Stones In The Road
by Boo
Stones In The Road Part 6
[reviews]
Stones In The Road
PART SIX
"I know you're confused
I know that you're shaking
You think that we've lost
Once we begin
I know you're weak
I know that you want me
Lover don't speak
Let me in - Melissa Etheridge"
*****
"Dawn, it's almost twenty after. Why don't you give Kit a call?" asked Buffy.
"No, she said she'd be here. She's not that late. Don't want to be the first ones there, you know?" said Dawn, staring out the front window.
"Maybe Xander could give you a ride over there," suggested Buffy.
"No. Thank you. She'll be here," said Dawn, very firmly and without turning around. Hanging her head for a moment, she finally turned to face Buffy. When she spoke her voice was in a much softer tone.
"You don't have to wait, Buffy. You and Willow should go patrol."
"Okay," nodded Buffy. "I'll go see if Willow's ready yet."
"Buffy?"
"Yeah?"
"Thanks again. For letting me go," smiled Dawn.
Buffy almost said something but changed her mind.
"Have a good time," smiled Buffy. Dawn glanced back out the window and immediately reached for her backpack on the floor by the front door.
"Carlos and Kit are here! Bye!"
"Dawn, do you have everything?" reminded Buffy.
"The brownies! Thanks," winced Dawn. She ran into the kitchen and came back out with a foil covered plate in one hand.
"Okay, bye again," waved Dawn.
"Bye. And be careful!" added Buffy, getting a rolling of the eyes from Dawn just before she shut the front door.
Dawn met Carlos on the front walk before he could make it all the way to her front door and was surprised to see Kit waiting out by the street. She was looking up at a streetlight, seemingly fascinated with it.
"Hey. Sorry we're late," shrugged Carlos." Would've been here sooner but I had to get a few things set up back at the house."
"No big," smiled Dawn. "It's only what, a few minutes after eight?"
"Here, let me carry that for you," offered Kit, reaching for the plate.
"Oh, thanks. I made some brownies. They probably suck, but hey," shrugged Dawn as she handed the plate to Carlos and adjusted her backpack on her shoulder. "Um, what's up with Kit?"
Kit stood in the street, looking up at the light with a big smile on her face.
"Kit? She's fine. She just started to party a little earlier than everyone else, that's all."
They stood next to her now but Kit seemed unaware that they were there.
"Wow, that's like so cool! Why's the light so yellow?" laughed Kit. Dawn looked up and then gave Kit a very puzzled look.
"Yellow?" said Dawn. Kit tried to focus on Dawn's face and smiled even more.
"I know you!" grinned Kit.
Dawn's puzzled look quickly changed into a very worried expression.
"Hey, Kit. Why don't we get back to the party?" asked Carlos, trying not to look at Dawn. He held out his arm and Kit laughed as she hooked her arm into his, letting herself be led along.
"Carlos, you should've seen the sky...before it got dark, I mean. Can't see it now," laughed Kit. "The clouds were purple and, and oh! The trees! The trees were red! It was so weird."
Carlos laughed and glanced at Dawn, his face going silent as she stared at him. He started to lead Kit away and Dawn, hesitating at first, followed closely behind, casting one last look over her shoulder as they walked away from her house.
*****
Buffy almost entered Willow's room but, unseen, stepped back and looked in from around the door. Willow was standing in front of the mirror, getting ready to go with her on patrol. She was brushing her hair and rummaging through a drawer, looking for a certain shade of lipstick. Knowing Willow was doing this for her only made Buffy smile even more. After all, it wasn't as if Willow got all dressed up for patrolling in the past.
She put the brush down and finally settled on a dark shade of red, quickly applying it and rolling her lips together. Satisfied with her reflection, Willow dropped the lipstick into the drawer. Thinking she would turn around, Buffy pulled back a little but still peered in. Yet Willow didn't move. Curious, Buffy leaned forward a little for a better look.
Willow was just standing there, staring at something on the dresser. But it wasn't until her hand slowly reached out to pick it up that Buffy knew what held her gaze. She was holding a framed photograph of her and Tara, one that Dawn had taken with her new camera. Only the slightest droop of her shoulders betrayed any emotion from Willow. Buffy wanted to look away but her body refused to move.
Willow brought the photo closer to her face and with two fingers gently traced a line on the cold smooth surface, as if wanting to touch Tara's hair. She lowered her hand, hesitating, taking in one last longing gaze and, as Buffy's mouth dropped open, Willow gently placed the photograph face down in the still open drawer among her lipsticks and perfumes, tissues and makeup. Silently closing the drawer, Willow leaned against the dresser palms down, gathering herself for a moment. When she turned around Buffy walked into the room.
"Hey. Ready to go?" asked Buffy, with neither her face nor her voice betraying the turmoil she felt.
Willow just stood there and smiled so warmly that Buffy almost blushed.
"Yeah. I think I am," nodded Willow. She walked over to Buffy and held out her hand. Buffy took it and turned to face the door.
"Willow?"
"Yeah?"
Buffy took the time to inhale and then simply smiled.
"You look nice," nodded Buffy.
"Thanks," answered Willow, giving Buffy's hand a grateful squeeze. "Now let's go kill something."
Laughing, Buffy glanced once over her shoulder to look back at the dresser and then, hand in hand, led Willow out into the night.
*****
"Carlos, what's going on here?" demanded Dawn.
"I told you..."
"Come on! Kit's more than just drunk. I'm not going in there until you tell me."
They both stopped and glanced back at Kit. She was just staring at the ground with her arms wrapped tightly around herself as if she were cold. Very cold.
"Okay, she's a little stoned. It's no big. And hey, you don't have to..."
"Stoned? Carlos, people don't act like this when they smoke pot!" snapped Dawn, though suddenly she wasn't so sure. "Do they?"
"Sometimes. My older brother had some fry sticks. Kit bought one off him," explained Carlos.
Dawn stared at him, shaking her head.
"Hey, he only charged her like ten bucks!" defended Carlos.
"Fry sticks?" questioned Dawn, crossing her arms.
"How much of a sheltered life do you lead?"
"Trust me, you have no idea," answered Dawn, shaking her head.
"Come on, you know. Fry. A joint soaked in embalming fluid. Burns slower, makes the high last longer, makes it more intense," shrugged Carlos.
"Embalming fluid! You've got to be kidding me! They put that stuff in dead people and you smoke it!?" yelled Dawn.
"Why do you think they call it fry? It fries your brain! Hey, what's with the all righteous act all of a sudden? No one made her do it, it was her choice!" yelled Carlos.
"Wait a minute...embalming fluid? Where did your brother get that from?"
"I don't know! What difference does it make? He knows some kids..."
"Who break into funeral homes and steal the stuff?" interrupted Dawn.
"Yeah. How did you know?" asked Carlos, his anger fading.
"It's been in the papers. Carlos, is she going to be alright? Is she?"
Carlos looked back at Kit and slowly turned to face Dawn, doubt creeping into his eyes.
"Sometimes...sometimes they treat the fry. Add stuff," shrugged Carlos, his voice small.
"What stuff?" asked Dawn, trying to control her anger. Carlos only shrugged.
"What stuff!?" shouted Dawn.
"Don't know. Could be PCP. Look, she'll come down in an hour or so. Let's just..."
Carlos froze, watching as a car pulled into his driveway.
"Oh, shit!" shouted Carlos.
"What?"
"It's my parents! What the hell are they doing here? Dawn, you gotta get Kit away from here. Now!"
"What? Where?" demanded Dawn.
"I don't know! My parents are gonna freak when they find all these people in the house...not to mention the beer!"
"But..."
"Dawn, my mom knows Mrs. Holburn! Kit's in trouble enough at school. If she finds out...we're not talking about just grounding here, Dawn. Kit could get suspended!"
"What? Her mom wouldn't..."
"Dawn, look, there's no time to argue. Just get her outta here, okay?" begged Carlos, glancing back towards his house.
"Yeah. Sure," nodded Dawn.
"Thanks. You're a real friend. I owe you!" said Carlos, leaving her alone with Kit.
Taking in a deep breath, Dawn slowly shook her head.
"An hour or so. Right. Where can I take her?" sighed Dawn.
*****
"Willow! You're not exactly helping matters here!"
"What am I doing?" purred Willow innocently.
"You know exactly what you're doing. We should be patrolling. Well, I mean, that is why we're in a cemetery in the middle of the night," sighed Buffy.
"And you find my hand rubbing up and down your arm...distracting, somehow?" smiled Willow.
"Well, it's just not proper...procedure. I mean, Giles was right. There are certain rules and protocols one follows when...Willow, what are you...oh, that's...oh yeah, maybe, maybe just a little lower," gasped Buffy.
"Buffy! You're so tense!" said Willow, sliding her hands down from Buffy's neck, massaging her back between the shoulder blades now, pressing her thumbs gently but firmly into her flesh.
"Wow, that's...Willow, something tells me you've done this before," groaned Buffy, closing her eyes. "I had no idea that...oh my..."
"You didn't know my hands could do this?" smiled Willow. "Are you ever in for a surprise or three!"
"Willow," whispered Buffy, "maybe we should..."
"Shh. Relax. It's just me, you, my hands, one very naughty imagination and...and one really ugly vampire!" shouted Willow.
Buffy's eyes opened just in time to see a fist coming right at her face. She turned but too late and the stinging blow knocked her to the ground.
"Buffy!"
The vampire ignored Willow and knelt over Buffy, leering at what it assumed to be an easy kill. Willow lunged at him but the creature thrust an elbow at her, knocking the air from her lungs. She was hurled backwards, the small of her back catching the corner of a tombstone before she collapsed on the cold ground. Gasping, unable to breathe, Willow couldn't speak...and so was helpless to help Buffy with a spell. Buffy tried to rise but the vampire's legs had pinned her arms beneath him. Growling, the vampire grabbed Buffy's hair with both hands and yanked hard, exposing her neck.
Still trying to force air into her lungs, Willow raised herself up on one elbow and saw Buffy's face, her eyes wide open in fear. Willow's eyes suddenly went completely black.
"Willow, no!"
The vampire's hands went to his own throat and, snarling in anger, he turned to glare at the girl behind him. Willow was up on one knee now, one fist clenched tightly shut out in front of her. Suddenly whimpering in pain, the vampire stood and took a step towards Willow. Buffy winced as the night echoed with the wet sound of cracking bone. The vampire stumbled forward blindly, desperately groping for Willow.
"Ignes incente!" hissed Willow in utter contempt.
A blue flame burst outward from the vampire's chest, quickly consuming its upper torso. With a muffled shriek the vampire exploded. The silence that followed was empty and deep. Speechless, Buffy looked at Willow. Wincing in pain, Willow looked away.
"Willow!"
Buffy scrambled to her side as Willow fell to her hands and knees but Willow kept her head turned from her.
"Willow, are you hurt? Are you okay?" demanded Buffy desperately, one arm around her shoulder.
"Just...just give me a second," gasped Willow, one hand now holding her side.
"Willow, lay down. Let me..."
"No!" shouted Willow, freezing Buffy.
"Willow?" whispered Buffy.
"Buffy, please. I, I don't want you to see me like this," pleaded Willow. Willow slowly sat down, careful to avoid looking at Buffy. Buffy reached out and put a hand on Willow's cheek, gently prodding her to turn her head. Willow knew that Buffy was stronger but she also knew that Buffy wouldn't force her to look at her unless she wanted to. Buffy smoothed Willow's hair to one side of her face and Willow finally looked up.
Willow's eyes were completely black. A single tear ran down her cheek as her lower lip trembled.
"I'm sorry. It, it just happened. I didn't mean to...Buffy, I'm sorry, I didn't want to..."
"Shhh. Willow, it doesn't matter. As long as you're not hurt. As long as you're safe," comforted Buffy.
"But..."
"It's okay. I don't care that you used magic! Just, just talk to me! Are you okay?" begged Buffy. Willow nodded but looked down at her hand, still pressed against her side.
"Buffy, it's more than the magic. I distracted you! If I hadn't..."
Buffy silenced her by placing her lips on Willow's, lingering just long enough to make Willow understand it was time to change the subject. Kissing her cheek and then her forehead, Buffy cupped Willow's cheek with one hand and smiled for her.
"Where does it hurt?" asked Buffy
"I mighta broke a rib or two," winced Willow. "It hurts to breathe. Well, it did...until you took my breath away."
Buffy smiled, her nervous tension disappearing as she realized Willow wasn't hurt as badly as she had feared.
"Lay down. Let me see," ordered Buffy. She helped Willow ease down onto her back and reached for the top snap on her windbreaker, popping it open. Willow swallowed hard as Buffy moved down to the next snap. Opening this one, Willow inhaled sharply. Their eyes met and Buffy smiled as Willow nodded once at her. Sliding her hand along the jacket, Buffy worked the next snap free. Willow responded with a barely audible moan.
Holding the last snap in her fingers, Buffy popped it open and Willow gasped. Pushing aside the jacket and slipping her hand under Willow's shirt, Buffy gently eased her fingers across Willow's stomach, feeling Willow's body tense in anticipation. Finally touching her ribs, Buffy's fingers gently probed and explored as she watched Willow's reaction.
"Does this hurt?" asked Buffy. Willow, her eyes still dark, stared back at Buffy, not even breathing.
"Only when you take your hand away," whispered Willow, slowly smiling. Buffy blinked in surprise but managed to smile.
"You little..."
Buffy left her threat unfinished and Willow laughed, immediately wincing with the pain but only laughing even more. Straddling her now, one knee beside Willow's hip and the other between her legs, Buffy leaned forward, her hair falling down, brushing Willow's face. Willow reached up with both arms to pull Buffy to her but Buffy resisted, intently watching Willow's eyes.
"Sorry. I, I almost forgot. But they'll change back. Soon," nodded Willow. "I shouldn't have..."
Again Buffy silenced her with a kiss, this one harder, more possessive in its intensity.
"Willow," whispered Buffy as she pulled away. Willow didn't answer but didn't look away either.
"Willow, you might find this amusing, but, um...see, I'm usually the one who, uh...leads the dance. The sure, confident one who knows what to do," sighed Buffy softly.
"The one in charge," answered Willow. Buffy, somewhat embarrassed, nodded.
"Yeah. I guess. But it's also about letting go, not holding back. And this is new. So new."
Buffy paused and then kissed Willow, her lips barely brushing against hers, yet more of a promise then a tease.
"Hard to be confident, to be...in charge, when I'm not sure what you like."
"Hmm. Sounds like a fun problem to solve," winked Willow.
"Tell you what," whispered Buffy in a husky voice, her breath warm against Willow's cheek. "I'll do anything you ask. Anything."
Again Buffy brushed her lips across Willow's and this time Willow arched her neck, urgently seeking out Buffy's mouth.
"But you have to tell me exactly what you want. Understand?" smiled Buffy. "Exactly. What. You. Want."
Willow nodded and smiled in return.
"Kiss me. Hard," said Willow.
Willow's mouth met Buffy's but Buffy's kiss was soft, tender, barely urgent. Willow opened her eyes, perplexed.
"I know," nodded Buffy. "I know what you want...but hey, I still like to be in charge."
Grinning, Buffy kissed Willow before she could react, this time the embrace hard and passionate. Willow pressed herself against Buffy's knee, again trying to pull her closer. The moon above drifted past a cloud, its soft light flooding the graveyard, silhouetting the two lovers as they became lost in the dance.
*****
"Come on, Dawnie! Have a beer with me!" laughed Kit.
"Maybe later," nodded Dawn. "Where did you get that anyway?"
"Got a six-pack under my coat," smiled Kit. She leaned her face close to Dawn's and whispered. "I hid it."
Finding that very amusing, Kit broke out into laughter and took another gulp from the beer can she held, almost choking with the effort.
"You know, I don't really think you need that," frowned Dawn, reaching for the can.
"Hey, back off! I ain't hurtin' no one," glared Kit.
"Fine," replied Dawn coldly.
"Dawn, where are we going?"
"Just going to crash for a little while. I know this place where no one will bother us. I hope," added Dawn, under her breath.
Dawn stopped walking, realizing that Kit was no longer at her side. She turned and saw her standing completely motionless, her eyes growing wide.
"Dawn...this is a cemetery. What are we doing in a cemetery? At night. In the dark," said Kit, fear very evident in her voice.
"Oh, hey, it's cool. I want to show you this place. We can hang out there for a while," encouraged Dawn.
"Dawn, I don't know," winced Kit, holding herself as she seemed to be cold again, like before.
"I've been here plenty of times. You'll love it! Trust me, you'll see," smiled Dawn.
Kit allowed Dawn to pull her forward but her eyes darted around, never settling on anything for more than a second or two.
"Dawn, someone's here. Someone's watching us. Can't you feel it? Can't you?" gasped Kit.
"Shh, there's no one here. Who would be nuts enough to come into a cemetery at night?" laughed Dawn bravely, though she searched the shadows and tombstones around them now as well.
Tugging on Kit's sleeve, Dawn pulled her along, relieved when they finally stood in front of Spike's crypt. She smiled for her but Kit's eyes, though wide open, were unfocused and Dawn doubted that she even noticed. Shouldering the door open, Dawn quickly lit several candles, recalling where they were in the dark from her many visits here. Turning, she was surprised to see that Kit had followed her in. Dawn closed the door tightly behind them.
"It's hot in here," said Kit, dropping both the six pack and the beer can she held onto the floor.
"What? You kidding? It's actually kinda cold in here," said Dawn, watching Kit.
"No. No, it's too hot in here!" shouted Kit, clawing at her coat. She frantically tore it off and tossed it aside.
"Kit! Hey, take it easy!"
But Kit only became more agitated now, scratching at her skin and obviously unaware that Dawn was even in the room with her.
"Oh God! I'm burning up!"
Kit tore at her shirt, pulling it over her head and shaking it free.
"No! No!" yelled Kit, tearing at her arms and shoulders, drawing blood.
"Kit!"
Not knowing what else to do, Dawn tackled Kit, pinning her arms to her sides. They crashed down hard on the floor and Kit began to cry, whimpering wordless sounds.
"Shh. It's okay. It's okay," comforted Dawn, yet holding on tightly. "I'm here. I'm right here."
Outside the crypt a booted heel ground out a cigarette into the dirt. Kit had been right about one thing; they weren't alone in the cemetery.
*****
"What are you laughing at?" asked Willow, smiling and not knowing why.
"I wasn't going to tell you...but you have, like...straw in your hair," grinned Buffy. She pulled a dry twig from Willow's hair as proof, holding it up proudly in front of Willow's face.
"Well, you look like you've had a roll in the hay too, ya know!" laughed Willow, running her hands through her hair.
"Maybe we should get cleaned up," sighed Buffy. "After all, we wouldn't want the neighbors to talk."
"This cleaning up...does it involve getting undressed in the same room?" asked Willow innocently.
Buffy tilted her head slightly, wondering if Willow was serious.
"Buffy, your last lover wasn't too keen about mirrors. I, on the other hand..."
"Insatiable much?" grinned Buffy.
"Hey, where's all this fabled Slayer strength I've been hearing about?" pouted Willow.
Buffy immediately grabbed Willow's hand and ran for her front door, pulling Willow along with her.
*****
Skin slick with perspiration, panting to catch her breath, Buffy rolled onto her back and turned her head to smile at Willow.
"Wow, that was...you know, I never even thought of that. Hell, even after, I wouldn't think it was possible," grinned Buffy.
"You know the old saying," gasped Willow.
"Um..."
"Where there's a Will, there's a way," laughed Willow, finally catching her breath too.
"Ugh," groaned Buffy.
"It's not so much how slow you go, it's more the not being able to move much more than, well, slow," sighed Willow contentedly.
"There's that," agreed Buffy. She reached over and brushed Willow's damp hair away from her forehead, playfully twirling a strand around her finger.
"What are we listening to?" asked Buffy.
"Oh, it's..."
"Wait, let me guess! I'm thinking...Indigo Girls?" smiled Buffy.
"No," laughed Willow. "Girls being plural, meaning there's more than one, meaning there'd be a duet or two. You hearing two girls in harmony?"
Buffy smiled deeply.
"Yeah, I think I was," nodded Buffy. Willow absolutely beamed.
"Yeah. I think you were," managed Willow, her voice breaking. "For the record, it's Norah Jones. Nice mellow, non-distracting background music. Wouldn't want you getting distracted."
"Distracted? Willow, a moose could have come wallowing through this room and I wouldn't have been distracted!"
"Do moose wallow?" said Willow out loud, suddenly serious.
Buffy laughed and Willow took in a deep breath.
"What?" asked Buffy.
Willow just shook her head and then rested her cheek on Buffy's shoulder.
"Hey, where's your happy face? You okay?"
"Oh, I'm happy. And I didn't think I could be, like, ever again," said Willow, snuggling closer against Buffy's body. Buffy smiled and stopped playing with Willow's hair, instead slipping an arm under her neck and pulling her closer.
"Go on," encouraged Buffy.
"What makes you think there's more?" whined Willow in baby talk.
"Because your words say one thing but your body tells me another," replied Buffy.
"My body's too numb to move, never mind tell you a story," protested Willow. Buffy waited patiently, knowing she didn't have to ask again.
"I can't act happy, can I?" sighed Willow. "I mean, I shouldn't, right?"
"That's crazy talk. Why not?"
"Well, what do I say when the others ask why I'm suddenly all smiley girl?"
Willow felt Buffy's arm tighten ever so slightly around her.
"Oh," nodded Buffy.
"I understand you not being comfortable with the telling...but sooner or later," said Willow.
"Yeah," agreed Buffy, swallowing nervously. "Guess it would be worth it if only to see the expression on Xander's face."
"For example," agreed Willow. "But I think it would be cool instead of just us being happy, our friends could be happy for us."
Buffy nodded but didn't say anything. Willow turned and rested her head on one hand, propped up by her elbow and looked down at Buffy.
"I'd be with you, Buffy, and, and we could tell one person at a time. Kinda ease into it, you know?"
"Yeah. But, um...soon, okay?" whispered Buffy.
"Soon is good," nodded Willow. "And so is this."
Willow pulled Buffy into a hug and just held her. Buffy welcomed the embrace, letting the sensation of Willow's skin on her own wash over her. But Buffy's eyes were wide open...and she knew shouldn't wouldn't fall asleep.
*****
"Hold on, hold on to yourself
For this is gonna hurt like hell.
Hold on, hold on to yourself
You know that only time will tell.
What is it in me that refuses to believe
This isn't easier than the real thing.
My love, you know that you're my best friend
You know that I'd do anything for you.
My love, let nothing come between us
My love for you is strong and true.
Am I in heaven here or am I in hell
At the crossroads I am standing.
So now you're sleeping peaceful
I lie awake and pray that you'll be strong tomorrow
And will see another day and we will praise it
And love the light that brings a smile across your face.
Hold on, hold on to yourself for this is gonna hurt like hell." - Sarah McLachlan
END OF PART SIX