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Buffy’s always been a little bit of a control freak.
It’s never really been a problem, though, because she is in control. She’s the Slayer; it kinda comes in the job description.
And then Faith came along, throwing a ginormous wrench into all of her plans (of course she did). And now Buffy has to compromise.
She’s willing to do it for Faith, though, and maybe she’ll begrudgingly admit that it’s helped a bit with the anxiety. But then they got Luna, and it’s like nothing ever changed because Buffy will die before she lets something happen to her cat. Not super conducive to reducing the controlling nature.
And then there’s the little tiny problem that Faith and Buffy have to go to Cleveland for a few weeks now to deal with the latest apocalypse.
“B, we are not bringing our cat somewhere that could be destroyed in the next week,” Faith says, crossing her arms and glaring at Buffy.
“Well, I’m not leaving her here by herself,” Buffy snaps, pacing the living room.
Faith groans. “And that’s why I said we should get a cat-sitter.”
Buffy stares at Faith. “I don’t want to leave her with just anyone!”
“We wouldn’t leave her with just anyone,” Faith says slowly, watching Buffy with raised eyebrows. “We would find someone who’s trustworthy and will treat her well.”
Buffy sighs, perching on the edge of the couch. “Can’t we just take her with us?”
Faith slides across the couch, scooting closer to Buffy as her brow furrows. “What’s going on?” she asks, taking Buffy’s hand.
Buffy doesn’t answer for a while, hesitating. “I’m just… worried that something’ll happen.”
Faith squeezes her hand, and she also falls silent, thinking. “Okay, how about a compromise?” she suggests, breaking the quiet. “We ask Tara and Willow to take care of her. They owe me for when I took care of Kitty, and we trust them.”
Buffy still feels pretty unsure, but she nods. “That sounds good,” she says, nodding more firmly.
“Good,” Faith says, kissing her. And that’s when Luna jumps onto the couch, draping herself across their legs. No kisses for them, apparently. At least not until they pet Luna.
It’s been two weeks, and Buffy and Faith are finally heading back. Buffy could not be more relieved. She’s been worried sick about Luna, calling Willow every day for updates. And she knows Faith’s been a bit worried too, though not to the extent she has. They’ve never left Luna alone for this long.
Buffy takes a deep breath as they knock on Willow and Tara’s door, and Faith slips her hand into Buffy’s. And then Willow’s opening the door, Luna in her arms, and a wave of relief washes over Buffy.
“Hey Buffy, Faith,” Willow says, and Luna peeks her head up. “Your moms have been really worried about you,” Willow adds to Luna as she passes the cat to Buffy.
Luna immediately relaxes again, purring softly as she curls up in Buffy’s arms. “Thanks for taking care of her,” Buffy says to Willow, and they chat until Miss Kitty Fantastico pops her head out the door and Faith starts getting worried. (“You aren’t the one who has that crazy fucking cat trying to make your life hell, B!”)
The three of them make their way back home, and Luna wanders around the apartment as soon as she’s set back on her feet. It doesn’t take her long to decide to curl up on their bed, and Buffy and Faith laugh and join her. She’s being even more affectionate than normal today, and though Buffy still feels guilty for leaving her, she’s sort of enjoying the change.
As she’s drifting asleep in Faith’s arms, she murmurs, “I think I’m warming up to the compromise thing.”