***
A series of hard knocks on the front door, broke Tara rudely from her peaceful sleep. The blonde witch was lying curled around her redheaded lover on the lounge floor. The semi eaten picnic surrounding the pair whom had fallen into a comfortable snuggled sleep after feeding each other most of the fresh fruit salad.
“SLAYER!” Came a gruff call followed by more hammering.
“Tara!” Willow jolted awake with a yelp.
“OPEN THE DOOR SLAYER WE KNOW YOU’RE HERE!” Harsher knocking followed the demand.
Tara’s wide blue eyes flicked around the room quickly as she reached out to Willow.
“What’s going on?” Willow eyes darted around as she tried to adjust to the dim light and pounding noise.
“I… I don’t know, someone’s at the door I think. I could go and find out.” Tara leaned and found Willow’s arm gently pulling her lover towards her.
“No.” Willow flinched and jumped as the door shook again.
“Maybe they’ll go away.” Tara curled herself around Willow protectively.
“Come on Slayer or we’ll burn it down!” A loud male voice called seemed to answer them.
“We have too... we have to do something.” Willow tried to keep her body from shaking, she was still slightly sleepy and things weren’t adding up right. She needed to focus but focus wasn’t coming easy.
Tara felt the slight shake in Willow’s body and realised she had to take charge. Her lover wasn’t strong enough to be the decider, to be the strong one in this. It was up to her, up to her to take care of Willow. Up to her to protect and keep her safe from whatever it was that intended to bang down the door.
“I’ll deal with this.” Tara pressed her lips against soft red hair briefly.
“No, baby...” Willow protested shaking her head.
“It’s okay.” Tara tried to assure her as she began to pull herself away from Willow and stand up.
“You’re trying our patience Slayer!” Came the short gruff warning.
Tara pulled herself up straight and tugged down the short top she was wearing hoping it didn’t look too much like the sleep shirt it was. Carefully she began to pick her way across the lounge towards the door.
“Open the door!” A banging came at the window.
Taking a tight breath Tara flicked on the hall light and reached her hand up to the lock.
“There better be a good reason for you waking up the neighbourhood.” Tara demanded as she pulled the door open. She felt her heart pounding with fear in her chest and her knees threatening to turn to jelly but she kept it together.
“Yeah we’re going to kill you.” The thick-necked man at the door’s face was crumpled into his vampire form. “Now come on out Slayer and take it like a man.”
“Do I look like a man to you?” Tara tried hard to think of something Buffy might say.
“Fine.” The vampire slammed one fist into the other palm. “Come out and take it like a woman then.” He glanced back to the other two vampires with him. “Or we’ll torch you out.”
“And how do you plan to do that?” Tara bent one of her legs, trying to assume a ‘casual’ position.
“With fire.” He looked at her confused.
“You’re vampires who play with fire?” Tara arched an eyebrow. “Sorry for asking this, but doesn’t that strike you as a little…” She paused. “Dense?”
“Ah Chuck we didn’t bring any gasoline.” One of the others shrugged.
“So you’re vampires who play with fire, but forget the gasoline?” Tara shook her head. “Oh no wait, maybe I can help you out with that problem.” With a smile Tara lifted her hand. “Incendray.” She whispered flicking her fingers out towards the so far silent vampire on the right.
The other two backed up as he lit up with a shocking red flame and burned away into a cloud of dust.
“Chuck how’d she do that?” Johnny stared at Tara surprised.
“You’re not the slayer.” Chuck backed up staring at her.
“I never said I was.” Tara replied honestly. “And you never asked.” She moved her hand and pointed it towards ‘Chuck’. “Now did you want anything else?”
“Tell the Slayer the Brothers of Pain are back in town and were coming to collect.” He sneered then jumped back over the hedge followed closely by his friend.
As the pair moved away Tara backed up and pushed the door closed. Her hand shaking and her breath short. She laid her hand flat on the wood for a moment trying to steal herself some time and energy.
“Willow?” She asked after just the briefest moment, she turned looking though into the lounge.
“Tara?” Willow looked up over the arm of the couch.
“Oh baby are you okay?” Tara pushed off the door and hurried back to her lover.
“Are they gone?” Willow looked at the door scared.
“Yes, they’ve gone.” Tara dropped down on her knees and offering her arms and body in comfort.
“What were they? What did they want?” Willow leaned over dropping against Tara’s body her breathing uneven.
“They called themselves the Brothers of Pain, but they’re gone now. It’s okay, I won’t let them hurt you.” Tara pulled Willow into her lap and gathered her arms around her.
“I’m sorry I should have done something.” Willow gladly moved closer.
“You did everything you needed to.” Tara dropped a kiss onto red hair. “You stayed safe.”
“I need to keep you safe.” Willow pointed out.
“You do.” Tara kissed her head again.
“Should we call Buffy?” Willow looked up questioning.
“Would you feel safer if I did?” Tara asked gently, she was very aware that she might not be the person Willow looked to for safety yet.
“No, I meant to come stake them.” Willow blinked again.
“They’ve gone.” Tara gently underlined. “But I can still ring her.”
“Do you think they’ll come back?” Willow tucked her head against Tara’s shoulder.
“I don’t think so.” Tara admitted honestly. “Baby, really if you’d rather I called Buffy and she came home that’s fine, I understand.” She kissed Willow’s head two more times.
“No, we’re having a picnic.” Willow looked down at their blanket. “We were having a good night.” She smiled softly.
“Actually we were having a snooze.” Tara grinned softly back.
“Only cause we were worn out.” Willow giggled and her comment made Tara blush slightly.
“Well you have been rather spectacular all day.” She squeezed her gently again.
“Not as spectacular as you.” Willow squeezed back.
“You’re kidding I was playing catch up some of the time.” Tara chuckled.
“When? You had me right where you wanted me.” Willow wiggled her eyebrows.
“When I’m with you I’m right where I want to be.” Tara underlined lovingly.
“Me too.” Willow nodded. “Safe with my Tara.” She leaned closer licking her lips.
“Hey are those Willow lips looking for something?” Tara watched the redhead carefully.
“Tara lips.” Willow nodded with her answer.
“Oh,” Tara nodded and leaned a little closer. “What do they want to do to Tara lips?”
“Mmmm kiss.” Willow whispered leaning closer still.
“Are you sure?” Tara smoothed her hand over Willow hair, still concerned that the redhead wasn’t okay.
“You said they’re gone, I trust you.” Willow tried to let the worry and fear melt away, which was easier to do as she stared into loving blue eyes.
“I love you, I’m sorry it took me so long to…” Tara began to apologise.
“Why? It was perfect.” Willow stroked her hand down Tara’s arm.
“Perhaps I should call Buffy, just so she knows.” Tara doubted her confidence as she thought about the fact that she might be placing her lover in danger.
“Tara you might not remember but every time I was in danger, you found a way to save me. The demon gang, the gentlemen and a whole lot of others.” Willow looked into blue eyes.
“I did?” Tara whispered.
“You did.” The redhead nodded.
“Wow.” Tara gave a slightly goofy smile.
“I love you.” Willow leaned in and kissed her finally.
“I think I like hearing that.” Tara kissed her back.
“I love you.” Willow repeated the words in between kisses.
“Maybe I should tidy up the picnic.” The blonde pulled back as things began again to heat up between them.
“Then we could go up to bed.” Willow wiggled her eyebrows.
“You could go and get it ready for us.” Tara offered with a nod.
“Great idea.” Willow nodded kissing Tara again before she disentangled herself to go upstairs.
“Willow.” Tara called as she moved away. “I love you too.”
“See you upstairs.” The redhead smiled and then skipped up.
Tara watched Willow leave before moving she glanced at the remains of the picnic and then back at the door. Standing up she crossed to the front door and eased it open trying not to make any sound that would alert or alarm her lover.
Stepping out into the slightly chilled night air she padded a little way down the front walk. Turning around she knelt lightly on the path facing the house. Dipping her head she closed her eyes and reached out her finger tracing a complex pattern on the stone as she whispered a chant under her breath.
As soon as she finished she drew her hand back and for the briefest fraction of a second a deep pink shimmer surrounded the house and then disappeared. Looking up with bright blue eyes Tara looked up to the top floor.
“I won’t let anything hurt you.” She breathed, pushing up from the cold floor and slipping back into the house.
***
Madalene watched the television frowning as the movie scrambled itself marking the end of the free preview just in the middle of a good scene.
“Do you want to order that one or try another?” She looked sideways at Buffy.
“Next!” Buffy laughed. She was laid back on the bed looking every bit the pampered princess with a bowl of chocolate peanuts balanced on her stomach and four pillows stuffed under her head.
“Here, Princess Buffy can control.” Madalene reached the short distance putting the converter into Buffy’s hand before she stole a peanut.
“What? You mean I have to choose?” Buffy frowned playfully. “And hey royal peanuts.”
“You’re a Princess, I’m a Queen I outrank you.” Madalene teased laughing as she stole another peanut. “And I’ve tried three movies so far that you vetoed, you’re turn to try and find one.”
“Okay, but how do I work this thing? Just press the up and down arrows?” Buffy looked at the remote control, pointing it at the set and squeezing the ‘up’ arrow.
“Either or.” Madalene nodded tucking her pillow under her head from her position on her side next to the Slayer.
“Well which way did you go, oh no wait this was one of the ones I vetoed wasn’t it?” Buffy pointed at the screen.
“Yep, you said it was too cheesy.” Madalene glanced up at the screen.
“Well come on it looks it. She’s gonna seduce him and its going to end horribly bad.” Buffy pointed at the screen looking for agreement.
“It might not.” The Spellcaster shrugged.
“Okay choose a number between on and say, six.” Buffy challenged.
“Four.” Madalene offered and immediately Buffy nodded and pressed the up arrow four times.
“And the witch picks.” She stared at the screen waiting for the picture to clear.
The scene was fuzzy for a moment before it cleared into a sheen of pink, a cascade of blonde hair sliding by just as the ‘main character’ groaned and the camera panned out. The angle was slightly odd as a woman’s hip came into view then her leg as her body pushed off what appeared to be a bed.
Buffy tipped her head slightly as her brain tried to process what she was seeing. Madalene actually felt her eyes go wider as she moved her head a little trying to see around the bowl on Buffy’s stomach.
The movie was obviously past the point of having dialogue as the blonde woman moaned just as a darker small tanned hand pressed up around her thigh drawing her leg down to expose curly long blonde hair to the camera.
Buffy squeaked as she realised what it was that they were watching.
“I’m sorry.” She said fumbling with the controller only to drop it.
“It’s not your fault.” Madalene scrambled to try and help her but only managed to tip the bowl of peanuts onto the bed as a loud moan echoed through the speakers of the TV.
“Volume, I’ll hit the volume.” Buffy scrambled up and managed to get a fingertip on the controller just as it slipped off the bed.
With a louder squeak the Slayer toppled off the bed, peanuts spraying into the air as suddenly her weight bounced off the springs.
“Buffy be careful.” Madalene laughed as she was sprayed with chocolate treats and the Slayer slid out of view.
There was a slightly dull thud followed by a brief ‘ow’ as the Slayer hit the floor but neither the volume nor the channel changed.
“Are you okay?” Madalene pushed off the bed following her down to the floor where the Slayer was sprawled out.
“The controller went under the bed.” Buffy pointed with one hand the other squished underneath her.
“I’m more concerned with you.” Madalene shook her head reaching to help untangle the slayer.
“I banged my chin.” Buffy pointed out the red burn mark on it. “The unit handle.” She pointed out the round brass handle on the side table.
“Ouchie.” Madalene frowned as she checked to see there wasn’t an abrasion. “Let me get some ice for you.”
“No, no it’s okay, I’ll be fine.” Buffy waved off the worry.
“Good thing you’re the Slayer or we’d be having a fun night at the emergency.” Madalene shook her head. “Just let me get some ice, humour me, I worry.”
“Okay, I’ll find the remote.” Buffy gave up arguing.
“Buffy, it’s okay we’re both adults.” Madalene tried to be nonchalant as she stood up and picked up the ice bucket from the dresser.
“Maddy wait!” Buffy sat up quickly and rather comically smacked her head off the dresser again.
“What?” The Spellcaster stopped and then gasped as Buffy hit the blunt object. “Buffy!” She rushed back over and dropped down. “Goddess, are you dizzy? You should have said.” She held Buffy’s head in her hands.
“No, I’m ow...” She rubbed the back of her head. “I meant remember the night wear.” She explained her sudden ill-timed move.
“Oh, I forgot.” Madalene looked down at the skimpy outfit and laughed. “Let’s get you in bed then I’ll work something out.” She reached around checking the lump on the Slayer’s skull.
“It’s okay I get worse every day on patrol.” Buffy felt a little foolish.
“I don’t care what you normally do, we’re looking after this. Don’t argue.” Madalene gave her a firm look. “And no you don’t normally unexpectedly smack your head off bedroom furniture.” She helped Buffy up onto the bed not covered in chocolate.
“No true, I don’t normally wrestle the undead in my bedroom.” She attempted the joke.
“Especially not while watching x rated movies.” Madalene gave her a wide smile.
“No, I think I can honestly say never combined the two. In fact of the two I’ve done the wrestling.” Buffy admitted with a slight smile.
“I don’t think I want to know.” Madalene bent down fishing out the remote and gave it to Buffy. “You sort it out I’ll get ice.” She thought for a moment then pulled the sheet from bed wrapping it around her body before she grabbed the ice bucket.
Madalene bravely padded out into the hallway careful to catch the lock on the door so she could get back in. She made it to the ice machine, had the bucket filled up and made it back before the buzzer sounded and the elevator doors slid open. She made her way quickly back into the room and locked the door behind her moving into the bathroom to get a small towel before she moved over to the bed.
“Come here.” Madalene folded the ice up into a neat pack and eased it behind Buffy’s head where the lump was.
“Thanks.” Buffy smiled as the witch gently held the ice in place. “I managed to find the off switch.” She flicked her eyes up to the TV.
“I have to say I noticed.” Madalene blushed lightly. She reached up and rubbed an ice cube against the welt on the blonde’s chin.
“I thought that kind of thing was you know scrambled.” Buffy pointed out.
“I’m going to guess free preview?” The Spellcaster shrugged.
“Can I ring down to the main desk and make sure there is a block on it in Dawn’s room?” Buffy asked worried.
“I think that would be a really good idea.” Madalene nodded.
Buffy reached out for the phone, picking it up and briefly took care of the request. Placing the receiver down afterwards, she looked at Madalene with a smile.
“Who’d have thought a night in a hotel could cause this much concern? I sincerely hope Tara and Willow appreciate this!” She laughed.
“I think they do.” The Spellcaster smiled softly. “They’re lucky to have a friend as wonderful as you.”
“I think, after all they’ve been through, it’s the least I can do.” Buffy admitted softly.
“Yes, but you’ve been through a lot too.” Madalene dabbed a cold finger on the end of Buffy’s nose. “You need a night off sometimes too.”
“Hey I’m getting it.” Buffy laughed. “See this…” She laid her legs out fully. “Relaxed slayer.”
“Good, anything else I can do to make you more relaxed?” Madalene questioned patting the Slayer’s leg.
“How about that bad predictable movie that we both know is going to end horribly bad?” Buffy poised the question.
“We have tissues.” Madalene nodded moving up onto the bed on the other side of the Slayer.
“Oh I won’t cry.” Buffy shook her head. “I’m a slayer, we’re above such things.”
***
“She...she...” Buffy blubbered loudly, dabbing her cheeks with an already soggy tissue. “She wasn’t supposed to die.” She grabbed another out of the small tissue box and blew her nose loudly.
“I know...” Madalene blew her nose also. “Not, not when he was trying to get home to see her, to tell her he did love her.” She sniffled reaching to flick off the credits that were rolling over the screen with sad music in the background.
“How…” Buffy sniffed hard. “How could they be that mean?” She asked of the Spellcaster pointing at the now black screen.
“I don’t know, obviously they’ve never died before.” She shook her head almost a bit angry. “Bastards.” She threw a tissue at the screen.
“We should have stuck to the porn.” Buffy said her voice serious until she realised what she had said and then a slight smile creased her formerly sad features.
“At least we knew they’d be happy at the end.” Madalene pouted as she pulled another tissue out of the box.
“And several times in the middle.” Buffy said with an ever-growing grin.
“I don’t believe you just said that.” Madalene started chuckling and then burst into full on laughter as she fell down against the Slayer in hysterics.
“I don’t either!” Buffy admitted howling, her hand over her stomach that was shaking so much from laughing.
“Porn addict.” Madalene laughed more.
“Says the girl who picked the channel!” Buffy squeaked.
“Oh yeah, secretly I’m very into the porn.” Madalene looked up trying to keep a straight face before she dropped again laughing so hard that she was having trouble breathing.
“If you ask for a computer hook up in the basement and Willow’s laptop goes missing regularly you are so done.” Buffy felt her sides ache from the hysterics.
“Why would I do that? I can just raid the stash in your closet.” Madalene rolled a little laughing even harder.
“Okay, okay truce, I have a stitch.” Buffy admitted trying to calm down.
“Be careful, I’m already responsible for you having an egg on your head.” Madalene took a few breaths.
“Yeah but you rubbed it better.” Buffy burst out laughing again.
“I thought we were being good.” Madalene giggled watching as Buffy contorted as she laughed.
“Sorry, sorry, that was all me, I mean there’s nothing funny about you rubbing my bumps.” Buffy coughed and laughed harder.
“Dressed in this? I beg to differ.” Madalene looked down at her outfit and laughed with the Slayer.
“You look great.” Buffy shook her head, calming down a little. “Don’t be so scathing about your body.”
“I’m pale, I’m bony and I have a big giant scar.” Madalene smiled at the Slayer. “And yes that’s me being nice.”
“You’re not that pale, you’re not bony, and the scar…” Buffy stopped laughing completely and looked at Madalene for a long moment. “Your scar just stands as a tribute to all that you have been through.” She said softly.
“I didn’t know you were Princess Charming.” Madalene answered back her voice soft as well.
“I’m not.” Buffy shook her head. “I just…” She stopped and sighed softly drawing her body up to sit crossed legged on the bed opposite the witch. “I just know that sometimes living is harder than dying.” She took a breath. “And that just having blood pumping through your veins and air flowing in and out of your lungs doesn’t make you alive.”
The Spellcaster didn’t say anything for a moment as she listened to the Slayer but when silence hung behind them she began to speak.
“And sometimes things are so bright, it’s like this isn’t the ground but you’re walking on the face of the sun.” Madalene reached out slowly and put her hand over Buffy’s.
“I’m sorry.” Buffy looked down ashamed. “I’m not sure where that came from.”
“Buffy, I know our history is different but we still understand something like no one else could.” Madalene shook off the apology. “Tara, which I am eternally grateful for, died and woke up as gently as one could ever manage. I know she has pain and discomfort, but she doesn’t know this. She doesn’t know the cold.” She shivered hard.
“I had to…” Buffy’s head remained dipped her body seemed to shrink a little.
Wordlessly Madalene shifted up a bit bending one leg up as she settled behind the Slayer.
“Tell me.” She whispered rubbing her hand down Buffy’s back.
“It was so dark, so dark and cold.” Buffy’s voice was small and childlike as her slender body shook.
“You’re not there anymore.” Madalene comforted softly as she reached guiding Buffy back so that she could hug the small shaking blonde.
“They didn’t think... didn’t plan...” Buffy shook her head in the confines of the embrace. “I had to dig... so much dirt and pain.” She wrapped her hands around themselves over and over rubbing hard across the knuckles.
“They didn’t think.” The Spellcaster whispered agreeing. She reached around putting her hands into Buffy splitting them apart and rubbing her thumbs over her knuckles.
“I...” A sob caught in Buffy’s throat. “I sometimes wish I had scars.” She hugged herself tighter. “To show, so people would know how much it hurts inside.” She broke down her small body racked by hard almost violent sobs.
“You do, you just have to look closer to see them.” Madalene held her tight gathering their arms together around Buffy’s body.
“So why does nobody see them?” Buffy wept sliding her arms up and literally clinging to the Spellcaster.
“Because sometimes they get blinded. They want to see you as strong and impenetrable but you’re not and that’s okay.” Madalene soothed rocking her slightly and hugging tighter.
“Don’t let go.” Buffy whimpered almost silently.
“I’m not.” Madalene kept rocking them softly. “I know you see that place when you close your eyes...” She whispered leaning her head close to Buffy’s. “I know you shower sometimes just because you feel dirty from it like you can’t wash it off. I know Buffy. I know.”
***
Tara felt the bed rocking hard below her as she pushed her head harder back into the pillow behind her head. Her breathing was coming out in short hard pants as her hands running over the pale freckled skin on Willow’s back. She ran her short fingernails lightly into her lover’s shoulder blades as her blue eyes flickered closed.
“Ohhhhhhh Tara.” Willow swallowed her eyes squeezed shut as her body moved against Tara’s thigh, her lower body rocking hard.
“Yes Sweetie, oh yes.” Tara gasped her fingers racking ever so lightly down Willow’s spine.
“I love you, I love you...” Willow whispered dipping her head and kissing over soft skin. “Love you so much.” She moaned as she opened her eyes looking over Tara’s body before her.
For a moment she blinked as her gaze stopped over a bumpy reddish irregularity... the world began rushing by her ears, water turning into fast gusting wind, turning into screaming and then into just a line of high pitched noise.
The change wasn’t instant or obvious, it was subtle and silent but Tara knew instinctively that something wasn’t right. Flicking her eyes open she forced herself to control her breathing and still her movements, releasing the tension in the hands that ran over Willow’s back she let them rest soothingly on suddenly slightly chilled skin.
“Willow?” She whispered worried.
The redhead’s pleasure dilated pupils seized smaller making the green of her eyes appear twice as big as it normally would. A hard awkward twitch started in Willow’s right shoulder as a fuzzy feeling crawled sickly up the back of her skull.
“Willow sweetie.” Tara shifted pushing herself more upright, moving her hands around lightly to Willow’s shoulders easing her back a little so she could look at her.
Willow tried to blink. She tried to concentrate on the voice that she could hear in the distance but all she could see was a scar, a scar from a bullet that had killed her Tara.
“Please Willow.” Tara’s voice took on a slightly panicked edge as she shifted upright even more aware that her lover was slipping away from her by the second. “Baby, it’s okay.” She gently brushed her fingertips over Willow’s cheek.
Willow tried to open her mouth, tried to say something but she felt her throat closing up.
‘Think Tara Damn you think!’ Tara cursed herself as she felt Willow tensing up.
“Willow.” Tara cleared her throat and said her lover’s name clear. “Willow, listen to me.” She continued forcing her voice to come out as calmly as it could.
The redhead kept trying to fight as she felt cold fast breath’s flaring in and out of her nose as her left arm started to shake.
“Oh Goddess baby what is it?” Tara frowned, her hand sliding up Willow’s arm trying to find and massage the cramping muscle.
Willow heard the voice, almost like it was split off somewhere else. She tried to focus her mind, figure out what exactly was happening to her body somewhere far away.
“Seeee....” Her dry throat hissed. “Cur.”
Tara wiped a hand over her perspiring forehead as she tried to work out what it was that Willow was saying.
“See?” She frowned. “Did you see something? Something that scared you?” She bit her lip anxiously.
“Cccccurrrr.” The redhead’s back started to stiffen as she tried to keep her head from tipping back.
“Cur?” Tara whispered to herself, trying to rack her brains for a translation all the while feeling Willow tense more and more.
“Seeeezzzzzz...” Willow finally couldn’t do anymore as she bent back her leg caught under her as she arched up her body shivering.
“Baby!” Tara squeaked, she scrambled out of the bed attempting to ease Willow down and onto her side in a safer position. “Let it go baby.” She knelt by the edge of the bed. “It’s okay, I’m right here, give in.” She smoothed her hand over and over Willow’s hair keeping a careful check on the position of her head and neck.
For a few moments Willow’s body spasmed uncontrollably before rather jaggedly her hand came up from her side.
“No.” She hissed as she jerked harder.
“Let go Willow, don’t fight it, it’ll pass just relax.” Tara soothed over and over.
“No!” Willow croaked again slamming her hand down on the bed. She sputtered a bit coughing as she fought to swallow the cramp in her throat.
“Yes.” Tara whispered to her. “We can deal with these, I love you, it’s okay.” The blonde insured that Willow’s hair was well out of the way of her mouth and nose.
Green eyes caught blue for a few heartbeats as her body went stiff as a board before they rolled upwards and she went limp.
“It’s okay baby, its okay.” Tara exhaled hard and closed her eyes, leaning forwards she pressed her lips hard on Willow’s cheek. “I love you.” She whispered trying so hard to keep herself from crying.
***
Madalene didn’t know how long they had been sitting there rocking. She wasn’t even sure if it was Buffy’s strength or her own that was keeping them moving. Or was it one pushing back, the other pushing forth in tandem that created the gentle rhythm. Closing her eyes she could hear their breathing settling together, one exhaling for the other to inhale.
Everything slowed down, her arms feeling heavy around the Slayer until she struggled to open her eyes but the scene changed. Madalene turned quickly trying to get her bearings. It was so dark here, wherever this was. She turned again and felt a tree branch slap against her side.
‘A forest.’ She noted to herself trying to piece things together somehow. She’d been in a hotel as far as she could remember, trying to comfort Buffy.
“Buffy.” The name made things clear as she breathed in and smelled the damp musk of a cemetery.
Blindly she took off into the trees.
***
With a gasp the Slayer felt her own world shift out of the warmth and comfort that Madalene’s arms had offered her into a cold dark place.
“No.” She reached up her hands hitting silk in the darkness as she blindly started clawing.
“NOOOO!” She screamed reaching back and punching through the wood so that musty soil trickled in onto her face. She sputtered for a moment feeling the air in the box being used up to suffocate her.
Reluctantly but driven on by a need to survive she pushed up into the dirt clawing at it.
***
The Spellcaster could hear screaming and what seemed like engines roaring around her in the dark but she ignored everything as she broke out of the tree line.
“Buffy?” She called out scanning around before running over to the only thing in the clearing. As her eyes cleared on the deep lettering she felt her stomach turn.
“Oh Goddess no, no you can’t be here again.” She dropped to her knees and started clawing at the dirt pulling up the sod and throwing it aside frantically.
“BUFFY!” She screamed as she cupped the loose dirt away.
With more effort she dug her hands down into it trying to dislodge sections of it, trying to move anything in order to get down to where she knew the Slayer must be. This is what they had been talking about before the world had shifted. This had to be what was somehow going on.
For a moment nothing changed then the ground shifted a little more as a single hand pressed out of the disrupted soil.
The Spellcaster didn’t hesitate as she dug her own hand in gripping around Buffy’s forearm before she leaned up and used all the body weight she could to pull. Coughing and spluttering the Slayer sprawled out on the ground for a moment gasping for clear air.
“You’re okay, you’re okay.” Madalene repeated rather breathlessly as she cleared blonde hair off the Slayer’s face.
Blinking wildly Buffy pushed and thrashed out at the blurred image that seemed to touching her.
“Buffy, it’s me... Madalene.” She tried to soothe pulling her hands back but staying close.
“Madalene?” Buffy whispered the name out of her tight throat.
“Yes, I’m here... it’s okay.” Madalene bent down closer in the dim light. “You’re not there anymore Buffy, no one can put you there again.” She vowed reaching to hold the Slayer’s arms.
“This isn’t really happening is it.” The Slayer whimpered as she scooted closer to the Spellcaster.
“No, no this isn’t real. I… I don’t know what this is but it’s not real.” Madalene gathered her closer her hand going to Buffy’s head to shield her as she looked around.
“Feels real.” Buffy shivered and quivered in Madalene’s arms.
“Its not... nothing here can hurt you.” Madalene’s voice was firm. “I won’t let it, whatever this is, it’s not real.” She rubbed her hand over Buffy’s head not able to find an immediate threat in the trees. “You’re safe, it’s okay.” She comforted.
“Safe?” The cowering woman whispered the word as if it held little or no meaning to her.
“Safe.” She sat down and turned Buffy in her arms. “Look at me, I wasn’t here when this really happened so it can’t be real. This can’t hurt you again.” She fixed hazel eyes with green.
“It can’t?” Buffy’s voice trembled.
“Whatever this is... whatever is here... they have to go through me.” Madalene’s voice was strong. “Hear that, I won’t let you hurt her.” She looked towards the trees as a growling noise started and with a shock Madalene felt her body jumping as the world shifted away again.
It took her a moment to realise they were again sitting on the hotel bed.
Buffy too felt her body jerk and her hazel eyes snapped open.
“Buffy?” She questioned feeling Buffy settle against her from the jolt.
“What? Where am I?” Buffy moved her head a little.
“Hotel room, safe.” Madalene explained trying to catch up herself, the last thing she wanted to do was have Buffy get more worried.
“Hotel... right.” She felt herself catch up with the facts.
“Are you okay?” Madalene clutched her hands around Buffy’s drawing them up so she could check.
“I... think I must have gone to sleep or something, had a dream.” Buffy blinked more and watched Madalene’s actions frowning as she realised what she was doing. “Only it wasn’t a dream was it?” She looked up into Madalene’s eyes and the Spellcaster slowly shook her head.
“I don’t know what that was.” She admitted softly.
“But I’m right, you were there.” Buffy checked.
“Yes.” She nodded unnecessarily.
“I’m sorry.” Buffy pulled herself up slightly in a ball.
“No.” Madalene reached out again hugging her. “You didn’t do anything Buffy.” She whispered rubbing her hand over Buffy’s back.
“I did.” Buffy shook her head. “Somehow I took you there, I made you see the…” She stopped and shivered again.
“I don’t care about going there... I just ... I just want to take it from you... take the pain.” Madalene admitted frowning.
“It’s my pain.” Buffy shook her head. “I save people from pain Mads, not give it to them.”
“I’m not people.” The Spellcaster’s mouth turned into a slight smirk. “So new rules, got it?”
“Now who’s the wimp?” Buffy gave a slightly queasy smile, the whole experience having made her feel less than great.
“Not you.” Madalene shook her head as she reached down for the blankets. “Lie down, the world will stop spinning sooner.” She encouraged.
“Are you sure?” Buffy hesitated from lying back for a moment.
“I promise.” Madalene smiled back and kissed her on the forehead as the Slayer gave in letting her tucked the comforter in around them.
“Thank you.” Buffy whispered and on instinct curled herself up close to the other woman.
“I won’t let anything hurt you.” Madalene whispered back.
***
Willow couldn’t remember ever feeling so much pain in every inch of her body. As she turned her head on the pillow it was even as if her hair hurt.
“T-Tara?” Willow whispered easing her aching eyes open.
“Right here.” The reply was instant, the blonde was sat cross-legged on the floor by the bed, fully dressed in a baggy shirt and a pair of linen pants. There was a smell of soothing incense in the room and a bowl of now cold water, and a facecloth that she had used just to wipe the sweat and grime off Willow, before she had eased the unconscious redhead into one of Xander’s over sized hockey jerseys was nearby.
“Are you okay?” Willow breathed out trying to push up a bit.
“I’m fine.” She pushed up on her knees, pressing closer to the bed. “Easy.” She stressed when the redhead tried to move.
“What happened?” Willow blinked a few times.
“You don’t remember?” Tara drew her fingertips over Willow’s forehead lightly.
“We were in bed.” Willow tried to piece things in her brain together.
“We were.” Tara nodded softly. “You had…” She heard herself trip over the word slightly.
“I had an episode didn’t I?” Willow frowned hard the move making her jaw hurt.
Tara nodded again, trailing her fingers lightly down the side of Willow’s face and eased her fingers along the obviously tensing jaw.
“No, shush. It’s okay.” She ran her fingertips over and over.
“I’m sorry baby... I didn’t mean too.” Willow apologised sadly.
“Sweetie, listen to me.” Tara eased the redhead’s head slightly to look directly at her. “It’s okay.” She said slowly and calmly.
“No, no it’s not. I’m better, I’m not supposed to do that anymore.” Willow painfully turned over on her side to look at Tara.
“You are better, you are so much better but baby, it’s not a case of one day poorly, the next day all better.” She ensured that her lover never lost eye contact with her.
“I made a fool of myself.” Willow blinked her misted eyes.
“How?” Tara asked frowning gently.
“Blacking out, doing who knows what while I had my ‘episode’.” Willow tried to curl up more.
“Willow.” Tara gently prevented Willow curling. “Do you love me?” She asked pointedly.
“Oh course I do.” Willow’s eyes darted back to Tara’s. “More than anything in the world.”
“Do you believe that I love you?” She kept her tone soft but clear and Willow nodded as best as she could. “Do you think it’s foolish when I stutter or when I forget something stupid like I’m allergic to shellfish or that Dawn doesn’t like cockroaches?”
“No.” The redhead answered immediately.
“Then how could I possibly, ever, ever think of you and anything you do that you cannot help as foolish?” Tara soothed.
“I... I think I tried to fight it.” Willow reached out her hand for Tara’s.
“You did, far too hard.” Tara admonished gently. “You probably ache all over.” She closed her hand around Willow’s.
“I passed ache the minute I woke up.” Willow admitted with a slight frown.
“Do you want pain killers? Muscle relaxants?” Tara frowned gently, the idea of her lover being in pain causing her heartache.
“Just you to hold me.” Willow squeezed her hand.
“Are you sure?” Tara asked gently.
“I just need to feel you near.” The redhead whispered.
Tara pushed up from her place and moved around the other side of the bed. She carefully moved the soft frame of cushions she’d erected around her lover to prevent her hurting herself back and then slid down into place.
“I’m right here.” She whispered once she was settled.
“I love you.” Willow felt her body gathered up and instantly the ache inside her dimmed a bit.
“I love you.” Tara confirmed dropping a kiss onto Willow’s hair. “It’s going to be fine Willow, we’re going to be fine.”
The End for Now…
"I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine."
To The Land of The Rainbow Writers
by saphire tear » Fri Mar 07, 2003 3:36 am 
Excellent update!
Pax! -Bev 
