Making Things Perfect
by Rin
Fly Away
[reviews]
A/N: For this story, certain things are changed to fit, so forgive me if they aren't correct in the real world.
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When Buffy's flight was announced for the final boarding call, Willow had not let her go, crying her eyes out, lavishing her entire face with kisses but eventually they were pried apart, and she had boarded her plane. The entire flight Buffy had sat beside Robin, trying to hide her tears, already missing the warmth of the redhead pressed against her in a tight embrace. As soon as they left JFK, they got into a taxi to take them towards their hotel, and Buffy whipped out her cell phone predictably, causing Robin to chuckle lightly as she talked to her girlfriend with many 'I miss you already,' and 'I love yous' in the mix. When they arrived at their hotel, they both settled into their conjoined rooms, and Buffy just continued talking to Willow as she prepared to adjust to the time change. Finally, they reluctantly hung up, and Buffy went to bed with more tears in her eyes, clutching the extra pillow for the bed, willing it to be her redheaded lover.
In the morning, they met with a few people at the 'Morning Show,' and she began her stint on publicity for the week. She made sure to secretly say hi to Willow by winking at the camera, which made the redhead smile all the way in California when the show aired there a few hours later. After a few interviews with local newspapers and magazines, she was exhausted, and in need of a nap. Instead, she was forced to go to a power lunch to meet with the manager of her book tour, since Robin was needed back at the company's office in Sunnydale. They chose a nice restaurant that was quiet enough for a late lunch in Manhattan but busy enough to be tasteful. When at their table, she noticed that the attractive brunette that had walked in the conference room before Willow was already sitting there, and Robin introduced them.
"Buffy, this is your tour manager. She'll be taking care of you the rest of the month. Anything you need, she's right by your side the whole way." Robin held the chair out for her, and the three settled in to the cozy table. The woman extended her hand, leering at Buffy as though checking her out completely.
"Lilah Morgan." Buffy took her hand, and shook it briefly, noticing the darkened glance being sent her way. "I was at your release party but unfortunately we didn't have a chance to meet."
"Buffy Summers but I guess you already knew that." Lilah just smirked at her, noticing that she was also being checked out by the blonde but not quite in the same way. "So, you're stuck with me, huh?"
"Looks like it."
"Anything I should know about you?"
"There's plenty of time to get to know each other. We have a month after all."
"I suppose we do." Buffy tried not to show her sadness by smiling but inside, she was still torn apart emotionally. After lunch was over, Robin rode a separate cab to the airport, while she and Lilah rode to their hotel. Once in, Lilah went over the entire itinerary with her, explaining details in a lawyer-type manner. Everything was set out for her, all she had to do was show up, and smile pretty basically.
Over dinner, the two women bonded slightly, letting each other know that it was at least going to be comfortable in the other's presence for an entire month. They had ordered in Chinese, and stayed in Buffy's room, making polite conversation where possible. Once they finished eating, Lilah left, and the blonde immediately went to her cell phone. Dialing Willow, she went over her day, hearing the excitement from the redhead's voice about seeing her on television earlier that day. She was worn out completely from the long day, and knew that it would be nonstop the entire month. Willow's birthday was in a week, and she tried to find a way to get to Sunnydale that day but it was impossible, since she was scheduled for an all day signing. Huffing, she went to bed the same as the night before, cuddled up to a cold pillow that she wished was her lover.
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"Lilah, does this look good to you?" They were in a shop on Fifth Avenue, and Buffy was currently trying on an outfit for her Oprah spot. Of all things, she was being mentioned in her book club, and it baffled her that the extremely influential woman was making her book a part of such a nationally recognized following. She was in her fifth store, and her fifth outfit, and Lilah had finally decided to help her pick out the perfect outfit. Her manager had started to relax in her company, and they had bonded slightly over the past few days. Today was all about shopping, and especially for Willow's birthday present, since she was going to express package it to Sunnydale the next day. Currently, she was standing in front of the mirror outside the dressing station, and Lilah cocked her head to the side, fully taking in the outfit.
"That's perfect, actually. It brings out the blue in your eyes nicely." Lilah smirked seductively towards her, and Buffy turned around to face her, smoothing her hands over the sky blue, thin strap dress that fell over her small form like silk.
"Are you sure?"
"Positive. Now, let's get this to the register, and find something for that girlfriend of yours. Shall we?"
"Yeah." Buffy went back to her dressing booth, and changed back into her white dress shirt, and black slacks. Lilah went to the register, paid for the dress, and went to answer her ringing phone in her purse. Buffy came back out, carrying it on the hanger, and placed it on the counter. The cashier just went about packaging it properly, and handed it over, as Buffy stood there with a confused expression on her face.
"Your girlfriend paid for it already," the cashier explained.
"Oh, she's not..."
"It's all right. Who we love shouldn't matter on gender, or anything. Here you are, ma'am." Buffy was trying to process the thought of Lilah as her girlfriend. How the cashier came to that conclusion confused her but she mentally pushed it aside because she had some shopping for her actual girlfriend, who she was missing more and more each day. Finding Lilah standing outside the store window, she made her way towards her, and when she made her way to her, Lilah hung up her phone, placing it back in her purse.
"Ready?"
"Yeah..." She just eyed Lilah, analyzing her body movement. She moved with confidence, and her body language oozed sexuality, which reminded of her slightly of Faith. Making their way into Willow's favorite clothing shop, she picked out several pairs of pants, and shirts to match, even buying her a pair of funny, red boys cut underwear that read 'Hot Mama' for a joke. Paying for items, she added the bags to her collection.
Once they had finished there, Lilah informed her that she had an interview back at the hotel with the New York Times. Making their way there in a taxi, she put all of her bags into the corner with her other little items that she'd already collected to give the redhead when she returned home. So far, she'd picked up a funny paper weight she'd found at the gift shop around the corner that had a willow tree, a small, original painting from a struggling artist on the street in front of Rockefeller Center, a t-shirt that said 'I heart NY,' and a hematite necklace that she'd bought from a metaphysical shop. She still had two-dozen gifts to go, and she couldn't wait to give them all to her lover, and see her face as she explained how she came by them. Two more days until Willow's birthday, and she had cried herself to sleep every night this week, knowing that she was missing the first time she'd ever get to celebrate the redhead turning another year older since they'd been together.
"You miss her." It was a statement, there was no question in the voice, and Buffy turned around to see Lilah looking upon her with concerned eyes, which was odd for the brunette. Realizing that she was wallowing again, she shook her head clear, trying to mentally prepare herself for yet another interview.
"More than anything."
"From the way you talk about her, she seems wonderful."
"She is. She's more than wonderful." Buffy sighed deeply. "Do you have anybody back home waiting
on you?"
"Waiting on me? Hardly." Lilah's expression was amused, and she looked at Buffy with hungry eyes that the blonde was still oblivious to for some reason. She was always able to get anybody she wanted in her bed but this particular blonde was too preoccupied with her girlfriend, which was bothersome to Lilah but she wouldn't give up without a fight. She resolved to have the petite young woman in her bed by the end of the month.
"Not a relationship person?"
"Let's just say that I'm not the type to tie myself down to one particular thing."
"You're more concerned with your career."
"Ah, I'm glad to see you've been paying attention."
"More than you'd believe..."
"Oh, really?" Lilah saw this as a cue to test the waters, arched an eyebrow, smirked seductively, caught her gaze with seduction, and moved right in front of her, noticing how Buffy's breathing starting getting a little quicker. 'Maybe this won't be as hard as thought...then again, I do love a challenge...'
"Lilah?"
"Yes?"
"Do I really have to stay the entire month? Is there any way to get out of it?"
"Afraid not. You're stuck with me for another three weeks. Is that a problem?"
"Oh, no. No...I just...it's..."
"The redhead."
"Yeah..." Buffy smiled sheepishly, hoping that Lilah understood but knowing that she couldn't do anything, even if she wanted to help her.
"Well, I'm afraid that it's not in my jurisdiction. You're under contract, and since the book has been so successful, you're tour's just a little longer than others." Lilah laughed internally, glad that it wasn't going to be too easy. Just then, there was a call to the room, and Lilah picked up the phone, having a quick conversation with the other end, while Buffy stared again at the pile of gifts, willing the month to just be over already. The brunette returned to her side, and placed her hand on the small of Buffy's back, running small circles there to entice her, tease her a little without being too obvious. "That was the reporter. He's on his way up. You should take a breather for a second. Get your mind clear of the redhead before he gets here."
"I could never forget her."
"I didn't say forget her, did I?"
"No but..."
"Just clear your mind...this is the 'Times.' After this, we can go back out, and get some more shopping done. How's that sound?"
"I live to shop." She grinned somewhat, and then there was a knock at the door, which Lilah promptly answered, and allowed a woman to follow her. When the interview was over, Buffy smiled excitedly, and bid farewell to the pleasant woman, having actually enjoyed the interview within their comfortable atmosphere. Riding the subway, they arrived at Greenwich Village, and Buffy immediately went about finding Willow the perfect gift. In one metaphysical shop, she found a beautiful necklace that the owner said represented love and commitment. Also purchasing a few minor things, she made her way to a small music store. In there, she found memorabilia, and LPs organized in rows. After a little browsing, and much contemplation, she decided to buy a few records that Willow couldn't find in Sunnydale, or even LA. Deciding that she'd done well, she went to find Lilah in a bookstore, browsing the law books. 'She must have been a lawyer in a past life.'
Walking through the dusty collection of rare books, one particular title caught her attention. She grazed her fingers across its leather binding, and traced the outline of the letters. Pulling it from the shelf, she placed her bags to the floor, and started flipping carefully through the yellowed pages. The musty smell that permeated the books brought back memories of Willow's apartment playroom, where she kept her collection of various books.
"What did you find?" Buffy's heart leapt from her chest being caught off guard, since she was so entranced by the words escaping from the pages. Turning her head slightly, she regarded Lilah with an admonishing glare, which only caused the brunette to lean in further, allowing Buffy a good view down her somewhat exposed blouse, and smell the same perfume that Willow wore, which tore her sense to pieces.
"A book."
"Obviously..."
"Oh, it's called 'Vampyr.' Awkward title but it seems interesting enough. There's also five books here called the 'Books of Ascension.' Then, up here..." She pointed to a spot on the shelf she couldn't quite reach but could easily read. "That's the book Willow can't find anywhere, not even on ebay. I just can't reach it." Lilah leaned over her body, pressing her chest into the blonde's back, causing Buffy to catch her breath, so that her senses wouldn't confuse this woman with her girlfriend. Handing her the book, Lilah just leered at her again. "Thanks, Lilah."
"No problem. My pleasure, I assure you..."
"Um, I think I'm ready when you are. I never thought I'd say this but I'm all shopped out for the day." Buffy slumped her shoulders, and started piling the other five books into a pile. Lilah helped by picking up her bags, and ushering her to the counter. After paying, they went back out into the New York evening, hopping a subway back to the hotel to settle in for the night. Just like every night, as soon as she bid Lilah a good night, she speed dialed home.
"Buffy?!"
"Woah, Wills! Excited much?"
"Yes...I mean, well...I missed you, and I was just thinking about you, and then here you are, calling me that is, and I was happy. That's all."
"I was just thinking about you, too. I miss you, baby. New York's not the same without you, and I have to go to this big fancy party tomorrow night. It's for some benefit, and I'm one of the presenters. I don't know what exactly I'm supposed to do. They'll tell me when I get there."
"Sounds like fun."
"Yeah, well, it won't be if you aren't there."
"Over 5,000 miles away, and she's still sappy as ever."
"You bet." Buffy couldn't hide her grin, as she stripped her clothes, pulling a pair of blue pajama pants on, and leaving her white tank top on that she'd worn underneath her blouse. "I wish you were here right now."
"Me, too."
"How was your day? I haven't had a chance to check the news yet. Any news on Darla, or is the stress still mounting?"
"Actually, she woke up early this morning, and we've been all over the news again. If you put it on the music channel, I'd say they're still airing yours truly."
"Well, let me turn it on then." Buffy picked up the remote from the top of the television, and turned the channels until she found the right station. The news wasn't on yet; she still had five minutes before it came on again. She moved to the bathroom, and prepared to brush her teeth. "So, that's good. How is she?" She started brushing her teeth, and listened to her girlfriend as she scrubbed them clean.
"I went to talk to her earlier today, and she had talked to Drusilla already. They're going to break the band up because Drusilla is being placed into a mental institution. I asked if she wanted to stay on as a solo act, try that, but she declined. What did you do today?" Buffy rinsed her pasted mouth clean with water, and cleaned her toothbrush before placing it back on the counter by the rest of her things. Grabbing her face wash, and a clean cloth, she turned the hot water on before gently rubbing some of the cleanser on her face.
"Well, I had that interview with New York Times, and early today, I was doing another signing. Other than that, nothing but shopping." She wet the cloth, and rinsed the wash off of her face.
"Ohh...get anything good? Something maybe that revolves around two more days?" Buffy giggled at the childlike tone of her girlfriend, and went to use the restroom before returning to her bed for the night.
"Maybe..."
"Ohh...what'd you get?"
"Now, if I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise."
"What if I don't like surprises?"
"You love surprises, Wills, and don't try to deny it."
"I didn't."
"Lilah helped me pick out a dress to wear on Oprah on your birthday."
"Oh, yeah? What's it look like?"
"You'll just have to watch, and see..."
"I miss you so much..."
"I know...me, too." Buffy flushed, and washed her hands. Lotioning her arms and hands, she flicked the bathroom light off before turning the bedroom lights off as well.
"But you're having fun?"
"As much as I can without you here." They both sighed, as Buffy snuggled underneath the covers in
the cold, darkened hotel room, the sounds outside the Waldorf-Astoria permeating the silence.
"I love you, Buffy. As long as you're happy, I can do this."
"I'm okay...I wouldn't exactly say happy but I'm not unhappy given the circumstances."
"I know...it's been really hard. I came home yesterday, and my first instinct was to find you, and take
care of a little frustration I've been experiencing these past few days but you weren't there, and I had to take matters into my own hand."
"Did it help any?"
"No...I just ended up crying, and couldn't...you know." Buffy could hear the blush coming from her lover, and had to sigh expressively, sharing the same frustration.
"Well...we can always try it over the phone. We did talk about it before I left."
"Do you want to? I mean, it's one in the morning there. You must be exhausted, and need some rest for tomorrow."
"I'm fine...we can."
"Okay."
"Good."
"Um..."
"So...what are you wearing?"
"Um, if I told you that I was in my red flannel pajamas, would you find me less desirable?"
"No...I love your red flannel pajamas. Nothing could make me not want you."
"What are you wearing?"
"My white tank, and blue pajama pants."
"The ones that I bought you last month?"
"Yeah. I think so. I just put a pair on, didn't really pay much attention. I was busy talking to you,
which is my number one priority."
"Aww...sappy Buffy. I love you in those. They're easy to pull off."
"Willow!"
"What? I was just trying to make you hot."
"Too late for that." Buffy's breath was starting to come faster, and her heart was steadily picking up pace. "Will...I want you so bad."
"Me, too...want you, that is...I want you, too."
"Willow..."
"Yes?" Buffy began absent-mindedly rubbing her palms across her chest, and her entire body heated up at the sultry tone in Willow's voice.
"Make love for me..."
"Don't you mean to you?"
"No. I mean I want to hear you..."
"Oh! Um, yeah...sure...I mean, I..."
"We don't have to if you're still uncomfortable..."
"No! I want to...I need to...it's too hard not to. Can we...um, together?"
"Yesss..." She could hear Willow's breathing start to get heavier through the receiver, and that caused her to draw lazy circles down her stomach.
"Oh, Buffy..." With Willow's husky tone, Buffy didn't hesitate to bury her hand between her underwear and her center, starting to take matters into her own hand. As she heard Willow start to gasp and moan from her own hand, Buffy couldn't help but mirror the noises. After a few minutes, when things were about to peak, and there were all numbers of name calling and admissions of love, there was a knock at the conjoined door, indicating that Lilah needed her.
"Dammit!" Willow thought something was wrong, and Buffy could practically feel the redhead discard her hand from her pants, especially since she was doing the same, wiping her dampened hand on the sheets before making her way to the door.
"What happened? Is something wrong? Did you hurt yourself?"
"No. No, baby...Lilah just knocked on the door. She must need something, and knowing her, she
won't quit until she gets what she wants."
"You mentioned she was ambitious and dedicated."
"That's just the half of it. Hold on, Wills."
"K." Buffy opened the door, and pressed the phone to her shoulder. Lilah was standing on the other side, dressed in lingerie. "Yeah?"
"Just wanted to let you know that Oprah's full segment cancelled at the last minute due to health issues, so she's expanded your short segment to an entire show. Is that okay?" Buffy didn't know what to say...this was a huge deal. An entire hour with Oprah was any author's dream...that meant they had done something right, and the fact that her people had set that up meant that she really had made it.
"No..." She reeled in her frustration, and humming body that was protesting from being so close and not releasing, and focused on what would happen in two days. She would miss Willow's birthday but instead of ten minutes with the pop culture icon, she would spend an entire hour. There was an excited squeal from the phone on her shoulder, and she smirked upon hearing the excitement in Willow's voice.
"Sounds like you already have a fan..."
"You bet. Um...why didn't they just find another guest. I'm just a new author."
"Yes but you're successful, and the book's been signed for publication in 34 other countries already. That's quite the feat that is rare in the industry, especially in the age of the moving picture. Robin called, and said there were producers in Hollywood wanting to turn the book into a movie, too...that says a lot about your talent. Oprah's not going to find that something simple. The book's only been out for three weeks, and you're already getting more attention than most authors get in their lifetime."
"Wow...I mean, why didn't Robin say anything?"
"He goes through me now. Remember?"
"Oh, yeah...um...if you don't mind me asking..."
"What is Quentin Travers saying about all of this?"
"Yeah..."
"He's a prude but that's in his nature. He's only concerned about his business, and doesn't really
care much about the people involved but you already knew that..." Buffy just nodded. "Well, Robin said they've been preparing to hold a party for your millionth copy sold since last week."
"Another party? And I wasn't told?"
"It was a surprise, actually, but he decided to let me go ahead and tell you instead. They want to start discussing the second part of your series. We'll also be meeting with an old colleague of mine when we return."
"More book managers?"
"Actually, no. He's a lawyer, and just as determined as I am. They want to make sure you're story's rights are clear and settled before moving on to the next."
"Oh. Of course...wow...over a million?" Lilah just nodded with that same sensual leer she kept directing towards the blonde. "Ohh!! Can I get one of those signs like McDonald's? You know... 'Over a million served'...?" She could hear Willow giggling from her shoulder.
"Well, I'm not sure about that but there are certain traditions that will take place once we get back, as well. You'll find that you're going to like this career, I think."
"I already do. If I didn't have to be away from Willow so long, it'd be more than perfect."
"Well...get your rest. We start early again tomorrow, and we have some extra preparation now for Thursday."
"Right. Good night, Lilah."
"See you in the morning." With that, they shut their doors, and Buffy sighed excitedly, pulling the phone back to her ear.
"Wow."
"I know." With that, the two girls forgot about their unsettled passion, and continued talking for another half hour about the coming show, and finally said their respective goodnights, and settling in to get some sleep.
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Waiting in the wings of the soundstage, Buffy shifted from one foot to the other nervously. Until then, it hadn't occurred to her that she wouldn't know what to say to one of the most influential women in America. It was surreal, and her nerve calming system was all the way on the other end of the country. Taking a deep breath, she felt Lilah attempt to calm her by massaging her shoulders. When she was cued to the stage, she took a deep breath, and put on an excited smile. This was it. The very thing she imagined when she was a little girl. The thought made her miss her mother, and how they would watch Oprah on her days off from school when she was younger, curled up on the couch with her mother, while her dad was at work. Her mother would be more than proud, and that gave her a little bit of confidence.
Making her way onto the soundstage, she waved briefly at the applauding crowd, and made her way to the sofa, where Oprah was standing. When she reached her destination, the host hugged her, and that startled her, since they hadn't had a chance to meet backstage. The cab had taken longer than expected to get to the building, and when they arrived, the pop icon was already in makeup, preparing for the show that started in fifteen minutes. When she was rushed to makeup herself, the woman was already done, and made her way onto the soundstage to greet her guests before cameras rolled.
"Buffy Summers...this appears to be your month." She offered her a seat, and the blonde gladly followed her example by sitting down.
"I wouldn't say that, Ms. Winfrey."
"Oh, and polite. Please, call me Oprah."
"Okay. I can do that."
"Now, Buffy is the author of the quick, best-selling book, 'The Vampire Slayer.' Let's take a look at some footage that our cameramen caught at a signing she did yesterday in SOHO."
On the screen behind them, a shot of the line outside the bookstore showed that there was a crowd that morning just to meet the young blonde, and get their copies of the book signed. Overhead, Oprah's voice could be heard in the background, narrating the event, briefly explaining the synopsis of the book. The camera panned to a shot of a smiling Buffy greeting a young man, who was obviously flirting with her, as she just smiled, and kept safe actions towards him. Lilah could be seen in the chair beside her, and there were two bodyguards on either side of the table. The single file line kept moving along until the camera showed Buffy during a brief coffee break, talking on the phone. The sound picked up part of her conversation to Willow, and she kept saying that she missed her and loved her, as she returned to the table before she smiled and waved at the camera. The screen went off, and the attention was settled back on the two ladies.
"Tell me a little about your book. Where did this idea come from?"
"Well...actually, that's a little personal thing between my girlfriend and I."
"Well, can you give us something that wouldn't betray that?"
"Oh, well. It was just a joke between she and I. Some of our conversations in the early months of our relationship revolved around playful banter, and it would just segue into me calling myself a slayer. That's where the idea originated."
"It's a very interesting concept...one that the entertainment industry hasn't touched upon too often. The idea of a petite young girl having super powers, and saving the world, is something that goes against the norm. It's quite a bold move for somebody new to the literary world but that has obviously helped you skyrocket to success. How are you handling your newfound success?"
"Well, the book tour that I'm on right now is making me miss a lot of things back home."
"Such as?"
"Well, today is my girlfriend's birthday, and it's the first one that we'd be sharing together, since next week is our one year anniversary. Then, there's Thanksgiving, of course, and it's always been one of my favorite holidays. The idea of being around family, and we're preparing to start a family together by having a ceremony in March." Buffy's expression fell to one of utter sadness, and her eyes screamed pain from being away from Willow. Oprah looked at her with compassion, and laid a comforting hand on her knee briefly.
"Sounds like you're not liking the idea of being away from her that much."
"Not at all."
"Well, Buffy, it's amazing that you're so open about your sexuality, especially since so many authors, actors, and musicians lay low about their relationships. Have you found any grief concerning that aspect in your career?" Buffy adjusted in her seat, and tried to find a polite way to answer her question.
"Well...to be perfectly honest, there's always some prejudice, and people calling you names but I don't pay any attention to them. I won't let anything get in my way of loving Willow. She's my life, my love, and I can't believe I'm talking about this to you on television."
"But you just said that you..."
"Oh, no! I just mean that it's surreal. This is the best stop on my book tour this far because I'm talking about her. She's the best thing that's ever happened in my life, and I would gladly give my life for her without hesitation. I would do anything to protect her, and to make the world a better place for her."
"Just like your character in the book."
"Very much so."
"Your book packs humor, drama, romance, and horror all into one, and yet it's not really a scary book. It's more metaphor for life, and that's why it's been so successful. People are identifying with the characters, and scenarios within the book, and it's just the right amount of difficult and easy to read and understand. It's quite an accomplishment for somebody so young." Oprah smiled at the slight blush that came upon Buffy's face.
"Well, truth be told, I wasn't expecting this to happen, especially so fast. Like I said, it's all surreal...
like I'll wake up any minute."
"Well, I guarantee you that it's not a dream."
"But I can't help but think it is sometimes."
"Would you like me to pinch you, and make you believe it?" The familiar voice rang from behind her, and Buffy looked at Oprah noticing that she hadn't said that. She had a huge, knowing smile on her face, and looked over Buffy's shoulder to where the voice was coming. The blonde followed her gaze, and took in the person, knowing that she would definitely wake up any minute. She just sat there in shock, and the young woman standing there waved shyly, not really sure what to do or say.
"Well, Buffy, since it was her birthday, and we knew you'd be away, we flew Willow out here so that you could celebrate together. After all, you only turn 27 once." Oprah just sat there, and watched the two girls sigh, and gaze at each other lovingly, completely aware that there was no doubt in anybody's mind that these two were, indeed, madly in love.
"Will?" Buffy's voice was soft, not wanting to wake up if it was a dream but Willow just nodded her head, and that was enough confirmation for her. She stood up quickly, and showered the redhead with kisses all over her face, ignoring all the 'awws' and clapping from the audience, finally kissing her sensuously on the lips before hearing Oprah clear her throat. Both girls blushed, flushed and heavily panting from the deep on camera kiss. Buffy pulled Willow to sit down close to her on the couch beside Oprah's chair, and grasped their hands together on her lap, rubbing her thumb gently over the redhead's soft hand. "Sorry..."
"That's quite alright. From my source, you two are quite the inseparable pair, and you just proved to the world that you're in love."
"This is the best thing that's happened to me in awhile. I don't know how to thank you." Oprah just chuckled in her deep voice.
"Well, you just did, and seeing the smile on your face is enough for me. So, tell me Willow, what's
Buffy really like?" Willow half-grinned in a playful manner, and Buffy's eyes went wide, pleading not
to tell anything too embarrassing.
"She's a shower hog. She takes forever in the bathroom but I don't mind, really. Let's see...oh! There was this one time...at our cabin...that she tried to impress me by cannon balling into the lake but calculated the distance wrong, and ended up falling in the boat. That entire day, she kept pouting. She's always trying to impress me but she doesn't realize that it's too late for that. I'm already impressed." Some members in the audience awed again, and Buffy couldn't keep her adoration from her face, and kissed her cheek gently. The rest of the show, there was easy conversation, and Oprah had been fond of the two girls. To be brave enough not to hide your love on live television in a non-traditional relationship was something she could easily admire, and she just hoped that the stations wouldn't cut too much or cut the show that day because of the fact that they were two women, and shared their feelings for the other without a care in the world.
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The rest of the day, Buffy showered Willow with everything she could possibly think of...dinner at a fancy restaurant, shopping for more birthday gifts (even though she'd already gone overboard), making brief stops to kiss, taking a carriage ride through Central Park, and finally arriving back to the hotel late that night. The two immediately went about their passion, and completely ravished the other's body...not caring that they had managed to knock over things, and even break a lamp in the throws of that passion. After several hours, the two collapsed in the bed, a sweaty, wet mess. They immediately clung their over sensitive, sated bodies together, as though it were their last moments, and cuddled in for the rest of the morning, especially since Buffy had nothing on the itinerary that day. Lilah moved the magazine interview to the next day, in order to give the two lovers time together.
"Good thoughts?"
"Most definitely." Buffy moved the sweaty, auburn locks that were matted across Willow's forehead, and kept stroking her hair slightly before relaxing in their embrace again.
"Good surprise?"
"More than you'll ever know. It was the most amazing thing...how did you?"
"Apparently, Robin called Oprah's people, and mentioned how miserable Lilah said you were."
"That sneaky little..."
"I got a call, and let Xander know I'd be gone for a few days again, and to close the office on Saturday to give everyone a break after this Dru and Darla thing. Next thing I know, I'm in makeup getting ready to see you."
"I love you so much."
"I love you, too." Buffy kissed her softly on the lips.
"How did you like our first celebration of your birthday together?"
"It was nice."
"Good birthday?"
"The best." They said good night, kissed softly one last time, and snuggled together, completely content with how they were. Unfortunately, Willow had to fly back to Sunnydale on Sunday. Only three days left, and they planned on savoring every moment, especially since there was three more weeks left before Buffy was home again.