Icing and Ink

by Alwaysandforevermylove

Summary:

Buffy loves the bakery she has spent her inheritance and five long years on.
Things are going so well, in fact, that she plans to expand into the empty unit next door to have a fully fledged coffee shop.

But those plans are dashed when that unit is bought by a mystery buyer.

And Buffy's quiet life is soon upturned when her new neighbour opens a tattoo shop in the space.

Notes:

Hope you enjoy reading.

Chapter updates on Instagram - @alwaysandforevermytruelove

Chapter 1

Buffy slid the tray of cinnamon rolls into its regular place in the under counter display. It was the third tray the shop had gone through this morning, her customers could never get enough of the sweet, sticky treats.

The door of the bakery remained open all day, allowing the smell of freshly baked bread to waft outside, drawing customers to the stunning display of fresh pastries in the window.

Cherry on Top was not only Buffy's business, it was also her home, her residence a small one bedroomed apartment above the shop.

“I’ll go clear that table.” Willow spoke from behind Buffy.

The redhead grabbed a tray and went outside to the front of the shop. There were several tables set up there. All heavy wrought iron with chairs to match, giving a Parisian patisserie vibe.

The shop frontage was a soft pink, with two standard rose bushes in large tubs at either side of the door.

This shop had been five years of hard work in the making.

When Buffy's father had passed away, she had taken the small inheritance he had left her and used it to set up.

Baking was her passion; she couldn’t even imagine what else she could do.

Her cakes and pastries were literal works of art, as well as tasting, well, as one of her customers told her, orgasmic!

The addition of the tables had happened last year and the call for the excellent coffee that they served, all fairtrade blends only, had been unreal.

So much so, that Buffy was now intending to expand to the unit next door. It had lain vacant for the last two years, having been a hardware store previously.

But Buffy had made all the enquiries and there seemed no issue regarding planning to switch it over to a coffee shop.

It meant she would have to apply for a business loan, using the bakery building as collateral but it would be worth it.

She was just waiting for her accountant to get her files in order and then she would make an appointment with the bank manager.

 

Of course, the universe never quite allowed things to work out so easily.

Buffy's long term plans completely quashed only days later when Willow entered via the side door ready to start work, full of the news that next doors windows were ‘all blacked out’.

“What?” Buffy said, almost dropping the tray of croissants she had just taken from the industrial size oven.

“Yeah, somethings definitely going on in there.” Willow went on before realising, “Oh Buffy, I’m sorry, you were hoping to take over that unit.”

Yeah, a little more than hoping.

Buffy stepped out the side door into the alley that separated the two shops.

She needed to see this for herself.

Walking round to the front of the building she saw that Willow had been right, the windows were completely obscured by blackout paper.

What was opening here?

Buffy bet it was a coffee shop.

That someone had swooped in during that time she had been so indecisive and got the necessary planning and snatched that place up.

Buffy miserably stomped back to the bakery.

 

This had to work.

Faith looked around the space.

An equal mix of panic and excitement swirled within her chest as she looked around.

It was hers.

She had, against all the odds, made her dream a reality.

Well, a partial one anyway. The shop was still an empty shell. She had a hell of a lot of work ahead of her to turn this old-style hardware shop into a trendy, cool tattoo studio.

Grabbing her toolbox, Faith started carefully dismantling the old pegboards and display units. She had already agreed the sale of these to a guy on Craigslist and he was collecting them later today.

Then she would have a completely blank canvas so could start painting the walls and then start getting the place kitted out the way she wanted it.

 

Only an hour and a half into the work and the residual dust that was now flying everywhere had made Faiths throat drier than the Sahara Desert.

She was on schedule so a quick coffee break would be ok and give her some much needed fresh air.

Faith had noticed that the bakery next door sold coffee. She had noticed that the smell had been divine every time she passed coming back and forth to bring her stuff up to the apartment above her new shop.

Faith grabbed her wallet and headed out to the bakery.

 

So, it turned out this place was pink inside as well as out.

Faith chuckled to herself, imagining if she slapped this colour on the walls of her new studio. Somehow, she didn’t see it being popular with her customers.

But inside this bakery, it just worked.

A cute redhead stood behind the counter, already serving a middle-aged couple who seemed to be having difficulty choosing which pastries to buy.

Faith stood to the side, happy to wait as she took in the number of items she wanted to try, knowing they’d all go straight to the hips. To hell with it, that’s what the gym is for.

“Hi, welcome to Cherry on Top, what can I get for you?”

Faith inhaled deeply.

The blonde before her was... wow, she was hot. Even wearing a pink apron, she was so fucking sexy.

Faith flashed her best smile, letting those dimples do their worst.

“Hey, it’s my first time. What do you recommend?”

Faith's voice was low, the innuendo clear, and obviously received, judging by the light blush now present on the blonde's cheeks.

“Cool, well again welcome, do you like sweet or savoury?” Buffy replied, staying professional but friendly.

“Both. And I need some of that coffee. I’m Faith by the way.”

Buffy smiled warmly, her eyes glancing over Faiths full sleeves of tattoos.

“Buffy. Our coffee is a very specialist blend. Everyone loves it. I guarantee once you try it, and our pastries, you won’t be able to stay away.” she said pointing to an almond croissant and then an enormous cupcake, both of which Faith nodded her head to.

Buffy packed the items and moved to get the coffee.

“This place may be a problem for me, I won’t actually be able to stay away.”

Buffy placed the to go coffee on the counter, gesturing to where the cream and sugar sat for Faith to add as wanted.

“Oh, why’s that? Do you have a sugar addiction?”

“Uh, well yeah, I do. Plus, I’ve just moved in next door, so I probably won’t be able to resist...”

“You... you bought the unit next door?” Buffy almost growled.

“Yeah, I’m opening my tattoo studio there.” Faith replied, taken aback.

“You’re opening a what?”

Chapter 2

Two months later.

“I did tell you, it would be better if you came back with me, set up base in Washington.” Riley said.

“I don’t want to live in Washington. And we’re not doing this again. We’ve already been through this when you got that job last year. This is my home. My business, my family and my friends are all here.”

“But I’m not!” Riley growled.

“This isn’t the 1950’s Riley. Women don’t just meekly follow their man and chain themselves to the kitchen sink.”

“No, but they do usually have a desire to at least be with the person they have a relationship with. This last year, every time we get together, it’s because I’ve come to you.”

“I have a business to run.”

“You care more about that shop than you do about me!”

Buffy didn’t answer.

Riley shook his head, moving to the bathroom and slamming the door so hard the whole apartment shook.

 

Faith stood smoking at the side door of her building.

She sighed, glancing up at the apartment above the bakery.

This was super awkward.

Ever since that guy had arrived at Buffy's, they had done nothing but argue and yell at each other. It wasn’t that she was listening in, the window was open and well, sound carries.

She stubbed her smoke out under her boot, going back inside to the studio.

Inkspiration. She loved the name.

Already, the place was a hit.

It wasn’t a surprise, Faith had a huge following on social media, and as with all good tattoo artists, word of mouth was her best marketing tool.

The studio was exactly how she had imagined it. A kind of modern gothic the walls rich purples and reds, the ceiling black.

You’d think it would be dark in here but no. Faith had a specialist lighting system installed that bathed the studio in the perfect glow.

Today, she had a new person joining the already tight team. A body piercer named Spike. The guy was English, little bit crazy, but then all the best artists are.

He would bring the studios crew to a round four. The other two tattoo artists, Oz and Gunn were established colleagues of hers, proving their loyalty by jumping ship from the secure jobs they had at the last studio to follow Faith in her new venture.

She just needed to find a receptionist and that was it. Team complete.

The door swung open, Spike striding in, wearing what appeared to be his signature leather duster.

“Morning my lovelies.”

Oz and Gunn mumbled hellos, they weren’t morning people.

“Hey, I’ll show you your set up.” Faith greeted.

“No problem pet. Who fancies a coffee before we start? I passed the bakery next door and the smells coming from that place....”

Oz and Gunn looked to Faith.

“Oh, uh, you can’t.” Faith said.

“What? Is this a dictatorship? Cos if that’s how you operate, this ain’t going to work love.”

Faith shook her head.

“No, of course not. We are, we’re not really welcome in the bakery.”

“Ooooo, so spill, what did you do?”

 

Buffy threw the piping bag on the counter. Her usual steady hands were shaking so much that these cupcakes were a mess.

What was the point of these visits from Riley, if all they did every time was bicker and fight?

Speak of the devil, Riley moved behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist.

“I’m sorry.” he said, nuzzling at her neck.

Buffy felt her body stiffen.

She just couldn’t relent again. This is what always happened.

Riley came into town, gave her a guilt trip for not dropping everything to move to Washington with him, then he cooled down and expected her to act like normal.

Will was right, he was gaslighting her.

Buffy tugged out of his embrace.

“I need to get these ready.”

“You’re still angry with me.” he said.

Buffy wasn’t even looking at him, but she knew he wore that hurt puppy dog expression that he used when he wanted her to feel bad.

“I’m not angry.”

His arms came around her again.

“Good, cos I...”

Buffy turned to face him.

“I’m not angry Riley, because I think I’m done.”

“Done?”

“With this.” she gestured between them, “Us.”

His hands dropped from her sides like lead weights.

“You want to break up? Just because we had a little lovers tiff?”

Buffy stepped away from him.

“It wasn’t a tiff Riley. We aren’t together, and I don’t mean the distance. I don’t feel... I, I don’t think I love you anymore.”

“So that’s it. I fly the whole way down here for you to do this. You know Buffy, you are the most selfish person I think I’ve ever met.”

He walked away, judging by the stomping and door slamming, going upstairs to the apartment.

Buffy hoped it was to pack and not to sit and stew for hours, waiting to start this argument up again.

She just wanted him to go, quietly and calmly.

 

Spike stood in the queue at the bakery, behind three older ladies who were selecting cake slices, red velvet or carrot cake.

Once they’d been served, he stepped up to the counter.

The redhead replacing her gloves gave him a small smile.

“What can I get you?”

Spike handed her a piece of paper.

“I’ll take those four coffees to go and put a dozen cupcakes in a box for me pet. “

“Any preferences?” Willow asked.

Spike smiled.

“I’m at your mercy, you choose.”

Willow chuckled as she set up the coffee machine and began placing some of the best selling cupcakes in a box.

 

“What’s going on?” Buffy asked Willow as she walked into the shop from the back kitchen.

“I’m just charging this order.” Willow said cheerily, having got the coffees made and set into a to go carrier.

“Did I not make myself clear to you people?” Buffy glared Spike down, despite being several inches smaller than him.

“You people?” he asked.

“You came from next door. I saw you go in there earlier. I made it clear.”

“Oh, I'm told that you did love, you made it clear to my boss and she made it clear to me. But here’s the thing, I'm something of a rebel, don't really play by anyones rules, never have. Besides, have you asked yourself, can you really be doing without the business?”

Buffy huffed.

“From the three or four of you? I think I’ll survive.”

Spike shook his head.

“You need to see the big picture. People go into that studio for hours long tattoo sittings. That equals getting the munchies. They need sugar, coffee, whatever. And you, you’re turning away the business cos you got butt hurt that the unit got sold before you bought it. In England, we call that cutting off your nose to spite your face.”

He threw down some bills and grabbed the coffee carrier and cupcake box, shaking his head at Buffy like a disappointed parent, before walking out the door.

Willow stared at Buffy expectantly.

“I didn’t get butt hurt!” Buffy retorted weakly, feeling embarrassed like a tantrummy toddler.

Chapter 3

Faith woke, sprawled out on her stomach, completely naked (was there any other way to sleep), her brain foggy with too much bourbon from the night before.

And something else.

Soft hands traced up her sides, a warm tongue flicking along her spine.

Fuck.

She’d done it again. She really needed to put her phone in the freezer on nights she was getting really drunk, instead of calling...

“Mmmm morning.” she whispered in Faith's ear, nipping on the lobe cheekily.

Shit, shit, shit!!

“Morning.” Faith replied, her voice even more gravelly than usual after a skinful of bourbon.

Victoria.

Her ex.

Except after bourbon.

“Hey Vic.” Faith replied too lightly, readying herself for the trauma of getting the other woman to leave.

Faith attempted to turn over, an impossible task with the blonde straddling her.

“No. Just let me take care of you baby...”

And Faith should have said no but that tongue...

She pressed her face into the pillow, letting it swallow her moans.

 

Buffy woke early, despite it being Sunday and her only day off, she just couldn’t switch off.

Riley had left, accepting Buffy's decision to break up, but not before offloading all seven levels of hell on her, a torrent of every negavity he could think of about her.

She walked downstairs to the bakery, switching on the oven to prewarm.

She had family dinner later so might as well bring a cake.

Her mother always complained that Buffy was trying to make her fat, but yet never failed to help herself to a fairly generous slice.

Her sister and stepfather had no such concerns, both putting away huge doorstop size slices of cake, even after a huge meal.

Pulling out the ingredients she needed to make a strawberry cake, Buffy fired up the coffee machine as well. If she was getting up at dawn on a Sunday, she was going to need her coffee.

Baking wasn’t only her source of income, for years now it had been her solace. The methodical process calmed her in ways nothing else could.

Before long, Buffy had loaded the cake mixture into the oven.

She moved into the shop, taking the time to do some extra cleaning.

Once the cake was ready, she set it on racks to cool whilst she went upstairs to get ready.

Climbing the stairs, Buffy happened to look out the window into the alley.

Faith stood at the door opposite her own, the side door that led up to the apartment. She wore an oversized t-shirt, her legs were long and tanned, bearing a lot of ink and...

Buffy was pulled from her thoughts at the sight of a blonde woman moving to stand beside Faith, placing a finger under her chin and bringing her into a kiss.

Scoffing, Buffy stomped on up the stairs.

 

“I could stay... we were always good together.” Vic drawled.

“We’re the opposite of good Vic.”

“Aren’t you lonely? That’s why you called right?”

Faith was rescued from answering by the Uber pulling up in front of the alley.

“There’s your ride.” she said, urging Vic to stop talking and get in the car.

Vic pressed her against the doorframe, kissing her roughly.

“Call me.” she breathed as she walked away.

Faith groaned, she really needed to stop making bad choices.

 

“You’re going to apologise, right?” Dawn asked, a near hysterical edge to her voice. “He’ll be coming back?”

“No Dawn, we’re done, he was never right for me.”

Buffy watched as her sister folded her arms, her bottom lip forming a stroppy pout before she stormed up the stairs.

Joyce chuckled, taking the cake box from Buffy, moving through to the kitchen, a completely confused Buffy following behind.

“What’s got into her?”

“Oh Buffy, didn’t you ever notice the massive crush your sister had on Riley? She’s upset, don’t worry she’ll get over it.”

Buffy took in the comforting smells of her mother's home cooking as she slid onto a stool, snagging some of the carrot Joyce was chopping.

“Huh, I hadn’t realised my sister was living vicariously through my relationship.” Buffy replied grumpily.

“You don’t remember having crushes when you were her age? As I recall you had a...”

“Ok!! Point made, lets just leave it there shall we?”

Joyce laughed again.

“Where’s Giles?”

“He’s upstairs. I really do wish you would just call him Rupert. Giles sounds so... British.”

“Well, hate to tell you but...”

“I know, I know!!”

 

Buffy walked home, with the usual huge bag of leftovers that Joyce always insisted on giving her. She would have been upset at it having started raining as she was about halfway home, but still had a happy buzz thanks to the very good wine Giles had served at dinner. She wasn’t drunk, just happily tipsy.

Reaching her door, Buffy felt around her pocket for her keys.

Nothing.

She tried the other pocket.

No.

The rain was really heavy now and she had only worn a light cotton jacket. Both Joyce and Giles had been drinking so she couldn’t call to ask them to come with the key. She’d have to wait for an Uber.

“Hey, you forget your key?” a voice spoke behind her.

Buffy turned to see Faith standing in her doorway.

“Oh hey...” Buffy replied awkwardly.

“Wanna come inside? No point standing there getting soaked.”

“I, uh, I should...” she scrabbled for an excuse, coming up with nothing. “Thank you.”

 

The rain seemed to have just got even heavier as Buffy stared out at her bakery from Faith's window.

“We should really swap.” Faith said.

“I’m sorry?”

“Keys. I’m always forgetting mine, usually after too much bourbon.” the brunette continued, handing Buffy a fluffy towel.

“Um, thanks. I don’t know if that’s a good idea.” she shrugged nervously.

“What? Worried I’m going to break in and clear out all your cupcakes, cupcake?”

Buffy rolled her eyes.

“Of course not, it’s just...” she couldn’t finish the sentence.

It was Faiths turn to shrug.

“Whatever, just an idea. I’m gonna see what's in the freezer, you hungry?”

Buffy looked down at the bag of food she was still clutching.

 

“Oh my god... your Mum is the best cook ever.” Faith moaned between bites, some feat since she’d virtually inhaled the food Buffy had offered her.

Buffy chuckled.

“I’ll tell her, she doesn’t get nearly enough compliments, guess we just take her for granted. What about your family, do you see them often?”

Buffy had wanted to claw the question back as soon as she’d said it judging by the fallen look on Faith's face.

“There isn’t any family. My mother drank herself to death a lotta years ago, I never met my Dad and... there’s no one else.”

“I’m sorry.” Buffy whispered.

“Not your fault B, you didn’t put the bottle in her hand.” Faith replied, continuing to eat.

Buffy stared at the brunette.

When she had opened the bakery, she had the money her father left her yes, plus some from her grandmother too but she also had a failsafe. If everything went wrong, or if she needed some help, she could call home and ask for it. Who was there for Faith?

She took a deep breath.

“I’m really sorry Faith.”

“B, like I said, you had no control over my mothers drinking...”

“No, I mean from before. I, I was annoyed about this place, I had no right to take it out on you.”

Faith pointed her fork at Buffy, smiling widely.

“Does that mean I’m allowed back in your shop?”

Buffy blushed at the dimpled smile.

“Yeah, well, if I can get back in there myself soon.” Buffy sighed.

“About that, I’ve got an idea.” Faiths eyes shone with wicked mischief.

Chapter 4

“This is such a bad idea.”

“Are you tripping? It’s a great idea.” Faith countered. “You really need to find the fun B.”

Buffy stood in Faiths frankly chaotic bathroom, the window wide open she stared across at her own building, she hadn’t even remembered leaving the bathroom window open.

“Little help here?” Faith quipped as she heaved the ladder out over the expanse of the alleyway.

Buffy moved beside the brunette, taking one side of the ladders as they slid them across.

“Now we just need to nudge your window open a bit more with the ladders, make sure it’s firm against your windowsill and then we’re good.”

Buffy really doubted how ‘good’ this was.

“I don’t think we should do this.”

“You want back into your apartment, right?”

“Yes, but I’m not dying to get back in there.”

Faith chuckled.

“Don’t worry B, you can stay here, keep ‘em steady. I’ll go across, get your door open.” she pressed on the ladders a few times, then clearly deciding they were steady enough, climbed onto the rungs.

The ladder creaked and groaned ominously, something Buffy would have been really worried about if she could draw her focus away from Faiths truly amazing ass.

The girl worked out. That was obvious.

“Shit!” Faith cried out as she was about a quarter of the way over.

Buffy's eyes widened in panic, seeing Faith's leg go over the edge of the ladders.

“Faith!!”

“I’m ok. Probably not good doing this in the rain, it’s slippy.” Faith called back, ridiculously calm.

“You think?” Buffy snapped back.

Faith laughed again.

“If I didn’t know better, I’d think you’re worried about me B. It’s cute.”

Buffy gripped the ladder so tight; her knuckles were white.

“Just focus on what you’re doing, stop being a smartass!”

Faith chuckled again and Buffy couldn’t help the smile that crept along her lips.

 

Seeing the brunette deftly jump into the bathroom opposite, Buffy released a breath she hadn’t known she was holding.

“Are you ok?” she shouted.

“Five by five B.” Faith peeked back through the window, flashing her a wide grin and those dimples. Those things could bring a girl to her knees.

“I’m going downstairs to raid your supplies.” Faith shouted over the rain. “Have you got chocolate cake down there? That’s my favourite.”

She disappeared from the window; was gone just long enough for Buffy to believe she was in fact helping herself to the contents of the fridges.

Then the side door lock clicked open, and Faith appeared again. Buffy ran down the stairs and across the alley.

“Gotta say, I’m a little disappointed B, I was kinda hoping for a good old ‘one bed trope’ but guess you’re sleeping in your own bed huh.”

Buffy felt her cheeks blush a violent red.

“Funny!” was all she could manage.

Because for some fucked up reason, she had wanted that scenario too.

 

“Earth to Buffy!”

Buffy shook her head.

“Hmm?”

“Jeez, what’s wrong with you today? You’re really out of it. Please don’t tell me you’re pining after Riley.”

“What? Oh no, sorry I just...” what could Buffy say. How could she tell Willow that she wasn’t daydreaming about her ex, but about the heavily inked smartass next door.

Willow sighed.

“Well, whatever it is, could you snap out of it, I’ve asked you three times for more cinnamon rolls, I’m getting swamped out here Buffy.”

Buffy apologised again, moving to get the next tray of rolls and following as Willow headed back to the shop floor.

The bakery was busy, many people wanting coffee and a sweet treat to set them up for a day at work.

Buffy had eyes for only one customer though.

“Hey B!” Faith said that playful smile on her lips.

“Faith.”

“I figured, since our ban is lifted, where better to pick up breakfast. I’m famished. I was tempted to just climb through your bathroom window again. You’ve seen the contents of my kitchen, the cupboards are bare, unless you count bourbon in a food group.”

Willow looked between them both curiously, Buffy hadn’t had a chance to explain the ‘locked out of her own house’ situation to her yet.

“You didn’t need to wait.” Buffy said quietly, “or climb in my window.” she chuckled. “Just knock on the side door if you need something.”

Faith flashed her that smile that almost made Buffy swoon.

“Ok, thanks B.”

 

Faith walked back to the studio, pushing the door open with her shoulder.

“Ok, I got cinnamon rolls and coffee, the doughnuts are for the clients so hands off.” she spoke to everyone.

“Wow, that’s some welcome.”

Faith whirled round.

“Kenn?”

“Hey Faith.” Kennedy said warmly.

“What are you doing here?”

“Things just weren’t the same without you. I was hoping you’d accept me to finish my apprenticeship with you.”

“Fuck Kenn. What does Vinnie think?”

“He’s not happy, is plotting my death as we speak.”

“I did warn you. Of the thousands of women out there, you had to fuck his sister, let her fall in love with you. That shit’s messy as hell.”

“Clingy as hell is what it is.” Kennedy replied. “So, potential death threats aside, will you do it? I always learnt more from you anyway. Vinnie just used me as an unpaid cleaner most of the time.”

“Sure, you got somewhere to stay?”

“Not yet, was hoping you would...”

Faith sighed, shaking her head.

“You’ve got the couch, no way I’m sharing a bed with you.”

“Eww, you just made me vom in my mouth a little.” Kennedy joked.

“Fuck off. Go next door and get yourself some breakfast. Tell B to put it on my account. You can work on your flash today and we’ll put the word out for some clients for you, apprentice rates.”

“Cool, new victims.”

Faith shook her head again, laughing.

“Don’t make me regret this.”

Chapter 5

“Last chance! You sure you don’t want to join us?” Kennedy shouted up the stairs.

“I’m sure. I have that client first thing tomorrow remember?” Faith replied.

“OooKayyy, see ya later loser.”

Faith flinched at the slamming door. Jeez, that girl didn’t know her own strength.

The apartment fell silent.

Faith relished and hated the quiet in equal measure. Sometimes, the others were a lot, always talking, messing around but they were her family. So much more than just work colleagues.

She walked into the bathroom, intent on taking a long shower, and ok, she was not tidy but hell, Kennedy was like a tornado.

Picking up the wet towels left on the floor and resigning herself to giving the whole bathroom a quick clean before actually managing to have that shower, Faith pulled up one of her favourite playlists on her phone and got to work.

Over an hour later and she was stepping out of the shower, the room filled with steam, she did like the water the wrong side of hot. Her stomach growled, there was nothing for dinner, but there was a couple of doughnuts left from the box she’d bought today. That’d have to do it.

Her phone chimed with a text just as she was making her way downstairs to the studio.

She felt her face break into a ridiculously wide smile at seeing the text was from Buffy.

‘Hi, it’s Buffy. I got chinese food, and thought, maybe with your cupboards being bare and all, would you like to join me?’

Faith replied as she opened the side door.

 

“You must have hollow legs.” Buffy chuckled, inwardly very pleased with herself at the extra dishes she had ordered. “Where do you put it all?”

Faith smirked, relishing the attention. Buffy may not realise it, but her covert glances really weren’t all that covert.

“I have a high metabolism.” She replied before leaning forward, adding, “And I work out a lot.”

Yeah, Buffy could see that.

“So, I was thinkin...” Faith said, leaning back in her chair.

“Oh... about?”

“Your little problem.”

“I’m sorry?”

“Your coffee shop thing.”

Buffy cast her gaze to the ground. She was no longer angry with Faith at the loss of her dream, but it still stung that it wouldn’t be becoming a reality.

“What about it?”

“The alleyway.” Faith said enthusiastically.

“The... what?”

“It belongs to us both right, communal space or whatever. We could block off the areas to our side doors, keeping them private, but that would still give you an amazing space for a coffee garden. Like a beer garden without the alcohol. And we can secure something out there for whenever it rains, something non-permanent so it's easier with planning. There'll be some red tape no doubt but it can work.”

Buffy could almost see it in her head. She could get wrought iron tables and chairs, give it that Parisian feel she loved. But...

“I can’t. It’s your property too, what if you...?”

“What, start tattooing people al fresco? Don’t see that working B. It’s empty space. I won’t be using it, you can. The only thing I ask, don’t paint my wall pink.”

Buffy threw herself at the brunette, wrapping her arms round her in a jubilant hug.

“It’s fantastic. Thank you."

Faith flushed a little with the contact.

She stood suddenly.

“I’ll go next door, grab my sketch pads, we can work on a few ideas.”

 

“Do you really have to stomp your feet like that?”

“Stomp, I’m literally barefoot Kenn.”

“Please just tip toe. I’m really fragile.”

Faith scoffed, grabbing some painkillers in the kitchen along with a bottle of water.

“You always were a lightweight.” she said, handing the items to Kennedy. “I’m going down to the studio. When you’re done feeling sorry for yourself, maybe you could go next door, get us some coffees and croissants.”

Kennedy turned an almost visible green.

“You’re sending me next door? You are evil.”

Faith chuckled on her way down the stairs.

 

Kennedy had managed to crawl down the stairs, pulling on one of Faiths hoodies as she walked.

She could smell the sweet, baked scents before she even entered the bakery.

She fought the swell of nausea that threatened to overtake her.

“Hey...” the cute redhead greeted her from behind the counter. Willow.

“Hi Willow. Can I get the usual for boss lady and black coffee for me.”

Willow appraised her with concern.

“Black coffee? You’re not hungover, are you?”

“Very. Spike had us doing shots. I should be cosy in bed but none of us want to see Faith without her morning coffee.”

“How about you sit outside, I’ll bring you some breakfast to make you feel better.”

Kennedy took a seat in the shade of one of the table parasols.

She sipped on her coffee as she waited for Willow to reappear.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” Spike grumbled as he sat beside her. “Why are you sitting out here in all this.” he waved an arm, clearly gesturing at the sun.

Kennedy chuckled.

“Good to see you looking as shitty as I feel. “

“I’m dying. Actually, I might be one of the undead, just wandering around cos I don’ t know I’m dead yet.”

“Fuck man, You’re so dramatic. Why you here anyway? Thought you had the morning off.”

“I did, until our fearless leader called me in, her clients girlfriend wants a piercing whilst she’s waiting for her boy to get all inked up. Her risk since I’m seeing double so who knows where that jewelry might land.”

“Get Willow to make you a double expresso. Get your shit together or Faith will be pissed.”

Willow appeared with Kennedys breakfast, her face going scarlet when they hands brushed as Willow passed her the plate.

 

“Finally. Was ready to send out a search party for you two. Where you been?” Faith groaned.

“Getting your coffee and my breakfast.”

“Sure, not flirting with Willow, huh?”

“I’m just being friendly. I can’t help being a people person.”

Faiths client laughed as Faith rolled her eyes.

Kennedy set the coffees on the reception desk, glancing across at Faiths sketchpad.

“Faith, what are these?" They certainly didn’t look like tattoo designs.

Faith glanced over, seeing the pad in Kennedys hand.

She and Buffy had brainstormed till late.

“Oh yeah, I was going to talk to you about that. How do you feel about bringing your internal Banksy out of retirement?”

Chapter 6

“What? I’m serious... never ever?” Faith asked incredulously. “Come on, all this time and not even once?”

Buffy chuckled.

“How many times do I have to say it, I have never... ever... thought about getting a tattoo.” she said slowly.

Faith shook her head sadly like it was some sort of tragedy.

“You’re missing out B, you just didn’t know the best artists before, now you do.” she grinned, leaving Buffy to almost swoon at those goddamn dimples. “You know, all that bare skin is like a blank canvas for me.” she trailed a finger down Buffy's forearm to her wrist. Buffy fought the urge to gasp at the light touch. Seriously, was she that touch starved that she got turned on by...

She forced her mind to think about the shop's orders and accounts. There had been far too many dreams and indecent thoughts about the brunette currently sharing Buffy's sofa.

Thankfully, she was saved by the bell as the pizza delivery guy arrived with their food.

Faith threw her head back dramatically.

“Finally, I thought I was going to have to chew on my own arm.”

Buffy flung a cushion at the brunette's face.

“You are ridiculous!” she said, grabbing the bills Faith had left to cover the food.

Eating together had become a comfortable habit they had fallen into. Especially since Kennedy and Willow had started spending time together (as they called it!) after work.

Most evenings either Buffy or Faith sent the other a message with an emoji of their desired food. It was nice, better than nice. They were... friends.

 

Pizza demolished, bellies full, they both sat curled up at each end of the sofa watching tonight's movie.

It was Buffy's night to pick, and she had chosen one of her usual chick flicks 27 Dresses.

Faith had inwardly rolled her eyes about a million times already and they were only halfway through. Usually, if someone suggested this sort of film, she would quash the idea like a bug. For some reason, she found herself willing to tolerate anything, just to have the blonde's company.

Just doing this, the two of them, legs tucked under the same blanket, a habit Buffy had started a couple of weeks ago, their socked feet casually pressed together. Somehow, that contact seemed more intimate than the times Faith had been bared naked with other women.

“I saw one of your clients today...” Buffy exclaimed, out of the blue.

“Oh yeah, I would have guessed a lot of my customers make their way to you guys for a sugar hit.” Faith replied, a little confused at the heightened tone Buffy had used.

“No, well yeah, they do.” Buffy felt her cheeks heat. She shouldn’t have even brought this up. Faith was going to think she was crazy. “This was, uh, she was blonde, pretty...”

Faith knew exactly who Buffy was talking about.

“Vic yeah.” she replied, giving no further details.

“I, um, I saw her once before I think, at your...”

Faith inwardly groaned.

“Yeah, we have, had a thing.”

“You’re not seeing her anymore?” Buffy said, her voice carrying a forced lightness.

“Trying not to...” Faith looked at Buffy's confused expression, realising she needed to give more. “We split a long time ago, but sometimes I make bad choices when I’m drunk, and they’re usually named Vic.” she shrugged.

“Oh...” Buffy said quietly.

“Yeah, I should know better. You know, she moved here when she found out I had bought the studio. That’s some crazy shit.”

“And now you’re drawing on her?”

Faith laughed.

“You make me sound like a kid with crayons. She’s getting ink yes, but with Kennedy, not me. Taking advantage of her apprenticeship rates. Hey, why you asking? She wasn’t rude, was she?”

“Hmm, oh no. I just...” It was Buffy's turn to shrug.

When she didn’t elaborate, Faith chuckled.

“I guess we’re going to get to watch some walks of shame from those side doors huh?”

Buffy felt her face go scarlet.

“Oh, I don’t, I mean I had a boyfriend but...”

“Oh yeah, I saw him through your window, a real-life GI Joe type, that guys built. You think you’re finished for good?”

“Riley, he, we just didn’t work. We wanted different things and when I didn’t agree with his plans, he got mad.”

Faith's hand was suddenly over her own, gripping tightly.

“He didn’t hurt you, did he?” the brunette asked, an edge to her voice.

“No.” Buffy said softly, shaking her head. “He would never do that.”

Faith scoffed, still holding Buffy’s hand, gentler now.

“You never know, people can change... when they don’t get what they want from you.”

Buffy knew from how Faith said it, that she was speaking from experience. But she didn’t press it.

Faith checked her phone, before pushing back the blanket, getting up.

“I should head out, it’s getting late, and I’m beat.”

Buffy nodded, disappointed.

“See you soon B.”

 

“Maybe we could talk about something that doesn’t involve your bakery and tattoo artists. You haven’t even asked how I got on at Science Fair.” Dawn grouched; her arms crossed angrily.

Joyce chuckled lightly.

“Dawn honey, we only see Buffy once or twice a week these days with everyone being so busy. It’s ok that she wants to tell us what’s happening, the shops very important to your sister.” And I’m sure she was going to ask you all about your project, isn’t that right Buffy.”

Buffy felt her mother's foot giving her a prompting kick under the table.

“Yes, of course, so how did it go?”

Dawn shook her head but proceeded to talk anyway.

“Well, it was tough competition, but I...”

She faded Dawns voice out as she thought back to what her sister had said before. She had been talking to her family about Faith.

A lot.

She never did that with Riley, obviously they met him, he had been her boyfriend whilst she was still living at home. But she had never, bigged him up to her family.

Yet today, she had been doing exactly that with Faith.

She felt her mother's sharp kick to her shin once more as Dawn continued.

“So, even despite that, I was happy enough to come second.”

“Second! That’s terrific. Well done.”

“Yeah well, I don’t expect you to understand it. Riley would have got it. He was super smart. Haven’t you got back together with him yet?”

“No. Dawn, that’s not going to happen.” Buffy said, more placatingly than she felt since Dawn had raised this question every week since the Buffy had split with Riley.

“Whatever, he probably has someone else now anyway. You will just be alone with your stupid shop. Can I go to my room?” she asked, already standing from her seat.

Giles nodded, “Off you go.”

They all flinched at the slam of the bedroom door seconds later.

“She’s pulling out the extra mean little sister these days.” Buffy said, unable to hide her hurt.

“It’s not you. We found out she’s being bullied at school. Trust me, she’s taking it out on all of us. We are working with the school, but it doesn’t seem to be stopping. She’s having a tough time so we’re trying to go easy on her.”

Buffy nodded.

“I’d better be going.”

“Let me sort some leftovers for you.” Joyce said, getting up from the table.

“Would there be enough for two, so I can give some to Faith?”

Joyce gave a weird knowing smile, before nodding in affirmation.

Chapter 7

Faiths eyes had lit up when Buffy had shown up with a huge bag of leftovers for her.

It made her feel something weird, like she just wanted to take care of the brunette. So stupid, since it was more than clear that Faith could look after herself, but still...

“Your mother should win all the awards for her cooking.” Faith moaned as she ate her way through an enormous helping of Sunday dinner.

Buffy chuckled.

“I’ll tell her, she will love you forever!!”

Faiths eyes flashed with something... like it meant something to have Buffy's mothers' approval.

“So, while you were spending time with the fam, I finished working on the final drafts for the alleyway art. Wanna check them out?”

“You kidding? Of course I do!” Buffy replied with excitement.

Since the day Faith had shared the idea of Buffy using the alleyway, it had been the only thing the blonde could think about...well okay, the second only thing.

Faith bit on her lip, her only sign of nervousness before producing several sheets of paper from the counter behind her.

Buffy grabbed them, setting them before her to study.

“Faith, I... these are...” her voice broke. The images couldn’t be more perfect. It was as though Faith had stepped inside her brain and drawn everything she imagined a Parisian Cafe to be.

“You like it?”

“Like it, I love it. I can hardly wait to get started.”

“Well, the good news is, you won’t have to. The murals can go up straight away, Kennedy will be spending this week on them.”

“Really? You don’t need her in the studio?”

“Nah, it’s cool.”

Buffy felt tears stupidly prick her eyes.

This meant so much. Riley did nothing but put the shop down, constantly telling her she needed to move back with him and get a proper job.

Faith was...

Buffy moved around the counter, tugging Faith's shoulder so she was now facing the blonde, who enveloped her in a huge hug.

“Thank you...” she whispered.

Faith tugged Buffy close. She wanted so much more than a hug from the beautiful blonde, but Buffy was...

Kissing her... kissing her... ear.

And ok, this was so awkward it was cute, but when Buffy released a light breath into Faith's ear, the brunette couldn’t stop the giggle that rose up her throat.

Buffy stepped back like she’d been burnt, her expression one of hurt and embarrassment.

“Sorry...” she mumbled.

“B...” Faith grabbed the blonde's wrist, recognising the flight risk she was. “It just tickled... please don’t think I...”

She pulled Buffy closer, pressing her own body against the blondes.

“I want you.” she whispered, lifting Buffy's chin, their eyes meeting with an almost explosive gaze.

Their lips met, a barely there kiss at first, before Faith pulled Buffy even closer. Her firm thigh parting the blondes legs, pressing against her core.

Their kiss deepened, becoming so hot Buffy could barely contain the moan that threatened to spill from her mouth.

Her fingers found their way into those incredibly sexy brunette waves, tugging just enough to force Faith to tilt her head back a little so the blonde could trail her tongue along the column of her throat.

Faith gripped Buffy around the waist.

“Buffy... are you...?”

The blonde chuckled.

“Do you really think you need to ask? I want you too. I can barely think about anything else, just what it would feel like to... to touch you.”

Her words were like a switch for Faith, who suddenly lost all hesitation moving to grip the tight globes of the blonde's ass, hoisting her up onto the counter.

“I want to fuck you... now!”

Buffy couldn’t find the words to reply, but she aggressively pulled Faith close, kissing her again, their lips meeting in a hard press.

Faith's hand moved from where it gently caressed Buffy's throat, down her chest, her thumb swiping over the thin fabric of her shirt and lacy bra, making her moan low in her throat.

“Hey! I want you to remember that I’m just the messenger so don’t go all psycho on me, ok?” Kennedys voice yelled from the bottom of the stairs.

“Fuck!” Faith grumbled, releasing Buffy who eased herself disappointedly off the counter.

“Have you been downstairs?” Kennedy asked as she walked into the apartment.

“Nah, why?” Faith replied.

“You’d better come look.” Kennedy gestured towards the stairs.

 

As they made their way outside, Willow stood by the side door, her expression worried.

“So, what is it?” Faith asked snippily, unhappy at having been interrupted.

Kennedy pushed past her, leading them round the front of the shop.

“Oh my God!” Buffy exclaimed as they all stared at the damage.

Faith had nothing, she just stood there in shock.

“You know who did this, don’t you?” Kennedy muttered.

Of course, Faith had known. She knew that Vinnie would seek some sort of retribution on Kennedy, but honestly, she’d been naive to think he wouldn’t come at her for hiring the young apprentice who had ripped out his sister's heart.

“I’m really sorry Faith.” Kennedy said solemnly, even though this really was nothing to do with her. Yeah, she had made a mistake fooling around with Vinnies sister, but the guy was unhinged!

“We can fix it. It’s going to be ok.” Buffy said very confidently.

“How, it’s paint, I’m going to have to get the whole place redone. And that’s going to have to wait awhile, there’s not much left in the budget after setting up.”

“Trust me. We can do this. I will call my Stepfather; he can bring over the power hose and we will get this crap off before you know it.” Buffy gripped Faith's hand reassuredly, wanting so much to reach out to wipe away the tears that were forming in the brunette's chocolate orbs. “I promise.”

 

“We can have this off in a jiffy.” Giles said after spending what had seemed an unnecessarily long time investigating the destroyed shop front.

“Really?” Faith said hopefully.

“Yes, thankfully, whoever did this used emulsion paint. It will wash right off with a good hosing.”

“And we’re ready with the brushes to clear the rest from the pavement.” Joyce added.

“I don’t see why we got roped into this. She’s not our friend.” Dawn chimed in, making Buffy's cheeks flush with embarrassed heat. “Unless you want to throw in a free tattoo?”

Seeing the disapproving look on Joyces face, Faith quickly replied, “How about a print? Something you can put in your room, any artwork of your choice?”

Dawn rolled her eyes but nodded.

Buffy shook her head at her hustler sister.

“Will, go put on the coffee and grab some cupcakes, guess we need to feed the troops.”

 

“You know, this wasn’t the afternoon I had envisioned for us, but this, your family just racing over here to help me out, that’s pretty special B.”

Chapter 8

“Apologise?” Kennedy said incredulously.

“Yeah, I think it would go some way to calming Vinnie down.” Faith replied.

“You want me to apologise for screwing his sister?”

“Over...”

“Huh?”

“I want you to apologise to him for screwing his sister over. I know what you’re like with girls Kenn. You chase them relentlessly, then once you get what you want, you ghost them.”

Kennedy rolled her eyes.

“I don’t always do that. Only with the annoying, can’t take a hint ones.”

“Yeah, the category that his sister falls right into.” Faith sighed. “Look Kenn, I’m sure as hell not somebody to place judgement on anyone's relationships. My own track record is fucked. But this place, this is it for me Kenn, I don’t have a trust fund to fall back on when I get bored of playing the wild child.”

Kennedy opened her mouth to interrupt but Faith stopped her.

“I don’t care about your background Kenn. I know you don’t get along with your parents, and you’ve picked your own path. I had to take my own path from when I could walk cos there was no other choice. My parents weren’t there full stop. This is it for me. The shop fails then I’m out, on the street. I can’t just crawl back to the parents with my tail between my legs. So, I’m asking you, just apologise to them, for me. Cos you know Vinnie’s not gonna let this go.”

Kennedy glared at her.

Ok, so the parents topic was always a touchy one, for both of them, though for very different reasons. But like it or not, something had to give here and Faith couldn’t let it be her shop, she’d sunk everything into it, failing wasn’t an option.

Eventually Kenndy shrugged. “I’ll think about it.” She huffed before slouching off.

Faith sighed. Sometimes Kenn could be worse than a teenager.

 

“Are you ever going to say something?” Buffy whined, feeling the flush of embarrassment on her cheeks.

“I, I just didn’t think. Just you’ve seemed interested in, you know…” Willow stumbled, trying to find the right words.

“Women?” Buffy interjected, her friend nodding.

“I’m not, well I’ve never, I mean, before.” Buffy sighed. “It’s just Faith. She… I can’t stop thinking about her Will. I mean, constantly, all consuming, burning the breakfast bagels, can’t stop thinking about her.”

Willow face broke into a wide grin.

“You’ve got it bad girl.”

Buffy pulled a hand down her face as she shook her head.

“You have no idea.”

Willow laughed, reaching over to pick up and examine one of the aforementioned bagels, well, the round black blobs of carbon that should have been bagels.

“Trust me, I get it. I’m having my own lusty thoughts about a certain person from that studio. Clearly we both have a type huh?”

 

Faith weaved through the traffic, her precious Ducati feeling powerful between her legs. With setting up the studio, she hadn’t had time to take the bike out in ages. Today gave her a great excuse for a decent ride.

She was making her way back to the studio after having had a really successful meeting with a cool chick Spike had connected her to.

Dru, a very definitive goth, ran her own boutique come gallery for those with a taste for something different to your normal floral prints and watercolours.

She’d seen some of Faiths work that Spike had shown her and was seriously impressed, insisting that she have some of Faiths prints to sell at her store.

It gave Faith an outlet that she wouldn’t have at the studio, having her art on sale to people who maybe would never enter a tattoo studio.

She couldn’t wait to get back and tell Buffy, maybe over some dinner when she would make sure Kennedy didn’t walk in when they were…

As she speed past the park, something caught her eye, she turned her head to look back. Yeah, that was definitely… she resolutely spun the bike, turning to head back.

Taking a hard right, she turned into the pedestrian path of the park, stopping and slamming down the kickbar.

She began running across the grass, tugging her helmet off as she did so.

“Hey!!” she shouted.

Five faces jerked round to look at her, only one of them familiar.

“What the hells going on here.” Faith went on.

Dawn tugged herself out of the grip of the girl who’d held her in a head lock, her nose was bleeding.

“We’re just messing around. What’s it to you?” one of the teenagers spat.

“Cool bike.” the meathead boy muttered, his eyes quickly moving to Faith, taking in her ink.

She ignored him, focusing on the girl who’d clearly been beating the shit out of Dawn just seconds ago.

“Didn’t look like messing around to me. If you touch her again, I promise I will find you… and you won’t be happy about it. Come on Dawn.”

Buffy’s sister picked up her things with one hand, pressing her sleeve to her nose with the other. She didn’t really like Buffy’s new friend but she definitely didn’t want to stick around so Tori and her little gang could finish what they started.

Reaching Faiths bike though, she had second thoughts.

“I can walk from here.” she said sullenly.

Faith popped open the small storage under her seat, fishing around until she finally located a packet of tissues.

“Here. Stop the bleeding, then put this on.” she handed Dawn her helmet.

Dawn took the tissue, shaking her head.

“It’s ok, I don’t need it.”

Faith broke into laughter.

“Yeah right. Your sister will kill me if I let your brains spill on the asphalt kid, you’re putting it on.”

Dawn took the helmet.

“Wanna tell me what that was about?”

She watched as Dawn tried to school her face, blinking furiously to stop the unbidden tears from falling.

She shrugged, feeling too vulnerable with this woman who was basically a stranger and being unable to get any words out past the sob in her throat.

Faith didn’t seem perturbed by her lack of response.

“Ok, the bleeding seems to have stopped. Wanna get out of here?”