Summer of Love
by Red
CHAPTER 10
[reviews]
It had been nearly a month since Willow and Buffy had expanded their friendship. Nearly a month since Buffy had made Willow explain to Giles about the phone call. Nearly a month of naughty Slayer punishing and wicked Willow discipline. Nearly a month of sheer bliss.
They had told Buffy's mom, who was surprisingly supportive. Joyce knew that her only child's life was full of danger, pain and suffering, due to her calling. As far as she was concerned, Willow was the best thing for her daughter. She cared greatly for the redhead, as if she were a daughter as well, and Willow loved it, the mothering and the fussing. After all, her mom was never around. Oh, well, except when there was a good, ol' fashioned witch burnin'!
Willow has talked to Oz, who wasn't that surprised. He told her he'd always known and that tho' he did love her, he was happy for her and that he'd always be her friend.
All in all, things were going pretty darn wonderful for the happy couple. They patrolled Buffy slayed, Willow brought the snacks and afterwards they spent quality time, just the two of them. Sometimes, they would engage in creative theatrics, as Willow would say. Her cute way of describing their, non vanilla lovin'. Other times, they would just lie in each other's arms, enjoying the safety of all that was perfect.
Joyce had taken to helping out Giles with the research, unless there was a serious big badness a'brewin', then everyone went to work. But as July approached, the hellmouth remained pretty boring. The usual vamps and demons, but nothing Buffy couldn't handle with her eyes closed. Both girls suspected that there was more to Joyce's help than was claiming, memories of the band candy dancing in the air. Buffy was happy for her mom. Giles was the closest thing she had to a father, anyway, so if he made her mother happy, why should it bother her? Especially since said mother had accepted Willow so lovingly.
Xander had sent postcards highlighting his adventures and they had giggled madly, imaging the look on his face when he found out about them. Anya, the former vengeance demon, had become somewhat of a friend. She had accepted her mortality and was working at the Espresso Pump. Having discovered the joys of paychecks, she could almost always be found there. She would give them discounts on mochas, ten cents off, and never failed to ask about Xander. It was obvious to both Buffy and Willow, that the girl had it bad for him.
Nothing had been heard about Cordelia, except that she was in L.A. to make it big. Buffy knew that Angel had spoken to Giles several times, although she hadn't heard a word from him. What Buffy didn't know, was that Willow heard her crying sometimes, when the Slayer thought she was alone. Buffy was crazy about the redhead, in every way, and it bothered her to no end that she still longed for the vampire. But she couldn't help it. Although Willow had her heart, Angel did, as well. And it was taking a toll on the Slayer. A toll that had not gone unnoticed by Willow
So on this particular, beautiful summer evening, Buffy found herself returning home after patrol, alone and not in the happiest of moods. Willow had left town for two days with Giles, something about help only she could give. As Buffy remembered the conversation from that morning, she felt her mood get worse. This was the third time in a week Willow had used the, Giles needs my help, excuse and the truth was, Buffy wasn't really buying it. Especially since this time required her to leave town.
Something was going on with the redhead, she knew it, her Slayer and spider sense acutely aware. Willow's whole personality seemed different. Not bad, just, different. Like she was hiding something. Plus, she had cut back on her, Buffy time, instead throwing herself into helping Giles. Was she changing her mind about them? Did she want out? Was this her polite, subtle way of letting her know?
She hadn't mentioned anything to Willow, or anyone else, choosing instead to discreetly keep her eyes finely tuned. Whatever her lover was up to, whatever was going on, she would find out. One way or another.
*****
Angel threw his arms around Willow, squeezing her so hard she gasped for air.
" Sorry, " he apologized, releasing her.
" It's ok, " she replied, nodding as she sucked in a few big breaths.
" I am just so happy! Me, happy, and non - evil, me, see? "
He jumped up and down and did, what Willow could only presume, was his version of a happy dance. She couldn't stop the smile that nearly swallowed her. Her friend was now complete, with a soul that could never be lost. Never, in all her life, had she seen such a happy person.
" Yes, Angel, " Giles said, chuckling. " We see. You are quite happy and non - evil. It's a wonderful sight. "
Angel managed to calm down, just a bit, and looked at them.
" How can I ever repay you? " he asked, the gratitude dripping from his voice with the utmost sincerity.
Giles started to answer, but Willow beat him to it.