Ten Thousand Days - 2 - Viginti Tres
by Valyssia
Shir ha-Shirim
[reviews]
Description: Season 8 - How better to follow up a piece like Vanishing than with a bit of nearly plotless PWP? *grins evilly* Never fear! It gets more plotsome as it meanders along.
Disclaimer: Buffy, Willow and all things Slayer belong to Joss Whedon and the good folks at Mutant Enemy.
Fankies: Howard Russell for working with me as primary beta. Poor guy patiently corrected all of those frightening bits of grammar and punctuation. Mabus and Ahn for playing secondary beta, reading the material for flow and content. Mabus specifically for the later chapters where he worked as a sounding board on the more sermony bits. It's always nice to have an evil soulless fundie to bounce stuff offa.
Lyrics: Tool - Lateralus - Parabola
Feedback: Yes...please... It gives me a happy.
We barely remember who or what came before this precious moment; we are choosing to be here right now. Hold on, stay inside this holy reality, this holy experience. Choosing to be here in this body. This body holding me. Be my reminder here that I am not alone in this body, this body holding me, feeling eternal. All this pain is an illusion.
At least I managed to get her out of the house, Willow reflected as she stared at the megalith. It's a nice afternoon; being outside is better. Guess it's not really that surprising we ended up here. This is the last thing she did. Her last mark on this world... This thing still feels...I dunno...alive somehow. It's actually stronger today, she considered, walking around the stone monument, careful to keep her attention partially fixed on the puppies. Poor little guys... Funny how dogs can be so sensitive to human emotions. They know something's really wrong. And they're confused by me. They aren't the only ones... I'm a bit confused by me now too.
Wish I could let myself feel. I just can't...I'd only make a really horrible thing worse. I'll deal with me later...right now: Buffy, she told herself firmly, circling back around to the slayer. Taking her hand, Willow pulled her into a gentle embrace.
Buffy fell naturally into the warm hug, but her mind was still churning. This is like when Mom died. So many deaths...funny how some of 'em hit you harder than others...not really though. I remember feeling so numb at the funeral. I couldn't cry. Then Angel came... There won't be a funeral this time will there? I mean it's not like there's a body and no one's supposed to know. How does that work? How can someone die and not have—? And more with the incomprehensible, she mused bitterly. Shifting nervously from one foot to the other, she stared over the witch's shoulder at the huge pieces of stone.
Withdrawing from the embrace, Willow gave the slayer a pensive glance. "Touch it and tell me what you feel," she gently directed in a supple voice.
Walking up to the towering vertical stone, Buffy placed her hand in the middle of the crescent moon. She considered it for a moment before speaking, "It feels like you...like her." Three deaths...three stones... This is her grave...the only one she'll ever have, I suppose. More than a little ironic she made it. She watched out of
the corner of her eye as the witch approached, touching the monument herself.
As Willow made contact, three things happened in rapid succession: the megalith seemed to hum, a faint glow was visible even in the bright afternoon sun, and she heard the words; 'I'm sorry,' erupt in her thoughts. Almost immediately, the world around her seemed to dissolve away.
Catching the witch as she fell, Buffy swept her up into her arms. Fear exploded inside her as she cradled her unconscious partner. Moving to crest the hill at a rapid pace, she was relieved when Willow stirred. "Wills? Are you okay?"
Willow gasped painfully, putting her hands up to her face. Her head felt like it might split open. Waves of grief, fear, and confusion poured off the slayer in a torrent. Overcome by an upsurge of sickness, she struggled until Buffy let her down. Falling to her knees, she fought back the urge to be retch, weeping violently instead.
"What's wrong, Wills?" Buffy rasped, trying not to burst into tears.
Dragging herself up, Willow tried not to touch the slayer as she moved rapidly away from her. This is too much! Too much!
Buffy took off after the fleeing witch. As she moved, the panic built. Swiftly closing the distance between them, she grabbed for Willow's hand. "Please stop," she begged in a ragged voice, tears pouring down her cheeks. "Please, you can't leave me," she choked, locking her arms around the witch.
It's like I'm being ripped apart. All that time spent hiding from this...exactly this... Pushing it down...controlling it...until all that was left was a whisper... And suddenly now a scream... I've got to feel something else...anything but this... Willow ran her hand up Buffy's thigh under her dress, deftly lifting the thin, silky barrier aside. She pressed two fingers deep inside, immediately beginning a firm cadence. Hungrily she seized the slayer's lips, willing her not to speak. She felt a surge of confusion from her mate and then desire slowly started to replace the pain.
Buffy pulled out of the kiss, gasping at the sudden flood of sensations. Her mind raced and her heart pounded in her chest. She was completely stunned and mystified, but that ebbed away to burning need. Meeting the witch's gaze, she searched for some reason, drawing long ragged breaths past nearly closed lips. I'll understand as soon as she tells me, she reflected, running her hands up the redhead's bare lower back, under the soft cotton half shirt. The slayer's body quivered as tension built. Seizing her lover's shoulders in a firm grip, she groaned, digging her nails into the pliant flesh.
Willow rested her forehead against Buffy's, softly muttering the words that would open their thoughts. Slowing the rhythm to a soft, tender massage, she drew tiny circles inside her lover, trying to sooth the remaining disquiet away. I'm sorry, Buffy...I just...I can't feel that much. I'm too weak. "Please forgive me,"she pleaded in a quiet, gentle voice. Struggling to fight back more tears that threatened to come, she focused instead on the warm waves of passion.
Nothing to forgive, Buffy managed, having trouble forming coherent thoughts. Her body wept under the gentle ministrations. She ran her nails firmly down the redhead's back, just enough to raise a trail of fine welts. She felt Willow shudder under the harshness of the touch. Tugging her lover's skirt, the garment drifted to the ground. She looked down at the coating of moss on the forest floor. I've got no clue where we are...and worse...I could care less. She put her hand to the witch's forearm, gently pushing it away and releasing her hold. Ripping the dress she wore frantically off her body, she spread it out on the lush green carpet. Kicking off her sandals, she lay down on the makeshift bed. Propping herself up on her elbows, she purred huskily, "You want me...here I am."
Willow shed her clothing with equal abandon spreading it out next to her lover. Lying down beside Buffy, she kissed her tenderly, feeling her turn into the gentle embrace. She caressed supple skin, reflecting with a pang of guilt, She dropped all the veils at once. Buffy, I'm so sorry. I just couldn't stand it. It was just too much. Relenting to the warm loving kiss, she sensed a fragment of confusion resurface. Hoping to amend, she offered, The empathy: I repressed it. There were so many hurtful things in that world, I just couldn't stand it. I couldn't...then when I touched the megalith it was like flipping a switch. All that grief...I had to... I need to make it stop. Or at least deaden it some...please don't feel...
Gripped by sudden awareness, Buffy broke the kiss, cupping the witch's cheek in her hand. Musta been like an assault, she reasoned. "Oh god... I'm so sorry, Wills. I didn't know," she whispered, pushing down the remaining hurt.
Hush now...don't fret. I'm okay, Willow offered, trying to sooth the unease away. Gazing deep into Buffy's dark eyes, she felt those latent talents blossom and grow. Reaching out, she offered the gift to her lover, heightening her natural sensitivity. I know exactly why she did it. Timing just sucked...s'pose there was no way to be specific.
Gently turning the witch onto her back, Buffy reflectively made a gentle shushing noise. Closing her eyes, she captured the witch in a demanding kiss, tongues caressing, gently nipping at Willow's full lips. Hands and nails moving carefully over smooth skin, she intentionally avoided the most sensitive flesh, building the intensity. Breaking the kiss, she trailed tongue down her lover's throat, pausing to nibble and tease the supple skin. She traced the line of the delicate vine, playing at the petals of the intricate orchid pattern. It had never really occurred to her that something like this could hold so much meaning. Turning her body gently onto her partner's, she brought her hand up to touch the design. Drawing patterns with the moisture left from her kisses.
You must really like that, Willow reflected. Cupping the slayer's cheek in her hand, she turned her gaze down to consider her partner.
Course I like it. Just a bit surprised at how much. Maybe 'surprised' isn't the right word. I dunno...it's hard for me to explain, Buffy considered, staring pensively down at the tattoo.
A supple smile played at Willow's lips. Don't worry...I think I get it... I'm still trying to get my head around the idea that you know about it. Not just know...well, you know... She ran her fingers through the slayer's hair.
Just feel... Buffy offered as she drew a nipple into her mouth, teasing the flesh with her tongue. She ignored the trembling of her own body as she felt the touch echo, focusing intently on the witch.
Willow gasped, arching her body against the slayer. Her hand's moved to the small of Buffy's back, digging into the supple flesh. The word, 'harder,' rang in her mind when she ran her nails up her lover's back, leaving fine red marks in their wake.
That's better...more with the moaning...less with the thinking. Thinking's bad for you. Buffy played with the barbell, pulling gently at it with her tongue, running her teeth over the sensitive tissue. Lifting her body, she trailed her hand down to caress the witch's stomach, stroking the skin absently.
Willow shuddered under her lover's caress, breathing labored, turning sharper with each new sensation. Her hands tensed, latching onto the slayer's shoulders.
Leaving a trail of kisses across the witch's chest, Buffy moved to the unadorned breast. Drawing the firm pink mass into her mouth, she was rougher this time, her teeth grazing tender skin. She pulled with her lips and tongue, twisting and pinching. Her hand moved to her lover's inner thighs, still avoiding her center. She ran her fingers leisurely over the sensitive skin, just up to the edge of her sex and then back down. Giving each thigh equal attention, she teased, moving just up to the smooth outer skin and back down. Intentionally just brushing, she smiled to herself as the redhead cried her name. That's right... I wanna hear it. Tell me what you need.
"You," Willow replied in a breathy voice as her body trembled.
Buffy turned her attention to the witch's stomach, leaving a line of kisses in her path. She felt Willow release her grip as she teased, 'Me' what? She brushed the back of her hand across the witch's sex. Smiling as her lover's body formed into a rigid arch, relaxing once her hand had passed. Setting between the redhead's thighs, she gently laid them open delivering a soft line of kisses up the smooth skin, stopping just short of her goal. Breathing out on the moist silky flesh, she was intoxicated by the smell. Ignoring her own desires, the slayer in her waited patiently.
Trembling as the breath touched her skin, Willow pleaded in a small shaky voice, "Please, make love to me." Her hands reached to reclaim the slayer's shoulders, guiding her. Nails dug in with renewed fervor as she felt Buffy's tongue run line down her center. Plunging inside then retracing the path, her body alive with desire as a warm breeze brushed over her skin.
Buffy caught the tiny ring between her lips, tugging very gently. Releasing it when her lover's body seized, her tongue danced over the surface of the silky wet flesh. You taste amazing...almost sweeter, she considered offhandedly as she plunged her fingers deep inside.
The redhead's body quaked fiercely, she was barely aware of the cries and moans rolling off her own lips. Yielding to the gentle rhythm, she marveled at the expertise of the touch. Every movement was exactly what she longed for, every desire answered. It was like she was being played by a master, a master of Willow. The cadence gradually increased, building the burning ache inside.
Sensing the first small wave pass through her lover, Buffy dismissed it, letting it go. Tiny tremors washed through the witch's body. The slayer shuddered, refocusing her efforts into a sharper rhythm. Pinching the engorged flesh between her lips, she flicked the mass with her tongue and the witch's body erupted, tensing, convulsing. She felt the energy cascade as claws dug into her shoulders. Harder, she prodded, feeling the nails break her skin in reply.
Reflexively Buffy caught the surging waves, holding them, channeling them back to their source. Pleasure and pain blurred inside her as she worked to steady her concentration. Still teasing the little metal ring, she watched as the waves of energy rippled, catching, holding, and channeling. Her own body tensed as she directed the surging energy. She gasped, crying out as she fell into the cycle. Disciple prevailed, splitting her attention, she held the next pulse.
Willow captured the slayer in her arms, pulling her to her kneels. Holding her still for a moment, the witch seized her in a greedy kiss, tasting herself on her lover's mouth. Releasing her hold, she collapsed, pulling Buffy down with her. "Goddess you're amazing," she reflected in a voice just above a whisper.
Smiling warmly, Buffy gazed down at the witch. "I love you," she whispered huskily, cupping her lover's cheek.
And I love you, Willow echoed honestly, closing the connection between them.
Gently rising, Buffy looked around, reaching down to collect the remains of her dress. "Oops," she remarked sheepishly, shaking her head at the torn garment. She pulled the dress on, adding, "Remind me next time to bring a change of clothes."
Willow stood up, snickering softly, then stooped down to retrieve her clothing. Dressing quickly, she began to whistle. Moments later, the pups both bounded toward them. "Good girls," she cooed, bending down to scruffle the puppies behind the ears.
"Looks like you guys are getting along fine," Buffy noted, turning to make her way home.
"Oh...they know I'm not her. They can smell the difference, I think," Willow responded pensively, taking up pace with the slayer and keeping an eye on the pups. "I mean...I dunno... It's just a guess."
"Yeah...now that you mention it...well... Not that I make a habit of the sniffing, but slayer...and well..." Buffy stumbled, looking a little amused as she licked her lips.
Willow smirked. Taking the slayer's hand, she inquired, "Did she eat red meat?"
Buffy appeared confused as she replied, "Yeah...why?"
"'Cause I don't," Willow offered plainly. Pausing for a moment to giggle at the look on the slayer's face, she added, "You mean you hadn't noticed yet?"
"Not so much...I mean, we've eaten together a coupla times and well... I guess it hadn't come up. So you're vegan?" Buffy asked. Grumbling softly to herself, she addded, "I'm so gonna die."
Willow rolled her eyes. "You're not gonna die...and no, I'm a pescetarian," she said bluntly.
"What's that mean?" Buffy queried. Chuckling softly she added, "Sounds like something ya might wanna get checked."
Willow wrinkled her nose. "Yeah...it's a pretty terrible name... Basically, what it means is if it had fur or feathers...I won't touch it. Anything else is fair game."
"So is this part of that kosher thing?" Buffy asked, appearing pensive.
"Nah...I eat shellfish so... That's an antiquated custom," Willow mused wryly.
A sentimental smile played at Buffy's lips. "That's what she said—exactly that in fact—but then she loved bacon."
"Oh...I do too. Occasionally, I'll eat a tiny piece just 'cause...but it usually makes me sicky," Willow replied with a slight pout.
"So that's why with the... Makes sense...also tracks that you're just a little bit thinner. But you don't seem to work out like she did," Buffy reflected, comprehension dawning on her face.
Bouncing up onto the porch, Willow remarked casually, "That would be the why. Avoid onion and garlic...eat lots of fruit... Those would be the rest of the difference...the one you're...well...you seem to like."
Buffy reached to open the door, holding it for the witch, she reflected, "Steak's too good for me to do all that."
"And you're welcome to eat steak. I'll even cook it for ya. I don't mind," Willow responded, standing in the doorway to usher the pups inside. Passing inside herself, she added in a firm voice, "I'm thinking shower."
"Promise to come back to bed after?" Buffy queried, bouncing up the stairs.
Willow nodded, intoning, "Uh huh," as she trailed behind. Following the slayer into the bathroom, she added, "But we need to talk."
Shedding the torn dress, Buffy tossed it into the bin under the sink. "That doesn't sound good," she noted as she reached to turn on the shower.
"It's not bad...or at least it doesn't have to be," Willow replied as she quickly undressed.
Buffy tested the water, tossing her sodden panties into the laundry chute, she climbed into the shower. "So tell me," she said, leaning into the spray.
"I'd rather get clean first...then I can just show you part of it," Willow remarked in an offhanded manner, her expression betraying the casualness of the comment.
Watching as a wicked smile played at her lover's lips, Buffy purred, "I like the demonstrations. Much, much better than talking."
"Good then," Willow confirmed in a silky voice. Working fragrant floral lather into a sea sponge, she began to attentively bathe the slayer. Composing herself to perform the necessary magick as she gently caressed her lover's skin. It's all about emotional control, she mused, stifling the urge to laugh. Yeah...that's funny... Oh...and by the way...now you get this extra jokery wildcard of other people's emotions being shoved down your throat. Helpful— Nice gift—Empathy— Can I return it?
Relaxing completely under the witch's calming touch, Buffy leaned forward against the shower wall. Taking the sponge when Willow finished, she returned the careful ministrations in equal measure, enjoying the supple texture of the redhead's skin. She rinsed and got out of the shower, leaving her lover to finish. She returned to the bedroom, drying herself and brushing her damp hair. She lay on the bed, waiting patiently.
Willow took advantage of her brief time alone to shuffle through the new memories, looking for patterns in how her other self had learned to control her gifts. Channeling and meditation...like lots of it...literally purging what she didn't want to feel. Pretty nifty... She wasn't kidding about the hour a day...looks more like three to me...getting trancey as needed...flipping it on and off. I wonder if Buffy ever got that she could lower her heart rate and respiration with an absent thought. Guessing not from this last thing... Faking sleep...something most folks can't do... Well, not like this. Not well enough to fool a slayer. Yeah...this is so gonna suck. Better get crackin', missy...
As the witch entered the room, Buffy heard a hushed Latin phrase. She was pressed onto the bed as though two great hands had grabbed her shoulders. Struggling, she felt her arms and legs wrench out as if invisible restraints were lashing her to the corners of the bed. "This isn't funny," she snapped, fighting against the bonds. I really need to learn Latin, she grumbled to herself.
"It isn't supposed to be funny, Buffy," Willow confirmed, calmly taking a seat on the bed. Turning to face her lover, she sat casually on her left hip, curling her legs up beside her. Propping her upper body weight up with her arm, she began to caress the slayer's flesh, carefully attending to the areas she knew were the most sensitive.
Buffy was frantic. "Let me up, Will," she growled as her body trembled under the stress.
"I can't," Willow replied honestly, adding a subtle shrug. An expression very near compassion played at her features as she continued to caress and tease her lover's soft skin. Watching as sinewy muscles worked just below the surface to wrench free the bonds. "This is how I felt—even when the restraints weren't literal, I still felt this way," she whispered. Pausing for a moment she added in a voice just barely audible, "Sometimes they were."
Trying to watch as she felt the witch move, Buffy persisted in thrashing, trying to work herself free. "Why are you doing this to me, Wills?" she demanded, anxiety tainting her voice.
"Because you need to see," Willow replied firmly as she took position between Buffy's legs. Using her index finger, she dipped into the slayer's sex, tracing the valley in a fluid motion. Her lover's body writhed at the careless touch. She brought her finger to her mouth as if though she might be sampling frosting from a cake. "Mmmm..." she purred. A warm smile played at her lips as she remarked, "Funny; for all the fight...this is turning you on. Control... It can be nice to lose it...liberating even," she whispered. Inserting two fingers into her lover, she began to tease and play, building arousal, but more importantly causing her to writhe against the invisible bindings. The playful smile melted, giving way to sardonic reflection; only her eyes mirrored the anguish she felt. "Painful... Confusing... You struggle instinctively...but eventually you tire and the feeling...it's almost like freedom, but not."
Buffy racked under the attention. She felt the bonds tighten as she trembled against them. Sweat beaded on her flesh as her body wept for more. "It's called giving up," she panted as her body utterly betrayed her.
Willow placed her head on Buffy's thigh inches from her dripping sex. She spoke in a subdued pensive tone, "Sometimes...other times it can be kinda nice... Just letting yourself go... Allowing the control to slip and just enjoying the pure pleasure." As the breathy words passed her lips, her lover's body quivered. "Now...what do you want?" she whispered, reaching her free hand up to stroke the moist skin of the slayer's chest and stomach.
"I want up," Buffy snarled, fighting the restraints with renewed effort.
Willow smiled wryly, continuing the gentle caresses. "No you don't," she teased, watching as the slayer shuddered in response to her words. "If you wanted up...you'd be up."
Buffy puzzled over what the witch might mean, but her thoughts were too jumbled to make sense of it. All she knew was burning need. Desire so strong she felt like one large ache. Finally, she succumbed, "Please, Will," she moaned, tearing at the restraints.
"Please?" Willow queried, wanting to hear the rest.
"Fuck me...please... God please..." Buffy begged throatily, pulling fiercely at the bonds. She was instantly rewarded for her concession.
Inserting another finger, Willow started a slow firm rhythm as she passed her tongue up the moist skin of her lover's sex. Shuddering herself at the flood of sensations, she grasped hold with her free hand, digging into the supple skin between the slayer's breasts.
Pain and pleasure blurred again for Buffy as the witch ran sharp nails down her trunk. A low guttural growl escaped her lips. She yanked sharply at the restraints as her body quaked under the roughness of the touch.
Increasing the cadence and pressure, Willow reached up with her free hand. She began to tease again at the warm moist flesh of her lover's breasts. Pulling at a nipple between her middle and ring fingers, she struck the tiny nerve bundle with her tongue, clamping down with her lips. A simultaneous firm thrust and the slayer's body exploded in a mass of quivering nerves. The witch seized the cascade of energy, holding it as she continued the firm cadence. Her free hand trailed down the slayer's stomach leaving a fresh set of scratches in its wake.
Dying again... Buffy reflected, responding to the blend of pain and pleasure. Her body wrenched against the restraints. She felt the witch channel the energy back to its source and the second wave hit. This time Willow's body clenched as well. As if it were second nature, she caught the surge and held it, smiling softly as she felt her lover tremble. She labored to continue the cycle until she felt the witch withdraw.
Willow collapsed in a puddle between the slayer's legs, smiling thickly. Moments later she forced herself to move. Making her way up her lover's body, she placed gentle kisses as she went. Tasting the salt and the occasional subtle hint of blood, she smiled softly to herself. She hasn't moved...guess she hasn't figured it out...or maybe...she's just waiting... It's a bit unsettling how patient she can be... It's like the anti-Buffy. Their eyes met for an instant then she kissed her lover passionately, tongues massaging in a soothing dance. Breaking the kiss, she purred, "You can move now, Buffy," feeling her partner respond by wrapping her in a tender embrace, she laid her head on her slayer's shoulder and sighed.
"What was that, Wills?" Buffy asked, appearing thoughtful.
Taking comfort in her lover's strong arms, Willow admitted, "Just a spell I wrote." Finding it slightly unsettling that the scratches seemed to be mending themselves as they spoke, she reflected, Wow...
"Huh? There's more...I can tell... Spill," Buffy said in a firm voice.
"It's simple really...the only way to break it is if you just relax..." Willow babbled sheepishly. Sighing deeply she added, "More you fight...the worse it is. I put in a clause the makes dislocating joints impossible, but other than that... Pretty much...it uses your strength against you. Sorta like an echo."
"That's just mean," Buffy said dryly, though her expression reflected amusement. Kinda cute too...and very Willow.
Willow gazed up at the slayer's face, taking in the look, she chuckled. "A little, but...glad I finally...well... We've made love four times now..." Pausing to think for a moment she continued, "It's just that you've been really dominant and well...it was my turn. I knew you'd get it and... Maybe enjoy it?"
"A little..." Buffy conceded grudgingly, smirking despite herself.
"More than a little...I was there..." Willow teased, quickly adding, a hushed, "Fibber."
A sharp breathy laugh escaped her lips as Buffy continued, "Now why would you write something like that?" knowing the answer already, but wanting to return the kidding.
Willow looked crestfallen. "Kennedy," she hissed softly.
Watching the witch's expression change, Buffy offered, "I'm sorry, Will. I didn't mean—" Compassion washing over her features as she began to lovingly caress the redhead's cheek and run her fingers through her hair. "You don't have to—" she added pensively.
Willow shook her head. "It's just the same shit... I knew you'd be okay with it once you understood. She wasn't— Like I said...I can't break it and well... I had to leave the room. I even tried just telling her. When I got back...it was bad," she whispered, fighting back the tears.
Feeling the slayer tense, Willow resumed, nervously babbling wanting to get it over with. "Kennedy didn't like magick. It made her uneasy even after—and I should've seen it. It's just that— I dunno... I wanted to make her understand... I thought there was still some hope. She was so...ummmm... Well, it only made her worse... That's where things turned really awful."
Breathing deeply, Willow closed her eyes, struggling to continue. "This isn't about sex for me. It's you, Buffy. Anyone else...I woulda ran out of that room. It was you... But you have to understand...what Kennedy and I had started off with her bein' really dominant. So that—while it feels so good—makes me nervous 'cause I saw... I wanna forget about that and move on, but it's gotta be equal and loving... Otherwise..." Wiping the back of her hand harshly over each of her watery eyes, she asked in a gentle voice, "That make sense?"
"Total sense," Buffy confirmed, turning the redhead's face until their gazes met. "You know...you coulda just told me," she added, appearing amused.
"I know...but well..." Willow offered with a supple grin.
Continuing the soothing caresses, Buffy whispered, "I wouldn't have in the first place...but I wanted you to see it could be different. I understood then. This has all been about comforting you. I'm sorry if it came off the wrong way, but...that's what it was. In the forest, I felt the pain I was causing and well...I shouldn't have teased. I'm sorry for that," she sighed, "Last night...same as that first afternoon..." Sighing again, deeper this time, she concluded, "So, now I'm not sure... You're just gonna have to show me exactly what you need."
Rising to meet the slayer's eyes again, Willow whispered, "Thank you," wiping away more tears as she finished.
Buffy responded with a tender kiss and tranquil silence.
Settling back onto the slayer's chest, Willow silently lay enjoying the absent, loving caresses for several minutes. Then she spoke again in a subdued tone, "I have something else to tell you, but we should get clean, comfy, and dressed first."
"'Kay," Buffy replied patiently. "You lead."