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

Cordelia gathered the post and walked to the front counter flipping through the envelopes. That was until she came across a postcard.

"Hey Angel," she called out to the vampire reading the paper on the counter, "we have a greeting," she paused and looked down at the image, "from Sydney?"

"Sydney?" Wesley popped his head up from his latest research. "Sydney, Australia?"

"Well, is that the place with the big bridge and spiky building?" Cordelia took a closer look at the photo.

"Yes," Wesley walked gingerly over to where Cordelia was standing. "Who's it from?"

Cordelia flipped the 'Greetings from Sydney' over and read, "'Just letting you know I'm doing five by five. Nice place and a few vamps to dust. P.S. Catch me if you can.'"

"Faith," Angel said sombrely.

"Apparently out of jail, not to mention the country," Cordelia said throwing the card down. "Why don't I get to go to wonderful places."

"How did she do that?" Wesley pondered.

"A plane?" Cordelia answered.

"Not that." Wesley sighed inwardly. "I mean why Australia."

"I don't know." Angel took the postcard from the counter and studied it. It was postmarked ten days beforehand. "It could be a decoy."

"Uh." Cordelia turned to face him. "It says greetings from Sydney."

"Well Australia's a big country, she could be anywhere by now," Wesley reasoned.

"You ever been there?" Cordy questioned. They shook their heads.

"I did know some Aussie's in England. They are everywhere in London." Wesley thought back to his home country. "They like to give us quite a ribbing about our rugby and cricket teams."

"Why?" Cordelia asked.

"Because they always seem to beat us," Wesley mumbled. "World champions, my arse. They got lucky. So what if they have a couple of World Cups in their trophy cabinet."

"Anyway." Cordelia flicked her wrist dismissively and turned her attention back to Angel, "What are we going to do?"

"About what?" Gunn stepped into the lobby.

"Jail escapee." Cordelia took the postcard from Angel's hands and frisbeed it to him.

"The land down under." Gunn studied the postcard. "Who's the mysterious runaway?"

"A slayer named Faith." When Gunn looked puzzled, Cordelia continued, "I'll explain later."

"We could contact Buffy," Wesley suggested.

"No," Angel shook his head. "We handle this ourselves."

"How, may I ask?" Cordelia sighed; Faith always seemed to cause a rift between them.

"We have to go after her," Angel said looking stoically at the nothing in particular.

"You're kidding, right?" Cordelia asked. "Right?" She threw up her hands. "Angel, you are not going around the world to play her games. Not to mention the problem of you travelling."

"Cordelia's right," Wesley chimed in.

"I know. You are going."

"Angel!" Cordelia and Wesley shouted at him in unison.

"Aren't you forgetting something?" Cordelia asked and Angel stared at her blankly. "Like the fact you are not in charge any more."

"I'm up for it," Gunn said eagerly.

"Up for what?" The newcomer was former detective Kate Lockley.

"Faith has escaped." Wesley turned to their restored friendly acquaintance.

"What? When?"

"Not only that, but it seems Australia just acquired a Slayer, whether they have more than a few demons down there or not. " Cordelia ripped the card from Gunn's fingers and gave it to Kate. The blonde looked it over while Cordelia continued. "Angel wants us to go there and do what exactly?"

They all looked to Angel.

"Bring her back."

"In chains or first class?" Wesley asked disapprovingly.

"She shouldn't be on her own," Angel argued trying to avoid the gazes of his friends.

"I am not going." Cordelia stomped her foot. "We can't afford it in the first place. None of us are going."

"She wants to be found. Otherwise she wouldn't have sent this to us." Angel pointed to the postcard. "She may be in trouble."

"Having a nice time does not constitute trouble. Angel let her go." Wesley stared at him. "Not to mention Australia is almost the size of America. How the hell are we going to find her?"

"She'll try and contact us again."

"That's a big if, Angel."

"I know her. Faith wants to be found."

"That's why she's thousands of miles away." Cordelia rolled her eyes.

"Why don't you contact prison authorities?" Kate asked after listening to the arguments.

"What a good idea," Cordelia said sarcastically looking at Angel.

He had no comeback so Cordelia picked up the phone and handed it to Kate. They milled around while the former cop spoke to someone who was being tight lipped by the way she was chewing into them. She finally put the phone down and looked at the group.

"She escaped two weeks ago with another prisoner," she started explaining.

"Another prisoner?" Wesley asked impatient.

"Australian doing time for armed robbery. They have contacted authorities in Australia, but so far nothing. The girl doesn't have her passport, so it would have been hard to get out of the country."

"Not if you know the right people." Angel put in and then Cordelia coughed. "Obviously illegally," Angel finished lamely.

"Corrections services haven't found a trace of them. Seems like your girl and the Australian have snuck out of the country some way, if this card is for real."

"Well that explains why Faith is in Australia," Wesley commented.

"The Australian girl apparently has no family at all and they've checked out friends, but no one's heard from her. She'd only been in the States a couple of months before the hold-up and no one here is talking either."

"So what do we do?" Gunn asked.

"Leave it up to the Australians, I say." Cordelia again looked pointedly at the vampire.

"That's not good enough," Angel stressed.

The phone rang and Kate picked it up.

"Hello?" Cordelia rushed over but when a voice on the other end asked if Kate wanted to reverse charges, Kate stopped her. She agreed and waited until it was connected. "Hello?"

"Who's this?" A female voice came through the receiver.

"Kate Lockley, who's this?"

"Ah, my number one arresting officer."

"Faith." Kate turned to the rest of the gang. Angel stepped up to her and motioned for the phone but Kate held him off. "Nice to hear from you."

"You work there now?"

"No. You want to talk to Angel?"

"That's the idea."

"Just a minute." Kate cradled the receiver so Faith couldn't overhear. "She wants to talk to Angel, but I say make her work for it."

"Why?" Gunn chimed in.

"We want information, she wants Angel. If she really wants to talk to him she will trade." They all nodded, except Angel. "Faith?"

"Still here."

"Where exactly is that?"

"Tomorrow."

"You think that's funny. I'm well aware that Australia is about a day and a half ahead of LA time."

"You think you're smart, Detective?" Kate turned her back on everyone trying to hide the pain. "Detective?"

"Call me Kate," Kate asked blinking back tears.

"Kate then. Where's Angel?"

"Where are you?"

"I think you already answered that."

"Which city are you in?"

"Obviously a different one to you. Now can I have a one on one with my favourite vampire?"

"No."

"No? Why not?" Faith's voice came through with laughter.

"Where are you?"

"In a phone booth." Kate could hear the girl's frustration.

"What number would I dial to reach it?"

"Get me Angel or I'll hang up."

"No." Kate didn't think she would need her interrogation technique so soon after losing her job.

"You really want me to hang up?"

"If you're going to waste my time, then yes."

"Wasting your time?" Faith laughed. "Hey, I'm the one who's wasting my time."

"Hang up then," Kate challenged.

"I will then."

Kate heard the line go dead. She turned back to one disapproving stare, one smile and a couple of neutral expressions.

"What did you get?" Angel asked.

"She will call back, I'm surprised she stayed on that long." Kate levelled a calm expression at Angel. "You were right, she's looking for something. Whether that is to be found or to play games, I'm not sure."

Cordelia gave Kate a small smile. "Taking it to Faith, that's what I like to see. That's how you should handle her, Angel."

Angel stood up straight and opened his mouth to address his friend when the phone rang again. He scrambled for it and picked it up before Kate.

"Angel Investigations." He held his hand out at Kate for her to back away.

"About time, Soul Boy."

"Are you alright?"

"Five by five."

"Are you alright?"

"I thought you got my postcard, that says it all."

"Then why are you calling?"

There were a few beats of silence before Faith coughed.

"Can you put Kate back on?"

"Are you sure?" Angel frowned.

"Just before you do, are you in the game?"

"No."

"Then definitely put her on."

Angel held out the phone and mouthed for Kate.

"Faith," Kate said retaking the phone and leaning on the desk knowing Angel was giving her a curious look.

"You wanna know where I am. I'll tell you. I'm watching a couple having sex on the beach. Of course, it's a couple of hours past midnight so it's not as if they're being naughty exhibitionists."

"Anything else?"

"They don't know I'm here. Probably having too much fun." Faith paused, taking in the scene before her. "Do you have an audience hanging on every word you're saying?"

"I don't think that's important."

"I'll take that as a yes." Faith idly played with a coin as she leaned on the glass and watched the waves roll her way. "Did you know the Queen's head is on the coins down here? Weird, huh?"

"Did you know I don’t give a shit."

"Oh, I think you do, Kate. Kate? Is that short for Katherine?"

"For having a name like Faith, you sure don't have much of it."

Faith laughed loudly making the man look up for a moment before going back to his amorous activity. "Too bad I never got to know you, because I'm sure I would have liked playing with you. You see, Angel doesn't want to play any more."

"Can't fault him on that. What happened to the 'I want to confess'?"

"Temptation, it's a killer. Like me I guess." Faith's voice turned melancholy briefly. "Had an offer and I've always wanted to see a kangaroo, so I took it."

"So what do you want, Faith? Other than seeing something that you can see in a zoo in America."

"I'd like to see you." Faith surveyed the beach in the dark then turned her head away from the couple.

"That can be arranged."

"Wearing sunglasses and a bikini lying next to me on this beach."

"You're a laugh a minute."

"Tullamarine."

"What?"

"Be seeing you." The phone went dead.

"Who's got an atlas?" Kate whipped her head around at the group hanging on her every move.

"We could look it up on the Internet," Cordelia suggested. Kate nodded and grabbed a piece of paper and pen. "What are we looking for?"

"Tullamarine. I don't know if it's a landmark, city or what." The two women settled down to the long process of trying to find the place. Gunn decided to go home until something came up, Wesley got busy reading an atlas some years out of date and Angel hovered around feeling outnumbered.

A couple of hours later Cordelia jumped up. "Found it."

"Yes?" Wesley poked his head up.

"It's in Melbourne, wherever that is. Right now it's just a blip on the screen. See here?" She pointed to a map. They all looked over. "It's the airport."

"Is there a beach near there?"

"There's a whole bay," Kate pointed to the long arc of beach.

"So how do we get there?" Angel asked.

"Not so fast, Angel," Wesley said shutting the atlas. "Don't you think that was too easy."

"Easy, he says." Cordelia rolled her eyes. "I didn’t see you Mr 'I know some Australians' helping us out here."

"Besides, Melbourne still has about three and half million people in it." Kate read the statistics on the screen. "It's the second largest city there."

"Out of a population of 19 million," Cordelia added. "So if she's moved that's a lot of Australia to look in."

"I say we wait and see how she reacts to us cracking the puzzle." Kate knew Angel wasn't happy with the situation but she tended to think Cordelia and Wesley were the ones making the most sense.

"By laughing at us," Cordelia said sitting down again. "If she isn't already."

"I agree with Kate." They all looked to Wesley.

Slowly they all went and did their own things when the phone call they waited for didn't come. Kate stayed by the phone while continuing to surf the Net for information on Melbourne. By the time she'd had enough, she knew everything from what government they had to their favourite pastimes.

Cordelia and Wesley were out to getting them a late lunch when the phone rang.

"Angel Investigations," Kate picked up the phone hurriedly.

"So where am I?" The husky voice asked.

"In Melbourne." Kate replied trying to stop herself from yawning.

"Score one for the Detective."

"I asked you to call me Kate."

"Okay," Faith drew out the word and squinted in the morning sun. "Who did the research?"

"It was a team effort."

"Today I was thinking moving on, though."

Kate looked around and found she was alone. "You want to see me?"

"In the flesh. Naked would be good."

"I've got plenty of free time these days, might be nice to have a vacation."

"That's the spirit."

"Give me an incentive."

"Oh okay." Faith's voice came through happy. "Ever been to a rugby game?"

"No."

"Grown men bashing into one another, without all the padding. And there's this other football game where they run around in very short shorts and sleeveless jerseys. And the accent. Very sexy. Think Russell Crowe or Hugh Jackman. You want a vacation and a little fun, this is the place to be. Great weather, great people and great entertainment."

"Men being thugs, not really my thing."

"It's summer here. Like over 100 degrees only they call it mid-thirties or something."

"Still not selling me, Faith. Let me tell you I want evidence you are there. Get me someone to vouch for you. Right now." There was silence for a couple of beats before Faith agreed and put someone with an Australian accent on the phone who was confused but willing to say Faith was there.

"Convinced?" Faith asked after taking the phone back.

"Give me a week and I'll be there."

"What am I supposed to do until then?"

"Go looking for kangaroos." Kate put the phone back down not giving Faith a chance to respond.

"Was that Faith?" Angel came down the steps.

"You really think she needs help?" Kate stood and looked at the vampire seriously.

"Yes." The voice was firm.

"I'll go." They gazed at each other before Angel nodded.

"When?"

"I told her to give me a week. If she calls again can you please give her my number." Kate wrote it down so it was in easy reach.

"Why?"

"After what has happened…" Kate trailed off and saw Angel nod with compassion. "It might help me get my mind off it."

"Do you need money?"

"No."

"Kate." Angel closed the distance between them concern on his face. "I'll cover your expenses, after all this is my responsibility."

"Faith is no one's responsibility except her own."

"I'd feel better if I at least gave you money for her airfare." Kate nodded and they made arrangements. She left before Wesley or Cordelia came back.

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

Faith watched a family enjoy a game of beach cricket. She was almost sick at the friendly interaction between them. All the laughing and friendly teasing was starting to anger her.

"Hey, babe."

Faith turned at the sound of the voice.

"What did he say?" She asked the Australian as the girl came and sat down next to her on the stone wall. They both looked out at the blue water.

"I'm going there tomorrow. Are you sure you don't want to come?" The girl looked at Faith hopefully.

"No, I told you one of my friends from LA is coming." Faith swung her feet and hopped off the wall feeling the warm sand under her feet. "If this guy treats you like a dog, use and lose."

The girl laughed. "I'm armed remember, I'll just…" She cocked her hand like a gun, pretended to shoot and then blew her fingers. Faith smiled, inside feeling uncomfortable. She knew the Australian had never killed anyone. "Tonight we'll have to celebrate our last night together."

"Of course. God, I love this country. Drink at 18." They both laughed.

"Drive at 18 too, unfortunately. So your friend…you're not gonna dob me in, are you?"

"I don't even know where you're going. And no, I won't squeal. You got me out, got me here, got me money."

"Yeah, wusses those bank clerks."

They both smiled, but Faith had a hard time keeping up the act of liking the girl. That had faded a couple of days into their trip when she realised that the girl had no intention of staying crime free. Faith had already decided a few months ago in jail that she when she got out there would be no more trouble. This was a clean break, her last crime was illegally entering the country and it stopped there. It was one of the reasons why she sent Angel the postcard and she was happy someone was coming to see her.

Faith took one look at the family still playing on the beach and walked off with her soon to be rid of cellmate.

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

The last few days had been a flurry of activity for the ex-cop. She had prepared her passport and had one made for Faith from someone who owed her a favour. Her tickets were bought and she was nearly ready to embark on the trip. Angel Investigations were okay with her going, Angel especially. They all filled her in on Faith's history, some that she would never have guessed if she weren't told.

Angel had another heart-to-heart with her the night before and outlined the way Faith liked to play. Sex and violence, that was the message, but inside was a woman that had never really been loved. Kate had seen some of that during the few times they had met and for the first time started to feel a tiny bit of sympathy for her.

She was trying to get to sleep when the phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Angel said I should call this number."

"You're not playing the voyeur again are you?" Kate sat up in bed and turned on the light. It must be mid afternoon in Australia.

"Still coming?" Kate thought she heard a tinge of urgency in Faith's tone. Maybe she did need some help.

"Yes, I'm leaving tomorrow night and I land a couple days after that." She gave Faith the flight details. "I assume you're meeting me."

"I'll be there, but only if you promise me one thing."

"And that would be?"

"You're not going to cuff me and drag me back on a plane."

"Not immediately. I've booked into a hotel for at least a couple of nights. Like I said, I need a vacation. No point in flying for hours to immediately turn around and do it again."

"You wouldn't be lying to me, Kate?" Another hint of desperation came through the phone.

"No, you can check out the reservation if you don't believe me."

"I'll take your word on that." Faith had begun watching the family again. They'd ditched the cricket and were now building sandcastles.

"Anything I should bring?" Kate decided to at least establish some trust, especially since Faith had just given her some.

"Have that bikini packed?" Faith's eyes left the family and checked out the bodies on the beach. She'd rather imagine what Kate would look like in a string bikini.

"Other than that?"

"Do yourself a favour and buy a camera duty free."

"See you then," Kate said becoming nervous. This could be one big game to the Slayer and she would be up for sucker of the century.

"Looking forward to it."

Kate put the receiver down and hoped that was true.

END PART 1

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Message: 4 Date: Sun, 10 Jun 2001 06:18:41 -0700 (PDT) From: Eos Dew Subject: Fic: On A Good Wicket 2/6

PART 2

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

Kate looked outside at the sunny sky as she walked through to collect her baggage. Here she was: Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, Australia. She'd slept most of the way and spent the rest of the time looking over the notes she had collected on Faith. It was not going to be easy, everyone had told her that, but Angel thought that she could do it. The vampire at least knew what he was talking about since he'd helped Faith more than once.

Faith said they would meet at the airport McDonalds so as soon as she grabbed her suitcase she headed over there. The girl was hard to miss. Even in the crowded airport she stood out. Kate took a couple of moments to study the girl while she was looking in the other direction. She was dressed in black pants and a tank top. Her hair was a little longer than she remembered it. The expression on the brunette's face was one of anxiousness.

Faith turned and spotted the blonde looking at her. Their eyes caught one another and Faith gave her a wide grin, motioning her over with her hand.

"Glad to see you made it," Faith said watching Kate put down her luggage and joining Faith at the table. Kate looked at her, sizing her up. "Good flight?"

"Not really." They both continued their stares.

"Try doing it in the hold of a plane." Faith looked down at the tray that was in front of them. "I ordered for you, since you are probably hungry."

"Thank you," Kate said pulling out her purse and trying to work out the Australian currency.

"No need, this is my treat." Faith pushed over a burger and chips. "Same old McDonalds."

"Where have you been staying?" Kate unwrapped her burger and started eating. Faith was right, she was hungry.

"Backpacker hostel. It's cheap. And I blend in, lots of tourists around there." Faith dug into her own meal. "Learned a lot of things down there about how to get on here."

"And?" Kate was curious about the country. She loved watching the Olympics a few months beforehand and it was always one of those places you thought of as exotic.

"Never try the lingo to try to impress, it makes you look like a dumb American. If asked if you are enjoying yourself, never criticise especially their sport. They have a serious addiction to it, like I'm talking about it being bigger than religion. And this one I like…you don't normally tip, you can but it's not expected."

"So you've been doing okay?" Kate asked taking in the information.

"Yes." The answer implied she wasn't going to be answering any more questions of a similar nature.

"How about your Australian friend. Where is she?"

"Disappeared a couple of days ago. She ran into an old boyfriend and I didn't see her again." Faith stuck as close to the truth as possible. Kate nodded and finished her meal.

She wiped her hands and levelled a sobering look on Faith. "Alright, Faith, this is how I'm playing it. For two days we are going to be tourists. I'm not going to let you out of my sight for most of that time. At the end you are going to make a decision. Either you come back to the US willingly or I will use the Australian authorities to arrest you. Am I making myself clear?"

"Very clear." Faith gave Kate an equally sober expression.

"I booked a double room for us and that is where we are going right now." The tone made no room for argument and Faith nodded. She got herself into this and she was going to have to play along.

They made it out of the airport and into a taxi that took them the twenty or so minutes into the inner city where Kate was staying. The day was hot and Kate was glad to get into the air-conditioned hotel. Faith had been silent throughout the trip while their Greek-Australian taxi driver couldn't stop talking to them about what the city had to offer. Once in their room Kate put down her suitcase and took in the scene before her. Faith was sitting on one of the two beds trying out its comfort factor.

The blonde moved to the window and looked down at the city below. Not far away was the city centre marked by including several tall buildings and church spires. It looked like many cities in the world, many cities in the US, except that the cars were driving on the left side and it had it's own distinct style. She turned around and looked at the Slayer.

"You're probably asking yourself why I'm here." Kate started and produced a small smile when Faith's face gave away that's exactly what she was thinking. "I'm no longer a cop."

"Since when?" Faith asked and saw Kate hold up her hand.

"That means when we get back I have no authority over you, but that doesn’t mean to say I won't be doing the right thing. Right now, all I want is a couple of days of relaxation and enjoyment. That means you are going to behave. No games, no running away and certainly no crime. I will not interfere on your behalf if you get caught. Angel was worried about you and I offered to do this out of friendship and trust. If I find you missing I will not hesitate to alert authorities. And just in case you think I'm bluffing I have numbers for Australian Immigration and the Australian Federal Police on me right now. You only have to give me one reason, Faith, and I'll do it. One chance is all you'll get from me." Kate stopped but again held out her hand when she saw Faith about to speak. "Hopefully if we work together we may have a good time before we go back. But right now I want to know how you got here and what you have been up to." Kate walked over to her suitcase and opened it up.

"I'm sorry about your job," Faith remarked and found she actually meant it. Kate had been a good cop and whatever caused her to lose her status must have been hard.

Kate looked up at the sincere expression. "Thank you."

Faith then related about how she broke out of jail with Bundy - the Australian - made it to the airport and managed to stowaway in the hold. They arrived in Sydney and spent a couple of days there celebrating their freedom. Bundy was from Ballarat, a country town about an hour out of Melbourne, so they made their way down hitching. Along the way they stopped off at various towns.

"There's this town called Wagga Wagga, right." Faith picked up a pen and wrote the name down so Kate could see. "But get this. It's pronounced Wogga Wogga. How weird is this country. Bundy said it's an Aboriginal name."

Kate nodded and motioned for Faith to get back to the story. The escaped duo arrived in Melbourne a few days after landing in Sydney and Faith had been here since. Along the way, she saw a couple of kangaroos but they were the only ones she'd seen.

"Melbourne's a good city. Lots of clubs, nightlife and the shopping here. If only I had the money," Faith finished.

"Only a few kangaroos?" Kate asked hanging up a jacket.

"I know. I wanted one as a pet, but the ones I saw were miles from any city. Bundy said the only roos in the city are in the zoo, well, unless you count the Kangaroos football team. Major disappointment. Same with koalas." Faith walked over and peeked in the suitcase. "No bikini?"

"None of your business." Kate quickly closed the lid and stored it under the bed. "So what's to do here?" The hotel room had a few brochures and she picked up a couple.

"The beach is great. As I said the shopping. Great clubs to choose from. And Bundy said something about little penguins, which I laughed at, but she said it's wicked cool."

Kate ruffled through the tourist information and found the blurb about the fairy penguins.

"That sounds good," she answered, "we could do that."

"You are really going to play tourist?" Faith suddenly realised Kate was for real. Wow, this could be fun.

"Yes. I was serious when I said I need a vacation. You behave and we could have a great experience." Kate was still going through the brochures and didn't see Faith's grin.

"Are you feeling any jet lag?"

Kate looked up suspiciously. "No, why?"

"I was hoping we could get out of this hotel room."

"What's the best way to get around the city?" Kate picked up a map of central Melbourne.

"Tram, train, or walking." Faith took a ticket out of her pocket. "This gets you on any public transport in the city."

"What about a car?" Kate had made inquiries to hire one, but she hadn't made any definite plans.

"No car, don't need it. Plus you might be a road hazard with trying to drive on the left and dodging trams." Kate nodded in agreement. "I'll take you on a tour if you want."

Kate studied the girl. "Okay."

"First, change into something cooler." Faith looked at Kate's black jeans and long sleeved top.

The blonde slipped into a summer dress and took the lead out of the hotel room. Faith's eyes gravitated towards Kate's ass as she followed. Then quickly she drew them up to eye level before Kate turned in the elevator.

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

They spent the next couple of hours exploring the centre of the city. They hit the shops first, taking in the multicultural range of fashion, food and other items offered. Kate was surprised to find the shops weren't that different to the ones back home. They took in Bourke St, an outdoor mall where various street performers were entertaining the shoppers. They stopped to listen to a South American band playing before moving onto a string quartet.

After having a snack, they journeyed onto take in some of the gardens Melbourne is known for. Kate made good use of the camera she had bought on Faith's advice, snapping pictures of the Victorian architecture that characterised many of the city's older buildings.

Faith watched Kate line up a shot of Parliament House. The happy concentration on the blonde's face gave Faith a rare insight into her character. All afternoon they had shared mutual admiration and excitement about the city, but looking at buildings wasn't Faith's thing. However, Kate had insisted they do this, leaving Faith with no doubt that while Kate was asserting her authority she genuinely was excited by the place. Since they had met, Faith had always known the blonde to be a great researcher - she knew so many things about Faith's case that anyone else would never have picked up - but now she knew it wasn't only a skill she used in her former job. Faith had the feeling Kate wanted to know the history of this place for the sake of it.

After taking various photographs Kate was satisfied with the result and turned to where Faith was leaning on a post. She grinned to herself over the bored expression on the Slayer's face. Still smiling, she strolled over to where Faith was shading herself.

"Not a history buff, I take it?" She put the shutter over the lens and peered back at Faith.

"Looking at buildings built 150 years ago isn't what I call entertainment."

"What do you call entertainment, then?" They started walking back towards the shops.

"Lots of things." Faith leaned over and leered.

Kate didn't answer her instead taking in the sights and sounds of the city while they traced their steps back to the mall.

Suggesting they keep shopping, Faith secretly wanted to go back to a department store she visited a couple of days before. She led them up a few escalators in pretence of browsing through the departments. Then feigned surprise when they came across the computer section with various consoles set up for trying out games. Faith picked the line for Playstation2 and soon took the controls off a teenage boy. The screen came alive as Faith moved her character around and fought the enemies coming at her.

Kate caught herself smiling at Faith's reactions to her game playing. As long as she didn't fight like that in real-life, she thought wincing when Faith mistimed a jump. She was baffled that she was having fun with the criminal. Faith had so much energy that it was starting to rub off on her. Maybe that's what she needed after the last couple of weeks.

A line of children was queuing up for their turn and Faith showed no sign of stopping her reign of terror on the monsters. Finally, Kate tugged her arm and pointed to the children behind the girl. The distraction was enough for Faith's character to die and a couple of the kids muttered 'about time.'

"You should try it, Kate," Faith said watching the next kid have a go. Not as good as she was, she thought smugly to herself.

"I don't think so." Kate looked at the line of kids half her age. Not only would she look out of place but probably embarrass herself as well. "It's time to be getting back."

Faith nodded and they made their way to the hotel with Faith doing a running commentary on the places she knew. The way in which Faith described them tickled the blonde and while she tried to hide her amusement from her, Faith grinned in delight at the way Kate was responding to her.

Faith grabbed the paper Kate had bought and started reading it while Kate poured out drink for them back at the hotel.

"What are we doing tonight?" Faith asked the all-important question.

It was just past five and she couldn't wait to get out and enjoy the night. She found the remote to the television and turned it on. Five channels to choose from. Children's show, children's show, game show, news, foreign language. Too bad the room didn't have cable. She settled on the news with the sound down. Kate glanced at the screen as she passed a glass to the girl.

"Well, there's so many restaurants to choose from I don't know where to start. Asian, Indian, Italian or seafood."

"I meant after dinner."

"Well knowing you, I would say you want to go clubbing. Guess what?"

"We're going to an opera?"

"Not quite," Kate answered smiling at Faith's expression. "We're going to have an early night because I really need it. But before that, I was wondering if you had anything you need picking up at the hostel."

"I do have someone keeping an eye on my bag." Faith answered. It had been insurance just in case Kate had wanted to return to the States right away. There was nothing important in there; a few clothes and money, but Kate didn't have to know that.

"We'll take a detour down there after dinner." Kate settled on the bed next to Faith's and watched part of the news before getting ready.

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

The evening went pleasantly, though the two women left the other to their thoughts because of their reluctance to talk about their situation. Faith took them down to her hostel and collected her bag.

"Faith, mate." Faith felt herself caught up in a hug from an Australian before she could leave the hostel grounds. "How's it going?"

"Fine."

"Andy. From Darwin." He stuck out his hand for Kate.

"Kate." Kate gave it a shake unable to resist the friendly grin. "Darwin?"

"Top of the country. Named after Charles Darwin, bombed in World War 2, destroyed by cyclone in 1974." He grinned at her. "Been asked that quite a lot."

"Bombed?" Kate asked interested.

"By the Japanese."

"Australian's were in the war?"

"Both world wars, Vietnam, Boer, Korea, Gulf, a couple of others."

"Wow, I had no idea." Kate was becoming more intrigued by Australia's history.

"That's okay, I don't know much about American history. I mean I don't even know who Jefferson or Lincoln were other than being important people in your country. And that Lincoln was shot at the theatre."

"We have to go," Faith said tugging Kate's dress. These two were making too much eye contact for her liking.

"Okay, nice meeting you," Andy held out his hand again and Kate gave it another shake. "Take care, Faith."

"Will do," Faith smiled at him and they went their separate ways.

"What was that about?" Kate asked amused.

"You wanted to get to bed early. Andy can talk for hours."

There was something in the way Faith spoke that made Kate edgy. Something that had made Faith want to keep her away from the man. She shook her head. It wasn't any of her business, she was there to bring her home not analyse her.

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

Kate flipped the covers and slipped under them taking the opportunity to become settled before Faith finished in the bathroom. The girl had left the television on and Kate turned her attention to it while waiting. She could swear she recognised someone from 'The Matrix' in the Australian show. Faith came out in the same clothes she'd been wearing all day.

"Are you sleeping in those?" Kate asked aware of her own PJ's.

"No," Faith scoffed and started to remove the pants.

Kate frowned. "Then what are you - oh." She watched Faith take off the tank and throw it over the back of the chair. She looked away until she heard Faith slip into the bed a couple of feet away from hers. When she turned again Faith was sitting up with the thin sheet covering her. "Tomorrow we'll buy you some clothes. I don't know why you haven't already."

"I have, but I don't normally need to anything to sleep in." Faith smiled in the dim light of the room. "Where I've been sleeping there's been no air-conditioning."

"Goodnight." Kate reached over to turn off the lamp.

"What time do I have to be awake?" Faith reached for the remote where she'd hidden it under the sheets and switched off the television disappointed. It was way too early to go to sleep.

"Eight."

"Nine," Faith offered.

"Eight."

"Eight-thirty."

"Eight or I'll wake you with cold water." Kate watched Faith shudder slightly and felt satisfied. "Goodnight."

She shut off the lamp and the streetlights filtered in.

"Kate?" Faith lay down with her hands above her head.

"Yes?"

"Why aren't you a cop anymore?"

Kate's eyes filled with tears in the dark. "That is something I will not discuss with you."

"Are you going to work for Angel?"

"I haven't thought about it," Kate lied.

"He hadn't been to see me for quite some time before I escaped. Is he okay?"

"Yes, a lot has happened in the last few of months. But it's not my story to tell."

"Kate?"

"Yes?" Her voice was more insistent now.

"What did they tell you about me? I assume they didn't let you go without being equipped to handle me."

"A run down on your life as they know it. Sunnydale, slaying and your relationships with everyone." Kate supplied the information knowing if Faith knew what she knew it would make it easier to build a trust so she could get the girl back home in one piece. "It let me understand you better."

"You don't understand anything." Faith's voice rose.

"You're a murderer, that I don't understand. But apart from your Slayer status you're no different from the rest of the scum I've arrested." Kate's voice also rose.

"Guess I deserved that," Faith said quietly.

"You escaped jail. What do want? My sympathy?"

"Your-" Faith stopped and sighed.

"My what?" Kate asked intrigued by Faith's soft voice.

"Forget it." There was silence for a few minutes before Faith opened her mouth again. "Kate?"

"Yes." It came out as half a hiss.

"Truth or dare?" She heard a long sigh in the darkness. "Truth or dare?"

"Faith. Goodnight."

"You afraid? Come on, I thought you were in the game."

"That's it, no more talking." Kate turned away from her and tried to get comfortable.

"I'll go first," Faith offered.

"Do you want me to smother you with your pillow."

"I promise I won't ask you when you lost your virginity," Faith ignored the threat and continued. "Strictly no sex talk. Not even anything really personal."

"Okay, but absolutely nothing personal." Kate warned and rolled over tempted by the bargain. "Truth or dare?"

"Truth." Faith smiled in the darkness and sat up a little so she could see the dark lump in the next bed.

"Why come here after escaping?"

"I wanted a clean start." Faith waited a couple of beats. "My turn. Truth or dare?"

"Truth." Kate readied herself to be asked a personal question.

"Why come here after me?"

"I trust Angel's judgement about you." Kate felt relieved. Maybe she could find out some useful information with this game. "Truth or dare?"

"Dare."

Or maybe not. "Dare you to actually eat what I order tomorrow night." Faith had refused to go anywhere near some of the seafood she had eaten that night.

"Consider it done. Truth or dare?"

"Dare."

"Sleep naked."

"Now wait a-" Kate sat up protesting.

Faith watched the figure move and smirked.

"It has nothing to do with sex, Kate. Be adventurous, you're on vacation. I promise I won't peek."

Kate thought about it. There were two choices. She could do it and be caught out…or she could stay clothed and have Faith think she was a coward. The girl was right, after what had happened she wanted to live her life to the fullest and taking risks was part of that.

"Promise?" She asked.

"Cross my heart." Faith did it in the dark.

"Okay," Kate said and started taking off her clothes. "Turn away."

"I can't see anything anyways." Faith complained but did as was asked. It took all her strength not to peek.

"Truth or dare?" Kate asked settling back into bed. Talking to Faith in the darkness was a lot easier.

"Truth." Faith dared look over but couldn't see a thing. Maybe if she woke early she might catch a glimpse of at least something for her effort.

"What's your favourite colour?" Kate hoped Faith would go for the tame after this question.

"Black, of course. Thought you would have guessed that. You wasted a round. Truth or dare?" Kate answered truth thinking about the last dare. "What was your family like?"

"What happened to non-personal?" Kate asked knowing she'd probably piqued Faith's interest.

"I thought it would be a fairly dull question," Faith answered sincerely. "Of course if it was anything like mine I guess I could see your point. I'll ask you another one."

"No. I did sign on to play." Kate wanted to prove she could answer the tough questions. "My mother died when I was young, my father a while ago."

"Thank you," Faith said amazed she felt sympathy for the blonde.

"Truth or dare." Faith thought it only fair to say truth. "Why did you ask me about my family?"

"I wanted to know how good your childhood was."

"So you can play who is to be pitied more?" Kate asked somewhat pissed off. "We all have sob stories, Faith."

"No. To get to know you." Faith tried hard to stress.

It was time to end this game for the moment.

"Truth or dare?" She asked and sneered when Kate answered with another truth. "When was the last time you had sex?"

There was no answer and Faith rolled over satisfied. They both drifted off exhausted by the constant game they were playing.

END PART 2

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Message: 5 Date: Sun, 10 Jun 2001 06:20:00 -0700 (PDT) From: Eos Dew Subject: Fic: On A Good Wicket 3/6

PART 3

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

Faith opened her eyes and immediately turned towards the other bed. Too late, it was empty. She thought about waiting until Kate was back to get out of bed and give her a show, but decided against it. Quickly she put on clean clothes and turned the radio on. Kate came out of the bathroom and they greeted each other warily.

"What's for breakfast? Or as Bundy called it, brekkie." Faith asked turning down the radio. The forecast was for another hot day. The sun was already shining bright on the city.

"Room service should be here any minute."

When the breakfast arrived, they settled down and ate in a comfortable silence.

"Are we still going to the beach?" Faith asked after devouring her meal.

"Yes, you said St Kilda is the way to go."

Kate was looking forward to a day of relaxation and hoped Faith would behave.

The girl nodded and soon they were on a tram heading for the popular beach just minutes from the inner city. Kate had packed for the beach before she left the US, so they had everything they needed. On the way there, Faith tried to peek at what kind of suit Kate had hidden under a pair of shorts and T-shirt. No luck, but she couldn't wait until they got down there.

"There's some shade over there," Kate pointed out a palm tree casting its shadow over the sand and they headed for it.

The beach was already busy with swimmers and sunbakers. They found the spot and Faith slowly laid her towel out in the sun subtly watching Kate do the same. Her eyes lit up when Kate removed her T-shirt and she let out stifled groan when she caught sight of the top half of a one-piece suit. She stripped down to a skimpy red bikini and watched for a reaction from Kate. The blonde ignored her and settled down in the sun making sure her bag in the shade.

"Sunscreen." Faith stated looking at Kate's pale skin. She noticed most Australians at least had a hat to protect against the sun.

"I already put it on." Kate's sunglasses hid her eyes.

"Would have worn off by now." Faith turned her head and grinned.

Kate inwardly smiled. Sex and violence, that's what she'd been told. She knew of the violence but now she was finding out about the sex. As long as it was harmless innuendo, Kate was okay with it. Let the girl have her fun; it wouldn't be for long.

"Don't worry, I'll make sure to put some on before I go in the water." Kate turned her head to face her and said in an insincere tone, "I'm touched by your concern."

Faith rotated her head back to the sky. Well, she thought to herself, I wanted someone to play with me but did they have to be so good at it? Her eyes moved back down and swept across the mass of flesh on display, but all she could think of was rubbing her hands over Kate's body.

They both enjoyed soaking up the rays for a good part of an hour before Kate felt herself frying. Silently she rose and headed for the water again giving Faith a good view of her ass. The girl's stare continued until she could only see Kate's head in the water. She sat up intent on joining her when a shadow fell across her.

"I couldn't help but notice you," a muscled man in his twenties said and squatted in front of her. Faith looked him up and down and smiled. The action on the sex front had severely been lacking in the last few months. She had some Australian in Sydney but couldn't even remember what he looked like.

"I'm certainly noticing you." He took that as an invitation to sit down as Faith commented, "You're American."

"I live here. I heard you and your friend talking earlier and couldn't miss the accent." They both turned to see Kate heading back up the beach. "Vacation?" He guessed and Faith nodded. "I'm Brent."

Kate arrived and introductions were made.

"How's the water?" Faith asked intently watching Kate towel herself down.

"Beautiful," Kate said looking at Brent. "You should try it." Faith eyes widened in surprise at the tone Kate used. It seemed as though Kate wanted to be rid of her.

"Maybe later," she shrugged.

Both women turned their attention to Brent. He started telling them about how he ended up here and they told him about where they were from. The look on the blonde's face pissed Faith off. She was flirting with him, Faith thought disgustedly and he was encouraging it. After they started talking about the political situation back in the States, Faith gave up and went for a dip hoping to cool more than her sun-warmed body.

While she floated on her back, she kept an eye on the couple. Kate was laughing. How come she couldn't get the blonde to laugh like that. What was that scumbag saying to her? Surely that wasn't about politics. She floated for a couple more minutes before swimming back to wading depth and landing on her feet. Now closer she could see he was sitting in a different position than before. Right next to her. Faith stomped out of the water narrowly avoiding a child's sand creation on the way. Angrily she grabbed her towel and gave it a shake in Brent's direction.

"I'm sorry," she said sweetly when grains of sand blew in his face.

Brent smiled charmingly at her. 'Oh is that how you want to play it?' Faith gave him a half-sneer. 'Bad luck, sleazebag.' Leaning over him so her breasts were directly in his line of sight, she slowly started drying her arms. His eyes followed her chest as she wiped herself down with more jiggling than necessary.

"Want to go for a swim?" she asked.

"Okay," he quickly stood still eyeing her breasts.

"I was asking Kate." Faith used the towel to cover herself and glanced at Kate who was glaring at Brent. 'You just lost, buddy.' Faith smiled pleased he wasn't going to have the chance to hurt Kate. She didn't know why, but suddenly that was more important than getting a lay. "Kate?"

The blonde followed her down to the water leaving a disappointed Brent behind. But instead of thanking Faith for the save, Kate turned on her.

"You couldn't help yourself, could you?" They waded out into chest high water.

"He was a sleaze, Kate. Looking for one thing."

"No, you couldn't stand that he didn't pay much attention to you until you dangled your breasts in front of him like catch of the day."

"If he liked you he would have realised his mistake before it was too late." Faith floated on her back again.

"Next time, don't bother." Kate swam away and Faith rolled over and followed her.

"You really wanted to sleep with him?" Faith asked catching up. They were well away from the shore and there was no one else close enough to hear the private conversation. Brent had disappeared from the beach, she noted happily.

"I was only flirting, Faith," Kate said exasperated, "this is my vacation. You're just jealous he was flirting with me and not you."

"Yeah?" Faith's eyebrows rose and she splashed Kate with a handful of water.

"Oh yeah."

Kate smirked and returned a spray with a flick of her hand. Faith chuckled and gave her another splash using two hands. The game was on. Water churned between the two of them as they battled to outdo the other. Laughter spilled from their mouths and soon neither cared it was Faith who was winning. Kate ducked a splash coming her way and dived under. She surfaced behind the brunette and managed to give her a thunderous washing before Faith could react. Faith's payback was another mighty splash hitting Kate on the chest. Then she lunged forward and took hold of Kate's arms stopping her from retaliating. They were both still laughing as they tread water. Kate playfully struggled to get out of the tight hold but the girl was too strong.

"Faith?" Kate finally resigned herself to losing this round.

"Yeah?"

"I think you're hurting me," Kate said without anger.

"Sorry." She let go of the arms and found herself being forced gently under the water. She came up spitting out water and gave Kate a predatory look. "I can't believe I fell for that." They both started laughing again. "I'll get my paybacks…when you least expect it."

"Is that a surrender?" Kate started backing away towards the shore.

"I'll never surrender." Faith laughed and waited a couple of minutes before joining Kate on the beach. It was as if Brent had never appeared.

They bought lunch from one of the kiosks along the foreshore and spent another couple of hours alternating between swimming and drying off. In the mid-afternoon Kate started packing up their gear. Faith had been watching a couple of families building a monstrous sea sculpture and didn't take any notice of the woman beside her. Kate stood still and saw Faith smile then frown several times as she watched the happy noise coming from the group. She thought back to when Faith asked about her family the night before. Maybe it wasn't about playing for sympathy at all.

"Faith," she called gently and had to repeat it before the girl responded.

They started a slow stroll up the beach taking in the sights. For the better part of the day they had been in their own worlds but now Kate wanted to talk.

"Thank you for making it an enjoyable day," she started. The water fight had cleared the air between them and she felt they were more comfortable each other as a result.

"No use in pissing you off," Faith said honestly. "You look like the kind of person that can stay angry for days."

"I'm having a good time so you better not." Kate smiled over at the girl.

Once they were back in the States things would change but right now she could play friends with the girl, she didn't see any reason not to. They passed a row of restaurants and took in the amazing views.

"No wonder they call it beautiful," Kate said.

"Not the worst place to escape to."

"I thought it would be different to this. It looks not that much different to home."

"Except the amount of people and several other things." Faith shared a smile with her. "It's certainly not Crocodile Dundee."

"Since I'm not going to see a kangaroo in the wild do you want to visit the zoo?"

"As long as they have dingoes, koalas and platypuses." Faith ticked off the animals on her hand.

"And crocodiles."

"And polar bears."

"They're not Australian." Kate argued before seeing the smirk on Faith's face. "I'll have a look at the tourist guide when we get back."

"If you were an animal what would it be?" Faith thought of the question and it popped out before she considered how silly it sounded.

"An eagle. You?" Kate answered without thinking about it. It was asking her to look inside herself and she didn't want to do that so close to her breakdown.

"T-Rex," Faith said seriously and Kate couldn't stop a burst of laughter. "Hey, it reigned over all animals."

"And it's extinct." Kate gently bumped Faith in the arm. "Try again."

"I don't know. Snake." Faith shrugged her shoulders wishing she hadn't asked the question. Kate glanced at her puzzled and felt Faith give her a glance once she turned her head back to the water.

A mark on Kate's neck caught Faith's eye. Bite marks. Well, she was walking in the sun so she wasn't a vampire. She quickly turned her eyes when Kate gave her another look. She didn't want to risk ruining the day but she promised herself she would ask about it later.

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

They arrived back at the hotel where they both showered away the sand. Kate already decided they would dine at one of the restaurants by the Yarra River, which flowed through the heart of the city. The food was good and they had a view of the city lit up once the sun went down. Kate had ordered everything for Faith as part of the dare but the girl ate everything in front of her.

Unlike the previous evening, the conversation flowed freely. Faith spent most of the dinner telling Kate about her adventures in Sydney, minus the bank robbery. She'd seen the bridge, the harbour, the Opera House and Homebush where the Olympics were held.

"Your postcard said you had killed a few vampires." Kate placed her dessert spoon on the plate.

"A couple. Haven't seen any since. Doesn't mean they're not out here though." Faith looked around at the other restaurant patrons. No one appeared to be listening. "I haven't visited the right areas."

Kate nodded and looked out to the city. It didn't feel like she was half-way around the world. This whole trip was surreal. She indicated they were ready to go and Faith obediently followed her into the night. They turned right and strolled on a walking track along the river.

"Why play this game?" Kate asked looking out at the lights reflected on the water. The night air was warm and there were still dozens of people milling around. Families, couples, cyclists and those enjoying the warm nights before autumn settled in. "We all thought you were past it."

"Why not?"

"Because you are going backwards. I can't imagine how hard it was to make the decision to confess. You've blown it all in one impulsive action."

"You don't think I know that!" Faith turned and stood in front of her. "You think I don't regret breaking out."

"So I'm on a rescue mission? Help, I've escaped jail, let's have someone come and get me." Kate looked at her in the pale light.

"Something like that." Faith turned around and started their slow walk again.

"Why not come back on your own? Or turn yourself in? Would have saved everyone the trouble," Kate questioned sternly.

"It was hard enough the first time. Not to mention getting caught in another country doesn't look good. That's chalking up some major no-no points."

"So you decide to get Angel to help you out?" Kate stopped and walked to the edge of the bank watching cars roll over a bridge.

"Instead I get you." Kate turned around sharply. "I'm not complaining, mind you." No, Kate was a lot more fun than Angel and looked better in a bathing suit.

"I'm not either and let's keep it that way." They began walking again.

"I'm going to need your help getting back to the US," Faith said after a few minutes of silence.

"Already done. I have a passport for you." Faith left it at that, knowing that however it happened it was illegal. "That means you don't tell anyone you were here. Understand?" Faith nodded.

They turned back and caught a tram to the hotel. Faith decided to stay on a park bench outside the hotel. Kate went in, but came out ten minutes later. She turned her eyes skywards, where Faith's were pointing. There weren't many stars to see with the city lights. The hotel's floodlights partially lit the area. Cicadas were chirping it the background indicating the warm night.

"Kate?"

"Yes?" She hoped it wasn't another game of truth or dare.

"Are you enjoying yourself?" Faith lowered her head to look at the blonde. For a brief moment Faith could see a sadness come over the blonde woman.

"Yes." Kate nodded realising that she was. She couldn't remember the last time she had spent a day out, laughing and enjoying the company. It was what was missing from her life.

"Did you want to go out on your own?"

"So I can leave you alone?" Kate looked at the concerned face confused. The girl was concerned about her?

"No, to do…adult things." Faith had trouble thinking about Kate with anyone else, especially after the Brent incident.

"You mean find someone to sleep with?" Kate smiled slightly taking a seat.

"Or at least find someone who knows how to show you a good time." Faith shrugged and looked back up at the sky. She felt Kate still facing her direction.

"I'm already having a good time." Faith's gaze quickly landed back the ex-cop. "I don't need sex to have a good time."

"It helps." Faith eyebrows wiggled up and down. "Even a mild groping can do wonders."

"Not at this point in time," Kate said firmly. She didn't think she could handle having a quick encounter and watching someone walk away at the end.

"You say the word and I'll take you to a place where I found many willing hunks the other night. Maybe I could even find one to hook you up with." Faith offered wanting to get Kate out of the minor funk she felt the blonde was in. Although she didn't want to see Kate with someone else, it would be better than seeing her mope around.

"Faith, really, I don't think so." Kate placed a hand on the arm next to hers for a brief time. "And if I do feel like it, I'll find my own man, thank you very much."

Faith nodded then shook her head slightly. Not at Kate's words, as Kate thought, but at the feeling that she was becoming attached to the blonde. There was definitely a vibe that Kate was not as happy as she appeared to be. She guessed losing her job or getting bitten could be the cause. Something didn't add up and Faith wanted to know what it was.

She watched as Kate got up and walked back into the hotel. After studying the southern sky for a while longer she followed Kate up to their room.

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

The room was thrown into darkness when Kate turned the lamp off after Faith climbed into bed. She settled down in her own bed clothed in her PJ's again.

"Kate?" Faith started again and smiled in the darkness when she heard on of those long sighs. "What are those marks on your neck?"

She heard a small gasp. Kate's hand unconsciously went to her neck.

"Kate?" Faith asked after there was nothing but silence.

She reached over and turned the lamp on. There was a tear streak running down Kate's face. Faith ripped the sheet off her body and crossed over to the other bed.

"He didn't do too much damage," Faith remarked taking a closer look and reached out to caress the skin but Kate's hand stopped her.

While Faith studied the marks from a safe distance, Kate's eyes gravitated to the naked body on her bed. Faith didn't even seem to notice.

"So what saved you?" Their eyes connected. "Angel?"

"In a way, yes." Kate felt so self-conscious. It had taken her weeks before she went out without concealer on the marks. They had faded enough so they weren't immediately noticeable.

"Kate?" Faith noticed their position.

"Yes?" She said taking a breath.

"Thank you." Faith's voice whispered. "For everything you've done. You could have turned me in the moment you got here."

"I owe Angel." Kate looked down and then quickly drew her eyes away from the breasts.

"I want to say thank you." Faith moved her head closer.

"You just did." Kate looked back at the dark eyes. They were very dark. She watched almost paralysed as Faith drew in her head. When she felt a puff of air on her lips, she tilted her head away. "Faith?"

"Yes?" Faith licked her lips.

"I don't want sex as a thank you present." The girl pulled back instantly. "Not that I don't appreciate the offer, but I'm not about to be paid with sex. Okay?"

"Okay." Faith returned to her own bed, disappointed.

The same emotion was also going through Kate. She was confused, disappointed and flattered all at the same time. Faith wanted to sleep with her. Or at least try to pay off what she saw as a debt. Maybe this was the only way she knew how to show her gratitude. But, Kate thought to herself, why am I so disappointed? She didn't want to sleep with Faith, she didn't even want to be friends with her. She shook her head and turned off the lamp, noticing Faith had rolled away from her. I can't be friends with a criminal, not even one who I had a water fight with, can I?

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

Morning came and Kate found herself alone in the room. She panicked and quickly searched the room. The door opened just as she was going out to search the hotel. Faith walked in sweating. She gave Kate a brief smile before disappearing into the bathroom for a long time. When she emerged she avoided Kate's gaze and started in on the breakfast that had arrived during her shower.

"I thought we would go to that amusement park we passed yesterday in St Kilda," Kate said folding the paper. "Luna Park, I think it was called. They have a brochure here. Fun rides, roller-coaster and Dodgem cars. Sounds like fun and I haven't been to one of these since my teens."

Faith looked up and met the blue eyes for the first time that morning. "Wicked."

She had used the hotel's pool and gym after waking up early in the morning. The exercise had taken the edge off the tension she felt the night before and re-energised her for the day.

Standing in front of them was a huge face with laughing mouth serving as the gates into the fun park. Luna Park was opened in 1912 and throughout the decades had catered to fun seekers of all ages. After passing through the mouth, Faith decided to go on the Dodgem Cars. She looked to Kate and the blonde readily agreed, happy to follow Faith's childish enthusiasm.

Faith was immediately terrorised by two kids bent on intent bumping her out of the arena. She treated them roughly and managed to escape their clutches, then spun her car to find Kate who had gotten away from her in the fight. The blonde was busy bumping someone with her back turned to Faith. The Slayer raced over and bumped the unsuspecting blonde from behind. Oh this was going to be fun, Faith thought smiling at the blonde and wiggling her eyebrows.

When Kate finally had the chance to turn around to confront her challenger Faith had moved behind another car. Kate shook her head chuckling and chased the Slayer around the arena. She caught up with Faith trying to dodge the two kids again. It was either help Faith out or join in. She joined in. And Faith taunted her with shouts of 'traitor' and 'I'll get you' while trying to dodge and bump her three opponents. Kate shrugged her shoulders and laughed.

Faith was finally rescued by the children's father calling them away from her and the look on her face was priceless.

"Not so tough now, are we?" Kate bumped sideways into her again.

"Just you wait."

Faith sped away, spun around and headed for the blonde's red car. She bumped heavily into Kate and smirked when she received a glare for her efforts. She raced away and decided to take her revenge on the two kids.

When their time came to end they were both giggling and teasing each other as they walked out.

"Cotton candy." Faith pointed out and raced over to the stand.

Kate chuckled to herself and followed the Slayer. Faith bought one each and they walked around the park enjoying them. The awkwardness of the morning was left behind and Kate found herself questioning her liking Faith. Maybe it was the way Faith made her feel. Not the washed up cop who had felt there was nothing worth living for, but someone who was alive and enjoying all life offered. The girl's enthusiasm over something as simple as cotton candy was remarkable. If Faith could have that energy after committing horrible crimes then Kate could certainly get it back.

"Ghost train," Faith said in a mock scary voice when they passed the entrance. "Come on."

"That's for kids, Faith," Kate protested weakly. She felt a hand in hers and they made their way over to the queue.

"No it isn't, see."

Faith pointed to several parents lining up and Kate rolled her eyes. When they sat down Kate felt Faith's thigh pressing up against hers. She closed her eyes at the sensation and stifled the urge to squirm. Now she was noticing where Faith's body was in relation to hers. Stop it, she told herself.

The ride started and the kids screamed appropriately at the scary apparitions. At first the sights and sounds didn't affect her but as the ride continued she started getting caught up in the excitement and frivolity of it. Near the end Faith mock screamed and sort comfort from Kate's body. Kate froze, a war going on in her mind. She wanted to push Faith away but she couldn't. They came out of the tunnel and Faith slowly extracted herself from the warm body. Helping Kate out of the carriage she swore Kate's hand was clammy.

The Enterprise was the next stop where and Kate gave it an odd look. This was one of those spill-your-guts rides. Faith gave her no time to think about it and once again Kate didn't mind. She was warming up to the idea of going with Faith's fun instincts. After getting her balance back from the ride, Faith dragged her to the roller-coaster.

They were locked in and Kate felt her hand being taken in a strong grip before they set off. Faith felt Kate give her a glance before the blonde squeezed back. Flashing a smile Kate's way, Faith knew the blonde's spirits had lifted. A vacation was supposed to be a vacation. Faith wanted her to have one and not care about the mission until it was time to leave.

Their eyes locked as the track dipped. Kate screamed. The thrill of the air rushing past her and being held by Faith was amazing. She felt giddy, like she was Faith's age again. There was a smile on her face when she wasn't concentrating on holding on. Disappointment spread through her when the ride slowed down.

"Want to go again?" Faith asked watching the smile plastered on Kate's face. She'd succeeded in getting Kate to laugh like she had wanted to yesterday.

"No, that's enough," Kate breathed heavily and lifted her legs from the roller-coaster seat. At the same time she let go of Faith's warm hand.

"What's next?" Faith looked around.

"Hot dog." Kate had seen them earlier and she had a craving for one. Before Kate could pay Faith offered the woman the money.

"What?" Kate was giving her a glare as they found somewhere to sit. "I wanted to buy it for you, is that a crime?" Kate shook her head and started eating. "You don't get why I'm being nice to you, is that it? Maybe it would be better if I treated you like shit so you could keep thinking I'm a murderer."

"Faith." Kate wiped her mouth and thought how to respond. What the girl said was true; she was treating her differently because of the respect she was being shown. "I guess I can't reconcile the two images you have given me. I still see the person who did all those crimes but I can also see the carefree girl who played bumper cars with a couple of kids. I only want to be treated with respect the way any person should, the way you have been. How would like me to treat you?"

"Like you have," Faith mumbled shrugging.

"Okay. We're agreed. Just don't think you being nice to is going to get you out of going back to jail." Kate finished up and looked around. "We have a flight early morning. I want to change it."

"Why?" Faith asked worried.

"I want to spend more time here. It might be the only time in my life I have the opportunity." Kate looked over at Faith while playing with her napkin.

"I have no problem with that."

"Didn't think you would." They smiled. "Come on, one more thing and we'll go."

They found a shooting gallery. Faith graciously allowed Kate to have first crack at winning a prize. The blonde lined up the gun and started shooting the targets. Faith stood by and was tempted to do the blowing in the ear trick she'd seen in a couple of movies, but she held back. When Kate finished she had missed four targets. Not enough to win a prize. Faith took the gun off her giving her a cocky look before blowing off all her targets. The stall owner and the crowd around them clapped. Faith bowed giving a smiling Kate another cocky look.

"What would you like?" The man asked Faith showing her a range of stuffed toys. Faith looked them over and picked a light grey koala. "Good choice." The man handed it over and leaned in close. "Don't take this the wrong way, but please don’t come again."

Faith gave him a wink and a nod before moving off with the animal. The sun was high in the sky when they walked out of the park.

"Kate?"

"Yes?" They had stopped by a couple of palm trees just outside the fun park.

"Here." Faith held out the koala.

"You won that, Faith." Kate answered touched by the gesture.

"That means I can do what I want and I want you to have it. As a reminder of the fun you had today. I mean, you had a wicked cool time like you probably haven't had in years."

"Thank you, Faith." Kate took the offered toy and bestowed a grin on the brunette. "You're right, I felt like a kid again."

"And the fun doesn't have to stop, you need to let yourself go more often."

"Maybe I do," Kate mused more to herself than the woman standing beside her.

END PART 3

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Message: 6 Date: Sun, 10 Jun 2001 06:21:33 -0700 (PDT) From: Eos Dew Subject: Fic: On A Good Wicket 4/6

PART 4

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

Kate sent Faith down to the hotel reception to book for another three nights. In the meantime, she sent a call through to Angel.

"How is she?" Angel asked after they greeted each other.

"Well. You were right. She wants help getting back there. I don't think there will be any trouble on that front." Kate played with the ears of the toy koala idly while she sat on the bed.

"But?"

"It's going back to jail that is going to be the hard part."

"Do you want me to organise someone to meet you at the airport?"

"That's the other thing I was ringing about." Kate kept stroking the toy. "I've decided to stay another couple of days."

"Is anything wrong?" Angel's voice came through panicked.

"No. Not at all. I'm enjoying myself and Faith is behaving. I'm having a really great time." Kate admitted.

"That's great." Angel's voice perked up again.

"I'll phone before we leave with flight details and I'll have a think on how I want to handle the return."

"Whatever you feel comfortable with."

"Okay, see you in a few days."

"Kate. I'm glad you're happy."

"Yeah, thanks."

Angel hung up and Kate rang to change her ticket details. When she'd finished she looked at the koala in her lap. She smiled at the memory of Faith's face when she gave it to her. To say she was astonished was an understatement. This was no buying favour, this was Faith wanting to give her something without any strings attached. On impulse she gave the cute toy a hug and placed it sitting on her pillow.

The door opened and Faith came in smiling.

"All fixed." Kate thanked her. "Oh, look at the koala." Faith went over and inspected the toy sitting on the bed. Kate must really like it, she thought to herself. "You've got to name it."

"Name it?" Kate chuckled. "I'm not a kid, Faith."

"How about Mel?" Kate shook her head trying not to laugh. "Short for Melbourne. Or Aussie? Or Yarra. Faith, now that's a good name."

"It doesn't need a name." Kate crossed her arms and studied the animal. "Okay, maybe-"

"Root." Faith smiled knowing Kate was not going to get the joke.

"Root?" Kate asked suspiciously because of the look on Faith.

"Yeah."

"As in cheer for a team?"

"No, the Australian meaning of the word."

"And what would that be, Faith?" Kate was starting to suspect that it was offensive.

"Not telling. You'll have to ask someone." Faith reached out and shook the koala's paw. "Nice to meet you, Root."

"Well, it could only mean one thing and I'm not calling a toy - oh I don't even want to think about it." Kate shook her head and sat down on a chair.

"Fuck, screw, getting it on, lay, roll in the hay…root?" Faith supplied walking around to face the blonde. Kate's eyebrows arched but she said nothing choosing to look out onto the city. "I have a perfect name." Kate didn't even acknowledge her words. "Ticker."

"Ticker?" Kate asked liking it already.

"Yeah. It’s a favourite word to use here when talking about someone with a lot of courage and heart. I've heard the words 'he's got ticker' more than once."

"Ticker it is then." Kate nodded satisfied with the name. They both looked at the koala against the pillow before Faith moved and sat across from Kate.

"Where to now?"

"Right now I want to have a rest."

Kate picked up the morning's paper and started reading. Faith looked at her for a few moments before deciding to turn the radio on. The station was playing a mixture of mainly American, English and Australian pop artists. She flipped stations until she found one that played alternative. That was better, she thought and bobbed her head to a great song.

Faith picked up the tourist guide and flopped on Kate's bed next to Ticker.

"Kate?" Faith questioned after a time.

"Hmm?" She stopped reading and looked up. Her eyebrow's raised when she saw Faith on her bed.

"It's my turn to pick out the next venue." Faith knew exactly where she was going to take the ex-cop.

"Oh no," Kate said shaking her head. "You'll probably take me on an adults only tour of the city."

"No, nothing X-rated. Come on, you'll like it." Faith took hold of Ticker and held him up. "Ticker thinks so too." Faith wiggled her eyebrows and then made the koala's do the same. Kate laughed hard at the girl's comical actions. "What do you say?" Kate put her face in her hand and then threw both hands up in the air. "Yeah." Faith cheered making Ticker clap his paws together.

"Casual or formal?"

"Definitely casual." Faith put the koala back down.

"Faith, why are you on my bed?" Kate gave her a questioning glance.

"It was the closest." Faith shrugged and thought, 'I was testing it for tonight.' She could dream. "We're supposed to be on vacation so I thought I would play the part and be lazy."

Kate stood up and walked over to the bed with half a smile. "Are you going to get off?"

"I thought it was your job to help me."

Faith looked for a reaction but Kate obviously had another thing on her mind. The pillow disappeared from her back and it came down on her stomach.

"Hey." She was whacked again. "Oh, you asked for it, Kate."

She ducked the next blow, rolled off the bed and grabbed her own pillow. She jumped on Kate's bed and rained down a series of blows on the older woman still standing on the floor. She aimed for another shot but missed and felt Kate's pillow hit her solidly in the knees. She wobbled giving Kate enough time to join her up on the bed and give her another whack.

"Having fun?" Kate asked hitting her again in the chest.

"Yeah, because I know I'm going to win." Their pillows clashed a couple of times. "It's only logical." She produced a strong hit on Kate that made the blonde take a step back. "Last one on the bed wins."

"You're on."

Kate ducked and gave Faith another whack on the legs. She felt her back hit on her way up. Faith laughed and Kate joined her as they continued the fight. God knows what anyone would think if they saw the two giggling women having a pillow fight on top of a bed. Kate hit Faith one too many times in the legs making them falter. Taking advantage of the wobble, Kate shoved Faith's chest with her pillow sending her backwards. However Faith managed to unbalance Kate and she went down with her.

"Though you may have taken me down, I'm still on the bed," Faith breathed when Kate's body stilled on top of hers.

Although both enjoyed the intimate position they both wanted to win. They scurried up and started again. Whack. Whack. Duck. Whack. They fought for a few minutes more before Faith used her superior strength to back Kate up to the edge of the bed.

"Goodbye." Faith gave her another thump of her pillow and Kate had to jump off to avoid losing her footing. "Yes." Faith hollered and jumped on the bed a couple of times before dismounting. On her way past Kate, she received a light whack. "Sore loser," she said sticking her tongue out at the blonde.

"Say that again." Kate threatened with the pillow. Faith smiled and shook her head throwing her own pillow on her bed.

"Truce?" She asked holding out her hands.

"We'll shake on it," Kate said offering her hand.

"Put the pillow down, then." Kate placed the pillow on the bed beside her. "Step away." Kate did as she was told. They shook and separated.

"Faith?" Kate called the girl's attention back to her. When the brunette turned around, she got a face full of pillow.

"Oh, that's it." Faith backed Kate up to the bed and lifted her by the waist.

"Put me down." Faith dropped her on the bed and started tickling her.

"Faith." Kate squirmed away but Faith loomed over her. "Stop it. Right now."

Kate was ticklish, not extremely, but it felt as though she was the way Faith was attacking her. She had the curse that all persons being tickled had; she tried to sound serious while laughing.

Faith's hands strayed up her chest and landed briefly on her breast. All laughing stopped.

Faith looked up and caught the panic on Kate's face. "Sorry, I never meant…" Her hands withdrew completely from the body.

"I know." Kate calmed down and saw the guilt laid open on Faith's features. There was a touch of fear too. "It wasn't your fault, we both got carried away."

"I know. It's just I never want you to think I was assaulting you."

"Faith," Kate said softly and waited until the dark eyes rested on hers, "it was a mistake. I believe you. Don't think any more of it."

However they both did. Kate could feel her nipple hard under her bra. Now she was becoming aroused by Faith. This really had to stop.

Faith disappeared into the bathroom and closed the door. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Why was it so hard to stop thinking about Kate? Not just in the 'I want to fuck your brains out' way, but in the 'I want to spend all my time with you' way. She only had a couple more days before Kate would, without a thought, hand her back over to the US justice system. There was no time to think about even becoming friends with the blonde. When they got back home, Kate probably would drop her like a hot potato.

When she came a while later out the room was empty. Faith decided to wait on Kate's bed feeling where they had lain for mere moments. Kate's body on top of hers. The warmth and softness of the skin. The sweet smell that she had come to know as the woman's. Faith slipped into a fantasy world. Where she'd never touched Kate, but Kate had kissed her while laying on her. Then Kate confessed she wanted her and Faith had smiled before they kissed again. Her own hands were starting to move where she imagined Kate's were exploring.

She froze when the door opened. Faith quickly moved her hands behind her head and smiled when Kate faced her after closing the door. She took a couple of deep breaths and hoped her face wasn't flushed.

"Is there something wrong with your bed?" Kate asked noticing Faith's red cheeks. Was the air-conditioning on too low?

"It doesn't have a koala." Faith stood up and walked around to where Kate had put down a bag.

"Poor you." Kate put down her purse and smacked Faith's hand away from the bag. "No peeking." Faith gave her a pout. "I thought I might try some Australian food."

"We've been to two great restaurants."

"Junk food." Kate spilt the food from the bag on the table. "I went down to a supermarket after asking the receptionist about what to try." They looked at the assortment of chocolate, cookies and cakes.

"Wow." Faith looked at the food and back at Kate.

"Not on a diet are you?"

"Even if I was this would change my mind."

They took the food over to Kate's bed and sat facing each other. The first item they opened a packet of chocolate cookies (or biscuits as Australians called them) called Tim Tams.

"Receptionist said no one could come here with trying them." She bit into one and moaned. "And no wonder." Faith agreed by nodding her head.

For the next hour while listening to the radio, they shared their mutual delight in the chocolate, cookies and a cake slice called Lamingtons. This was a small square sponge cake covered in chocolate icing and coconut. Faith took a liking to a chocolate snack called Caramello Koala, a chocolate shaped koala with rich caramel inside.

"That's it," Kate said pushing away the wrappings and laying back on her pillow. Faith was still pigging out and Kate allowed herself the pleasure of watching her.

"I don't think we have to have dinner." Faith finally finished and swept up the packets in her arms and dumped them on the floor. She moved Ticker out the way and sat next to Kate on the pillow. "Doesn't matter. What I have planned for tonight didn't include a restaurant."

They sat there for a few minutes enjoying the memories of the food they had consumed and their closeness.

"So what do you have planned?" Kate asked looking at their feet inches from each other. She crossed her arms and ankles.

"At first I thought pub crawl." Faith laughed at the thought of dragging Kate from one pub to another all in the name of getting drunk and seeing how many places they could do in one night. "But I settled on one pub. They have a live band. All the backpackers were doing the pub crawl. Bundy and I joined them one night, that's where she met her friend." Faith nudged Kate with her shoulder. "I think you'll like it. Bundy said that in her hometown there were like 53 pubs and population was around 75,000. That would have been one hell of a pub crawl."

"How old are you Faith?" Kate knew exactly how old she was.

"I'm drinking age in this country, they start at 18." Faith smiled proudly. "Besides it wouldn't matter, I've never been asked for ID at home."

"That's not the point, Faith." Kate sighed lightly. "It's about breaking the law, not getting caught."

"I haven't broken the law since I came here." Faith turned to Kate serious.

"Apart from staying." Kate cursed her words when Faith turned away ashamed. "I'm sorry. I think that's great, Faith." She put a hand on the shoulder and squeezed. "It’s obviously a decision you've made." Faith nodded encouraged by Kate's words.

They sat there for another twenty minutes before Faith left the comfort of her position to get ready to go out.

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

The place was crowded by the time they entered. A pub in Australia was normally a hotel with a bar, but it didn't always mean you could stay there. This pub was like that. Faith walked up to the bar and ordered a couple of beers then returned to where Kate had found a table.

"See nothing but good family fun," Faith said taking a drink of the beer.

They both looked around at the mainly twenty-something mixed crowd who were laughing, talking, and watching Australian football on the television above the bar. There was group of cricketers who were celebrating their win and keeping an eye on the television, but a lot of the crowd were tourists. People were broken up in small groups chatting and enjoying the company.

"Good beer," Kate said holding up her glass.

"You said it. That's VB, I hope. None of that Fosters crap they try to get you Yanks to drink," an Australian voice said from behind them. A couple of men were finding their seats. "You're a long way from home."

Kate and Faith nodded and the two men took this as an invitation to sit down at their table. They made small talk before the two men recognised two of their mates and the table increased to six. A tall good-looking man took a liking to Kate and Faith couldn't help but notice how close they were sitting. Sure, it was probably because of the noise in the room but it made her feel uncomfortable. A woman who knew the Australians joined the table. She and Faith talked for a time whilst Faith stole glances at Kate's conversation with the man.

A band started playing about an hour after they arrived. They were a rock group that was playing covers because the Australians in the place started singing along with them.

"Great pub rock," said a man who had been introduced as Spanner, because he was a mechanic, explained to Faith. "It's what this country was founded on."

He started singing at the top of his voice with his friends. Faith stole another glance at Kate. Duck, the good-looking man, was giving her a lesson on the lyrics. Too bad he didn't look like one, she thought.

As the night wore on and Kate was still talking to Duck, Faith accepted more and more alcohol from the various men and women around. They seemed nice enough but she wasn't interested in any of them for a bit of action. Spanner and her were doing a lot of talking but they both realised it wasn't going to go any further. During a break between sets, Faith and Spanner went outside for what Spanner called a smoko.

The air was still warm and the cicadas were again making a racket, the noise almost as loud as inside.

"What's the story with Duck?" Faith asked after turning down the offer of a cigarette. Spanner lit up, took a drag and blew it out slowly.

"Don't worry about your friend. He's a good bloke." He took another drag. "He probably can't believe his luck scoring with her. She's one good looker."

"He doesn't have a girlfriend?" Faith asked hoping he did.

"No, not for a couple of months." He turned to Faith. "Look, I promise you I will step in if he does anything, okay?"

"Okay." Faith agreed knowing if Duck did anything she would be the one to step in. Shaking her head she laughed to herself, she was jealous of a man named after a bird. "How did he get that name, anyways?"

"In cricket when you go out before making any runs, it's called a duck, right?" Faith nodded. "He holds the club record for the most ducks. Doubt anyone will ever break it."

"Do you play?" Faith asked and took the offered drag of the cigarette. She hadn't done that since high school. She blew it out feeling good.

"Been playing since, well forever. You've got your baseball, we've got our cricket. Wouldn't be summer without it." He leaned close and conspiratorially smiling. "Just about every kid grows up wanting to play for Australia. Wear a baggy green."

Faith smiled at his boyish enthusiasm and gave him a kiss on the cheek for being so cute. Spanner drew a last puff, flicked the butt on the ground and ground it with his boot.

"You could come and watch us play tomorrow."

"Uh, thanks, but no thanks."

"Fair enough. Ready to go back in?" Faith nodded and they went back inside.

When they reached the table Duck was there but Kate wasn't. Faith looked around and couldn't see her anywhere. She started across for the restroom when Kate appeared from the other side.

"Enjoying yourself?" Faith asked trying to smile sincerely. If only she could stop Kate from sitting next to Duck when they returned.

"Yes. You?" Kate walked them back to the table where they sat together and away from Duck who was engaged in a spirited conversation about sport of some kind.

"Still like clubbing better, but this is good."

The band came back on stage and belted out more classic rock songs.

At the end of the night Spanner offered them a lift back to their hotel and Faith took him up on the offer noticing Duck taking out his own car keys and offering his own rides. Fortunately, he had spent little time with Kate after the band finished playing.

Faith collapsed on Kate's bed after picking up a couple of chocolate cookies. She munched on them watching Kate take her shoes off. She couldn't figure the blonde out. She'd seemed happy enough chatting and laughing with Duck until she had disappeared for a few minutes. Did the bastard hurt or embarrass her? It was none of her business, she knew. Kate was free to pick who she spent time with. After all, Faith told herself, that was the point of taking her down there.

"I thought you had scored," Faith said moving Ticker out the way. Kate quickly made eye contact with her.

"No."

"Seemed like it. You know if you turned him down because you were worried about me, well, I could have taken care of myself for the night."

"That wasn't my concern at all, Faith. You also looked like you scored." The tone was accusing and Faith frowned at her.

"With Spanner? No. Nothing doing there." Faith moved over and patted the space beside her. "Looks like we both bummed out."

"Was that the exercise of the night? To get laid?" Kate asked sitting beside Faith and laying back.

"No, it was to have a good time. It just looked like you were-"

"Well, I wasn't. I did have a good time but it wasn't leading anywhere." Kate closed her eyes missing a grin of victory on Faith. "Not like your kiss."

"My kiss?" Faith frowned trying to think back on the night and not registering any kiss. "I know I had a few drinks but I think I would have remembered if I'd been kissed."

"With Spanner." Kate sat up and looked at Faith. If Faith had been drunk before she'd showed no signs now.

"I don't think so, Kate. You aren't drunk yourself are you? Because I think you've been seeing things."

They looked at each other trying to work out what they were talking about. Kate had seen Faith pulling away from Spanner in what looked like a kiss, but now she wasn't so sure. She didn't think Faith was lying to her.

"Maybe I'm imagining things." She flopped on the pillow again.

"Funny thing to imagine," Faith said offhandedly then joined Kate putting her head next to hers on the pillow.

Kate was drifting off into a doze when she felt Faith roll over and face her. "Truth or dare?"

"Oh no, I'm not playing that again." Kate put an arm over her forehead.

"If you pick truth I will ask you what Angel said when you phoned him." Faith grinned at Kate's surprised expression. "You had to phone him to tell him about the time extension."

"Why don't you ask the normal way?"

"More fun this way. So, you gonna play?"

They were silent for a couple of minutes and Faith was starting to think maybe she should move to her own bed.

"Okay. Truth. Angel was happy you were behaving and we were having a good time." She levered herself on her elbow and looked down on Faith. "You know the drill."

"Truth." Faith smiled up and the eyes intently focussed on her face.

"Why didn't you want to sleep with that guy tonight? Because for all I've been told, all you've told me it seemed you would go for that."

"I'm with you," Faith said taking Kate's hand in hers and resting them on her thigh. She didn't know why, but it felt good to touch the blonde. "I didn't think you'd appreciate me going off with someone when I'm supposed to be basically in your custody." Faith congratulated herself on the well-fabricated lie. "Truth or dare?" She asked the same question of Kate when the blonde went for truth.

"Same reason you gave, only I'm supposed to be watching over you."

"That right?" Faith asked challenging her. "Maybe you were scared."

"Scared?"

"To take a risk. After all, the risks you've taken lately haven't panned out have they?"

"What?" Kate shook off Faith's hand, the comfort it had brought gone.

"Your job, that bite."

"Trying to kill myself."

"What!" Faith overcame her surprise and panicked when Kate started sobbing. "You're not kidding are you? Shit. I hope you didn't do it the way I tried." Their eyes locked. "Trying to get Angel to kill me," Faith explained in case Kate didn't know.

"No, I used the cliché of vodka and any pills I could get."

Faith brought her hands around Kate and pulled her to her chest while the blonde continued her sobbing.

"Is that why you thought it might be a good time to have a vacation?" Faith asked gently not sure that she wanted to do this. This wasn't the way she pictured having her arms around Kate.

She felt Kate nod and decided to shut up before she made it any worse. Kate was crying because of her, and that was a whole lot different to the laughter she wanted to evoke. After the sobbing slowed and finally stopped, Kate allowed herself to lay there in the comfort of the Slayer's arms for long moments. Slowly she told the story of how she lost her job because her obsession with the supernatural and being a cop was all she had known for so long. It felt good to open up, Kate thought. While Angel was supportive of her, he was also mixed up in it.

"Damn those demons," Faith said after a time. When Kate gave her a questioning look she produced a wry smile and continued. "If it wasn't for them I would never have killed anyone and you would still be out there hot on the trail of some criminal."

"Angel would have died a natural death two hundred years ago," Kate commented idly.

"I would never have met you," Faith said feeling guilty for liking the fact she was here instead of still in Boston doing whatever she would have eventually been doing. Maybe she still would have ended up in jail.

"Faith?" Kate asked tentatively.

Kate had expected judgement from the girl because of her confession but all Faith seemed to be was concerned. Most people would have told her off for being a coward and demand she promise never do it again. It was her life, she thought to herself, and I'm only just learning to love it again. I don't need someone telling me how stupid I am. She smiled at Faith for not bombarding her with pressure.

"Yes?"

"Truth or dare?"

Faith smirked and wiggled her eyebrows in response. The game was on again. Kate shook her head; some things would never change.

"Chicken?" Kate taunted

"Dare," Faith said taking her hands away from Kate and sitting up.

Disappointed Kate used the movement to think about a dare.

"Sing that song as loud as you can."

"I can't even remember the words other than a plane leaving Sydney."

Faith smiled and then sang 'the last plane out of Sydney's almost gone.' She repeated it a couple of times and Kate joined in. It became funny and they started laughing trying to work out the rest of the lyrics. They didn't succeed. When they calmed down, they lay there looking at each other. Allowing the study of each other's faces.

"Truth or dare?" Faith asked still smiling.

"Dare?" It came out as a question and they both laughed, Kate smiling nervously.

"Dare you to sleep naked again." Kate nodded. "But…"

"But what?" Kate asked becoming focussed on the girl.

"No. I don't like that one." Faith backed down and swallowed loudly. "Dare you-" She stopped when a hand clapped over her mouth.

"No. Tell me what you were going to say," Kate insisted feeling brave.

Faith seemed to have awoken her adventurous spirit, one she thought she lost a long time ago. She wanted to be alive. Wanted to be here with Faith. Wanted to be held by her. Be naked in the same room as her. Wanted to sleep with her? No, she told herself. Yes, her mind shouted a moment later.

"Come on. Dare me."

Faith looked at the expression on Kate's face. Her eyes widened at the seductive look Kate was giving her. Surely Kate didn't know what she was saying. "I can't think of one."

"I can. Dare me to kiss you." Kate gave her a wink and Faith sat up stiff.

"I can't." Faith pushed herself off the bed but couldn't move because two strong arms wrapped around her stomach from behind.

"You wanted to last night." Kate coerced Faith to turn around and face her. She was partly successful.

"Beer and sex don't mix." Not when I'm not sure you mean it, Faith added silently.

"Lame excuse, Faith. We're both sober and you know it."

"You're emotional, Kate. I don't want to take advantage of your vulnerability. Being reminded of how close to death you have been makes you want to make sure you're alive. I don't want to be your pawn, maybe another time I might have, but not now." Faith turned around and looked at Ticker sitting on the floor.

"You don’t want to sleep with me?" Kate asked confused and disappointed. She let go and snuggled into the pillow trying to hold back her tears. Faith was right, she was too emotional.

How to answer that, Faith agonised. "I would be blind if I didn't want to."

Kate rolled over, blinking rapidly. "Truth or dare."

"Truth." Faith answered confused.

"You're supposed to pick dare." Kate smiled and finally got her tears under control. "When would you think it would be a good time to sleep with me?"

"When you are the Kate I know." Faith looked at the sad face.

"I'm the same person you've known, Faith, you just know more about me." She moved the covers back from the bed and started to take her top off. "I'll tell you a secret."

"I'm listening."

Faith started getting aroused by the clothes disappearing from Kate's body, though she told herself she should stop Kate before she went too far. She licked her lips unconsciously. Kate was encouraged by the action and leaned in close to Faith's ear.

"This isn't an idea I've suddenly had tonight. It's been building since I arrived. It took until tonight to stop denying it." She gave Faith's ear a lick and smiled when the body next to her shuddered. Her pants went and she was down to her underwear. "Are you going to join me?"

"Are you going forget it ever happened tomorrow?" Faith started inching her tank top up and found Kate's hands helping her.

"Never." The top flew onto Faith's bed. "Let's root."

"You make it sound so indecent." Faith smiled feeling Kate's hand trail up her bare skin.

"Let's fuck."

Faith moaned at the words and then at the feel of Kate's lips moulding themselves to hers. Skin on skin, that's what Kate wanted and she quickly worked towards her goal. There was nothing like another person touching her body to make her feel good. Faith brought out all the things she had been missing for so long and the girl didn't stop making her feel good until she climaxed several times. It was what she needed, wanted, craved. When she returned the touch and caresses on Faith's body, she felt even more pleasure course through her. To have someone allow her to touch them in this way made her feel wanted again. She made Faith call out her name. Her name.

"Kate?" Faith had pulled the sheet up and her hands rested on the hot body beside her.

"Yes?" The tone was one of contentment.

"Do we get do that again?"

"As many times as you like."

"Good, because once is definitely not enough.

Not even twice, three or four times." She chuckled in the dark.

"Faith?"

"Yes?"

"Go to sleep or I'll hit you with my pillow."

END PART 4

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Message: 7 Date: Sun, 10 Jun 2001 06:23:50 -0700 (PDT) From: Eos Dew Subject: Fic: On A Good Wicket 5/6

PART 5

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

Kate woke to song lyrics.

"…Hold me, I just can't be without you. You kiss me, I'm falling. It's your name I'm calling. You touch me, I want you. Feels like I've always known you…" Faith was singing and dancing around while making coffee, naked. The radio was on too loud, but Kate wasn't paying much attention to it. "On a night like this, just want to be together, on a night like this…"

"You know it's morning?" Kate asked smiling.

"Makes me think of last night." Faith wiggled her eyebrows and returned Kate's smile, relieved there was one on the blonde's face.

"You kiss me, I'm falling?" Kate asked as Faith sang the line again totally out of synch with the dance track.

"What can I say? Your kisses are hot." Faith took a cup of coffee over to the bed and motioned for Kate to demonstrate. The coffee was left to go cold.

Kate felt Faith kiss her lightly on her stomach as she worked her way up her body for at least the third time that morning. "Faith?" Faith looked up smiling. "That's enough or we'll never get out of bed."

"So, who says we have to get up at all."

They both looked the sun high in the sky before their lips met and Kate felt a set of teeth nibble and pull on her bottom lip. It didn't get much better than this.

"I have plans for today," Kate said after their tongues withdrew.

"Yeah. Me, you and a bed. We haven't done it in mine yet."

"No matter how tempting that sounds, I was hoping to do some shopping and see those penguins."

"I can handle shopping, but can't the penguins wait until tomorrow." Faith kissed her again trying to sway the decision.

"I tired you out, did I?" Kate chuckled and moved her body on Faith's.

"I'm not the one saying that's enough."

"Shopping and lunch, it is then."

"Lunch first." They both didn't move. "It will be dinner time before we get up at this rate."

"Shower before lunch," Kate suggested still not moving.

"Together." Faith again wiggled her eyebrows and elicited a chuckle from Kate. Faith loved that sound.

"There's that big tub in