned. "Actually I would. Care to share Detective?"

Kate shook her head. "Nope. Took you long enough too. And here I thought you were the girl with a comeback for everything."

Faith stuck out her tongue. "Whatever." She sat back on the couch and took a breath. "Thanks for the offer Kate but I think I should stay with Angel."

Kate pouted. "Why?" She really wanted Faith to stay with her.

Faith knew why but she couldn't exactly tell Kate why. Staying with Kate was not safe for either one of them. Faith might come home from slaying one night and jump her. Faith smiled at the visuals she was getting and quickly shook her head. Meeting Kate's gaze she smiled slightly.

"I owe Angel alot and He wants me to work with him, for him, some shit like that so it's probably easier if I stay with him." Faith was impressed with herself. She had managed to make that sound totally convincing or so she thought.

Kate didn't buy any of it. She knew that Faith was lying to her and she wanted to know why. They were friends so why wouldn't Faith wanna stay with her? It didn't make any sense. Kate knew Faith wasn't gonna tell her so she resorted to blackmail.

"What happened to Faith Help? I could use it you know and it would be alot easier to give it to me if you stayed here." Kate met Faith's gaze and pouted.

Faith took a deep breath and realized that this woman was under her skin. Faith wasn't gonna get out of this, no matter how hard she tried. "That's not right Katie. You don't play fair." Faith sat back and sulked on the couch. This was a mistake.

Kate started to feel bad. She felt she had guilted Faith into staying with her and she didn't want that to ruin their friendship.

"If you wanna stay with Angel, I don't mind. Really."

Faith's hand snapped up. "Really?" She asked hopefully.

Kate nodded. "Really." She briefly wondered if Faith had a crush on Angel or maybe Cordy. She used to be in love with Buffy. Kate wondered if she should ask. She briefly wondered if Faith would tell her. Since she was so deep in thought she barely noticed when Faith threw her arms around her. She snapped back to attention and smiled at Faith as she hugged her back.

'Your the best Kate." Faith tightened her hold on the blonde.

Kate grinned. "I'm not sure weather I should be insulted or not."

Faith gave her a questioning look. "Huh?" Was her reply.

Kate just grinned. "I mean I tell you you don't have to stay with me and your bursting with happiness. I should be insulted."

Faith played with her hands and looked at the floor. She didn't want to hurt Kate's feelings but she really didn't want to tell her the truth. She noticed that Kate was watching her. She raised her eyes to Kate's and realized it was truth time. She cringed just thinking about it.

"Ok Here goes nothing." Faith took a deep breath and continued. "We have to talk Katie."

Kate laughed at the look on Faith's face. It was so distasteful, like she couldn't believe that she actually said those words willingly. Kate didn't say anything else. She just waited for Faith to continue.

Faith let out her breath and glanced around the room, biting her lip. "I asked Angel to keep me updated on your health."

Kate burst out laughing. "This is your big talk. Faith I think that's incredibly sweet."

Faith pinned her gaze on Kate and grimaced. "I'm not done yet."

Kate just raised her eyebrows in response and waited for the younger girl to continue.

"The reason I can't stay with you isn't because I don't want too. I want to too much." Faith waited a beat and than went on. "I want you Kate."

Kate looked dazed for a moment there and she was about to speak but Faith wasn't done yet.

"I think I love you. I mean I do love you." Faith looked flustered for a moment and she refused to meet Kate's gaze. "When Angel told me what you did, it made me sick. The thought of losing you makes me sick."

Faith's gaze was wandering still and she didn't see the silly grin on Kate's face. Kate placed her hand on Faith's arm and squeezed lightly. Faith jumped from the contact.

"Faith look at me." Kate asked. When Faith refused Kate slipped her finger underneath Faith's chin and turned her to face her.

"Listen to me carefully. I love you too. I don't think, I know." Kate smiled at the brunette on her couch and waited.

Faith's eyes widened in surprise. "Really?" She asked.

Kate found that tiny display so adorable that she couldn't resist. She leaned over and placed her lips on the brunettes. Faith didn't respond for a moment but than she slipped her arms around Kate's neck and brushed her tongue over Kate's lips. Kate's mouth parted immediately. The kiss continued for a few moments and than Faith pulled away smiling.

"I should still stay at Angel's you know. I have to keep Queen C safe from him anyway." Faith smirked as the visual from earlier filled her head.

Kate raised her eyebrows. "You have to keep Cordy safe from Angel?" her tone was confused and slightly amused.

Faith snorted. "Yeah the cheerleader is scared that he might have another ephipany and wig all out on her. So She asked me to protect her. It was very funny. You should of been there this morning."

Kate laughed a little. "Yeah I guess. Want a ride back to Angel's?"

Faith grinned in appreciation. "Hey we could get you a job at Angel's."

Kate gave her a weird look. "Umm I don't think so Faith."

Faith looked at Kate in confusion. It was a logical plan. Well, to her it was. "Why not? Angel will give you a job."

Kate shook her head again so Faith decided to try a different game plan. She slid closer to the blonde and starting nibbling on her ear. Placing a light kiss on her neck she met Kate's gaze.

"We could work together." She gave a naughty little grin. "We could work together everyday."

Kate gave an amused snort. "Yeah we'd get lots of work done that way."

Faith shrugged. "Yeah your right. But hey we'd have lots more fun."

Kate burst out laughing. "True." Kate stood up and held out her hand. "Come on, Let's go."

Faith stood up and followed Kate out of the apartment and into the car. The entire drive to Angel's was spent with Faith bugging Kate. Finally after what seemed like eternity, they pulled up to Angel's. Kate slipped out of the car and walked into the office ahead of Faith. She knew Faith meant well but Kate wasn't sure if she could deal with all the darkness in LA. She just barely came to terms with Angel's darkness and she was just barely getting use to all the darkness behind her cases. All this darkness was what cost her her job. Could she deal with it?

Kate had stopped at the door and realized that she wasn't being to nice to Faith. She turned around and smiled at the younger brunette who was just walking up to the door all nice and slow, with her sexy little swagger of her hips and Kate couldn't help but grin at that. Faith finally made it to the doorway and leaned forward, her breath hot on Kate's neck.

"You don't have to talk to Angel you know." She placed a feathery kiss on her ear and pulled away. "It was just a thought."

Kate smiled and slipped her arm around Faith's waist and together they walked into AI. Cordy came running up to them and pulled Faith away from Kate and starting talking about Faith not being there. It was very funny and way to odd to even explain and Kate just watched amused as she followed the two girls in.

Angel was standing at the desk, trying to assure Cordy that he wasn't gonna go all crazy again but she was skeptical. Finally Kate asked to speak to Angel in private. Faith gave her a wink and dragged Cordy up the stairs.

Kate and Angel faced one another and Kate met his gaze and smiled thinly.

"I just wanted to thank you again for saving me." She wasn't sure how to start off the conversation but that seemed to work.

Angel gave her a grim smile. "That's ok Kate. I told you I had an ephipany and I couldn't let you die. You and losing your job, I feel like it was all my fault."

Kate gave a wan grin. "It was, in a way but I didn't really blame you. I didn't call you to save me. I never expected you to come that night and save me and believe me I'm glad and grateful that you did, It's just I called you because I was mad and angry and I did feel pissed off at you but I didn't blame you. I shut you out so many times that I didn't expect you to show up and save my life but I'm glad you did. Because no matter how many times I shut you out and pushed you away, you still got in and for that, I'm extremely grateful. More than I could ever say. So thank you." Kate took a deep breath and waited. She wasn't used to opening up to people and now she had done it twice in one day. Her whole out look on life was changing dramatically.

Angel smiled softly. "Kate, I am sorry for everything that you had to go through lately. All those cases and those things that I've tried to keep from you, it wasn't personal. I just wanted to keep you safe. And the best way to do that was to keep you away from the scenes and away from the demons but you don't ever stop being a cop and you can take care of yourself. I just tend to forget that alot. I may be a really old undead guy but I'm still a guy and no matter how old, we're still pretty dense." Angel smiled again.

Kate laughed aloud. "Did you just make a joke?"

Angel let out a deep, exasperated breath. "Yeah Delia doesn't feel safe around me so I'm trying to ease her mind a little. And In some bizarre way, Jokes help her in these situations. Anyway Would you like to work with us Kate? We could use the help and more importantly, Faith could use your help." He smirked at the last part.

Kate's eyes widened in surprise. "You know? And did Faith put you up to this?"

Angel gave a dry laugh. "Yes, I knew. Im dense Kate not blind. And No Faith didn't put me up to it. I told you I feel somewhat responsible for your job loss and this way you could still do what you love to do, just in a different way."

Kate smiled softly as she looked at the ground. "I'll think about it. Thank you for the thought though." Her voice was soft and strained and Angel knew that she still had issues to deal with.

Angel smiled as he turned to leave the room. "I'll get Faith." He couldn't help but smirk there. "I better go try to run damage control with Delia... Again." He gave her another soft smile as he left.

A few moments later Faith came bouncing into the room. "Miss me Katie?"

Kate met her flirty gaze and smiled. "Of course I did. That whole 10 minutes without you was killing me here." Her voice was syrupy sweet and way over dramatic.

Faith smiled nonetheless. "Good. So did you talk to Angel?"

Kate knew what she was asking and shook her head. "No He talked to me about a job. Did you set that one up?"

Faith held up her hands and shook her head as well. "Nope not me, Katie." She raised her eyebrows. "And?"

"And what?"

Faith rolled her eyes. "And what did you say?"

"I told him I would think about it." Kate walked over to Faith and slipped a finger through her belt loop and started dragging her towards the door. "Come on, let's go somewhere. I'm kinda hungry."

Faith leaned in and brushed her lips over Kate's. "Me too." She whispered.

Kate returned the kiss and than pulled away. Once again pulling Faith with her. "Than let's go to my place."

Faith let Kate drag her willingly out to the car and than she stopped.

Kate turned around and faced the younger girl. "What's wrong?"

Faith grinned as she pulled Kate's body against hers. "We're here so why leave." Her head dipped down as Kate's looked up and their lips met in a passionate kiss.

"I think better at my apartment." Was Kate's answer.

Faith was busy trailing kisses up her neck and across her jaw to notice what Kate was saying. She pulled back. "Huh?"

Kate grinned. "If we go to my apartment, I can think about working here." Her breath was uneven and Faith's hands were roaming.

"Yeah because we're gonna be doing a whole lotta thinking there?"

Kate grinned. "Yes we will." She placed a light kiss on Faith's lips. "Eventually." Came her afterthought.

Faith pulled away and smirked. "So If we go back to your place, than you'll work here. Right?"

Kate met her gaze. "I said I'd think about it."

Faith crossed her arms. "So if we go back to your place than you'll work here right?" She repeated.

Kate gave her a look of disbelief. "Do you ignore me on purpose or is it a gift."

Faith shrugged. "A little of both. I'm just looking out for you Katie."

Kate let out a breath and she smiled softly. "I know." She pulled Faith back into her arms and placed a kiss behind her ear. "Fine if we go to my place I'll tell Angel I wanna work here."

Faith turned in her embrace and smiled brightly. "Really?"

"Really."

Faith placed a kiss on her lips and than started dragging her towards the car. "What are you waiting for? An engraved invitation? Let's go."

Kate laughed in amusement as she got into the car with the slayer. She had a plan and she had Faith now and just because she wasn't a cop anymore didn't mean she still didn't have a life. She regretted trying to kill herself but now she had another chance, she had faith and a whole new outlook and a whole new plan. Well, not really exactly a plan but glancing at Faith, Kate smiled. She didn't need a plan because her life was good now and it was definitely worth living.

      ~End~