The Hitchhiker
by Lumy
Chapter 5
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THE HITCHHIKER — CHAPTER FIVE
Night had fallen a few hours ago. Wanting to drive the Mustang as far as possible, Buffy had driven three quarters of the way before almost passing out at the wheel.
Head against the window, Buffy snored softly as Willow steered the car along the final leg of their journey towards Sunnydale's city limits.
Willow silently reflected on her road trip. She wasn't sure what exactly it was she was looking for when she left, but glancing over at Buffy, she wondered if she found it anyway.
Willow could see the green 'Welcome to Sunnydale' sign ahead and felt a strong sense of home as she sped past it. Sunnydale didn't have a whole lot of town and it was only a few blocks before Willow pulled up to the security gate of her apartment complex.
Buffy stirred as the cool night air flooded the interior as Willow punched in her security code through her open window.
"Where are we?" Buffy rubbed her eyes.
"Home," Willow sighed, sliding the transmission back into drive and entering the complex beyond the electric gates.
Both car doors closed one after the other as Buffy craned her neck to look up at the tall building before her. "Wow, you live here?"
"When I'm not at work," Willow jested.
Another security code granted them access to the lobby of the building. Catching the elevator straight to the top, the pair stepped out into a small hallway with a single door at one end. Willow led Buffy further into the hallway before retrieving a key from beneath the doormat and unlocking the door.
"Doesn't that defeat the purpose of all this security?" Buffy asked as Willow returned the key to its hidey-hole.
"I guess," Willow shrugged reaching for the light switch. "But I'm the only one who comes up here."
As Willow entered her apartment, Buffy stood in awe in the doorway. The polished wooden floors stretched as far as the walls of windows that encased the apartment. Buffy took a step over the threshold and closed the door behind her.
"So," Willow said glancing between Buffy and her apartment. "Would you like the tour?"
"Sure," Buffy replied slowly shuffling further into the room, her eyes darting between knickknacks.
"Well this is the living room," Willow said as she swooshed her arms from side to side towards the huge space in front of them.
Buffy nodded, noting the oversized red couch in front of the plasma tv.
Turning around, Willow pointed over the breakfast bar. "And that's the kitchen, obviously." Willow grabbed Buffy's hand and led her past the kitchen and to the left. "And the bathroom and bedroom are down here."
As Willow pushed open the door to her bedroom, Buffy snaked her arms around Willow's waist, peering over her shoulder. Everything was a tasteful blend of mocha tones, like someone's coffee had exploded in the room.
"Classy," Buffy commented as Willow spun around in her arms.
"My decorator did it," Willow explained as the pair shuffled towards the bed. "Apparently bright colours don't help people sleep."
"Maybe you just need tiring out," Buffy suggested as Willow bumped into the bed causing the pair to collapse onto the embroidered linen.
Their lips met in a soft, slow kiss. Willow's hand found its way to the back of Buffy's neck, pulling her closer. Buffy settled a little more of her weight on Willow as the kiss deepened. Gradually they parted, breathing shallow and hearts racing. Eyes locked, Willow gently brushed the hair from Buffy's face as they were silently consumed by the moment.
Mere moments passed before a yawn escaped Willow's lips eliciting an amused chuckle from Buffy. "I'm keeping you up," Buffy stated, rolling to one side and sitting beside Willow.
"Sorry," Willow apologised joining Buffy in sitting up. "That yawn had a mind of its own; I was powerless to stop it."
"We'll you have been driving for hours while I've been sleeping." Buffy smiled taking hold of Willow's hand. "Why don't you have a shower before bed?"
"You're the guest, don't you want first dibs?" Willow offered.
"You'll fall asleep if I go first," Buffy laughed. "It's ok, I can wait."
Willow nodded and made her way into the adjoining bathroom. The door clicked shut behind her as she flicked on the light. She stood in front of the mirror. Her clothes were dirty and wrinkled and she really did look like hell. Discarding her garments, Willow stepped into the shower, letting the water wash over her. After everything she'd been through on her trip the only solid thought running through her mind was Buffy's lips and how they felt against her own.
Willow returned to the bedroom wearing nothing but a towel to find Buffy patiently sitting where she left her.
"Better?" Buffy asked.
"Much." Willow nodded and smiled. "There are towels for you in there," Willow gestured over her shoulder towards the bathroom. "Use whatever you need."
"Ok, thanks." Buffy pushed herself up and headed into the bathroom.
Willow wearily rubbed her eyes as she staggered towards the bed. Throwing back the covers she dropped her towel and climbed in. Within minutes of her head hitting the pillow, Willow was fast asleep. She didn't even stir when Buffy re-emerged from the bathroom discarding her own towel to climb in next to her.
"Good night, Willow," Buffy whispered softly, letting her gaze linger on the red head before hitting the lights.
Morning broke and Willow was wide awake. Deciding to let Buffy sleep, Willow crept out of bed, donned her robe and headed into the kitchen to make breakfast. Pans and utensils were a blur as a decent mess was made making the perfect breakfast. Head buried in the fridge retrieving the orange juice, Willow heard the front door click shut.
"Oh good, you're up."
"Cole?" Willow called, peering around the fridge door.
"I just wanted to drop off your new cell phone as well as your schedule. Things have been a little hectic in your absence and I need you to sign a bunch of stuff too." Cole bombarded Willow, dumping an armful of stuff onto the counter between them. "I also brought your dry cleaning," she continued disappearing towards the bedroom before Willow could react.
"Three, two..." Willow counted.
Cole quickly reappeared looking somewhat flummoxed. "Did you know there is a naked woman in your bed?"
"I know," Willow admitted.
"Naked." Cole repeated, adjusting her glasses.
"That's Buffy," Willow elaborated.
"But she's a girl!" Cole exclaimed. "Did you two... no, don't answer that. I should go," Cole decided, hastily collecting everything she arrived with and heading out the front door.
"See you at the office," Willow called after her before it slammed shut.
Willow brought the tray of food into Buffy who was sitting up clutching the sheet to her chest looking equally confused.
"Who was that?" Buffy pointed in the direction of the intruder.
"That was my assistant, Cole." Willow wrinkled her nose. "Sorry, I didn't know she'd just drop in like that."
"Well she certainly didn't look happy to find me here, did you two used to date or something?" Buffy asked.
"What?" Willow grimaced. "Of course not, she's my assistant. That's it."
Buffy sighed. "Does she know that?"
"She's worked for me for two whole years, she's not interested." Willow responded.
"Well who could blame her if she was?" Buffy let her gaze drift down Willow's body. "Oooh, breakfast," Buffy said, propping the pillow up behind her and getting comfortable.
Willow set the tray down over Buffy's lap whilst leaning in to steal a kiss. "Good morning."
"Mmm..." Buffy murmured with a content smile. "...orning.
[To Be Continued...]
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