Message: 1
   Date: Mon, 5 Nov 2001 23:11:14 +1000
   From: Eos <dewdrop@mochamail.com>
Subject: Fic: Merely Mortal 1/11 

MERELY MORTAL
By Eos
(dewdrop@mochamail.com)

PAIRING: F/K

RATING: R for sex, language, and angst.

DISCLAIMERS: Faith, Kate, Buffy & all other Mutant Enemy characters are not
owned by me. However the rest are entirely my own creations. 

SPOILERS: Everything up to REDEFINITION and (for Buffy) CRUSH. Occurs after
REDEFINITION, but before THE THIN DEAD LINE and I WAS MADE TO LOVE YOU.

SUMMARY: When Faith is shot, Kate helps her recover both mentally and
physically.

NOTES: When I started writing this I hadn't seen 'The Thin Dead Line', so any
themes that are similar to that episode are purely coincidental.
This is a big story and it's taken a long time to write. I never thought it
would end :) and I still have ideas left over that I never put in. That screams
sequel, but it's up to you guys depending on how much you like it.

----------------------------
PROLOGUE


"Detective Lockley requesting paramedics," Kate screamed into her portable
radio. She received confirmation and stated her location. When that was also
confirmed she threw down the radio and pressed her hand against her blood-
soaked right one. Officers were just arriving on the scene but she didn't
notice. All she was aware of was the raspy breathing of the person she leaned
over. Both hands were now stained with blood. The blood of a Slayer.


CHAPTER ONE


Faith hazily heard the sounds of sirens and people around her. One voice was
coming through clearer than the others. Kate.

"Kate?" Her lips moved but there was no sound coming from them. She tried
again and hoped she was more successful.

"Faith, stay with me now," Kate's voice responded. "Medics will be here in a
couple of minutes. I know you can hold on that long."

"Don't leave." She mustered all her strength to say the words loud enough.

"I won't," Kate promised and wished she could see those eyes, but they were
enclosed in their lids. She pressed harder on the wound, feeling the blood
seeping through her fingers. Where was that damn ambulance! The girl was
slipping into unconsciousness.

"Lockley?" An insistent hand on her shoulder didn't even cause her to turn.
"Lockley, you need to let them take it from here." Kate turned and stared
blankly at three people in paramedic uniforms.

"Excuse me, Detective," a woman said bringing in medical equipment.

"Gun shot wound to lower abdomen," Kate explained with a voice she didn't
recognise as hers.

"Just the one?" The woman asked taking over Kate's duty to stop the flow of
blood. Kate took Faith's limp hand in hers watching the spilt blood tarnish
Faith's white hand. "Detective?"

"Yes, only one." Kate never took her eyes off Faith's face. "Come on, Faith,
I'm right here."

"Make sure the ER is ready," the woman spoke to one of her colleagues. He
nodded and she continued barking orders for the treatment of the patient. 

After what seemed like an eternity to Kate, they lifted Faith onto a stretcher
and wheeled her to the ambulance. Kate only let go of the hand to jump in the
back before retaking it again. No one questioned her, not the police and not
the medics. The determination and despair on her face was enough to know they
shouldn't try to separate her from the brunette.

"What are her chances?" Kate asked when the woman commented that Faith had
stabilised for now. They were moving through the traffic but she didn't even
notice.

"Apart from the loss of blood, it looks like the bullet hasn't caused too much
damage," the woman answered carefully. "We'll know more when we get her into
surgery."

"That didn't answer my question." Kate gave the woman a glare before her eyes
shifted back to Faith's still face.

"You should know the procedure, Detective. I can't tell you what you want to
hear." The woman saw the dangerous look in the blue eyes. "Do you know what
caused this scar?"

Kate looked down at the vertical line inches away from the new wound. She
nodded. "She was in a coma."

"Then I'm sure if she is that strong, she should come out of this well, but
don't take that as fact, the truth is there may be more damage than we are
seeing."

Kate merely gave a weak nod and looked down to where her hands encased
Faith's. It was not as warm as it should be, her mind registered wearily. 

They stayed that way until the ambulance pulled up outside the hospital. Kate
reluctantly let go of the hand as the hospital staff took over, but she
followed at a close distance. The only thing that stopped her going into the
surgery with Faith was a nurse.

"No," Kate shook her head and tried to continue. 

The nurse stopped her again. They locked eyes and it took a few moments for
Kate to back down, but not before she flashed her badge and demanded to be
informed of Faith's condition immediately after surgery.

"Lockley?" She turned to see Detective Turloch moving her way. She took a deep
breath and prepared to face her colleague.

"She's in surgery," she stated bluntly finding a seat in the waiting room.

"There are questions to answer," he said just as bluntly. This cop seemed to
find herself in the most bizarre situations, he thought. First that incident a
few weeks ago in the museum, now this.

"I'm not leaving. I am the closest thing to a friend she has," Kate said
calmly. No one would understand her attachment to Faith, even she couldn't
explain why she had befriended her.

"I know she was only released from jail a month ago, but surely she has
family." Turloch didn't dislike the blonde detective, she was quite attractive,
but he had heard the rumours and wasn't about to get mixed up in this and watch
his career go down the drain over her. He wanted this case to be open and shut,
but at the moment it didn't seem like it. All he knew was this young ex-con had
been shot during an unofficial surveillance on a warehouse.

"None that anyone knows of. The person she listed as her next of kin has gone
AWOL. I will answer questions. When I know she is going to be fine." Kate
turned away and clasped her bloodstained hands together as her thoughts turned
back to Faith's condition. 

The detective watched her stiff back for a moment before shaking his head and
walking away. 


Kate sighed and closed her eyes once she knew she was alone. Damn Angel for
deserting Faith when she needed him. She thought back to when Faith turned up
at her new precinct fresh from jail just over a month ago. The girl explained
Angel didn't even offer her advice let alone any other help. Feeling desperate
she had made contact with Kate's old precinct looking for her. One morning she
had come into work to find Faith sitting on her desk with a wink and a grin as
way of a greeting. Kate had been surprised, but she felt she couldn't turn the
girl away like Angel had. They had tried to call Angel several times, but he
either didn't answer or hung up. The three that were still working as Angel
Investigations were too busy wallowing in their own misery to want to deal with
the Slayer. Kate recalled the look on Faith's face when she hung up the phone
on Cordelia.

"No luck," she had said to the girl.

"Doesn't matter, never expected them to welcome me." Faith shrugged and
swivelled the chair from side to side.

"You know, I have a friend who was looking for cops to join a private security
firm he was starting up. It was a couple of months ago now, but he may still
need some people. Maybe I could get him to give you a chance."

"With my record," Faith scoffed.

"I'm sure he won't mind," Kate smiled sincerely. "You have something in common."

Faith had warily agreed and a week later she was working for him, after
breezing through the training course. She had found a cheap apartment and was
making good money. Just a few hours ago Faith had been telling her about how
she was looking to move up in accommodation because of the money situation. Now
she was lying in a theatre being operated on.


**********************

A ringing brought Kate out of her reverie. It was Faith's cell phone. After
rescuing it from Faith's jacket she had placed it in her own for safe-keeping.

"Hello, Faith's phone."

"Kate, is that you?" Marcus Anderson's deep voice boomed through the phone.
"There was something about one of mine being shot. Please tell me it wasn't
Faith."

"I'm sorry, Marcus, she's being worked on now." Kate stumbled over the words. 

"So it's not serious?"

"I'm not sure." Kate's words were even shakier. She could imagine the man on
the other end was probably in a similar situation. Marcus may have been an ex-
con, but the tall, muscled man was as soft as they came. A good quality to have
when dealing with Faith.

"What hospital?"

"I thought you were taking your kid to a game tonight."

"I think this is more serious than a game, Kate."

"Go. There's nothing you can do here except wait. I'll call you when I know."
Kate hung up the phone and turned it off. She had a feeling the man was
becoming attached to Faith, not sexually as Kate first feared -- Faith put her
straight on that -- but as a member of his family. She had been welcomed into
Marcus's home with open arms by him and his wife. Faith had joked Barbara was
trying to fatten her up with all the food she cooked for her. Marcus's four-
year-old son thought Faith was way cooler than his dad, much to Marcus's good-
natured complaints. 

"Detective?" Kate looked up at the nurse standing with a doctor still in
scrubs. She acknowledged them and stood up.

"She has lost a lot of blood, but we've given her transfusions. The bullet was
removed and it hasn't damaged any organs." Kate let out a sigh of relief at the
doctor's words. "However, she is by no means out of danger yet."

"Thank you Doctor…."

"Singh." The doctor smiled. "I need you to fill out some forms."

"Of course, then can I see her?"

"Normally only immediate family is allowed."

"She has no one else," Kate interrupted, ready to fight the hospital policy
head-on. "Even the person she last listed as her next of kin is not interested."

"How are you related?" The nurse asked pointedly.

"Friends. Good friends." In fact, she was going to list herself as next of
kin, feeling confident Faith wouldn't mind.

Kate took a step forward, prepared to push her way into the room if she had
to. The doctor quickly gave in to her request and she wasted no time in filling
out the forms as best she could. The time spent on Faith's case helped with
most of the information on the girl.

Finally she was shown to the ICU and she entered anxiously. Faith lay there
with tubes and wires hooked up to her. The steady beep of the heart rate
machine comforted the sight that lay before the detective. Gingerly she pulled
up a chair and sat down on the hard surface. It was at this time she realised
her hands and clothes were still covered with dry blood while Faith had been
cleaned up. Quelling the urge to throw up at the sight of her friend's blood,
she made it to the bathroom to wash up.

After wiping her hands, she stared into the mirror. There was blood on her
forehead where she must have touched it with her hands. She washed that off
too. No wonder people had been looking at her. After getting her stomach under
control she walked back to the ICU.

Kate told herself to get a grip. She was a hardened cop who had seen many
crime scenes with multiple murders. She had even seen one of her fellow
officers shot. Why was she nearly fainting at a little blood?

Taking her seat again, Kate reached out for the still hand. She didn't know
why, but she felt compelled to. The girl shouldn't mean anything to her, Kate
thought. Though between the dinners she and Marcus's wife cooked for her, Faith
probably hadn't spent a night cooking for herself. But she was sympathetic to
Faith's situation. Angel had deserted her, for what reason she wasn't sure. No
one else wanted to deal with her and her parole officer didn't seem to care.

Somewhere in the last month Faith had wormed her way into the detective's
life. Kate didn't know how or when it happened, but making sure she was the
first thing Faith saw when she woke was the most important thing now.

**********************

Kate didn't know how long she sat there studying the face after she phoned
Marcus and left a message with Angel Investigations and the Hyperion. She
wondered if she should phone someone in Sunnydale. Faith had told her that she
had been up there to mend things with the other Slayer and her friends. It had
been partially successful which had put Faith in a great mood for a few days.
She phoned back Angel Investigations and left a message asking for a number to
get in contact with Buffy.

The ringing phone jerked her awake. Her first glance was to the monitors that
showed Faith's vitals. All seemed fine.

"Hello? Is this Detective Lockley?" A British voice asked.

"Yes. Who is this?" Kate looked at her watch in the dim light. Ten o'clock.
The shooting happened six hours ago now.

"Rupert Giles. Cordelia said something about Faith being shot?"

"Right. Giles, that sounds familiar."

"I was Faith's Watcher."

"Of course." Kate coughed lightly and moved her stiff limbs.

"She said you wanted to get in touch with Buffy."

"Uh, I didn't know if she should be told. I'm not really sure of her and
Faith's relationship at the moment, but Faith mentioned she had been up there,
so I thought…." Kate trailed off frustrated by her inability to concentrate on
her words. Her eyes never left the body lying next to her.

"Yes. Thank you for letting us know. I will pass it on to Buffy." There was a
brief pause. "How is she?"

"She's, uh, doing fine. I think." Kate's voice was thick. "The doctors say she
should fully recover." So it was a lie, but she knew Faith could get through
this.

"How did it happen, if I may ask?"

"I'd rather not talk about it." 

"You were there, then?"

"Yes," Kate sighed heavily.

"Are you hurt, Detective?" Giles' voice came through concerned and Kate warmed
to the man.

"No, I'm fine. Faith was the only casualty and she still managed to take out
the perp after she was shot."

"Slayer strength, I presume."

"Yes." Kate suddenly felt weary and couldn't wait to hang up.

"Well, uh, thank you for calling us."

"I'll keep you informed if you want?" 

Giles agreed and they exchanged phone numbers before saying goodbye.

The nurse came in a while later to check on the progress. She reported that
Faith was doing better than expected. Kate sat back in the chair with relief.
While Faith only talked about Buffy stabbing her once, when Kate had
accidentally seen the scar, Kate had worked out most of the details from what
little Faith told her. All except how an injury that should have killed her,
didn't. Kate hoped it had something to do with Faith being a Slayer.

Still holding Faith's hand Kate fell into another uneasy sleep.

**********************

"Kate." Faith opened her eyes to see the blonde sitting uncomfortably in the
chair. Ouch, she thought.

"Faith?" Kate asked hearing her name. She leaned forward so she could see
Faith in the dim light.

"What are you doing here?" Faith took the tubing off her face.

"Put that back on." Kate reached across and they struggled before Faith had a
coughing fit ending the argument. "I'm here, because I needed to know if you
were alright."

"What time is it?" Faith asked wishing she could yank off the cords and get
out of there. She only hoped it wasn't eight months later.

"Two o'clock."

"What day?" Faith asked the anxiety unable to be hidden.

"Friday, it's only been a few hours, Faith." Kate reached over and pushed a
stray lock of hair out of Faith's eyes. "Do you remember?"

"Uh, like I'm going to forget having a bullet lodge in me," Faith joked but it
was lost on Kate. "It can't be too bad, right?

"You seem to have stabilised, but this is Intensive Care." Kate squeezed the
hand she still held. It felt warmer than before.

"Good old Slayer healing." Faith saw the confused look on Kate's face and
continued, "We heal faster than you mere mortals."

"Oh is that right?" Kate smiled for the first time in what seemed like years.
"I should call the nurse."

"Kate," Faith said quickly. "I just want to say, well, thanks for sticking
around."

"No problem." Kate wanted to say more but she was too exhausted. She called
for the night nurse who was pleasantly surprised to see Faith awake and alert.
She did a routine check and declared Faith to be one her best patients.

"Best today or best ever?" Faith asked taking off her tubing again and winking
at the nurse. She'd already had a lifetime of being bound by hospital
equipment. 

"Best today, until you took that off." The nurse firmly put it back on and
started writing on Faith's chart.

"You're no fun." Faith tried to pout but it was too much to even try.

"Don't get cheeky with me, missy." The nurse gave her a glance and headed out
of the room.

Kate squeezed Faith's hand and quickly left to chase after the nurse. "Excuse
me?"

The nurse turned around. "Lover?" She asked.

"No, friend." Kate frowned. "I wanted to ask you what happens now?"

"We wait for the doctor to see how the wound is healing and if there are any
other complications. If not then it will be plenty of rest for at least a few
weeks. These things don't heal overnight." The nurse gave Kate a kind smile.
"She will be fine, from all signs her healing is more advanced than what we
would expect at this stage."

Kate nodded and quickly returned to Faith's side. Retaking her hand she looked
at the closed eyes.

"Faith?"

"Present and accounted for." She tried to open her eyes but the lids were too
heavy.

"Rest, okay."

"Look who's talking." Faith did manage to open her eyes. "Go home and get some
sleep."

"I…" Kate couldn't explain her compulsion to stay.

"I'm not going anywhere and you still have the same clothes on." Faith didn't
mention they were covered with her blood.

"I'll be back tomorrow." Kate stood reluctantly and looked down at her.

"When you do, can you sneak in some food?" Faith had closed her eyes again but
there was a hint of a smile on her face.

"No," Kate answered with a smile of her own. Giving the hand one last squeeze
she said, "I'll leave your phone here. I contacted Angel, Angel Investigations
and Giles."

"Giles?"

"Was that the right thing?"

"Yeah, thanks."

"See you later."

"Looking forward to it." 

**********************

Faith heard the light footsteps fade away. She ripped off her tubing and sat
up. Uncovering her wound, she pressed around finding it extremely painful. Not
as bad as the stabbing, the pain at impact hadn't been as much, but it was
painful nonetheless. Kate had saved her life, she realised. Her quick thinking
and actions were the only thing the stopped her bleeding to death. She didn't
know how to feel about that. Normally people who saved others expected
something in return and no way was she going to owe the detective. But then
again, Kate had probably saved a life or two in her time and thought nothing of
it apart from a job well done.

Faith cursed her luck. If Kate hadn't accidentally touched her breast she
would have noticed the human-looking demon coming at them from the side. The
unexpected arousal that surged through her caused her timing to be off. The
crossbow bolt hit him after she was blasted down with a bullet. Trust her to
come across the only demon in LA that carried a gun at the moment she was
distracted.

It was weird when she thought about it. All that fighting with B and not one
moment of arousal during their fights. That had come afterwards with the
memories. But one touch from Kate and she was reduced to lying in a hospital
bed for her trouble. Not that she blamed Kate, the blonde had no idea she was
attracted to her. One month and she was whipped, she thought disgustedly. It
couldn't be right. She couldn't possibly feel anything for her. Faith didn't
fall in love or even have more than passing feelings for people. She fucked
them good and went on with her life.

She drifted off to sleep trying to tell herself to forget about the blonde cop.



________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Message: 2
   Date: Mon, 5 Nov 2001 23:11:29 +1000
   From: Eos <dewdrop@mochamail.com>
Subject: Fic: Merely Mortal 2/11

CHAPTER TWO

Kate hurried away from the precinct straight after she finished her report.
She hated all the red tape, especially when a civilian was involved. Luckily,
it had happened on a property guarded by Marcus's security company, so Faith
had a to be there. However, explaining what they were doing was hard, because
they hadn't conferred on a cover story to tell Marcus or the police. Suspicious
activity, Kate had written. It was luck that the demon had looked human.

Faith was talking and smiling into her cell phone when Kate arrived.

"…yes, I'm going to be okay." Faith gave Kate a glance and motioned her to
sit, which Kate did. "If you ask your dad, maybe you can see me tomorrow."
There were more assurances before Faith said goodbye and closed her phone.

"Marcus's boy?" Kate asked pleased to see Faith so active.

"Yeah, it's kinda of hard to explain to a four-year-old what happened." Faith
laid the phone down and gave Kate the once over. "How are you?"

"Shouldn't I be asking you that question?"

"So?" Faith smiled pleased Kate was concerned about her.

"Handling a lot of questions. They're going to want to talk to you too."

"Right." Faith shifted uncomfortably.

"My report said you called me to check out suspicious activity."

"That's exactly what we were doing." Faith nodded in agreement. "Marcus wanted
to come in, but I told him not to bother until I'm out of this room."

"Has the doctor told you anything?"

"He can't believe how well I'm progressing." Faith gave her a wink. "I'm
moving rooms tomorrow."

"So, there's nothing to worry about?" Kate asked hopefully.

"No." Faith smiled at Kate, comforted by the woman's presence. There was no
one else in the world she would rather have sitting there. "The nurse says I
need plenty of bed rest for a few weeks, but I'm hoping that's only a couple
with my healing ability."

"You can't expect to be fighting in a couple of weeks, Faith."

"Yes I can. There's no way I'm even staying in here for more than three days."
Faith's tone bordered on fearful.

"Faith," Kate warned, "you got shot. Your body needs time to heal."

"You can't tell me what to do." Faith turned away from the blonde, irritated
at her attitude.

Kate took Faith's hand in hers and stroked gently. "Your mind needs to heal as
well."

"You've got to be kidding," Faith laughed shaking her head. "I was shot. By a
demon. Not much different to being punched, clubbed or kicked by them. He's
dead. I won the battle and I move on."

"Doesn't it bother you that you nearly died?" Kate asked still holding the
warm hand.

"Yeah, it should never have gone down like that." Faith turned and looked at
the concerned cop. She seems to really care, she thought puzzled.

"So you blame yourself?"

"Don't shrink me, Detective." Faith pulled her hand away, immediately
regretting the action.

"I'm not, I'm trying to help you." Kate leaned back in the chair and rubbed
the bridge of her nose.

"I should have got him before he even saw me." Faith stated putting her hand
back on the edge of the bed where it had been resting in Kate's.

"Do you think you could have?" Kate linked her fingers together to stop the
temptation of placing her hand back in Faith's. The rejection still stung.

"Yeah."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah." Faith closed her eyes. "I'm tired. Can you come back tomorrow?"

"Of course." Kate stood and looked down at Faith. She didn't buy the
explanation. The girl was not as good a liar as she thought she was. "Do you
want me to bring you anything?"

"Clothes, for when I get out of here." Faith felt Kate leave her side and
missed the presence already. "The keys to my apartment are over there."

"Right." Kate picked them up and gave Faith one last look. "See you tomorrow."

Faith opened her eyes and watched the blonde hair disappear out the room. She
sighed heavily. How could she even begin to explain to the woman that one
accidental brush of her nipple and she lost all awareness of anything else.
Kate was a cop and that meant she was nosy. No way was she going to find out
Faith was attracted to her. She'd probably use it against her.

**********************

The first look at Faith's apartment caused Kate to be shocked. The apartment
was about as bare one could get and still be livable. Kate looked at the
clothes strewn around the living room in the early morning light. It seemed
that Faith lived in the room. The bedroom had nothing but a few boxes in it.
She knew Faith came from a poor family background, but this place didn't even
feel like a home. Just a place to sleep and eat. Maybe that's why Faith
preferred to accept offers from Marcus or her for evening company when she
wasn't slaying or god-knows where else.

Kate carefully stepped over the mess on the floor trying to find some clean
clothes. She picked up the necessities from a pile that looked clean. When that
was done Kate took a tour of the room. It was breaking Faith's privacy, she
knew, but her curiosity about the girl was too much. A stereo was the only
other prominent piece apart from the foldout sofa. Piled haphazardly beside it
were a few CD's. Bands she had never heard of. A cheap TV sat on top of a small
table. On another table sat a stack of fashion and woman's magazines. Not what
Kate was expecting.

Her head swung towards the kitchen. It at least looked clean. The fridge was
stacked with nothing much at all except loads of chocolate milk. Kate smiled at
the addiction Faith seemed to have. Something had to feed the Slayer's energy. 

Back in the main room tucked in a corner was a pile of stakes, an axe and a
couple of knives. A punching bag was strung from the ceiling. It was something
Kate hadn't been expecting either. She always thought that Faith didn't need
the practice, that Slayers came already equipped with all the skill they needed
and they stayed in shape by fighting. She needed to rethink that one.

As she was leaving a yellow envelope caught her eye. She walked over and
studied it closer. A piece of paper laying next to it made her eyes go wide. On
it was her picture and her name. She picked it up and quickly skimmed the
contents. This was her service record. She opened the envelope and shuffled
through the contents. Mostly Faith's legal documents plus medical and
identification. At the bottom she found a well-worn piece of paper. It was a
letter Kate had written to Faith not long after she was sentenced. In the time
before going to trial they had spoken on details about Faith's life and of
demons. It was why Faith thought she could at least trust Kate to help when she
showed up a month ago. She read the letter:

'Faith,

I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to talk to you before sentencing. Good luck
with jail and remember what we talked about to maximise your chances of parole.

I finally did what you suggested and I think it has helped. Forgiveness is
such a hard thing but if you can do it, then so can I. I've been reading
everything I can about Slayers, which is not much really. I didn't know there
was so many of them. I would love to talk to you about the Council more, too.

Thanks for listening,

Kate Lockley.'

They never did talk again while Faith was in jail. She was busy with work and
her time talking to Faith faded in the background. That was ten months ago.
What was Faith doing with the letter and her record? There could be so many
explanations for it and she warned herself against jumping to conclusions. Kate
put back the contents of the envelope and let herself out intending to question
Faith when she arrived at the hospital, damned if Faith feigned tiredness again.

**********************

Striding down the passage Kate locked her sights on Faith's new room. Barging
in she opened her mouth when she saw a blonde sitting in a chair next to
Faith's bed. Her first thought wasn't about who it was, but what was she doing
sitting in her place.

"Kate." Faith turned her eyes away from Buffy and smiled at the cop. "You've
met B."

"Buffy Summers." Kate crossed her arms and gave the blonde a stare. Faith
wasn't the only one doing background checks.

"What about it?" Buffy gave Kate the once over.

"Hey, girls." Faith interrupted the staring contest with a wave of her hand.
"Gun shot victim here."

"Sorry, Faith." Kate gave her an apologetic smile. "I brought you something."

She picked up the bag from where it had been dropped and hauled it up on the
hospital bed table. Faith slid the table close and peeked in. On top sat a
bunch of flowers.

"Wow, I don't think anyone has ever given me flowers before." The smile Kate
received melted the anger away. "Thanks, babe."

"Since when did you get friendly with a cop?" Buffy asked suspiciously
ignoring Kate's presence.

"Since I found out at least one of them is kinda cool." Faith put the flowers
by her bedside and started prodding in the bag examining the clothes Kate had
picked out. "B, play nice."

"Okay. But…" Buffy left it at that.

"And she saved my life," Faith continued wanting to impress on Buffy the
importance of Kate in her life.

"I guess that makes her an okay person then," Buffy conceded still suspicious
about the detective.

"How are you feeling?" Kate sat on the edge of the bed surprised about Faith's
emphasising being saved. Kate would have done the same for anyone. Except now
she thought about it, she had never lost her cool before. Never taken a ride in
an ambulance hoping they didn't die on the way to the hospital. Never sat at
the bedside of the victim for the night.

"Good."

"Good?" Kate arched an eyebrow.

"Doctor said I was getting stronger, something about blood, blah, blah, blah.
I don't know, but it has to be good, he smiled at me several times." Faith
pushed the table away and put her hands behind her head.

"Can I talk to you in private?" Kate shot a look at Buffy.

"Why?" Faith's smile wavered.

"Can't this wait until she's feeling better?" Buffy asked clearly not happy
with the situation. "I'm only down for the day and would like to spend it with
Faith."

"I would like to ask you something." Kate ignored the blonde.

"About what?" Buffy cut in.

"About something I don't think is any of your business," Kate hissed at Buffy,
being reminded of their first meeting. Was the blonde always so disruptive?

"Ask away." Faith decided that it might safer with B in the room with the way
Kate was looking at them.

"What are you doing with my police record?"

"You went through my things!" Faith would have jumped out of bed but for
Buffy's strong grip on her arm.

"It was laying on the table in plain sight," Kate responded glaring at her.

"Fuck you, Kate."

"You know my number if you want to talk." Kate watched the fury on Faith's
face for a moment before she swung the door open and walked out.

"Detective, wait." Buffy caught up with her down the corridor.

"Yes?" Kate asked masking her surprise.

"She didn't mean it. Not really."

"It sure sounded like it."

"Listen, I know why she has your record." Buffy steered them towards a bench.

"You know I could arrest on that." Kate sat down at least willing to listen to
the girl.

"Plus a charge of hacking, but that's beside the point. She was only checking
you out." Buffy sat down next to her.

"Like you need to be Einstein to figure that out. So?"

"She wanted to see if she could trust you. So she got your record to see if
you had told her the truth so far."

"And I guessed I passed with flying colours?" Kate shook her head.

"I don't think you understand, Detective."

"Then make me," Kate implored genuinely wanting to try to help Faith.

"Just about everybody Faith has looked up to has either died or betrayed her.
Trusting you is a big deal for her. Trusting anyone for that matter."

"Trust works both ways."

"She hasn't quite figured that out, I know." Buffy gave her a small smile.
"Give her a chance."

"Why are you so friendly with her all of a sudden?" Kate asked after digesting
the information.

"Over the last few months things have happened in my life that made me realise
how few chances we have to make things right. Faith wanted my forgiveness and I
was ready to give it to her." Buffy looked down unable to keep the emotion out
of her voice.

"That took a great deal of courage," Kate said thinking back to her words on
the letter.

"It was time." Buffy looked up and saw understanding in Kate's eyes. "Have you
forgiven Faith for her crimes?" She asked quietly.

"Yes. Though I was never a victim, there is a hell of a difference," Kate's
tone softened with the turn of conversation.

"Faith cares what you think of her."

"You said she looks up to me?" Kate asked.

"Yes…"

"But?"

"You don't know do you?" Buffy asked quietly.

"Know what?"

"She has a crush on you."

"A what?" Kate drew the word out. "How do you know?"

"She told me that she was attracted to someone who was wicked cool and in LA.
I teased her about it but she wouldn't say anything. When you walked in…the way
she looked at you, I've never seen it before. Call it doing the math."

"I never noticed." True, she'd never seen any sign of Faith being attracted to
her. But there were little things, like Faith keeping the well-worn letter,
which pointed to the girl liking her friendship. "Is it serious?"

"I don't know. I've never known her to have a crush before. She flirted with
me, but I never got the feeling it was a crush or anything more than finding me
attractive."

"She flirted with you?" Kate was starting to sound like a teenager again.

"I would like to stroke my ego, but the truth is Faith is a serial flirter. I
wouldn't take it personally." Buffy smiled at the confused expression on the
blonde's face.

They lapsed into a silence while Kate took in this new information about her
friend.

"Does she trust me?" Kate eventually asked.

"Yes. Otherwise she wouldn't have let you go to her apartment. It was a risk."

"I don't intend to betray her." Kate looked straight into the Slayer's eyes.
"And I don't intend to die any time soon either."

"Then let this incident go."

"Thank you, Buffy. Or do you prefer B?" Kate stood up and held out her hand.
Buffy gave it a good shake and smiled at the cop.

"Buffy. Only Faith can call me B and get away with it."

The two blondes shared a smile before Buffy pointed back to the room.

"Can you please not tell her what we talked about?" Kate asked fearing the
girl might shut her out if she knew Kate knew about her crush.

"Of course not."

They walked back in the room to see Faith trying to put the wires back on her. 

"Damn things. Where the hell were you two?"

"I want to apologise, Faith." Kate came and sat down on the bed again. "Buffy
explained why you have my record, and though I don't condone the method, it's
okay. I understand why you would want to do it."

"You mean you're not going to yell at me?" Faith asked relieved.

"No. But no more hacking into government records."

"Yes, Detective Lockley," Faith said in a mock downcast voice.

"I just came to see how you are, I'll come again tonight if you want?" Kate
asked aware of Buffy sitting across from her.

"Marcus and his family are supposed to be coming, but I'd love to have your
company." Faith gave Kate another smile. A smile Kate saw in a new light. She
had always seen it as Faith appreciating her friendship but now she saw it as
it was, a smile of adoration.

"Tonight then. Nice to meet you again, Buffy." Kate smiled at them and walked
out feeling better, but also aware of Faith's eyes following her movements out
of the room.


Faith turned to Buffy. "You two playing friends now?"

"I only explained why you had her record. She calmed down after that."

"That must have been some explaining. This is Kate we're talking about," Faith
chuckled.

"She wants you to be able to trust her," Buffy explained unsure why she was
helping the cop out. "So, she saved your life?"

"Playing the big hero and all," Faith said smiling fondly as she remembered
what Kate did for her. "She sat by my bedside until I woke up. I asked her not
to leave and she didn't."

Buffy stared at Faith. In all the time she'd known her, Faith had never shown
a gentle side, but seeing Faith now it looked like things had changed. There
was something different about her and it wasn't the fact that Faith was smiling
with genuine happiness. Faith's mood had changed since Kate had come by.

"She's the one, isn't she?" Buffy asked taking her seat again.

"One, what?"

"Who you were talking about the other day."

"Is it that obvious?" Faith asked worriedly.

"So you admit it, then," Buffy smiled teasingly.

"What if I did?"

"Is she gay?"

"I don't know," Faith sighed. "She's one tough nut to crack. I don't think so."

"What happened to using and discarding?" Buffy asked puzzled.

"Kate's different." This wasn't the person she wanted to be discussing this
with.

"Because she saved your life?"

"No. Because I would never want to hurt her."

"That serious?" Buffy commented, surprised Faith was thinking about someone
besides herself.

"I can't explain it, B. She's nothing like I expected her to be. Sure when
she's working it's like she's any other cop. Going after the perp like her life
depended on it, but once she takes her badge off, she's like this wicked cool
person. As long as you keep on her good side." Faith pointed to the flowers to
her left. "She brought me flowers, how wicked good is that."

"Are you sure you didn't have brain surgery as well?" Buffy chuckled and shook
her head. Faith was excited about receiving a bunch of flowers.

"I told you that jail was the best thing that could have happened to me, well
other than getting to know Kate. Those shrinks actually make some sense every
now and again. Not that they brainwashed me, but I guess I learned a few things
in there."

"What are you going to do about it?"

"Nothing."

"Nothing? There's something you're not telling me?" Buffy teased again.

"I don't want a relationship with her." Buffy gave her an incredulous look.
"Okay, in my dreams, but get real, B. Kate's not gonna wanna touch me. Girls
like her don't go for girls like me, if she goes for girls at all."

"You're not someone who's swapped bodies with Faith are you?" Buffy pretended
to try to peer into Faith's head. "Where's Sexually Aggressive Girl gone?"

"I told you, Kate is different. Leave it, B. It ain't gonna happen. I can't
afford to screw up another friendship."

Buffy nodded and they changed subjects to Faith's relief. She'd already spent
too much time on the subject of her attraction to Kate.

**********************

When Kate returned that evening, she found Marcus and his family in Faith's
room. There was no sign of Buffy Summers. She took a moment to take in the
scene. Josh, Marcus's son, was sitting on the bed eating Faith's dinner. The
dark-haired boy was sitting against Faith's side with Faith's arm resting
lightly on his back. Marcus and his wife were sitting in chairs dividing their
attention between their child and Faith. The casual observer may have even
mistaken them for a family, they seemed that comfortable with each other. The
Anderson's were a caring and giving couple, so it was no surprise when they
took Faith into their hearts. Marcus and Kate had run into each other a few
times over the years, though their connection was mainly to do with being
friends of friends.

She walked in and broke up the scene.

"Hi, Katie." Marcus greeted her and gave her a hearty hug. She received the
same from his wife, Barbara. 

"Hi." Kate moved over to the bed watching a smile spread across Faith's face.
"You, young lady are supposed to be eating that. Shame on you for giving it to
Josh."

"You're starting on me, already." Faith sighed and spread her hands to her
audience. "The things I put up with."

"Katie!" Josh put the spoon down and crawled over Faith to get to Kate.

"Hey, JD," Faith complained really hurting from the trampling. Marcus came
over and lightly explained what he did wrong.

"Sorry, Faith," the boy pleaded giving her a puppy dog look.


"That's okay," Faith commented hiding the pain she was feeling. "You're my
little warrior, I would never be mad at you."

Josh gave her a gentle hug, minding he didn't hurt Faith. Pleasantries were
exchanged before Marcus declared it was time to get Josh home to bed.

"Do I have to?" The boy gave his best puppy dog look to his father, then to
Faith.

"I'm sure you can come back tomorrow," Faith said looking at his parents.

"Of course," Marcus said grateful for Faith's intervention.

Josh reluctantly released his hold on Faith and said goodbye.

"Nice kid," Faith remarked after the family had left. "Sit."

"You okay?" Kate sat down beside her and crossed her legs. It was the first
chance she had to relax all day.

"Five by five."

"So you've gone from good to five by five. How does the scale work?"

"Better than this morning," Faith smiled. "Rough day?"

"Working on a case that doesn't have many leads." Kate didn't want to tell
Faith she was trying to track down Darla. Faith must have heard who she was.
"When did Buffy leave?"

"A few hours ago. We had one of those heart to heart things. Got out a lot of
shit."

"And?"

"I think we're okay now. Not five by five okay, but just…you know...."

"Wary allies?" Kate supplied noticing Faith's discomfort.

"Something like that. I did offer to fight if she ever needed me. Apparently
Sunnydale has some kind of god going around making people crazy. Wicked weird,
even for Sunnydale standards."

"Listen," Kate started, "when you get out I was thinking that it might be a
good idea to stay with me awhile."

"Why?" Faith asked defensively.

"Because even if you must insist on being released early, you still need time
to heal. It would be a lot easier if you had help." Kate looked straight into
the dark eyes. "You were talking about moving out anyway. It will only be for a
few weeks until I'm sure you're ready to look after yourself."

"So, let me get this straight," Faith said smiling. "You're offering to be my
slave while I get plenty of bed rest."

"I wouldn't have put it that way, but essentially, yes."

"Well, I suppose it will save on your gas." 

They chuckled before Kate turned serious again. "You understand, I'm not
trying to control you your life, I'm trying to help."

"Kate, I do," Faith said sincerely. "It's a deal."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, but are you?" Faith gave her a cocky grin.

"I'm sure I can handle you." Kate flashed her own grin.

"Wanna bet?" Faith smiled then reached out for Kate's hand. "Thanks."

The quiet seriousness of Faith's voice made Kate realise how much trust Faith
had just placed in her. She gave her another smile and squeezed the hand in
hers.

"What did Marcus say?"

"That as soon as the doctor declares me fit for work--"

"Not that, about…what happened."

"You can say shot, Kate." Faith let go of the hand and placed it over the
covered wound. "He said that accidents happen."

"You still think it shouldn't have," Kate reacted to the bitterness in Faith's
tone. "Faith, I don't know your slaying record, but sometimes things don't go
the way you want them to go. It's not your fault. Although we don't like to
think about it, there are other factors out there that we can't take into
account. We can't control everything."

No, I can't control my body, Faith thought disgustedly. She sighed and tried
to roll over but the wires attached to her body stopped her. Her hand reached
out to rip them off when another hand stopped her.

"Don't. Touch. Me."

The words were said so menacingly, Kate shot back to her chair, her mouth
open. Before either had time to respond, a nurse walked in to check on Faith.
Kate took the opportunity to pretend to move out of the nurse's way and into
the doorway. While Faith grumbled to the nurse about her situation, Kate took
the time to calm herself down. For someone who was supposed to have a crush on
her, Faith wasn't acting like it. The nurse reassured them the prognosis was
good and left.

Kate lingered in the doorway, tapping her foot before Faith motioned her back
in. She sat down and an awkward silence descended upon them.

"Do you want me to go?" Kate asked after realising Faith wasn't going to
attempt to speak.

"No," Faith answered softly. How could she explain what she said to Kate
without giving away her feelings?

"Do you want to tell me what's going on?" Kate asked crossing her arms.

"Can you find out when I can get outta here?" Faith looked out the window at
the clear sky. She felt like a prisoner in this room.

"You can ask your doctor tomorrow." Kate leaned forward and placed her hand
next to Faith's on the sheets. "You don't want me to go and you don't want to
talk to me. What do you want?"

"Can't I just chill with my girlfriend?" Faith asked giving her a nervous
smile. "Unless you have somewhere you need to be?"

"Nothing is more important than seeing you get better." Kate's fingers reached
across and lightly rested on Faith's. "You know you matter to me."

"Kinda guessed with the flowers and all," Faith answered aware of fingertips
rubbing against her hand. "Plus all the free dinners you keep giving me, Chef
Lockley."

"Have the police questioned you yet?" Kate pulled her fingers back not wanting
to overdo the contact. At least Faith hadn't told her off again.

"Some Detective Turnlock--"

"Turloch."

"Whatever. Asked me some basic questions, he seemed satisfied with the answers
I gave. Clearly a case of self defence, he said." Faith looked questioningly at
Kate.

"Open and shut case, hopefully. The body was examined, but surprisingly
nothing was found out of the ordinary. Are you sure it was a demon?"

"Do humans consume blood through their foreheads."

"Eww, no."

"You did ask," Faith winked. "I told you, you didn't have to be there with me."

"Ha, you're the one who told me you thought there was gang activity down there."

"I was right. Just happened that a demon scared them away." Faith looked at
her smugly.

"Yeah," Kate conceded. "I put some uniforms on it this morning."

"I'm sorry I got you mixed up in this," Faith shook her head. She didn't blame
Kate one bit, but it was hard not to regret the blonde's presence down there.

"Faith, I'm not. If I hadn't been there I wouldn't have been able to save you."

"I wouldn't have needed any saving," Faith burst out frustrated.

"Are you implying it wouldn't have happened if I wasn't there?"

"It may have made a difference."

"So what you're saying--"

"What I'm saying is I was looking out for two people instead of one. I don't
blame you, Kate."

"You blame yourself." Kate again touched the hand next to hers. "Maybe it's
time to forgive yourself."

"I'll work on it."

"Do you want me to move your stuff or do you want to wait?"

Faith thought about it for a couple of minutes before answering almost shyly,
"Can you do it?"

"Sure." Kate patted the hand and withdrew it completely. "I could also tie up
your lease for you."

"You sound eager." Faith gave her a lopsided grin.

"Just trying to make it easier for you."

"There's not much, well, you've seen it, I have a few boxes that you can use."
Kate nodded. "But be careful with my stereo, that cost a whole lotta dough that
I didn't have."

"So that's why you want all those free feeds," Kate joked.

"Oh come on, you enjoy showing your talent off. Besides no one cooks as good
as you."

"I bet you say that to Barbara as well," Kate said smugly.

"Maybe her chicken is better, but nothing can beat that pasta dish you do."
Faith licked her lips in appreciation.

"Is that a hint for me to stock up on pasta?"

"Wouldn't be a bad idea."

"Well if you like it so much, you can learn to cook it." Kate smiled at the
sour expression she was receiving. "It's easy."

"Yeah, but it won't taste the same. Besides me and a kitchen, that's one
battle I can't win."

"We'll see," Kate answered teasingly.

"Any word from Angel?" Faith asked after a short silence.

"No," she answered gently. She was tempted to go down there to give him a
piece of her mind. Faith could really use his support right now.

"No matter." Faith shrugged her shoulders. "Don't really need him, I have you."

"And Marcus and his family," she added, surprised by Faith's gentle words.

Faith tried to cover a yawn before saying, "Saturday night, I should be out
partying."

"You can barely keep your eyes open," Kate answered reaching across one last
time to cover Faith's hand. "I should let you get some rest."

"Are you coming tomorrow?" Faith asked drawing comfort from the hand on hers.

"Of course, I have nothing better to do."

"Gee thanks."

"No problem," Kate chuckled. "'Til tomorrow."

"Tomorrow," Faith said yawning again.

Kate let go of the hand and quietly stepped out of the room.

**********************

After making herself a light snack, Kate sat down on her sofa and dialled.

"Hello."

"Hello, Mr Giles," she started, "this is Kate Lockley, Faith's friend."

"Oh yes. What can I do for you?" the Englishman asked.

"I was wondering if you had any information on Slayers. Since I'm going to be
looking after one, it might be helpful."

"What would you like to know?"

"I'm not sure, Faith hasn't really been forthcoming and most of my information
is scrappy at best. I haven't found anything about them other than brief
references scattered throughout what I've read. For instance I didn't even know
they had accelerated healing abilities."

"Well, there is a Slayer handbook, I'm not sure if that will be any use to you."

"Would you mind if I borrowed it?" Kate guessed that a book like that wasn't
available just anywhere.

"Actually Wesley or Angel should have a copy."

"I'll try them then," Kate answered disappointed she would have to speak to at
least one of them.

"There are Watcher diaries, but these are too precious to lend out, I'm afraid."

"That's okay, I'm only looking for the basics," Kate reassured him. "So, that
means you have a diary on Faith?"

"Ah, yes."

"Would you mind if I had a look at it?"

"No, not at all," Giles answered. "I can send it to you if you would like
since it isn't as valuable as the others. But you must take good care of it."

"Yes, thank you." Kate gave him her address.

"Do you know about the Council of Watchers?"

"Somewhat. Although I don't see why they would want to kill what they purport
to protect."

"It does seem rather odd, doesn't it? I would love to talk to you about it,
but I'm rather busy right now. Perhaps if I give you a call sometime tomorrow?"

"Ah, that would be good," Kate said surprised.

"May I ask why you've decided to take Faith on?"

"I think you have the wrong idea, I'm taking care of her until she recovers
from her injury." Kate paused for a moment, thinking of Giles' words. "She
seems to have put her trust in me and while I have no designs on taking over
her training as a Slayer, I know she needs some guidance in this area also.
There is no one here who wants to know her."

"Oh. Well, I'll help where I can."

"Thank you. I know you might be somewhat reluctant considering what she has
done to you and your friends."

"I've always believed she could be rehabilitated, but I'm afraid to say I was
at a loss as to how. It seems jail has done her a great service."

"It has." She didn't give any more explanation. 

They said their goodbyes and Kate hung up pondering the man's words. At least
someone was prepared to take responsibility for Faith's wellbeing. She'd
noticed that every time she mentioned Faith taking up slaying on a more regular
basis, Faith shut down. Since she was released, Faith had been going out on an
average three times a week looking for a good slay. Kate knew that the girl
should take her duties more seriously, but without knowing much about Slayers
there wasn't a lot she could do. Now armed with knowledge she could help Faith
sort out her place in the world again, because Kate knew that the girl was
destined to do more than work as a security guard.

**********************

Faith was asleep when Kate poked her head in the doorway the next morning.
Creeping in, she deposited another bunch of flowers on the bed and sat down in
the chair. She had spoken to the nurse and had been told Faith was requesting
release. The doctor had told her not until at least tomorrow.

Linking her hands together she let her eyes roam over the body. She had to
admit Faith looked healthy. Gone was the paleness and lifeless look that had
been there the first day she was brought in.

"You smell good."

"What?" Kate asked as Faith opened her eyes and gave her a smile.

"Not like this shit hole. You smell real."

"Thank you...I think." Kate leaned forward. "What's this about wanting to be
released?"

"I'm going crazy in here," Faith said seriously.

"Okay." Kate nodded. "If that's what you want, I'll take you home tomorrow."

"Tomorrow!"

"I don't even have my place ready for you. I'm sure one more day isn't going
to kill you."

"Suppose not."

"What did the doctor say?"

"He thinks the I'm patient of the century the way I'm recovering. Of course, I
can't tell him why. He's pretty cool, too. Isn't even in it to get an eyeful
while examining me."

"Well that's, uh, good to know," Kate answered looking strangely at Faith.

"Not that these damn hospital gowns cover much anyway. Geez, if they have us
wear next to nothing at least make it have more sex appeal than this."

"Faith, people are here to get well, not find potential lovers," Kate answered
chuckling.

"So you're not into doctors or lawyers?"

"In my profession you think I want to be with a lawyer," Kate said acting
offended at such a suggestion.

"Good point."

"As for doctors, well it's never been a turn on in itself." Kate stunned
herself with her candidness.

"So what are Detective Lockley's turn ons?" Faith asked with a wink.

"No way, Faith. My mouth is staying closed." Kate wondered if Faith was asking
for curiosity or because of her crush.

"Flowers. How long have those been there?" Faith happily picked them up and
put her nose to them. "These smell good too."

"They're going cheap." Kate shrugged enjoying the effect the present was
having on Faith.

"Liar."

"They were!" Kate laughed.

"Thank you," Faith said softly. She was so comfortable with Kate. It was the
first time in her life she 'clicked' with someone other than the Mayor. "It's
not too late to change your mind, you know."

"Change my mind? Faith," Kate gave her a curious smile, "I'm not going to
change my mind."

"Even when you find out I'm not the best roommate."

"It's going to take a couple of days to get used to having another person in
my home, but I'm sure we're gonna be fine."

"I'm messy."

"When you're well enough you can clean up."

"I take long showers," Faith grinned.

"Not if you want to be fed." Kate mockingly shook her finger.

"I--"

"Faith, it's only for a few weeks. You can have your own corner of my living
room and all the chocolate milk you want."

"Ooh, chocolate milk. Don't torture me," Faith groaned.

"Tomorrow, then?"

"Yeah, yeah."

"I don't want to spoil the mood, but I have to go. There's a few things I need
to do."

"Thought you said you weren't busy." Faith tried not to look disappointed.

"If you want to come home with nothing to sleep on or in, then I can stay all
day."

"Fine." Faith reached out for Kate and hooked fingers around an arm. "Why are
you being so nice to me?"

"We've been through this already," Kate sighed thinking back on how many times
Faith had asked that in the last month. "This is not a burden for me. I would
still be helping you even if the others were here."

"And I told you, you wouldn't."

"I'm not getting into this, Faith. I'm here and I have no intention of leaving
you. So get used to it." She stood and smiled. "I'll see you tomorrow morning."

"Early tomorrow."

Kate nodded before they started arguing again and headed out.



________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Message: 3
   Date: Mon, 5 Nov 2001 23:11:49 +1000
   From: Eos <dewdrop@mochamail.com>
Subject: Fic: Merely Mortal 3/11

CHAPTER THREE

Taking a deep breath, Kate took her keys out of the ignition in the hospital
parking lot. The morning sun was shining through the windshield. Though she had
told Faith it would be no problem, she had her reservations. The girl wasn't
the easiest person in the world to get along with even though they had been
going all right so far. She hoped she was prepared for Faith's moods.

The day before she had packed and moved what little Faith had into her
apartment. In the month Faith had been out of jail all she had collected was
three boxes worth of possessions. Faith's car was still at the docks where she
had parked it at the start of her shift on Thursday. That had been her next
job. For the contract of killing Angel, Wolfram & Hart had paid Faith half up
front, and she had put the money to good use in buying the car. The convertible
was old but still in good condition, making Faith joke she slept with the
salesman to get a good deal. Kate had started to chew her out about it before
Faith had told her she was kidding. 

The rest of the day had been spent cleaning her apartment. Though she wasn't a
neat freak, she kept her home in a reasonable condition. She imagined all that
would change in a couple of days. 

Giles had phoned in the early evening. They had spent a couple of hours
talking about the Council and both Buffy and Faith's positions with them.
Having recently been reinstated, Giles offered to find out the Council's
position on Faith now that she had been released from jail. At the end Kate
again thanked him and looked forward to further conversations with him.

Walking up the corridor she took another deep breath. When she walked into the
room the doctor was talking to Faith.

"Detective Lockley." Doctor Singh held out his hand and they shook. "I'm told
you are going to be looking after our stubborn patient here."

"That would be right." Kate glanced at said patient dressed sitting in the
bedside chair.

Faith gave her a wink before Dr Singh started explaining the medication Faith
had to take and how to deal with stitches breaking. It all seemed straight
forward. There was to be plenty of rest and strictly no working until he
cleared her.

"Thank you, Dr," Kate said as they were getting ready to leave.

"What's that?" Faith asked pointing to a wheelchair.

"No matter how well you're healing, you are in no condition to walk out this
hospital," the doctor explained firmly.

"No way, I'm not getting in that thing."

"Yes you are or you're not leaving," Kate declared hoping Faith would leave it
at that.

"But--" Faith groaned then sighed exaggeratedly.

She hid her head in her hand as Kate wheeled her out of the hospital. At least
the blonde was being gentle.

"Aren't you supposed to be at work?" Faith asked once she was settled next to
Kate in the passenger seat.

"I've asked for time off." Avoiding Faith's eyes, she backed out of the space.

"Kate! Shit."

"I haven't had any time off since, well it seems like forever. The Lieutenant
was actually pleased with my decision. He said take as much time as I need."

"You didn't have to--"

"I wanted to, okay. We're not talking about that anymore."

Faith nodded but wasn't satisfied with the decision. The last thing she wanted
was for the cop to rearrange her life. All because she couldn't control her
body.

"Are you going to follow the doctor's orders?" Kate asked after Faith fell
silent.

"You going to cuff me to the bed if I say no?" The comment was flippant but
Kate turned and stared at her for a second before returning her eyes to the
road.

"No. You're my houseguest, not a prisoner. I just don't want to find you in a
ditch because you bled to death after trying to fight while injured."

"Let's put it this way. I'm not going out there when I know I can't win a
fight."

"There's nothing I can do about it, is there?" Kate said resigned.

"No. When I think I'm fit, I'm going back out there again, doctors orders or
not."

"I know you take your duty seriously, but Faith...." Kate sighed unable to
finish the thought.

"I'm not going to change, Kate. This is how I am."

"Even if you're aiming for a young death."

"All Slayers die young. It's in-built."

Kate shuddered at the words, yet she knew what Faith said was true. Her talk
with Giles had already uncovered information about other Slayers and their
cruelly short lives. It wasn't something she wanted to think about.

"It doesn't mean to say you can't control your life."

"I know that, but I was built for slaying and I'm going to do it until I die."

'That's what I'm afraid of,' Kate said to herself.

**********************

Kate put Faith's bag down on the foldout sofa she had moved out of Faith's
apartment and into hers. It was all set up ready for the patient.

"I'm fine," Faith said through her teeth when Kate reached out to steady her.
She had insisted on walking up to the apartment and didn't want to admit how
out of breath she was.

"No, you're not," Kate replied with a hint of amusement.

She helped Faith over to the bed and watched carefully as she got in. The
Slayer was still dressed in sweats, the only clothes Kate could find that were
suitable.

"Happy now?" Faith asked feeling the softness of the sheets. They smelled like
Kate too.

"Yeah." Kate smiled. "How does a chocolate milk sound?"

"Wicked cool."

When Kate disappeared from sight, Faith surveyed her surroundings. Next to her
bed was her stereo and TV, both of which were not plugged in. What clothes she
owned were folded neatly on a chair, even the ones she knew had been dirty.
Kate had cleaned one of her tables and set it up with a clock and lamp next to
the bed. Everything had been thought of. Even her keys were laying on the
table, minus her old apartment key.

"Here you go," Kate said handing Faith a glass and a plate of toast.

"Did you know hospital food is almost as bad as prison food?" Faith asked
before taking a huge bite.

"Marcus phoned me last night." Kate settled in a chair next to the bed.

"And?" Faith asked with a mouthful of food.

"He said you asked when you could return to work when he visited you
yesterday. I told him not to listen to you."

"Why does that not surprise me? I know you're trying to do the caring thing,
but you're not my mother."

"Thank goodness," Kate muttered.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Faith asked putting her toast down and
crossing her arms.

"Your mother was a horrible person. I sure hope I'm nothing like her."

"You've done more for me in a month than the bitch did in the sixteen years
she knew me," Faith said as she avoided looking at Kate.

"While you're staying here there is one rule only. No fighting until I say so."

"Can't it be, in bed by twelve?" Faith quibbled.

"You love to argue, don't you?" Kate smiled, confident Faith was slowly giving
in to her.

"So do you, Detective." Faith picked up her toast and started eating again.
"And don't think you've won this round."

"I know I have no say in what you do, Faith, but I would hope you would
respect my wishes while I'm looking after you."

"Playing the guilt card, that's low."

"Is it working?" Kate raised an eyebrow slightly with amusement.

"Maybe...maybe not." Faith returned her stare with an eyebrow raise of her
own. Only hers was smugger.

"I'm a cop, I know a lot about guilt trips." Kate grinned and watched as
Faith's eyes flickered away to her plate. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean that kind
of---"

"It's five by five, you know...I have myself to torture with my own brand of
guilt tripping," Faith croaked.

"How does that milk taste, huh?" Kate sat down on the bed and linked her
fingers nervously.

"You don't have to do that, you know."

"Give you milk?"

"Change subjects whenever my past comes up."

"I just don't want you dwelling on it."

"I can't escape it. Stop trying to make me feel better."

"You should be moving forward. I know you don't want to forget what happened,
but you can't change it. You can--"

"Don't shrink me, Detective." Faith angrily put her plate on the table. "I've
been through all this with the prison shrink."

"And it helped."

"Yeah, but I wasn't staying in her home."

"You have to talk to someone, you've been through a life threatening
situation," Kate said gently.

"I've been there before."

"And what happened last time. You went out of control."

"That's not gonna happen again," Faith stressed hating the fact that Kate knew
so much of her dark past.

"If you don't want to talk to me, how about Giles," Kate suggested carefully.

"What's he got to do with anything?"

"He was your Watcher and I know you trusted him at one stage."

"Trusted, Kate. In the end he was just like everyone else. Besides he works
for the Council again and I don't want them anywhere near me."

"I think clearing up your position with the Council might be a good idea.
Giles can help you do that."

"What do you know about the Council?" Faith studied Kate. "You've been talking
to him, haven't you?"

"Yes," Kate stated simply.

"At least you're not gonna lie about it," Faith shook her head giving a
disbelieving smile. "So what secrets has he told you?"

"He hasn't. We talked about the Council and of course Slayers. Both of you. He
seems to really want you to get back on track. Slaying wise. And I like him."

"You like him?" Faith asked frowning.

Knowing how Faith's mind worked, Kate laughed, "Not like that. I've never met
him. But from our conversations, he hasn't said one bad word about you."

"Giles was always the diplomat."

"I think you should at least listen to what he has to say about the Council.
You don't know if they intend to kill you. Giles said he and Buffy worked
without the Council for nearly a year and a half, maybe they will leave you
alone if they believe you are doing fine."

"Getting shot is not doing fine." Faith gave a short laugh.

"How many times do I have to tell you, it wasn't your fault." Kate tried not
to let her frustration come through, but she knew Faith was picking up her
mood. "I intend to keep talking to Giles until I'm sure the Council is not
going to assassinate you. It is up to you if you want to talk to him, but I'm
sure he would be glad to hear how you are."

"Whatever," Faith shrugged. 

She drained the last of her milk and settled under the covers. Kate was still
sitting on the bed, but after a couple of minutes, she heard a soft sigh and
the pressure taken off the mattress. A short time later she was fast asleep.

Kate watched the sheets gently rise and fall with Faith's breathing. It was
going to be hard, she knew that, but Faith was worth it. She thought back to
Buffy's words. 'Everyone has either betrayed her or died.' She wasn't going to
be like that. Once again she wished Angel was willing to help her out, but
despite continued efforts she hadn't spoken to him since that night she had
released him to chase down Darla. If she was going to get that handbook, her
best bet was Wesley.

**********************

When Faith woke it was early afternoon. The apartment was still. She looked
around and found a piece of paper folded on the bedside table.

'Had to go out shopping. Be back around 2.'

It was the first time Faith had been alone in the apartment. She sat up and
tried to get her bearings, but her head had other ideas. Flopping back down she
waited a few moments before trying again. Kate must have put something in that
milk. She was right to do it too. There was no way she was going to willingly
take any shit the doctor was giving out. It made her feel weak and not just
physically.

Carefully she pulled herself up and swung her legs over the bed. Success.
Kate's apartment was so different to her old one. For one, there was carpet.
Her feet touched the ground and she slid off the bed. It took another couple of
moments to stand up straight. Slowly she walked over to the shelves that held
Kate's personal mementos. Her father. She picked up the photo for a moment
studying it. The blonde had never talked about it, but Angel had filled her in.
She put it back and headed for Kate's bedroom, the only room in the apartment
she hadn't been in.

Faith didn't intend to snoop around, she only wanted to see how the blonde
lived. Good was the word. A double bed drew her attention immediately. Neatly
made as well, she noted. Without really thinking about it Faith stretched out
on the bed. It also smelled like the blonde. Too bad this was the only time she
would ever be on this bed. She took the time to look around. Like the living
room, this room was nicely decorated with Kate's personal touch. A small
bookcase below the window caught her eye.

The Detective was a bookworm, she knew. There were books in here and the
living room on a range of subjects. Not surprisingly many were about law and
crime, but some were novels including a couple of names even Faith knew:
Shakespeare and Dickens. However, on the bottom shelf there was what looked
like photo albums. Faith pulled a couple out. Old high school yearbooks from
Kate's last two years. Faith put them back and pulled out a leather bound book.
Bingo. She turned the pages over finding baby photos. Before she could have a
good look at them she heard the front door opening.

"Faith?" Kate dropped her keys on the table by the door before moving her
shopping bags into the kitchen.

"Here," Faith called from the bathroom. She made a motion of rubbing her hands
together before taking a few steps into the middle of the living room.

"Have a good sleep?" Kate asked watching as Faith made her way back to bed.

"Yeah."

Kate nodded with satisfaction that Faith was okay. She moved back to the
kitchen to unload her shopping. When she was sure Faith wasn't looking, she hid
a heavy book. It had taken a lot of staring for Wesley to finally hand over the
Slayer Handbook, but Kate convinced him that if he wasn't going to bother with
Faith then she had a right to it. Yep, she knew how to guilt trip. However, it
was Cordelia that finally persuaded him to turn it over when she declared they
had no intention of seeing Faith again. Kate was fine with that. Faith didn't
need people like that in her life. It would only hold her back. Besides it was
Wesley's handling of Faith in the first place that was one of the reasons for
Faith's defection in Sunnydale. She didn't want him involved in Faith's
training, not even if he had volunteered.

"Kate, can you come here?"

"You called?" She came and stood in the archway with crossed arms.

"I was thinking 'bout what you said earlier, you know…about talking…"

"Yeah," Kate's tone softened and she uncrossed her arms.

"B said I could trust you."

"You can."

"Want to hear a story?" Faith smiled nervously. So far Kate had listened to
all she had to say, but this was different.

"First can I make us some lunch?"

"Does it include non-poisoned chocolate milk?"

"Your last one wasn't poisoned. In fact quite the opposite." Kate smiled to
herself.

"Okay so maybe poisoned is too strong a word, spiked then."

"I want you awake, so no it won't be spiked."

"I don't miss much, Kate. You should know that by now."

"Ditto, my friend," Kate chuckled and headed back to the kitchen.

Faith stared at her for a moment. My friend? That was extremely friendly for
Kate's standards. Making herself comfortable in the bed, she didn't have to
wait long until the blonde came back with a couple of hot chicken rolls and
milk.

"I thought you were going to MAKE lunch?"

"I cheated." Kate pulled over a lounge chair and leaned back ready to listen.

"You know I did good in jail right?"

"Yeah." Kate smiled before taking a drink. "Early parole."

"And I've never mentioned why." Faith fiddled with a piece of roll before
popping it in her mouth.

"You keep avoiding it," Kate answered lightly. "But that's okay. Sometimes
it's better to leave what goes on in there, in there."

"I met someone."

"Someone?" Kate asked confused.

"A friend." Faith clarified not wanting Kate to think it was that kind of
relationship. "She was in for life."

"What did she do?" Kate asked conversationally.

"Killed three men trying to rape a young girl. Young girl got away fine, she
gets life. How does that work?"

"Excessive force. No matter what someone else is doing you can't kill--"

"I know." Faith waved her hand around. "It's just so fucked up, though.
Anyways she was like this person you're told to stay away from."

"So you didn't," Kate smiled.

"Of course not," Faith scoffed. "There were rumours she killed a couple of
guards. Never found out if that was true."

"You don't ask."

"Exactly." Faith was pleased Kate understood where she was going. Buffy didn't
and she had only half explained what went on inside because of it. "Anyways, I
remember the first time I saw her. She was in the exercise yard sitting alone.
I can't explain it, but I had to go over even though I had ten inmates
screaming at me not to. When I got there I came out with some seductive line
about not being alone or something. She completely ignored me."

"You hit on her!"

"Not really. Borderline flirting." Kate nodded remembering Buffy's words about
the subject. "I'd been in a month and was starting to feel cocky. Already I had
a few groupies, not because I wanted them, but they sensed that I could hold my
own and then some. So I introduced myself. Again she ignored me. Just as I was
about to walk away she said, 'heard about you.' I stopped and waited. And
waited. Then she said 'where did you learn to fight?' I answered on the streets
and she didn't say a word so I finally walked away wicked confused. When I got
back to the groupies they couldn't believe I had spoken to her and not been
jumped on."

"Attacked?" Kate asked to clear it up.

"Yeah attacked. The last thing on my mind was sex." Faith stopped to eat the
rest of her roll before it went cold. "The following day she sat down next to
me at lunch. You should have seen the others scamper from the table. We had a
general conversation about the food and other such things in jail. Then she
started talking about fighting and we ended up spending the rest of lunch
talking about different techniques and strategies. Of course, you know I had no
strategy, but over time she taught me when to use what."

"But you learned more than that?" Kate asked finishing the last of her lunch.

"We started spending a lot of time together. Mainly talking about fighting,
but sometimes about what got us in jail. She believed I could change and go
back to fighting for good."

"Sounds like she was a smart woman."

"She was. She liked to read about things I knew nothing about. Philosophy,
like Plato and shit. I tried once, but I couldn't make much sense of it. Her
nickname was Frankenstein. Did you know Frankenstein was the doctor, not the
creature?"

"Yes, I've read the book. Why?"

"Because her rep was built on crazy but deadly things. Like she supposedly
once made one of the girls crawl on broken glass just because they accidently
ran into her during a basketball game. And there was this other story about her
driving some bitch so crazy she killed herself. Me, I think she just lived on
her rep. Maybe she did a couple of things, but not everything that was said of
her."

"That was partly what drew you to her." It wasn't a question.

"At first. But then we started talking. She knew she would never get out, but
I could and I had a chance to change. So I started seeing the shrink. Frankie
didn't really like that. She thought they messed with your mind. But I always
used to talk to her afterwards about what went on."

"So you got two perspectives," Kate said mostly to herself. "You could come to
your own conclusions."

"It opened my eyes. I know I'm not the smartest cookie, but things that seemed
so complex before became simple. Like the reasons why I enjoyed being
destructive and using my powers for wrong."

"Did anyone know you were a Slayer?"

"No. Everyone just thought I had some wicked fighting skills. And Frankie
taught me that fighting is about using your head as well. That's what B does,
but I never appreciated it until then."

"Have you told her about this?"

"I tried, but I don't think she really understood, like you do. She was
pleased the shrink helped me. Just before I got out I made Frankie a promise I
would try my best. So here I am."

"Thank you for sharing." Kate gave her a wide smile, inside proud Faith was
learning to trust her more. "I'm glad you had someone there for you inside."

"Your turn." Faith gave her own smile.

"I'm afraid I don't have any jail stories to tell."

"Come on." Faith reached over and gave Kate a poke in the shoulder.

"I want to help you."

"Help me?" Faith asked suspiciously.

"To become a better Slayer. Oh god, that sounds so corny," Kate chuckled. "I
want to help you where Watchers are supposed to help."

"Watchers are supposed to know what books to look up to find the info on
demons."

"I'm sure I could do that. Research is a big part of being a cop."

"I can't let you, Kate." Faith shook her head violently.

"Why not?" Kate asked disappointed.

"Because Watchers have a tendency to become demon bait. Every Watcher I've
known has."

"Most Watchers don't have police academy training," Kate answered. She had to
get Faith past this fear of having people die on her.

"No way. Look what happened last Thursday. It could have easily been you lying
in this bed."

"I'm not letting you out there to slay without some backup," Kate said firmly
and reached out for Faith's hand. She didn't connect with it.

"If I die, I die, but there's no sense in getting anyone else killed at the
same time." Faith turned her head away trying to hold back the tears. 

Kate looked at the stiff body for a few moments longer before nodding slightly
and started clearing up their lunch dishes. Someone had died on Faith, probably
a Watcher. That was obvious. What wasn't however, was how she could get Faith
to accept that it didn't happen in every case. Giles was still alive, so was
Wesley.

When she returned the girl was asleep or at least pretending to be. She moved
into her bedroom with the handbook and flopped on her bed.


The next couple of hours were spent pouring over the guidelines set out by the
Watchers Council. Occasionally she stopped to jot down notes. It didn't take
long to understand that neither Buffy nor Faith had ever followed these
guidelines. For one Buffy had a social life. She could see why this strict set
of rules was laid down for the Slayers, but they seemed outdated. Nevertheless
it did give her a good foundation on the Council. Except an explanation of
their motives for trying to kill BOTH Slayers nearly a year ago. Killing one
that was out of control made some sense, but trying to kill the other at the
same time? That was unfathomable. As far as she could tell, Buffy was one of
the best Slayers the world had seen.

"Kate."

"Yeah?" Kate put her pen down and headed out to the living room. Faith was
trying to sit up.

"Water."

"Coming up," Kate smiled and moved into the kitchen. When she returned to
Faith's side, the brunette had accomplished her task.

"Thanks." Faith took the glass and gulped it down in one go.

"How's the patient doing?"

"Just dandy, Dr Lockley."

"Okay," Kate chuckled.

"Do you mind if I call Marcus?"

"Of course not." Kate smiled and brought the phone over to Faith. She placed
it down on the table, picked up the receiver and dialled the number. "Say hello
for me."

"Will do." Faith took the phone out of Kate's hand and waited until the
secretary put her through to her boss.

Kate moved out of the room and tidied up where she had been reading. She could
hear Faith laughing and smiled to herself. Putting Faith onto Marcus was one of
the best things that could have happened. While Marcus had a record, it was for
things that happened years ago. Since then he had married, had a kid and bought
a good house. Just the kind of thing Faith needed to see to convince her that
she also could be successful after a stint inside.

Quietly she moved into the kitchen and started preparing her famous pasta
dish. In the background she could still hear Faith talking and laughing.

"Looks good," Faith commented walking in and taking a seat at the kitchen
table a while later.

"What has Marcus got to say?" Kate asked chopping an onion.

"He says to take as long as I need before I go back to work. He thinks it's a
good idea to wait." Faith waited for an answer but instead she saw a nod of
Kate's head. "He says insurance is going to pay for most of the medical costs."

"If you need any help paying for the rest…."

"I've still got a bit of money left over from a certain contract," Faith
answered softly.

"'Kay."

"Thanks…for the offer though," she said awkwardly. "JD wants to see me again."

"Maybe I should invite them over for dinner tomorrow?" Kate asked hopefully.
It had been a long time since she'd been to a dinner party.

"Wicked cool!" Faith felt like jumping up and hugging the woman, but
restrained herself. "I'll have JD bring his PlayStation."

Kate gave an amused sigh, "That's why you spend so time much over there."

"So that's a yes, right?"

"While you're here you are allowed to have people over. Except for demons and
vampires. All vampires."

"Got ya."

They settled into a comfortable silence before Kate laid down a couple of
plates full of pasta goodness.

"With cooking like this I can't believe you're single," Faith said taking in
the smell of dinner.

Kate only nodded trying not to frown. This crush of Faith's was confusing her.
The serial flirter that Buffy talked about rarely showed itself in her
presence, yet the girl was supposed to be attracted to her. She shook her head
at her thoughts.

"You are single, right? I mean there's no secret husband stashed away
somewhere?" Faith asked taking a mouthful of the meal. Delicious as always.

"No," Kate laughed. "Haven't even been engaged."

"But have you been asked?" Faith waved her fork, smiling.

"Once…When I was six."

"Ah, smart boy. He knew you were going to grow up into this sexy, sassy,
wicked cool woman."

Sexy? Sassy? Now that was more like the Faith Buffy knew. She hadn't really
paid much attention to Faith's comments before Buffy told her of the crush.
Kate raised an eyebrow. "Too bad I turned him down then, huh?"

"You were only six. You probably didn't know what you even wanted in a man,"
Faith said trying to steer the conversation. 

"Other than being clean and not having boy germs."

"You know you could have avoided them altogether."

"Yeah?" Kate asked taking a sip of wine.

"Of course," Faith said giving her a smirk. "Stick to your own kind."

"Where would be the fun in that?" Kate asked treading carefully. It was the
first sign that Faith actually liked women other than flirting with them.

"There's a lot of fun to be had," Faith responded still smirking, but her
hopes falling. "Love what you did with the tomato sauce." She started eating at
a rapid pace.

"What…oh thanks." Kate turned her eyes down to her food wondering what had
caused Faith to change the subject.

**********************



________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Message: 4
   Date: Mon, 5 Nov 2001 23:12:7 +1000
   From: Eos <dewdrop@mochamail.com>
Subject: Fic: Merely Mortal 4/11

 PART FOUR
**********************

They finished dinner and Faith went back to bed while Kate cleared the dishes.

"Buffy?" Faith asked once she dialled the number.

"Faith, how are you?"

"Five by five," Faith answered shrugging. Then in a lower voice, "She's not
gay."

"Oh, Faith. Did she say that, exactly that?" Buffy sounded sincerely
sympathetic.

"Not in so many words. But it was made clear."

"Well, you're not gay either."

"No," Faith answered unaware her voice was loud enough for Kate to overhear,
"but at least I've slept with a woman."

"Did you tell her about how you felt?"

"No way, how could I after what she said?"

"Maybe you should talk to Willow about this, after all she's more qualified in
this area."

"I'm not talking to her, B. She'll probably laugh in my face. Besides, I can
handle this myself."

"Maybe there's still a chance. I mean, some women don't find out until their
forties that they feel…that way."

"I'm a fool."

"No you're not." Faith heard Buffy sigh.

"I shouldn't have thought I had a shot, this is Kate Lockley, not some woman
in a bar. But…" Kate leaned in the doorway unseen by Faith. What had made Faith
change her mind about her?

"You at least had hope."

"Something like that."

"But is it a definite no, Faith? I just don't think you can dismiss this
without knowing exactly how Kate feels. She may not have even thought about
being with a woman until now. Look at Willow. Until she met Tara, she thought
she was straight…at least I think so. When you mentioned it, did you get the
impression she's repulsed by the thought?"

"No."

"Then, don't rule anything out until you know for sure."

"Why are you pushing this?"

"Well…"

"B, come on."

"You looked so happy when she came to the hospital. As much as I am not ready
to be friends with you, I would like to see you happy. I know you've changed."

"I'm no good with this stuff."

"Relationships or romance?"

"Both."

"Don't turn to me for that kind of advice," Buffy laughed softly.

"You know I am sorry for that."

"You didn't break us up," Buffy repeated her words from a couple of days
beforehand.

"He was all wrong for you, anyways. You like 'em with a bit a bad in them."

"Faith!"

"It's true, and the bad ones seem to keep falling for you. Too bad I'm good
now."

"Faith!"

"We could have, you know." Kate frowned at the words. Faith had feelings for
Buffy?

"Yeah, except I'm straight."

"And we come back to my problem. I never used to have trouble finding…" Faith
trailed off realising it was too silent in the apartment. She lowered her voice
again and continued, "Finding someone with the same interests."

"That's because all you were interested in was sex."

"True."

"I can't really say anything except give it time. Things don't always change
overnight."

"Yeah, five by five," Faith breathed out defeated. Nothing was five by five at
all.

"Faith, really, don't give up. And if it doesn't work out at least you have a
great friend."

"Thanks B." 

Faith heard Buffy say goodbye but she was already listening for Kate's
movements. She picked up the sound of cutlery being rattled. Quietly she made
her way into the kitchen and watched Kate for a couple of moments before making
her presence known.

"Need any help?"

"No. I heard your voice, were you on the phone?"

"Yes," Faith answered. 'And you know it, Kate.' Aloud she said, "B wanted to
know how I was."

"Are you okay? With talking to her?" Kate asked putting the last of the dishes
away and turning to face the girl. Faith's voice didn't have its usual energy.

"Yeah. I'm just tired, I guess."

"Go sit on the sofa, I'll bring you dessert."

"You didn't say anything about dessert." 

Faith immediately perked up again. Kate motioned her out and a couple of
minutes later returned holding two bowls of icecream.

"How are things between you two?" Kate asked sitting down and letting Faith
take a bowl from her hands.

"What did you hear?"

"What?" Kate asked not looking Faith's way.

"You know what."

"Buffy is attracted to bad boys?" Kate asked still not looking. "Or is that
girls too?"

"No," Faith laughed relieved. "Guys only. Although I keep telling her they
treat her badly."

"Guys in general or the bad ones?"

"All guys," Faith smiled. "They're all in it for one thing only."

"Every single one of them?" Kate asked with a small smile.

"Have you ever dated a guy you haven't slept with?" Faith raised her eyebrow
and smirked.

"As a matter of fact I have. And no, we didn't break up when I wouldn't put
out. It just never evolved that far. Not to mention a couple of unconsummated
relationships in school."

"With women, you know you're not just a warm place to put a cock."

"Faith, that's disgusting! And not all men are like that." Kate shook her head
and wondered how the girl could have such a prejudiced attitude.

"Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the occasional boink with a man."

"But?" Kate asked knowing Faith wasn't about to divulge her secret crush.

"Long-term and me don't mix."

"Even if you found someone really special?" Kate asked, perplexed by her need
for Faith to answer no.

"I'm not kidding myself here, Kate. First I have to find someone who likes me,
then they have to be five by five with the fact I'm a Slayer, which in turn
means they have to know about demons…See my problem?"

"I do, but you didn't answer my question." Kate gave her a small grin.

"If everything was cool, then maybe," Faith gave in, but no matter how she saw
it there wasn't any way for her to do the 'grow old together' routine.

"How did we get talking about this anyway?" Kate chuckled.

"Talking about B's sexual preferences, which are in fact straight," Faith
summed up keen to have Kate realise there was nothing going on there.

"Right." Kate nodded and went back to her icecream. 

She looked around at Faith a few minutes later to find the girl asleep. She
reached across and took the bowl from Faith's limp hands before giving the girl
a shake.

"Faith."

"Mmm?" came the answering mumble.

"I hate to disturb you but I think you should take a shower and then go to
bed." Faith opened her eyes and stretched her arms. A look of pain flashed over
her face. "And have a couple more painkillers."

Faith sat up reaching for her stomach at the same time. Immediately she felt
an arm around her helping her stand. Step by step they made it to the bathroom
where Faith leaned against the doorframe.

"Thanks," she said softly still clutching her abdomen.

"You want any help in there?" Kate asked wondering how Faith was going to
manage with the amount of pain she seemed to be in. She reminded herself she
should give her the pain relievers more often.

"Uh, no," Faith replied while turning around. She started taking off her top
but paused mid strip when she realised Kate was still behind her. "Maybe just a
bit."

"Never be afraid to ask for my help, Faith," Kate intoned lightly while she
took hold of the top and pulled it gently over Faith's head.

"It's hard, you know," Faith remarked once she turned around. "I haven't asked
for anything in years." She conveniently forgot her plea to Angel nearly a year
ago.

"I know." Kate smiled gently before getting a look at Faith's wound. It was
covered, but the surrounding area didn't look too good. She dragged her gaze up
past bra-encased breasts to Faith's anxious expression.

"It will heal." Faith looked down and back up at Kate. 

They were silent for a moment before Faith reached for her sweat pants. Two
hands batted hers away and slid them down to the floor. Kate hooked them over
Faith's feet and looked back up at Faith again from her kneeling position.

"I don't mind helping you with the rest." There was a hint of amusement in
Kate's voice.

"I've never been the prudish type," Faith laughed to cover her nervousness.

"No, I bet you haven't," Kate chuckled as she reached for the bikini pants.

She pulled them down in one movement concentrating her eyes on where they
went, not where they had been. When they were off Kate stood careful not to
look down.

"Turn around." Faith did as ordered. When the bra had been removed also, Kate
started to run the water. "You want me to wash you as well?" she asked lightly
although she was hoping Faith saw it for the joke it was.

"No," Faith answered sharply turning around.

"Okay…" Kate said before taking in the sight in front her. Involuntarily her
eyes drifted down the full breasts capped with erect nipples and then they slid
down to the small tuft of dark curls not hiding much. It only took a moment,
but it was enough to burn the image into Kate's brain. Her eyes flickered back
to Faith's and she nodded before turning and walking out.

Carefully stepping into the warm water, Faith smiled to herself. She knew when
she was being checked out, and what happened moments before qualified. There
might be hope yet.


Faith managed to dress herself, foregoing the underwear, and opened the
bathroom door. Kate was on the sofa curled up with a book.

"Feel better?"

"Much."

"There's poisoned milk on the table."

"Thanks." 

Faith made her way over and into bed without wincing once. After chugging down
her milk she fluffed the pillows and settled down under the sheets. She was
greeted with a front on view of Kate reading. The blonde seemed deeply
engrossed in her material, leaving Faith free to study her. While she was in
the shower, Kate had turned off most of the lights in the room illuminating
only the space around where she was sitting. This gave Faith the advantage of
being able to see Kate more clearly than she could see her.

"You don't mind do you?" Kate asked looking up and pointing to the light.

"Nah." Faith shook her head and smiled. "It is your home, after all."

Kate went back to her book and Faith back to memorising every movement that
she made. She didn't know why Kate was so nice to her but it was a great excuse
to see the blonde even more than normal. While she might hang around for the
great cooking, it was also so she could see, hear and sometimes touch the
blonde cop. This had gone way past trying to deny her attraction. This was
something totally out of her league and she had no idea what to do about it.

**********************

When Kate put down her book an hour later, Faith was soundly asleep, the pills
doing their job. She sighed in relief. It was still early so she went to her
bedroom and picked up the phone to call Barbara about coming over the following
evening.

"Katie, how is the Hellraiser doing?" Barbara asked chuckling.

"Raising hell…No seriously she is behaving better than expected." Kate settled
down on her pillows making sure her voice was kept as low as possible. "I was
calling to ask you and the boys over for dinner. That is if Josh is willing to
bring his PlayStation for one aforementioned Hellraiser."

"I'm sure that can be arranged," Barbara chuckled again. "Although it will be
the end of any conversation you can have with either of them for the night."

"If it keeps her mind off the accident, it will make us both happy."

"Still blaming herself?"

"Still?"

"She apologised to Marcus at least five times at the hospital. We kept telling
her that money is nothing compared to her being alive. She seemed more worried
about what would happen to the place she was guarding than her own wellbeing."

"She thinks she should have been able to stop it from happening," Kate
explained. She was glad she called Barbara. It was nice to be able to talk to
someone about this.

"As Marcus told her, she's not Superwoman."

"No she's not," Kate intoned, seeing the irony.

"I was relieved when I heard you would be looking after her. She trusts you
more than she trusts anyone she knows."

"I know."

"The way she talks about you, you would swear you were a saint. But I know
better," Barbara chuckled.

"How come I was the last to know that Faith looks up to me?" Kate asked more
for herself than the kind woman on the other end. "Another friend of hers only
pointed it out a couple days ago."

"You do know she's scared that one day you're going to wake up to the fact she
is a criminal?"

"She's told you this?"

"Katie, that girl communicates more with her body language than opening her
mouth."

"I forget you've done a degree in psychology," Kate chuckled. "Does Faith know
that?"

"No, why?"

"Talking to a psychiatrist is one of the reasons for Faith's new outlook on
life."

"And here I thought it was you."

"Can't take credit for that. I keep telling her I'm not going to leave."

"In her mind it doesn't make any difference what you say, it's what you do. I
gather from what she's said there's not too many people who have kept their
promises to her. It's going to take some time before she accepts your words and
actions are going in the same direction."

"Barbara, has Faith talked about her love life?" Kate ventured.

"A little." There was silence on both ends for a moment. "Now this is getting
interesting. Do you know something I don't?"

"I was just curious as to what she has told you because I'm not aware of her
even dating since she's been out."

"Actually she said that she had her eye on someone."

"Really?"

"She had the funniest smile on her face when she said it. But she said they
were out of reach and she wasn't going to pursue it. A week after that she told
me she'd slept with some guy she met at a bar. I'm fairly sure she said it just
to see my reaction."

"Did she give any indication of who this special someone was?" Kate asked re-
evaluating everything she knew about Faith's crush on her. Every piece of
information created more confusion.

"No, but I got the feeling it was someone who would never accept her past."

"Thanks, Barbara," Kate said muffling a sigh.

"Is everything okay?" The woman asked worriedly.

"I'm just trying to work out how best to help Faith through this."

"She has you looking after her, that's all Faith wants. That girl adores you,
Katie. For all that protected exterior, Faith has a great capacity to care. She
just thinks that's a weakness, not unlike a certain cop."

"Gee, thanks," Kate remarked uncomfortably.

"How does seven sound for tomorrow?"

They made further arrangements and Kate hung up the phone slowly. That
certainly didn't go as expected. Either Buffy was mistaken or Faith had no
inclination to have a relationship with her. She didn't think it was the
former, for she'd seen and heard too many things over the last few days to not
believe Faith was attracted to her. When Buffy had said crush, immediately she
thought it was a case of Faith mixing her feelings up with her gratitude
towards her. But Faith was way past having an innocent schoolgirl crush. She'd
been around and probably experienced things even Kate hadn't. In some way she
felt a little jealous about the anonymous man Faith had been with. Faith had
gone to someone else rather than explore the possibility of being with her.
What was holding the normally sexually aggressive girl back? Kate shook her
head and left those thoughts alone. Her main goal was getting Faith well, not
figuring out her love life.

**********************

After opening her eyes for the first time the next morning Faith noticed Kate
was in exactly the same place as the previous evening. Although the clothes she
had on were more casual than the day before. She could get used to seeing the
blonde showing off a bit more skin than usual.

"Whatcha reading?"

"Slayer Handbook." Kate looked up smiling nervously.

"Sounds old and expensive." Faith sat up and watched Kate make her way over to
the bed.

"You do know what I'm talking about?"

"Yeah, something about how the Council controls Slayers. My first Watcher
thought it demeaning and Giles never used it. I'm sure Wesley would have
followed it to the letter."

"It's not only about that, although I'm sure it is part of it. It's very
educational as well. Don't worry, I'm only reading it for research."

"You know," Faith gave her a smirk, "I would swear you are waiting for me to
make a stink about it."

"It's not your favourite subject," Kate said sitting down on the bed and
laying the book between them. "I needed to know about Slayers. Giles
recommended this."

"So what does it tell you?" Faith asked running her fingers over the hard
surface of the cover.

"The Council only know half the story."

"What's the other half?"

"Slayers are human. They feel, they think and most importantly they can love."
Kate let the word hang in the air, but there was no reaction from Faith. "The
kind of Slayer the Council wants is not what you are, it's not what Buffy is
either. It's no wonder they lost control of you both. Their methods might have
worked in the past, but in this day and age they have no idea how to make it
work."

"You don't agree I should live like a nun unless I'm slaying vamps?"

"Faith, you are far from a nun." Kate laughed and was pleased when Faith
joined in. "You were a human for years before you were a Slayer, how could
anyone ignore that? You've just got out of jail and I think you should try and
find your place in this world as a human being. I'm not suggesting you stop
slaying, just that there are other important things in your life as well."

"Like you," Faith said softly.

"And your other friends," Kate noted trying to recover from the unexpected
words. "Speaking of which, your PlayStation buddy is arriving at seven."

"Kate?" Faith asked apprehensively. "I don't think I ever thanked you for
saving my life. So thanks. I'm sorry I don't have anything to give you as
repayment."

"You being alive is more than enough." Kate leaned over and enfolded Faith in
a warm hug. "You don't owe me anything, Faith. Remember that."

"Yeah, then one day you're gonna want to call in a favour."

Kate pulled back gently and shook her head. "I would never do that. We're both
in the business of saving lives. You just happen to be more important than most
of the people I've saved."

"So you don't normally open your home to injured people?" Faith smirked. "Just
to convicted criminals."

"No, just to those who I care about." Kate laid her hand on Faith's in an
action that had become familiar in the last few days. "You've paid for what you
did, Faith. I don't hold that against you." Kate thought back to Barbara's
words. "You've been judged for your crimes and I was part of that process, but
that doesn't mean I can't forgive you for them."

"You can't forgive me, you weren't even there."

"Remember we talked about forgiveness once. Before the trial. I was trying to
see why a Slayer was friendly with a vampire."

"Yeah, you'd said you'd try to forgive the hypocritical bastard. I guess that
didn't work out."

"Not really." Kate looked down and sighed. "But this isn't about him. Faith…"
Kate sighed loudly trying to come up with the right words. "The person who you
are now is wiser, more experienced and above all capable of caring for others.
The person who you were when I first met you is not there anymore. I don't care
for the person who you were a year ago and I never will, but I do like the new
and improved you. Unless you change back, I'm not going to stop caring."

"How can you--"

Kate placed a finger over Faith's lips and smiled, "Don't question it. Just
accept it." She took her finger away.

"I don't deserve you. You're too kind, too forgiving, too beautiful…" Faith
looked down sadly.

"Well, it doesn't matter, it's not your decision whether I want to be friends
with you or not," Kate explained happily as she withdrew from the bed.
"Breakfast coming up."

Faith watched her disappear and shook her head. Every time she thought she had
the blonde figured out, along came another side of her.

"Do you want to talk to Giles today?" Kate asked bringing back a tray full of
food.

"Give me a break," Faith said frustrated.

"Okay." Kate backed away and sat down with her book again.

For a time they sat in silence. Kate was so absorbed in her book that she
didn't notice Faith towering over her until she coughed.

"I'm bored," Faith remarked sitting down heavily before she fell.

"What do you want to do?" Kate asked closing the book. It amazed her Faith
could one moment look in pain, the next be strong.

"You wouldn't happen to have a computer loaded with games?" Faith asked almost
shyly.

"Actually, now you mention it…" Kate stood and disappeared into her bedroom.

"I was joking," Faith mumbled to herself. 

After a couple of minutes of thumping and banging Faith watched Kate drag out
two boxes into the living room.

"I hadn't used it for a while so I packed it away a few months ago. The
department has enough resources so I didn't have to use it for work."

She moved it over and quickly set it up on the table next to the sofa. This
gave Faith another opportunity to study the detective while she was unaware.
Faith smiled at the way she moved her hair out of her face when it got in the
way. Forget the computer, she thought, she could never be bored watching Kate.

"All done." Kate stood up and brushed her hands together.

"You know, I didn't actually mean for you to pull one out," Faith chuckled
aware Kate's eyes had settled on her looking for any sign of sickness.

"It's not all for your benefit," Kate smiled. "I do know how to play a few
games myself."

"Bet you don't have any racing games where you play dodge-the-cops?" Faith
joked and raised an eyebrow.

"You'll just have to find out."

Kate disappeared into the bedroom again and brought out a box of CD's and
disks. Then she flicked the power on and the computer beeped and started to
boot.

"What kind of games do you like?" Kate asked sorting through the assorted
titles.

"I'm not sure…" Faith looked away ashamed.

"Faith?" Kate made her way around and sat down directly in front of her. "Hey."

"I can count on one hand the number of times I've used a computer," Faith said
quietly. She hated she was so forthcoming when it came to Kate. But when those
eyes bored into her, she couldn't resist.

"There's nothing to it. Press a few buttons and you're away." Kate smiled and
put her hand on Faith's thigh. "I'll teach…" Kate trailed off as Faith squirmed
away from her touch. Trying not to let her hurt show Kate continued, "you."

"This was a bad idea," Faith said harshly and stood up. Way too fast. The room
went blurry.

"Why?" Kate asked steadying her and gently pulling her back to the sofa. She
kept her arms loosely on Faith's waist. When Faith didn't answer, but didn't
pull away either Kate tightened her hold and brought Faith's body into hers. "I
take it your family wasn't big on hugging." Faith gave a sarcastic laugh and
shook her head. "Mine neither. I think my mother was, but I don't remember all
that much."

"You don't mention her," Faith said settling into Kate's side. While it was
scary being this close to the detective, it felt so good.

"For a long time I thought I shouldn't speak about her," Kate paused a moment.
"Daddy didn't and I followed his lead."

Faith nodded and laid her head against a warm shoulder. The arms around her
tightened as Kate gained more confidence in holding her. "I can't remember the
last time someone hugged me. I mean longer than a few seconds."

"You and Buffy never?"

Faith laughed softly, "We were never that close. Not like we are."

"If we're close then how come you keep rejecting me?" Kate asked with a tinge
of hurt in her voice.

"I don't." Faith sat up and turned to face her. "Touching freaks me out
sometimes." Aware that's exactly what she was doing Faith stood up. "Let's fire
up this baby."

Once Kate had shown her how to load a few games, Faith was already working her
way through the first levels of Tomb Raider. It required a bit more thought
than the usual blast-em-up that she liked playing but she was enjoying it.
Having completed the game Kate watched and made suggestions when Faith seemed
stuck. Faith learned fast where the save button was. For the first time in
days, Faith forgot about her injury and let herself become immersed in the
virtual surroundings.

"Here you go," Kate laid a plate of sandwiches beside the keyboard.

Faith looked up surprised. "It's that time already."

Kate chuckled, "It's way past that time. You've been raiding too many tombs."

"I've just got to finish this level. There's got to be a way out somewhere."
Faith turned back to the screen scrutinising the blocks in her way.

"I think you should have a sleep before tonight," Kate chuckled.

"Whatever."

"Twenty minutes or I'll chuck you off." She didn't get a response.



________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Message: 5
   Date: Mon, 5 Nov 2001 23:12:26 +1000
   From: Eos <dewdrop@mochamail.com>
Subject: Fic: Merely Mortal 5/11

CHAPTER FOUR


Faith woke up to the sounds of instrumental music. Not classical, she thought
to herself. Her eyes opened and she could see the place was tidier than when
she went to sleep. A smell of cooking food came through from the kitchen.

"You're awake." Kate appeared in the room.

"You sure know how to show a girl a good time. I bet you even have candles at
the dinner table."

"I'll take that as a compliment," Kate smiled and walked over already her eyes
watching for signs of pain or discomfort.

"Before you ask, I'm five by five here."

"You have an hour to take a shower and get ready."

"You're looking forward to this aren't you?" Faith smiled at the happy look on
the detective. 

Receiving nothing but a small grin, Faith pushed back the covers and stood.
Once again there were two hands helping her steady before they led her into the
bathroom. 

"Do you, ah, want some help?"

"If you're offering." Faith turned her back ready. She knew she shouldn't, but
Kate's gentle touches were becoming a guilty pleasure. And she had all the time
in the world to relieve the tension once she was in the shower if the need
should arise.

Off came the sweat top, then the pants. Kate's eyebrows went up as she
realised that was all Faith had been wearing. 

"Do you want clean clothes?" She asked looking at the strong back.

"I'll pick some out later," Faith turned the shower on and stepped in. "You
going or are you gonna stay and watch?" Faith asked hiding her body behind the
curtain.

"Is that an offer?" Kate asked trying to see whether this crush of Faith's did
exist.

"Do you want it to be?" Faith smirked.

"Do YOU want it to be?" Kate smirked back.

"What if I said it was an offer?" Faith asked her heart thumping against her
chest.

"I'd decline. There are things about to burn if I don't get back soon," Kate
answered looking into Faith's dark eyes. "But from what I've seen, Faith, it's
not because you're not a beautiful woman."

Kate gave a small nod and walked out of the bathroom before anything else
could happen. Faith watched her walk away with her mouth slightly open. Her
heart was still thumping like crazy, but now the blood was rushing south. Oh
boy.

**********************

As soon as Kate opened the door, Josh scurried in shouting for Faith who was
already setting up her television in a place where she could sit on the sofa
without too much trouble and still be able to play.

"Look what I got, Faith," the boy shouted spotting his hero.

"PlayStation, alright." Faith held up her hand for a hi-five. "What games did
you bring?"

"All of them," Josh put down the bag he was carrying.

"No way," Faith said looking up and smiling at the three adults watching this
display.

"Way," the boy shouted excitedly and looked over to his father who was holding
the precious video console.

"He's being talking about it since this morning," Barbara laughed. "At the
playground, to the woman in the grocery store and everyone he's met today."

"How are you doing, Faith?" Marcus asked giving her the PlayStation and
watching her hook it up with amazing speed.

"Good. Did you know cops make really good nurses?" Faith winked at Marcus then
looked over to find Kate raising an eyebrow. "All that serving and protecting
they do pays off."

"It's good to see you up," Barbara said before Kate ushered them into the
living room.

They settled in while Kate played the good hostess. Not long after Faith and
Josh were hard at it trying to outdo each other wrestling. When Kate
disappeared into the kitchen Barbara followed.

"She seems to be doing a lot better," Barbara stated watching Kate check on
how the food was progressing.

"She's had a good day."

"Any more on her mysterious man?"

"No," Kate said pretending to be busy stirring.

Out in the living room the score was one game all. The two competitors were
taking a break so Josh could tell Faith what he did in the playground that
morning. Kate came out of the kitchen in the middle of the conversation and
stopped to listen. For someone who proclaimed to be 'not mother material' she
sure was doing a great job in keeping her eye on Josh. She had him wrapped
around her finger. She smiled when Josh gave Faith another hi-five.

"She's so wonderful with him," Barbara remarked standing beside Kate and
looking over to the two. "He wanted to bring a bandage over so he could help
Faith get better."

Kate chuckled and nodded, "Believe me, the admiration goes both ways."

"More often than not he starts off sentences with 'my friend Faith.' Makes him
the centre of attention at the playground."

"Does he understand what happened to her?" Kate asked turning briefly then
back where Faith was nodding along with everything the boy was saying.

"He knows that she was hurt bad, like people on TV. But he has no idea of the
consequences. All he says is because Faith is a good guy she is going to get
better."

"If only…" Kate said still watching the two of them. She would hate to think
what would happen if Faith went back out there only to get killed. Faith didn't
know it, but there were so many people that would be devastated if that
happened.

"Katie," Josh turned to look at Faith's friend. "Faith said you have yummy
milk. Can I have some?" Faith leaned over and whispered in his ear. "Pretty
please?" He added and looked to Faith to see if he got it right. She gave him a
big grin and lifted him up in the air.

"Yes," Kate answered after looking at Barbara for consent.

"Yeah," Josh and Faith chorused before the Slayer carried him into the kitchen
pretending he was a plane. Kate excused herself and watched Faith get out a
carton and hand it to Josh.

"Faith."

"Yeah?" Faith looked up smiling.

"Although it's nice to see you up and about, you have a few stitches to worry
about, not to mention you're not doing your body any favours carrying a small
boy around." Kate smiled softly. "Just tone it down a bit."

"Katie, is Faith in trouble?" Josh looked up at the blonde woman.

"No." Kate shook her head smiling.

"Kate's just being a good friend and looking out for me." Faith knelt down on
the ground and looked Josh in the eye before giving Kate a wink. "And I should
thank her for it."

"Okay," Josh said watching his hero get up and give Kate a hug.

"See." 

Faith pulled back, then quickly leaned in again and gave Kate a peck on the
cheek before turning around and scampering back to the PlayStation. Josh
followed laughing, leaving Kate alone. She reached up and touched the patch of
skin that had felt Faith's lips. Every action Faith did just made her more
confused.


Dinner followed and for the first time in her life, Faith was actually
involved in something that could be called domestic. The conversation included
all kinds of things from sports to television to Josh stories.

"They're talking about me again," the boy complained softly to Faith who was
sitting next to him.

"That's because you're so cute," Faith explained.

"What's cute?" The boy asked.

"It's when someone is just irresistible."

"Irri, irra," Josh tried to sound out the word.

"When you like them very much," Faith simplified.

"Then you're cute, too."

"Of course I am," Faith smirked. "So is Kate." Faith looked over to the blonde
explaining something to Marcus and Barbara. "Don't you think?"

"Yes," Josh agreed with his hero not wanting to disappoint her.

"See how she smiles, that's cute," Faith said watching Kate laugh at
something. It was more than cute, it was…Breathtaking came to mind but Faith
had never thought much about anything being breathtaking. The conversation
shifted leaving Faith no time to continue her musings. 

When the meal was over they moved back into the living room. The evening went
by pleasantly until Kate suggested quietly to Barbara that Faith was becoming
tired. She could see the Slayer trying to hide pain and sleepiness from Josh,
but it was becoming harder.

"I don't want to go," Josh inevitably complained. "I want to stay with Faith."

"Maybe another time," Faith said trying to stand up and not succeeding.

"Promise?" Josh gave her puppy dog eyes.

"Oh geez," Faith mumbled.

"You can see Faith again very soon," Marcus came to his employees rescue. "But
we have to go home now."

"Faith, I don't want to go." Josh turned his back on his father.

"I know, but I promise I'll call you tomorrow," Faith offered.

"Really?" Josh gave her a hug and a peck on the cheek.

"Really," she replied then leaned over and whispered something in his ear. He
giggled then listened again as she said something else. "Okay?"

"Okay." He ran over to Kate and hugged her leg. "Thank you for dinner."

"That's okay, I'll be glad to have you again." Kate reached down and ruffled
his hair.

"I think you're cute," Josh said to Kate.

"Really," Barbara laughed and looked at Faith. "What have you been teaching
him?"

"I didn't tell him to say that, I swear," Faith protested.

"Faith thinks you're cute too," Josh said happily.

"Nor that!" Faith felt herself starting to turn red. "He's kinda got the
meaning mixed up." She turned away and heard the chuckles.

"Bye Faith," Barbara giggled at the red face. "Get well soon."

"See ya." Faith waved her away and put her face down in the sofa cushion
waiting for them to leave. The door shut and she heard Kate cross the floor and
stop in front of her.

"I'm cute, huh?" Kate said with a laugh in her voice. She heard Faith groan.
"And my smile too." Another groan came from the face in the cushion. "Scoot
over."

Faith moved her legs so the blonde could sit down. Kate watched the body still
turned away from her. She was starting to wonder what Faith was actually
feeling. Josh had obviously not been coached to say that and she was worried
how Faith would take this indirect confession.

"You know," Kate started slowly, "I'm flattered. That is if what Josh said is
true?"

"That he thinks you're cute?" Faith lifted her head to answer. "I told him it
means that you like someone. He didn't know what adults mean by it when they
say it to one another."

"He said you think I'm cute. Is that true?" Kate asked reaching out with her
hand, but pulling back at the last moment.

"I said it in the way he meant it," Faith turned around and faced Kate, her
blush almost gone. She was too busy trying to keep her face neutral to see Kate
look disappointed for a couple of seconds.

"So you don't think I'm cute, but I'm sexy and sassy?" When there was no
response Kate reached out and put a hand on the leather-covered knee. "You
know, I don't mind you find me attractive, Faith. I mean who can blame you?"
Kate smirked.

"That's funny," Faith chuckled relieved. As long as Kate didn't find out that
it was more than an attraction then she was safe. "I'm not going to jump you or
anything."

"Never thought you would," Kate replied although she wondered why it sounded
like an appealing idea. "Come on, let's get you medicated and in bed. You've
had a busy day."

**********************

As Faith saw the last light go out she breathed a sigh of relief. She shifted
onto her back and thought about the night. It seemed all she had done all night
was look between Josh and Kate. Either one of them was always in her sight,
though her looks at Kate had been more discreet. The blonde had looked the
happiest Faith had seen her.

She sighed heavily thinking about her feelings for Kate. It seemed every
moment they grew stronger for her. She felt her sex twitch and she slid her
hand under her sweat pants. It had been too long since her last release, not
having been successful in the shower earlier.

Kate heard a long moan and raced up out of bed to the door. There was a
shorter groan as she crossed the floor to the bed.

"Kate." Faith stopped all motion and peered up at the blonde.

"Are you alright?" Kate asked trying to find the button for the lamp.

"Just moved too fast," Faith said as the lamp turned on. She yawned and hoped
it would be enough for Kate to go back to bed.

"Do you think you popped your stitches?" Kate sat down on the bed and looked
at Faith suspiciously.

"Just checking now," Faith said using her wet hand to rest over her bandage.
"No damage."

"Are you sure?"

"Very."

"Maybe I should check." Kate went to pull the covers down.

"That's really not necessary," she chuckled nervously.

"Faith." Kate levelled a stare at the girl. "What are you hiding?"

"Nothing."

"Nothing as in, 'I'm bleeding but I'm not going to tell you' or 'I'm having
unpleasant thoughts' nothing."

"Neither," Faith said looking Kate in the eye for the first time since the
light turned on.

"You look in pain."

"It's the medication."

"It's made you feel worse?" Kate asked sceptically.

"Hmm," Faith's voice said as her arousal seemed to be settling down again. She
was getting very sleepy.

"I know there's something you're not telling me, but I can see you're going to
be out in a couple of minutes, so I'm not going to push it." Kate stood and
reached over for the lamp. "I hope you feel better in the morning."

Wiping her hands on her pants was all Faith could do before she lost her
battle with sleep.

**********************

Faith watched Kate settle down on the sofa and joined her after she finished
her lunch the next day. Kate had only just come home from the precinct where
she had handed in some paperwork.

"So let's talk about last night," Kate suggested noticing Faith's open
demeanour.

"I was masturbating when you came in," Faith said without any expression on
her face.

"Oh." Kate didn't know whether to be relieved or shocked.

"Unfortunately I had to wait until this morning to finally be satisfied."

"Is that why you are in a good mood?" Kate asked not believing she was
responding.

"Partly."

Being bold she asked, "Were you thinking about me?"

Faith laughed, "Not this time." When Kate didn't say anything more Faith
smirked. "What do you think of?"

"Things that will stay private."

"How do you do it?"

Kate looked away for a moment feeling her face warming up. "Is there any
reason why you want to know?"

"Compare techniques."

"You're not serious," Kate laughed finding the situation ridiculous.

"Not really, you should know by now I'm like this."

"Very sexual," Kate breathed out.

"It's just how I am. I enjoy sex and I'm not afraid to talk about it," Faith
smiled gently. "Do you…enjoy it I mean."

"Depends who it is with," she answered honestly.

"And I'm guessing the situation as well?"

"Yep." She looked down and sighed.

"Who treated you so badly, Kate?" Faith reached across and touched Kate's
thigh. It was an action that had comforted her when Kate had done it.

"I won't talk about it." Kate looked from Faith's hand to her eyes and found
in them nothing but concern. She was surprised the girl had correctly guessed.

"Just as well, I'd find them and make sure they understood some things." Faith
squeezed the thigh. "No one should ever hurt you, Kate. You deserve so much
more."

"Come here you." Kate reached across and dragged Faith into an embrace. "I'm
glad to see you finding all that compassion you have hidden deep inside you."

"I learned it can be wicked cool to care, especially if it brings a smile to
someone's face." Faith buried her head in Kate's shoulder embarrassed by her
admission. "Besides, Frankie taught me some things are worth getting hurt for.
Worth sacrificing for. You know I would have died to save your life that night."

"Don't say that." Kate looked down but could only see Faith's hair. She
brushed it away until she found skin.

"But it's true. Another Slayer will come along, but there's only one Kate
Lockley."

"There's only one of you, too." Kate stroked the hair tangled between her
fingers. "I don't care what anyone says, Faith, but you are valuable as a human
being, not just a Slayer. Have you ever wondered why Slayers are human, not
some otherworldly creature created ONLY to fight demons?"

"Not really." Faith looked up at the blonde's face.

"I don't know why either, but there must be a reason."

"Would you put your life on the line for a stranger?"

"As a police officer or as a person?"

"Is there a difference?"

"No. And yes I would."

"Then why question me on why I would want to save you?" Faith buried her head
again. "Because I'm a Slayer?"

"No," Kate choked out and shook her head.

"I'm supposed to die young, you're not. If it was me over you, you would
always come first."

"Faith, you are not…not supposed to die young. Stop saying that," Kate said
trying to hold back her tears. "There is nothing in that handbook that says you
will have a short life."

"There's pretty heavy odds that I will."

"Well, you can beat them." Kate tightened her arms around the warm body.
"You've beaten a coma, a jail sentence and a gun shot. That took a lot of
determination and strength. Plus you told me you've stopped the end of the
world, certainly not the easiest thing to take on. There are people that care
about you."

"Life will go on. We both know what it's like to lose someone we cared about,"
Faith said stoically afraid she would tell Kate how much she cared for her.

Kate decided to let the confirmation of Faith losing someone close slip by.
Instead, she focussed on the present. "There are some people that don't know."

"Shit, JD." Faith straightened and was about to jump up before she felt two
arms pull her back. "He'd be…"

"Feel like he lost his whole world. That's what it feels like to lose someone
at that age. I don't want him to ever know that and I'm sure you don't either."
Kate struggled to keep her tears from falling as memories hidden deeply came to
the surface.

"Never," Faith swore.

"If you don't regard your own life highly, at least think about Josh. Slayers
don't have to die young, Faith. You are human, use it as an advantage, not a
weakness."

Faith nodded and moved her arms around Kate. They sat there for a while, both
taking comfort in the embrace. Faith could hear Kate's heart beat in a steady
rhythm.

"I have to go to Sunnydale."

"Why?" Kate asked pulling out of her warm thoughts.

"I think I need a really good talk with Giles. Face to face, so he knows I'm
serious."

"About what?"

"About sorting things out…With the Council and about how to continue slaying.
As safely as possible."

"When?" Kate asked feeling a burden being lifted.

"When you tell me it's okay for me to drive up there."

"Which won't be at least until you get your stitches out." Kate looked down
into dark eyes. "How long for?"

"As long as it takes. Maybe a few days," Faith said watching fear pass over
Kate's face. "I will be coming back."

"Good," Kate said relieved.

"I couldn't live up there. One, Sunnydale is too small for two Slayers and
two, Sunnydale PD doesn't have a Detective Lockley on its payroll. Plus there
is something called parole, but that doesn't count."

"Parole, I forgot all about that," Kate panicked.

"Relax, I phoned him Friday and explained things. He didn't believe me at
first, but I got Marcus to call him too."

"I'm sorry."

"Kate," Faith admonished. "Geez, I'm the one on parole here, not you. It's my
deal. Plus you had a thousand other things you were doing that I didn't even
think about."

"You know for someone who freaks out at touching, you're very calm." Kate
flexed her arms gently realising they had been cuddling for quite a while.

"I was cold."

"Excuses, excuses," Kate smiled at Faith's smirk. "I think you just think I'm
cute."

"Yeah and you smell good, too," Faith joked. She felt like bolting, but
couldn't bring herself to leave the comfortable warmth. "I bet you don't do
this to all the people who think you're cute."

"Maybe because most of them are middle-aged perverts who are attracted to
women in uniform and power."

"You set them straight, right?"

"Right after they call me sweetie or dearie."

"One upside to Slaying; demons not normally attracted to Slayers. It's just
plain old 'I'm going to kill you' or 'you'll be begging for mercy by the time
I'm done.'"

Kate chuckled. "Or 'I'm going to wipe the floor with you.'"

"Stupid demons, don't they know there's brooms for floor wiping," Faith
smirked and Kate chuckled harder. "Are you interested in anyone right now?"

"What?" Kate stopped laughing at the abrupt change of subject. Faith raised an
eyebrow and waited. "That would be a no. Are you?"

"Maybe." Faith leaned back against Kate's shoulder and sighed. It was worth a
try.

"Are you going to tell me who? Barbara is curious too."

"I'm a topic of gossip am I?" Faith glance back and looked at Kate suspiciously.

"It did come up." Kate wasn't going to say how.

"Shh," Faith said putting her finger to her lips, "it's a secret."

"If you're going to be like that, fine." Kate gave the body a squeeze. Barbara
had said Faith wasn't going pursue a relationship and Faith just confirmed
that. The girl was searching for answers while giving nothing away. Kate didn't
know how much longer she could pretend she didn't know about the crush. "So who
was this guy you slept with?"

"What guy?" Faith asked feeling guilty although she knew she shouldn't.

"The guy you told Barbara about."

"Roderick."

"That's his name?"

"No," Faith chuckled. "Of course it is."

"Was he good?"

"Kate Lockley!" Faith turned around and saw a smug grin. "And you think I talk
about sex too much."

"So was he?"

"He was okay," Faith shrugged. She told herself not to go around talking about
her sex life with Barbara, though she was surprised Kate was involved in the
gossip swapping.

"So he wasn't the person you were thinking of earlier today."

"Oh please," Faith said dramatically. "No way."

"Can Slayers get pregnant?"

"Where did that come from?" Faith asked surprised. "I have no idea, but I can
bet that there are only a couple if any, who have ever delivered a baby." Faith
stared at Kate for a moment. "Oh I see. That's a roundabout question to see if
I'm being safe."

"Actually it wasn't. I was thinking aloud. But now it's come up, are you?"

"This is getting into mother territory again."

Kate put her head down disappointed. "You should take more care."

"Maybe now I will."

"Get tested."

"I was tested in jail. They were offering and I thought I might as well."

"You should get--"

"No need." Faith put a finger on warm lips wishing Kate would…Don't go there,
Faith. "Roderick, virgin material."