Loving Willow More
by Rin
4
[reviews]
A/N: Does anybody else feel like sleeping for months???
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Willow had been humming joyously for a month now, and Xander was determined to figure out the cause. It seemed that she had gone from mopey Willow to happy Willow in the blink of an eye, and he was glad but found it oddly disturbing. The crystal had an effect on everybody, and the young man was wary that something was happening again. She had been wearing her 'love' face again for some time. He had called Cordelia, trying to find out if she and Fred were back together but the answer was a negative. The sad part was that he also found out that Fred was pursuing a relationship with Gunn, something that DID disturb him, and before he managed to find out what was up with his bestest redheaded pal, Xander knew that information was confidential for fear of unleashing mopey Willow again.
The good news was that Willow and Buffy were practically inseparable, and that both seemed happier when the other was around, which in turn made Xander happier. The only problem was that he knew they were keeping something from him; he wouldn't have suspected anything if Anya hadn't pointed the telltale signs out to him. The two always snuck off together, and hardly ever invited him to go out with them anymore. There were several times when he'd found them out and about town, and their reactions were jumpy, and their faces were blood red, as though they'd been caught with their hands in the proverbial cookie jar. It was time to find out what was going on, even though he figured it had something to do with Anya.
"Willow!!" He caught up with her, while she was sitting in the Grotto, talking to a longhaired blonde girl that was not Buffy. It was odd not seeing the two together for once but he had planned it this way, studying their schedules, so that he'd be able to catch them apart. Xander knew that Willow would be the easiest to crack, so he went to attack her first.
"Oh, Xander! Hi! I thought you were driving the ice cream truck today?" Willow stopped her conversation with her new Wicca friend, and was shocked to see her oldest friend making his way towards them.
"Yeah. I'm off shift already." He sat down next to them, helping himself to a piece of Willow's blueberry bagel.
"Well, that's good. Now you can have more time with Anya." Willow smiled genuinely, glad that he was over Cordelia but still uncomfortable around the ex-demon. Xander looked at her suspiciously, narrowing his eyes in deep concentration.
"Yeah. Hey, how about we get together tonight, and play poker? I'm teaching..."
"Um, I can't tonight." Willow tried not to act happy, since it was she and Buffy's one-month anniversary. The blonde told her to dress extremely casual, and stayed cryptic about everything else other than a time and a place to meet: the dorm at 8. She was going to do a quick patrol around campus, and then head straight back to their room. Willow's anticipation for the night was on overload.
"What's going on lately, Wills? I feel like you don't want to be around me anymore...either of you." Xander looked at her with saddened eyes, and leant forward from his seat, getting straight to the point, which was something he didn't often do but knew he had to in this situation. Otherwise, there was a possibility he would stay out of the loop more and more, until one day, he was no longer allowed in at all.
"Oh, Xander. We don't mean to ignore you. I had... it's just... There's a lot going on right now, and I hate..." Willow moved forward in her own seat, brow scrunched in sympathy, knowing exactly what he was talking about but not willing to give up her alone Buffy time for anything. There needed to be a silent compromise, since the two girls were still in the hush stages to the others about their relationship.
"Is it Anya? I know she can be a little much at times but she's..." Xander looked down at his knee, seeing that Willow had placed a comforting hand there to halt him further. When he looked back up at her gaze, she explained.
"It's not Anya." She shook her head for a minute, sighing since she knew that spending time with his girlfriend wasn't high on her list, either. It just wasn't the main reason why he'd been excluded. "I mean, sure, she's a lot to take, and I'm still not sure how to take her exactly but there's just so much going on right now in my life that I can't explain. I wish I could but... Xander, believe me when I tell you that I miss hanging out with you all the time."
"Um, W-willow?" The girl in question looked at her new friend, wincing when she realized she'd ignored her for the last few minutes. "M-maybe I should...l-l-leave you two to talk. I...um. I'll call you later."
"Oh, sure. I'm sorry, Tara." Willow watched her friend stand, preparing to make her exit, and immediately went for the introductions. "Oh! Tara, this is Xander. Xander this is Tara. She was in that Wicca group that I tried to attend. She was the only one that actually cared about magick. She's really powerful!" The blonde girl ducked her head, and blushed under the praise, wanting to deny it but could only shake her head, since words were not her strong suit at the moment. Matter of fact, whenever she was anywhere near the redhead, Tara was at a loss for words.
"Hey, Tara." Xander waved half-heartedly, since he was still somewhat heartbroken that he was losing his best friend.
"Um. I'm just going to..." Tara pointed towards the door, and before anything could be said, Willow jumped up, and hugged her goodbye.
"I'll talk to you soon. We'll do that synchronicity spell sometime next week, if you want." When they broke apart, the blonde just nodded her agreement, and was on her way. Willow immediately plopped down on the couch next to Xander, focusing all attention on him. "Let's get together next week. I'm busy tonight but I would love to get together more often. You're absolutely right. After Fred..." She trailed off, the memory still a little painful but Xander noticed that there wasn't much sadness and woe there anymore. He looked in the direction the blonde witch had left, and started to suspect Willow was hiding a new lover. Instead of making a fool of himself, though, he decided to just observe, and wait for his best friend to talk to him when she was ready, since it was obvious that she wasn't yet.
"Sure thing, Will. What about Buffy? After patrol, she can come over, and play with us." Xander was unaware of the sudden blush on Willow's cheeks.
"She's busy."
"How do you know?" He took another piece of her bagel, stopped for a moment, then just grabbed the rest of it, recognizing the familiar signs that Willow was finished with it.
"We're doing something tonight." At least she had the decency to wince a little, when she saw the look on Xander's face.
"Well, then. We'll just meet you there. Where are you going?" Xander's mouth was full but his words were unmistakable.
"NO!" Willow calmed down before continuing, especially after she noticed a few students looking at her because of her sudden outburst. "I mean, sorry. It's just that I don't know where we're going." Xander looked at her in disbelief. "No, I'm serious. She didn't tell me. I was just told to meet her in the dorm later." With that, Xander decided to pry a little further.
"I've noticed that you haven't used the F word in quite some time." He leaned back to get a little more comfortable, and to study her reactions. She always was expressional in the face, and her body language was sometimes easier to read than most people.
"Actually, I've wanted to talk to you about that so much but with everything happening, it was just hard. At first, it was hard to even talk to myself about it. Luckily, Buffy was there to pull me back, and I'm sorry I didn't let you in more." It was good to talk to Xander. During Christmas break, she and Buffy had moved back to their own houses but still spent most of their time together. On Christmas day, she had stayed with the Summers family, and even during a few nights of Hanukah, Buffy had stayed with her. It was as though they never parted when they returned the week before, and things were still intense. It was getting harder to hold back but Willow still wasn't ready, and truth be told, neither was Buffy.
"I should be going. Anya's waiting back in the basement." Xander stood, wiping the crumbs from his clothes. Willow followed, again with the apologetic face.
"I do want to do something next week." She hugged him but the hug was a little awkward. The two girls were going to have to do better if they expected to stay in the dark but still keep Xander, which was not an option of losing.
"Yeah. Sure. Next week." Xander nodded, and left without another word from either of them. Willow just watched him leave, and picked up her shoulder bag before heading to her last class.
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Willow didn't have to wait long for Buffy to return from patrol. Actually, the crime rate lately around Sunnydale had gone down tremendously, and Buffy had been arriving home earlier each night, and usually unharmed for the most part. There were still nights of big fights but neither girl minded the extra care Willow took to mend each tiny scratch. Things had still been a little awkward at first but once they got into the swing of things, the two girls were all over each other, always kissing when they had the chance. There were lots of snuggling, dates, cuddling, holding hands, little warm fuzzies, and the occasional back massage but they still slept in separate beds, knowing that once they crossed that line, there would be even more changes. It wasn't so much insecurity of their love, especially their passion for the other; it was more like wanting to make things last, and getting to know each other on a romantic level.
"Hey, beautiful. Hope you didn't miss me too much." Buffy walked in with a bounce in her step, and bounded over to her girlfriend with excitement, hugging her for emphasis.
"Not too terribly much but there was one moment there that I didn't think I'd survive." They smirked, and drew together for a warm, tender kiss. Staying in the embrace when their lips parted, Willow kept her smirk. "So, I'm all casual, so what's the big surprise? Anything I should worry about?"
"Only if you're allergic to..." Buffy mumbled the last part lowly, teasing her girlfriend, and loving every minute of it. "Other than that, I think you'll be fine."
"Okay, Buffy Summers. You just wait and see if you get those extra smoochies later?" Willow broke the embrace, and walked to grab her backpack. She wanted to be prepared for anything. Buffy was quite spontaneous, and highly romantic, she was surprised to find, which didn't bother her in the least.
"Well, just let me change out of these dusty garments, and we'll be on our way." She leaned over for another quick peck before retreating into her closet. In order to keep her hormones in check, Willow turned around to allow her some privacy. "It's okay, Wills. You saw me half naked last night."
"Well...I ...that is...." Willow was flustered, remembering the heated kissing and groping festival that she was a large part of, and when she looked at her bed (the scene of the crime), she became even more flustered. She had dated Fred for over a year before she managed to take her top off but for some reason last night, she had to feel Buffy's skin against her own. Things were progressing nicely...
"Ready to go?" Buffy patted her sweatpants, which caused Willow to turn around, and notice that she was only wearing a white tank top with it, her bra straps sticking out the sides. Suddenly, she felt overdressed in her jeans and faded maroon t-shirt. Buffy understood, and went over to wrap her arms around her again, kissing the worry lines away. "You look amazing. Don't worry. It's just us tonight, just the way I like it."
"Where are we going again?" Willow prompted. Her curiosity just couldn't stay at bay, and her inquisitive mind was still trying to coax the answer from her girlfriend, who still wasn't budging an inch on the answer.
"You'll find out in about fifteen minutes." Buffy picked up her own backpack, placed it over her shoulders, and immediately entwining their fingers together before heading in that direction.
When they walked through town, Willow was confused. It was like they were just taking a stroll, something they'd done numerous times already as a couple... not that she minded it this time. She just thought their one-month would be something a little different, something a little less ordinary. After all, Buffy was extremely good at steering away from ordinary. They stopped in the ice cream shop, and the blonde bought them single scoops of their respective flavors. Continuing their walk, they kept their hands clasped, and used their other hands to devour their waffle cones. Buffy even made a bold move by leaning over, and licking the dripping mint chocolate from Willow's chin, something totally unexpected. After the allotted fifteen minutes, the two girls arrived at the beach. Willow looked quizzically at Buffy, as the blonde dropped their hands, and her bag, too.
"Buffy? Are we allowed to be out here at night? Isn't it dangerous?" Willow looked around for beach patrol. The sound of the crashing waves were soothing, and the minimal amount of lighting on the area was a little romantic but she was still confused, and a little scared at being caught. Somehow, it made what came next more worthwhile.
"Danger I know. Trust me, Willow." Buffy's loving gaze melted the redhead's fears, and when she saw the blonde kneel down, and start pulling items from her backpack, she sat down next to her on the sand.
Willow watched, as Buffy placed a large blanket down on the sand, and started digging holes to place candles around the blanket, lighting them as they were positioned not to fall, or burn anything. The area now had a strategic glow, and the slayer managed to place little sand bunkers around them to prevent the wind from extinguishing them, even though the wind was really light, and barely there. It was still best to be safe. Next, she pulled out her portable CD player, and a small pair of speakers, plugging them up, and again placing them strategically in angled positions to give the best audio. Placing a disk in the player, she turned on the music, which shifted in the background of the waves. Next, she pulled out a bottle of Merlot, causing Willow to arch an eyebrow at where she got it from, and then opened the bottle, burying it in the sand by the blanket, allowing it to breathe, as she finished her preparations. Not the most romantic but she pulled out two thermos tops for cups, and then a Ziploc bag full of red grapes.
"Well, what do you think?" Buffy squinted her eyes in hopes of not disappointing her girlfriend. It was quite a surprise but it gave them the chance to be a couple in public without announcing it to anybody just yet. Willow snapped out of her trance.
"This is amazing. Buffy... wh..." Willow just shut up, and kicked her socks and shoes off, letting the grainy texture of the sand sift between her toes, as she made her way slowly to her girlfriend, laying them both down on the blanket. "You're amazing." She leaned on top of Buffy, and kissed her tenderly, expressing her appreciation.
"Mmm..." When the kiss ended, Buffy sat back up, and proceeded to pour them cups of wine.
"Not that I mind...I mean, it's nice and all but... where did you get the wine? And aren't you afraid of becoming cave slayer again?" Willow was stopped with another soft kiss, as she was handed the cup.
"Riley got it for me. He didn't even ask questions." Buffy was grateful for her former TA, and was surprised that the girls had actually become his friend, along with his other housemates, Graham and Forrest. The three guys were okay, as far as fraternity boys went, and the five of them usually met for lunch on the campus. The girls had also attended some of their parties at Lowell House, and even despite the awkwardness at first, the three young men actually proved to be decent friends when in a jam, and didn't crowd the them, which eased their minds tremendously. Since their relationship was still hush hush, there was still the possibility of being hit on, which Buffy was a lot, and Willow was on occasion. If the redhead was more extroverted like her girlfriend, then there was no doubt that she would have just as many, if not more offers that she would have to reject.
"Riley, huh?" Willow took a few sips of her wine before laying the cup down carefully next to her. Reaching into her own bag, she started to pull something from it. "Then you won't be mad that I asked Graham to get something for me." She pulled out a wrapped package that was small, and screamed of jewelry. Buffy's eyes lit up, and she leaned back into her own bag excitedly, pulling out a smaller jewelry sized box. "It's not illegal but he picked them up for me, while I kept you occupied." Willow smirked, letting Buffy know exactly how she occupied her, as she handed over the package.
"Well, you can occupy me anytime you want." Buffy leaned in for a kiss, finishing her cup of wine, and allowing Willow to finish hers before proceeding with the gift giving. "I haven't really done this whole one-month anniversary thing before. Angel and I...well, we never really had dates. It was more like...make out, have sex, lose a soul, and then kill him before he comes back from Hell, and eventually leaves for LA." The lack of bitterness in Buffy's tone shocked Willow. The blonde had talked about the whole situation like it really wasn't a big deal, and the sincerity in her eyes told the redhead that her girlfriend was completely hers. That was a great feeling.
"Well, it gets easier as we go along. I assure you." Willow finished her wine, stacked their cups, leaned over Buffy, placing them by the buried bottle, and kissed her before sitting down again. "You first, since this is your first time, and all."
"Well, a little sassy tonight, aren't you?" Buffy's eyebrows arched, and she exchanged their offered gifts. Willow just smirked mischievously in return. As Buffy unwrapped the carefully crafted wrapping, she was like a kid on a birthday, now holding the soft, velvet box in her hands. Looking up at Willow for permission, she saw the smile, and opened it carefully. Her eyes widened when she saw the beautiful silver necklace placed masterfully in its place. She looked at Willow again, tears brimming her eyes, and then started to trace the chain, down to the pendant hanging there. It was much like the onyx necklace that Buffy had given the redhead before prom the year before; only the stone was different.
"It's sherry colored topaz. It aids in protection, healing, love, and emotional balance. I thought that with being the slayer, it was the perfect gemstone. With us starting a relationship, I kind of thought it appropriate, too. It's also known to help with creativity and tranquility, which couldn't hurt in the slayer field, either. Tara and I may have added a little extra protection spell to the chain, since it didn't feel right to deduce the stone's properties but the deciding factor was the fact that it would bring out your eyes perfectly. I love your eyes." Willow stared into said eyes, and looked lovingly after her babbled explanation. The blonde was quiet, and she just wasn't sure how her girlfriend liked the gift, so she explained.
"It's perfect." Buffy sighed longingly, and handed the box back to Willow. When she saw the confused and hurt expression, she quickly explained. "I love it, Wills. Would you put it on me, please?" The redhead nodded, and immediately went about wrapping the chain around her girlfriend's throat, giving her a sweet kiss before Buffy let her blonde locks fall down her shoulders again. "Now you!"
"Don't have to tell me twice." Willow was a little more careful about opening the gift. Her fingers were a little shaky, her nerves on overdrive. The night so far was more than beautiful, and it had only just begun...they had only just begun...which made her start humming the Carpenters song again, much to her dismay. It'd been in her head for the past two days, and she couldn't get it out...darn it. When she finished unwrapping, she noticed a forest green, velvety box, and smiled when she saw the ring inside. It was gorgeous. "Buffy...wow. I mean...this is...wow."
"It's Unakite." Buffy removed the sterling silver band with a small crystal inlaid on top, and placed it on Willow's right ring finger. "I went to the store again, and the same lady said I needed to get this for the person I loved. When she explained this one, again, I couldn't deny wanting to get it for you."
"Wow...it's... wow. Buffy..." Willow was at a loss for words. The ring was gorgeous, and the green and pink were mingling in perfect harmony on the crystal. "This enhances personal power."
"Yeah. The lady said that it changes negative energy into positive energy, too. Being Wicca girl, I too thought it was perfect. Plus, it brings out your eyes, and I happen to be fond of yours myself." Buffy sighed lovingly again, and couldn't help but smile into the fierce kiss, as she was tackled onto the blanket by her over excited girlfriend. After making out for several minutes, the two kept their limbs entangled, as they just listened to the music and the waves crashing, while relishing in the comfortable snuggles that were just too calming.
"I love you, Buffy." Willow leaned up on her elbow, and Buffy followed suit, mirroring her girlfriend. "I didn't think that it'd be possible to love anybody more than I did Fred but with you... I mean...wow."
"You've said that quite a bit tonight." The blonde smirked, understanding the wows completely.
"I feel like... I should call her maybe. See how she's doing, ya know? It just... I'm so happy, and I feel guilty somehow that she may not be. Don't get me wrong; I wouldn't change a thing...here...being with you. It's just that... she was such a huge part of my life, and it's still strange not talking to her all the time, or seeing her. I miss her." Willow kissed Buffy softly to let her know that she truly was happy, and reassure the blonde that she wasn't going anywhere, even if she did miss her ex-girlfriend.
"I know you do. I do, too. She was a great friend, and I think maybe you should call her. She might surprise you. If nothing else, it'll be good for you to hear from her again." Buffy sat up, and poured them another glass of wine. Handing a glass to her girlfriend again, she raised her glass in a toast. "Here's to new relationships, and old ones. I love you, Willow." They tapped their plastic cups together, and giggled, while they finished the wine. Buffy moved back after they were finished, and placed the cork back in the bottle.
"We're leaving already?" Willow's tone was kind of whiny, and Buffy smiled, as she stood up, holding her hand out for the redhead to take. When her girlfriend was finally up, she kicked her own sneakers and socks off finally, and pulled her closer to where the speakers were positioned in the sand. That's when she wrapped her arms around Willow's waist, and started swaying to the slow tune, one of many on the CD she had burned just for this occasion. She'd been a busy bee the last few days, preparing for this momentous occasion. They had officially been dating for a month now, and things were looking promising so far.
"Not leaving. Dancing. All those times we've been to the Bronze, all those times that I've just wanted to wrap my arms around you, and hold you like this, let everybody know that you're mine...now, I finally get, too." Buffy pulled her in closer, as Willow finally understood, and wrapped her arms around the blonde's shoulders, relaxing into the gentle rhythm. They both sighed, as they let go to the music, song after song, just dancing together in the moonlight, to the soft candle glow, crashing of waves behind them, the soft, grainy sand beneath their feet, and the random slow song from the speakers. "I want to tell people. What do you think?"
"Like who?" Willow was too wrapped up in the moment to worry about the possible outcomes. She'd been thinking about this herself, actually.
"My mom, maybe Giles. They have a right to know, since I don't plan on letting you go ever." Buffy just placed soft kisses against Willow's neck and shoulders, keeping her hot breath caressing the skin there.
"I want to tell Xander. He found me in the Grotto today, when I was having coffee with Tara before class, and he's feeling left out." Willow sighed again, reveling in the feeling of her girlfriend's soft lips against her skin. "I told him we'd get together this coming week. I don't like to see him hurting, and he has a right to know why we never invite him out with us anymore."
"I agree." They stayed quiet again, just letting everything flow over them.
"Let's go home now." Willow was hesitant, not wanting Buffy to get the wrong impression but wanting more than anything to feel skin on skin again. She may have come out of her shell a little but there was still no way she was getting semi-nude on a beach, even if it was deserted. With their luck, that's the moment the beach patrol would drive by on his four-wheeler.
"Okay." They tentatively parted after a few more minutes of dancing, and started to pack up their things. Hand in hand, they made their way back to their room. When they got there, their bags were tossed as soon as the door was shut, and the shyness that was there a month ago was long forgotten, as they crashed together immediately, falling on the closest bed. It didn't take very long at all before Willow had torn their shirts over their heads, and in an extremely bold move, straddled Buffy, while kissing her with passion, and moving her bra to the side, giving her access to skin she hadn't touched yet. When she felt the slayer moan and gasp into her mouth at the contact, she just smirked into the kiss. Breaking apart only for needed air, Buffy wasn't sure when her bra had been completely discarded, and looked up at Willow's mischievous grin before rolling her lust-filled eyes playfully, and tackling the redhead, changing their current positions.
More kissing was involved, and before long, Buffy had managed to discard her girlfriend's bra, tossing it unceremoniously anywhere. She didn't care where it went, just that it was off her Willow.
"Mmm...Willow..."
"Buffy..." Their breathy moans were getting too heated again, and at anytime, they would need to break free... but they kept going. Willow took the initiative again, putting herself on top again, and kissed down Buffy's torso, while removing the blonde's shoes and socks, kicking off her own in the process. While she was there, she figured...why the hell not? So, she pulled her sweatpants down, too, while unbuttoning her own jeans, trying to kick them off but with no success. Buffy just huskily giggled under her.
"What are you doing, Wills?" Not that she minded but if things progressed much further, there was no turning back.
"What does it look like?" Willow finally managed to wriggle out of her jeans, and the two girls were clad in nothing but their undies.
"Well... it looks like you're trying to seduce me. Either that, or tease me into a frenzy." Buffy was speechless when she felt Willow's skin completely cover her own. They fit together perfectly, curve for curve, inch by inch. Their heated skin only added the fuel, and there was just one more question. "Are you sure about this?"
"More than anything." Willow started kissing her again, her auburn locks falling to either side of the blonde's face. She stopped kissing her briefly. "Are you sure?"
"Oh, gods, yes." Buffy breathed it out more than said it. She'd wanted this for so long, and it was finally here. Already, it was way beyond her expectations.
"Okay." Willow took a deep breath, smiled lovingly, and kissed Buffy one last time before moving to remove their final barriers. Kneeled between Buffy's legs, the redhead just stared, studying every inch of her girlfriend, and it was almost overwhelming. When she woke up this morning, this wasn't how she'd expected to end the evening; it was so much better than what she'd thought. "I love you, Buffy."
"I love you, Willow." That's all the encouragement either needed, as they stopped worshipping each other's naked bodies, and Willow laid down on top of Buffy again, this time without that one barrier in place. Now, they were fully exposed to the other, and both girls gasped, and moaned deep in their throats at the feeling of completeness. Buffy tucked Willow's auburn locks behind her ears, and pulled her down into a gentle kiss, keeping her there, as their passion took over again. After much moaning, groaning, and teasing, the redhead finally let her fingers explore Buffy's sex. She closed her eyes, and her knees buckled slightly, as she through one leg over the blonde's, locking all four limbs together before opening her eyes, and pushing her thigh into her thrusts. "Oh, gods, Will. Sssss..." The hissing ecstasy that came from Buffy increased to moans, and quiet declarations of love, as the pace increased, and sweat formed all over their bodies. When the blonde was reaching her peak, she held onto Willow's body tightly, kissing her all over her face, running her hands through those now tousled red locks she adored. With a whispered declaration, and some soft shaking, she let all emotions rush over her body, as she experienced the most wonderful thing in the world: making love to Willow.
"Oh, Buffy." Willow was just as breathless. After all, she was the one trying to meet the blonde's hip thrusts, and kept her exploring fingers in the right spots for a good thirty minutes. Looking down into Buffy's eyes, she noticed the tears slowly falling. "What's wrong, baby?"
"Nothing's wrong. Everything's right." She let go of her tight hold on Willow, hoping that the redhead's back wouldn't be too bruised. Her lover just smiled, and wiped the tears away with gentle fingertips from her dry hand. "I'm so happy. I understand why Angel lost his soul, if it was half as great as this is."
"Buffy..." Willow looked into her eyes with nothing but love and joy, loving the way the topaz blended beautifully against the blonde's tanned skin. "I know."
"Trade me spots." At Willow's confused look, Buffy just did it on her own. Now looking down into amazing green eyes, she smiled again before ducking in for another passionate kiss. One of the joys of being the slayer was quick healing responses, so it didn't take long for her body to regain strength, and she proceeded to show Willow just how great that aspect was, as she clumsily made love to her Wills before they crashed for the night, once again snuggled together as they made their way into dreamland.