Waking up
by Lost
The NeXt Logical Step
[reviews]
Buffy glanced up from her textbook to the redhead facing her. "I'm telling you, Will, it was seriously un-comfy."
Willow tore her eyes away from the computer screen to study her girlfriend. She looks freaked. The redhead raised her eyebrows questioningly. "C'mon Buffy, it couldn't have been that bad." She set aside the computer, shifting so she could take the blonde's hand and offer a reassuring squeeze.
Buffy pouted and put on her best puppy dog eyes. "But it was bad—bad with a side of horribleness and an utter lack of social skills on top." The blonde stared down at the floor and let her thumb rub small circles on the redhead's hand.
Smiling, Willow drew her girlfriend into a comforting embrace.
Buffy withdrew slightly to look into dark-green eyes for a moment before leaning in to capturing a soft pair of lips.
The moment she started to feel something Willow broke free the embrace and redirected lamely, "Uh-hum, homework?"
Buffy glanced down before answering, for a second her face was a mask of confusion before a sad smile covered it up. "Yeah, you're probably right." She went back to her algebra text book, trying to suppress the tears that were welling up in her eyes.
Dammit, what the hell's the matter with me? Last thing I wanna do is upset her, but one minute I can't get enough and the next I don't want her to touch me—not even with a ten-foot pole. Willow rolled her eyes. I know I love her and she loves me. So why's it freak me out when she touches me—'specially if I'm not expecting it? A soft annoyed sigh slipped out and she let her head drop into her hands. She ran her hands harshly over her brow and cheeks before reaching over to reclaim the blonde's hand.
Willow squeezed the hand again, taking another desperate stab at reassurance. When she got no reaction from the pressure, she tilted Buffy's chin up, forcing the blonde to make eye contact with her. "Listen, I didn't mean to pull away like that. I get that it was freaky and that she pushed a lot. But well, we've still got to finish catching up, plus that stupid assignment over 'what we like to do for fun'."
Nodding, Buffy placated, "Yeah, no I get it. I'm fine—see, totally fine," smiling a little too quickly. Her expression went from the melancholy smile of moments before, instantly to a 'see I'm happy' smile.
Willow suppressed rolling her eyes as she watched the blonde's face change. "Buff, listen, that was really callous of me. Like I said, I didn't mean it the way it came out. I just—well, I'm trying not to get too far behind in school, plus that stupid essay. But its fine, we can take a break for a few minutes." She paused for a moment, debating what to say. Curiosity finally won out and she questioned in a soft careful voice, "Tell me about what she asked?"
The fake smile shattered almost instantaneously and Buffy grudgingly admitted, "She started asking all of these questions about everything that happened. I just kept doing the whole 'avoidy' thing. I stalled, pulling it off for as long as I could and she started asking different questions. It was like every question she asked, even though I didn't say anything—well, my mind still answered it. All of it just came flooding back and—well... It was awful." Finishing lamely with a loud sigh, she irritably mopped a tear that slipped down her cheek.
Willow offered soothingly, "It'll be okay, promise. C'mere," and held out her arms.
Buffy fell into the embrace and broke down in tears.
Willow just did her best to hold and console the blonde, softly making little shushing noises. Stupid counselor, there's no reason for her to be prying. We can handle this on our own.
Buffy hiccoughed quietly. After she quieted enough to speak, she reflected, "I mean, I get that she wants to know or whatever... It's her job to ask, but gah—way to rub salt in the cuts."
*******
Faith smiled as she took a bite of the spaghetti. "Yeah, I almost get the whole, matrices thing. Will's a great teacher." And not too hard on the eyes either. She chewed avidly and looked over to her uncle. "By the way, good dinner."
Giles smiled as he answered, "Why, thank you. I try." He glanced over at Tara. Attempting to make small-talk, he asked, "Have you decided upon what courses you'll be enrolling in?"
Faith looked from Giles to Tara and let her eyes roam over her girlfriend's body. I'm glad she's here and I could really go for some—uh, quality time. Yup that's it, all about the quality. A quick smirk flashed across her face as she thought about the quality of the time she wanted to spend with the girl sitting next to her.
Tara saw the look that flashed across Faiths features and blushed, understanding exactly what the brunette thinking. After struggling a moment to compose herself, she replied, "Well, I—uh-hum...I really haven't decided yet, probably just the same ones from Arizona. Although, I'm not sure that the credits will transfer or that we'll even be in the same spot, but at least I'll have some kind of idea what's going on." I knew it, she thought as Faith's hand came to rest on her upper thigh. She suppressed a laugh at the brunette's forwardness.
Giles never looked up from his meal as he answered, instead opting to twirl some noodles onto his fork. "Well, we can meet with the school registrar tomorrow morning first thing and see where to go from there. Faith actually registered herself. If you'd like that's certainly an option for you as well."
Tara nodded as she covered Faith's hand with her own. "Yeah sure, umm...Mr. Giles, that'll work. Going on my own, I mean. I'm sort of used to handing this kind of thing on my own anyway." Falling silent, she watched Giles clear his plate and stand up.
The British librarian wiped his mouth clean and offered genially, "I'll see to these," gesturing to the table to indicate the dirty dishes. "I'm certain you'd like to get settled in. Would you girls care for some tea?"
Faith stood up before answering, "Nah thanks, Jeeves, think we'll pass tonight." She snagged Tara's hand and made a hasty retreat.
Nodded his understanding, Giles replied, "Very well, good evening to you both."
As Faith shut the door to their room behind them, Giles put on Cream and start singing along.
The brunette suppressed a laugh as she walked further into the room. "So how was the bus?"
Tara smiled. After unzipping her bag, she began laying out the clothes and comment dryly, "It was okay—long, boring and uneventful—I slept through most of it. That's why I didn't really answer many of your texts. Sorry."
"Nah, it's cool. I just kinda figured you were busy." And hoped to god that you weren't givin' up on me. Faith suppressed a shudder at the thought and moved to help the blonde organize their collective clothing. "Did Mom and Dad say anything to you before you left?"
Tara glanced down, avoiding eye contact with the brunette before she answered, "Not a lot really. Your mom just wished me luck. Well, I guess, 'us' luck."
That's it? I was hopin for a little more, maybe even a 'send our love.' Just luck? Damn. How am I supposed to respond to that? Wasn't like I just fell into the whole kandi-kid scene. I just wanted them to pay attention. Faith guffawed somewhat at the thought. Wasn't like it did any good any way. All it got me was shipped off to this place. "Oh. Well, at least there's that, right?"
Tara nodded in agreement and reached over to grab Faith. "It'll be okay. I promise," she offered reassuringly. After placing a quick kiss on the brunettes lips, she prodded, "Now c'mon, let's finish unpacking and get ready for bed." She playfully tapped her girlfriend on the butt as a smile formed on her lips.
*******
Willow looked up with trepidation at the wooden door in front of her. I can do this. It's only a half an hour. Yup, just gonna go in there, sit down, ignore all of her questions, and tell her point blank that it's none of her business. Her hand paused just above the doorknob. Just gotta be straight forward. Mrs. Trawick, it's none of your darn business. Yup, that'll work. Curse, in school. Maybe I'll take the darn out. Don't wanna get into trouble. She twisted the brass fixture and let the door swing open.
The chunky woman looked up and a smile lit up her features. "Willow, good morning." Her tone was sickly sweet in the 'I've had way too much coffee' way.
Willow did her best not to roll her eyes at the counselor. Instead she took a seat in the padded chair in front of the councilor's sturdy looking wooden desk. "Morning." One word answers. Yes siree, Bob. That'll work.
Mrs. Trawick shuffled the papers around on her desk until they appeared to be in some sort of order. "So how was your evening?" she asked, opening the drawer next to her and shoving the majority of the files in.
"Er, umm, fine, I guess...and yours?" Willow stammered to answer. 'Kay, so...that's an okay question to answer, right? Not too personal and still pretty vague. Anything other than that and my lips are sealed. Zipped shut—the key lost in the bottom of a junk drawer never to be seen again. She sighed as the image of her doing just that floated through her mind.
Mrs. Trawick nodded to the only file left on her desk before she spoke. "Wonderful. I was just reviewing your permanent record. You seem to be quite the little scholar."
Willow replied aridly, "Yeah, school's kinda my thing." Okay, what's her game? First she goes all storm trooper-y on Buffy, trying to glean any info she can outta her. Now she's talking to me about classes? What gives? Jedi mind trick maybe? Her brows knit together with concern.
Mrs. Trawick smiled in agreement. "One might even say you seem to be a bit of a bookworm. So, tell me, Willow, how did someone like yourself end up in the situation you seem to be in with Buffy Summers?"
Oh great—just freakin' great. Willow's eyes narrowed as she looked at the woman in front of her. "Situation?" She let her tone reflect the dismay she was feeling over the question. Please tell me she's not getting at what I think she's getting at.
The counselor raised her eyebrows in question. "Yes, it seems to be a rather unusual relationship don't you think?"
Willow's eyes widened. How am I supposed to answer that? Unusual? I don't think we're unusual. She glared at the woman sitting in front of her. "Excuse me?" Great, just great! We get the one homophobic councilor in all of Southern California. Lemme guess, she's a fundie too. Just what I need to make me feel better.
Mrs. Trawick commented harshly, "Well, the majority of girls your age don't engage in a sexual relationship with someone of the same gender."
Willow scrunched her brow slightly. "And exactly what business of is it of yours?" she asked, her tone thick with indignance.
The counselors smile faded as she realized that this wasn't something Willow was easily going to cave on, then she plastered the fake smile right back in place. "Well dear, how do you expect me to help you if you're going to continue to live in an unhealthy situation like this?"
Refusing to give this woman the satisfaction of rattling her anymore, Willow set her expression absolutely neutral. When she eventually answered the question, her voice was disturbingly calm, "I never asked for your help."
*******
Buffy sat down on the bench in the courtyard, reading the history text book that was resting in her lap.
Faith smiled when she spotted the blonde and headed towards her, dragging Tara behind her. "There's, B. C'mon, I'll introduce ya."
Faith stood in front of the blonde quietly, waiting for her to acknowledge their presence.
It took a minute, but Buffy finally realized someone was standing in front of her. She glanced up after she got to the end of a sentence, "Faith, morning." Not a particularly good one, but a morning nonetheless.
The brunette smiled broadly before she stepped back and held her arms up in a displaying motion. "B., I'd like you to meet Tara, my girlfriend."
Tara, for her part, blushed slightly. "It's umm, nice to meet you." She held out her hand feeling only a little bit awkward about it.
Buffy smiled, genuinely happy to have met the girl. "Yeah, it's nice to meet you too." Half-standing, she clutched the book to her lap and shook the other blonde's hand before dropping back to her seat. She seems nice. Wonder how she ended up with Faith. She paused for a moment to mentally chastising herself. Okay, that was kind of out of line. I'm sure that Faith completely deserves someone like her. She's just kinda...provocative? S'not a bad thing. At least I don't think it's a bad. Just wouldn't expect her to be with someone who looks so...natural?
Buffy was ripped out of her inner musings by Faith's question, "So where's your better half at? You two seem to be pretty joined at the hip."
Buffy glanced down, taking in the page number, before shutting the large textbook and answering, "Meeting with the counselor."
Faith raised her eyebrows. "Again? Sheesh don't you two ever do anythin' else? What're ya goin' there for anyway?"
Buffy looked down again before answering, and so consequently missed the look Tara sent her girlfriend. Great, what to tell her? Or do I just avoid again? She's a friend right? So, I should be able to tell her...hmm... "We were—umm...kidnapped a couple of weeks ago, and—umm, got 'rescued' " — she held up her fingers, making the in the air bunny quotes — "last week."
Faith's expression suddenly turned to one of mild guilt. "Oh my bad, B., didn't mean to pry."
Tara shot Faith a look that said 'see, told you not to ask.' She didn't know Buffy or Willow, but she really didn't think that the two of them going to counseling was any of her girlfriend's business. Her face turned sympathetic as she looked at Buffy, "Wow, that must've been really tough."
A slight blushed suffused her cheeks before Buffy nodded. "Yeah, yeah it wasn't a party by any means. But ya know, we're both good now, so it's not a big—" The bell rang overhead, cutting her off. "Guess its time for class. I'll see you guys later." Rising to leave for history class, she thought sarcastically, Well, that was fun.
*******
Xander sat down at their usual lunch table and tented his hands on the tabletop. Everyone'll be here soon. Wonder how Buffy and Willow are holding up? Gotta remember to ask when I see them. Assuming they don't look too traumatized. I know Will had her meeting with the counselor this morning. Wonder how that went. He sat there and stared at nothing in particular while he waited for everyone else to join him.
When he glanced up he saw Buffy and Faith making their way towards him. Ah, here she comes. Man she looks pissed. Gonna take a guess and say the meeting went badly. He asked by way of greeting, "Buffster, what's up?"
Buffy raged, "I'll tell you what's up. That stupid counselor, she's a bigot," cutting the rant short when she spotted Willow out of the corner of her eye. Her expression softened instantly. "Will, hey." She held out her hand and the redhead took it.
"Hey." Willow still looked a little bit shaken from her earlier encounter. She managed to force a smile. God, why can't they just catch a break? I mean, first the whole deal with Angel, then the kidnapping thing, and now some stupid homophobic cow.
All three girls sat down and we're beginning to start a conversation when they were interrupted.
"No, she can't do that! I told her that we were only going with blue and silver for the dance!" Cordelia sat gracefully in the chair next to Xander. "You know what? I'll talk to you later," she said as she parted company with the blonde that everyone only recognized as being another cheerleader.
Yup, that's my Cordy, know's how to make an entrance, Xander mused, making room for Cordelia to have a seat.
Cordy let out an annoyed sigh before she spoke. "So how is everyone doing today?"
Everyone kind of nodded and muttered the expected platitudes except for Faith, who was craning her neck looking around the cafeteria.
"Faith, earth to, Faith... I asked you a question," Cordelia said in a mock indignant tone.
Faith turned to look at the other brunette before raising her eyebrows. "Oh sorry, C., just lookin' for—" She stopped suddenly and stood up waving her hand. Everyone looked in the direction she was waving in only to see the blonde.
Buffy smiled faintly when she saw Tara across the room. A scowl quickly washed away the smile as she was brought back to reality by the look on Willow's face.
"Tar, hey, sit down. Everyone this is Tara, my girlfriend, Tara this is" — Faith gestured to each person in turn as she said their names — "Willow, Xander, and Cordelia, and you already met Buffy."
Tara smiled and a light flush covered her cheeks. "It's nice to meet you all."
*******
Dr. Walsh glanced up from her clipboard. "So then yesterday proved that sunlight won't kill you?" She took in the young man lying on the bed in front of her.
Angel practically spat his answer at her, "Yes, you're lucky, though. It could've killed me for all you know."
She pursed her lips. "Oh, I highly doubt that it would've killed you."
He glared at her response. "Well, it could've." He sulked like a sullen child while she watched.
She shook her head. Glad to see that it's not impossible to reach him. "There's someone I'd like for you to meet."
As if attempting a world record pout, his expression soured even more. "Oh yeah, who?"
He's spoiled. That will be difficult to break, but easy enough to use to manipulate him with. "Your attorney, Lindsey McDonald." As Dr. Walsh said the name, a man who appeared to be in his early thirties stepped through the door.
Lindsey McDonald had collar-length brown hair that was slightly tussled in that mock 'bad boy' sort of look. He had an air of confidence about him that suggested he knew he was good looking and he was willing to use it to his advantage. His facial expression was utterly neutral until the teen saw him. Smiling darkly at Angel, he said in a faint Texas drawl, "It's nice to meet you Mr. Andrews. I'll be representing you in the upcoming case."
Angel's brow scrunched in confusion. "Upcoming case? What case?"
Maggie handed Lindsey her clipboard.
Lindsey's smile widened wolfishly before he offered, "Kidnapping and assault charges have been brought against you, Mr. Andrews. I believe they concern two girls from your school."
The teenager's expression filled with surprise. "I didn't kidnap anyone."
The lawyer glanced down at the papers in front of him. "It seems that you've been suffering with hallucinations and delusions. It should be an open and shut case if we plead temporary insanity."
Angel stared at the lawyer before his expression turned cold. "I'm not insane...and like I said, I didn't kidnap anyone."
Quirking an eyebrow, Lindsey clarified, "While you may not have actually abducted them. You did conspire and offer aid. That makes you an accessory. Judging by the prognosis Dr. Walsh has provided I think that temporary insanity would be our best defense to get you completely off of the hook."
Bemusement sullied Angel's face. He took a deep breath to recover and asked, "Get off the hook completely, you say?"
Mr. McDonald nodded. "Our firm doesn't lose cases. As I said, this will be the best way to insure our success."
Maggie smiled as she watched the exchange. There might be hope for him after all. "What firm did you say you were from again?"
The lawyer's expression changed to a more pleasant one. "I didn't." He turned to face her. "You may've heard of us, Wolfram and Hart."
*******
Buffy looked around the library in a vain attempt to make her eyes stop crossing. Ugh, too much reading. Tara sat across from her with her headphones on, while Willow and Faith were both gathered around the computer at the end of the study table.
"So, you do the graphics and I'll work on the coding," Willow instructed, gesturing to the computer.
Buffy smiled as she watched them. She's always got a plan. That's my Will.
Faith nodded in agreement. "Too bad we couldn't do something more interesting. Like the karma sutra, would've been a helluva lot more useful info," she said with a smirk and a slight leer in Willow's direction.
Buffy raised her eyebrows at this. Wonder if she knows she's got an audience?
Willow's face flushed crimson. She quickly looked down at the keyboard.
Faith cocked her head to the side. "Just how low does that blush go, Red?"
The redhead's gaze traveled accusingly up to Faith's face before her expression turned indignant. "I don't think that's any of your business."
Faith held her hands up in a 'don't ask me' gesture. "Hey, I was just kiddin', Red. Sheesh. Take a joke will ya?"
What the hell is she playing at? Buffy's forehead knitted together when Willow glanced over to her. She nodded her head at the silent question the redhead's eyes asked. Yeah Will, I saw it all.
*******
Other than the whole 'Willow being hit on,' the stupid counselor, and school work, this week hasn't actually been that bad. Buffy looked around her as she waited for the last bell to ring, signaling the end of the day. Maybe we'll go out tonight, that could be fun—even kind of date-ish. She doodled on her notebook to kill time. The doodles were nothing special, just the average ones you'll find on everyone's notebook.
Finally the bell rang overhead and Buffy bolted out of class and towards the library. It's weird that I've gotten used to going to the library every day, wouldn't've been caught dead there before. She shrugged as she walked quickly towards the double doors. Wonder what Faith and Tara have planned for the evening.
"...telling you, Blondie, it sounds cool." She heard Faith finish off in a defensive tone.
There was a slight pause before Tara responded, "It's not that it doesn't sound cool Faith. It's just—well, that's exactly the kind of scene we came here to get away from. I really think it would be kinda counterproductive."
Scene? What're they talkin' bout? Buffy pushed through the doors, immediately feeling the tension in the room. Oh, might wanna duck and run for cover "B., great of you to join us. You and Red got plans for tonight?"
Why do I get the feeling I'm about to have plans? "Umm...no, not yet anyway—least not that I can remember." Buffy scrunched her eyebrows up slightly. "Am I about to have some?"
A smile lit up Faith's face. "Well, I'm trying to convince, Blondie, here to go with me to a club that I heard about today."
Buffy's expression changed to one of mild interest.
"It's supposedly this underground rave, some place called Willies," Faith added in a hopeful tone.
Oh, so that's what's going on. Buffy remarked noncommittally, "Well, uhm, I'll have to talk to Willow and see—" trailing off when she heard the library doors swing open.
"See what?" Willow asked.
The blonde turned quickly and went to greet her girlfriend. She leaned in and gave her a quick kiss on the lips. "If we had plans this evening?"
Willow made her 'thinking' face. "I thought we had decided on the whole, 'sleepover' thing?"
Knew I had some kind of plans. "Yeah, totally forgot about that. Faith wants us to go with her to some club." Buffy walked towards the table at the center of the room and sat down, pulling the redhead down to sit next to her.
"Oh, well, I guess we can go if you want to. Wait, what kind of club is it? Are we even old enough to get in?" Willow raised her eyebrows for emphasis. "I mean, the majority of clubs don't cater to the under-eighteen age-group."
Knew she'd think of a way to get us outta this. I just want some quality Willow snuggle time. Haven't had nearly enough what with everything that's been going on lately. "Sorry Faith, guess we're out then," Buffy said with a definitive nod.
Faith smiled her understanding. "That's cool then, I'll just go on my own." She looked pointedly at Tara during the second half of her sentence almost as if daring the blonde to object.
Tara simply looked away from the brunette.
Don't know if this is the best place for us to be right now.Buffy glanced at Willow. "You wanna swing by your place and pick up clothes and then stop at the video store? I'm thinking, movie night."
Willow turned, making eye contact with Buffy before answering, "Yeah, sure that sounds great." The redhead glanced at Tara and her expression turned sympathetic. "We're gonna head on out. If you guys decide that you wanna—y'know, hang out or whatever—just give us a call, 'kay? We'll be over at Buffy's all night."
Tara nodded. God I wish I could help her out somehow, but Faith's almost as stubborn as me. If she wants something she gets it—makes me really nervous since she's been hitting on Will all week.
"Alright, well, bye," Buffy said as she waved goodbye to the arguing couple.
*******
I'll just go on my own then, let B and Red do their coupley thing. Too bad Blondie won't come with. I'll be fine though. Faith walked quickly down the small dingy looking street towards the stairwell that led into the club. Can't wait to see how this compares to the desert raves.
She walked quickly up to the door and handed the man ten dollars. Happiness here I come. She glanced around the club. There were no lights aside from the purple glow of the black light off to her left and an eerie red light coming from the room directly in front of her. Everyone was walking around chewing on binkys and nearly everyone was shirtless with neon yellow highlighter covering their exposed skin. At last, something I understand. She sighed contentedly and went to go and sit down. Letting the heavy bass from the techno reverberate through her chest, she closed her eyes and pulled out a cigarette.
"Nix?" a male voice shouted from the crowd.
Faith's eyes shot open. They had to be talking to her. The name was too uncommon for them to be referring to anyone else. Her eyes traveled quickly around the dance floor in front of her, searching for who had called out to her.
Suddenly, there he was, standing right in front of her, "Oh my god, Crazy?" Faith asked with disbelief in her eyes. She hadn't seen him for nearly a month before she left. Everyone had said he'd gotten raided and yet here he was, standing in front of her, alive and rolling.
A large smile lit up Crazy's face. "Thought that was you, Nix. C'mere and gimme a hug! It's been forever. What are you doin' all the way out here in BFE?"
She stood up and embraced the guy, disregarding the fact that he was drenched in sweat. "I could ask you the same!"
He pulled back. "Oh, honey, you know me, out on a kandi run."
She smiled and before she even had time to contemplate the consequences, the question left her mouth, "Are you holdin'?"
He nodded slightly and grabbed onto her hand, leading her towards what she had assumed before was a backdoor. She was surprise to find that it lead out to a relatively darkened courtyard.
"Course I am," he told her with a smile.
Her eyes went directly to his pockets, "What kind and how much?"
He glanced around quickly to make sure no one was listening. "Blue Mitsus...and for you, ten a pop."
She reached into her pocket and pulled out a wad of cash. She counted out fifty and handed it to him, "Oh, thank you. You're my savior."
A/N: Special thanks to Valyssia, she just keeps savin' my ass as far as well, my sucky grammar. Thoughts? -L.