THE POWER OF THREE
Book 1 Part 06
By DragonWriter17
 

Rating: PG-13 through Part 10, R after that

Disclaimer: All of the materials borrowed from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel belong to Joss Whedon and to the entities and companies associated with their creation.  I have borrowed them for creative and entertainment purposes only.  No compensation has been or ever shall be received for the writing below.  No copyright infringement is intended.

My Website: http://www.dragonwriter17.net/

Feedback: Yes, but only if it’s of the non-flamey variety: DragonWriter17@aol.com

Distribution: The Mystic Muse, Near Her Always  (If you are interested in posting my story on your site, please contact me first for permission.)

Spoilers: The end of BtVS Season 4’s “Wild At Heart” and beyond.

Pairings: Willow/Buffy/Tara

Author’s Notes: I have kept to the BtVS/Angel canon in some ways, borrowing directly from aired episodes; however, I have also made significant changes: deleting certain storylines, moving some, changing others, as well as adding some completely original plots.  You may want to read my stand-alone story “Out Of Shadow Into Light,” which tells my version of Tara’s life prior to her arrival in Sunnydale; it is the backstory for Tara for this series.

Number of Chapters: 13

Complete: 1-12

Series Summary: After Oz leaves Sunnydale, Willow turns to best friend, Buffy, and new friend, Tara, for comfort, resulting in a remarkable new relationship for all three.  Amidst the daily dangers of life on the Hellmouth, the three women forge bravely ahead, unaware that their relationship has been predestined. 

Chapter Summary: After being rescued by Willow and Tara, Buffy recovers in the hospital.  Tara blames herself for Buffy’s condition and debates with herself over whether or not to stop seeing Willow.  Overcome by her feelings for her best friend (and clueless about the romance going on between the two witches), Buffy finally decides to end things with Riley and to risk telling Willow how she feels.  Meanwhile, Lindsey tries to find the Slayer.
 

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PART ONE       PART TWO       PART THREE       PART FOUR       PART FIVE      

PART SIX       PART SEVEN       PART EIGHT       PART NINE

PART TEN       PART ELEVEN       PART TWELVE       PART THIRTEEN

PART SIX

Willow and Tara rushed into the emergency room.  Willow searched the waiting room until she saw Giles, Xander, and Anya.  She headed directly for Giles with Tara following right behind her.

“How is she?  Is she okay?” Willow asked.

“We haven’t heard yet,” Giles said.  “The rescue team brought her in a short while ago. They’re…ummm…trying to stabilize her.”

“Oh, god…” Willow cried, starting to break down.

Tara went immediately to Willow and wrapped her in a hug.  As Tara held Willow, Giles made eye contact with the blonde witch.

“You…must be Tara,” Giles stated.

Tara nodded.

“I’m Rupert Giles.”

“I-I-It’s nice to meet you,” Tara replied.

“Yes, well, why don’t you…” Giles trailed off and motioned towards the chairs.

Tara helped Willow into a nearby seat and continued comforting the crying redhead.

*     *     *

Riley sat in his room, writing a study guide for a psychology lecture.  When he heard a knock at his door, he looked up from his work.

“Come in,” Riley called.

Forrest stuck his head in the door.  “Ri?”

“Hey, Forrest, what’s up?” Riley asked.

“Got some bad news, man,” Forrest answered.

“What?”

“Hospital surveillance got a hit on your girl.”

“Buffy?” Riley said, getting immediately to his feet.

“A rescue team brought her in a little while ago,” Forrest said.  “Critical.”

“Wh-Wh-What happened to her?” Riley asked frantically.

“Unknown, but I think you better get over there.”

Riley nodded and ran out of the room.

*     *     *

Riley rushed into the Emergency Room and headed straight for the information desk.

“I’m here about Buffy Summers,” Riley said urgently.  “She was brought in about an hour ago, on the helicopter?”

“Riley!”

When Riley heard his name called, he turned to where the voice was coming from.  He found Giles motioning him over.  Riley quickly joined Giles and the others.

“Mr. Giles, I-I-I heard that Buffy was brought in,” Riley said.  “Is she okay?”

Giles motioned for Riley to sit.  Willow was sitting up now and was no longer crying, but Tara still held her arm around Willow’s shoulders.  Xander held Anya in a similar fashion.

“It…ummm…it doesn’t look good,” Giles reported, “but…given Buffy’s…ummm… constitution, there’s hope.  More than the doctors probably realize.  Joyce…Buffy’s mother…is speaking with the doctors now.”

“What happened?  Was it a…”  Riley looked around at the strangers sitting nearby in the waiting room   “…‘a dog’?”  Riley said, hoping Giles got his meaning.

“Yeah, a real big, rabid, mutant-sized…‘dog’,” Xander said.

“Tara and I found her in a gulley between campus and town,” Willow added.  “I-I-It looked like she had fought the… ‘dog’…and then…fell down the gulley.  It was bad.  I’ve never seen her hurt this badly before.”

“Did she say anything?  Was she conscious at all?” Riley asked.

“She came to for a second and just said she was sorry,” Willow said.

“Sorry?  For what?” Riley asked.

“I think she blames herself for getting hurt,” Willow answered.

“Did she…I mean, is it still out there?” Riley inquired.

“We think so,” Willow said.

Riley looked away for a moment and clenched his jaw tightly.  Then he turned back to the group.

“I need to know everything,” Riley said.  “I’m going to get the entire Initiative on this.  It’s time for this…‘dog’ to be put down.”

While Giles was outside in the parking lot telling Riley everything they knew about the demon, Willow and Tara and Xander and Anya waited anxiously.  Xander fidgeted then rose to his feet.

“Anybody want anything?” Xander asked.  “A snack?  A soda?  I’m feeling the need to do something.”

Willow shook her head and stared at her hands.  Tara looked at Willow then back at Xander; then she nodded, indicating that he should get something for Willow.  Xander got the message.

“An, wanna give me a hand at the snack bar?”

Anya rose and took Xander outstretched hand, and the couple headed down the hallway to find the vending machines.

Willow and Tara were left alone in the waiting area.

“It’s all my fault,” Willow whispered, still staring at her hands.

“No, Willow, it’s not,” Tara said, removing her arm from around Willow’s shoulders so that she could take Willow’s hands in her own.

“It is,” Willow insisted, new tears filling her eyes and streaming down her cheeks.  “I-I-I messed the spell up.  If I had done the spell right, then--”

“No, you didn’t do anything wrong!”

“But, I let her go out there alone!  I knew she shouldn’t go, I knew it!  But I didn’t stop her.  I should’ve stopped her!”  Willow began to sob again.

Tara reached up and took Willow’s face in both hands and kissed her.  “No, baby, no, don’t do this to yourself.”  Tara wiped the tears from Willow’s cheeks and looked into her eyes.  “Buffy is going to be fine, you’ll see.  And this is not your fault.  Okay?”

Tara held Willow’s gaze until Willow finally nodded in acceptance.  Then she pulled Willow into another hug.

Xander and Anya hadn’t seen Tara kiss Willow, but they did see her talking to Willow intently and then drawing her into her arms.  They paused at the edge of the waiting room, not wanting to intrude.  Anya stared at the two witches and cocked her head.

“Huh,” Anya said, a little confused.  “I thought Willow was straight.”

“What?” Xander said, definitely confused.

“I mean, hasn’t Willow always been straight?” Anya asked.

“Of course, she has,” Xander replied.  “What are you talking about?”

“Are you blind?” Anya asked incredulously.  “It’s clear that there’s more than one kind of magic happening between those two.  Look how close they are!”

“An, I’ve known Willow my whole life.  I think I’d know if she was gay.  You’re reading too much into this.  Tara is just being a good friend, comforting her.  Now come on, let’s deliver the goodies.”

“Fine, don’t see it,” Anya said, pouting.

As Xander and Anya dumped their wares on the table in front of Willow and Tara, Giles returned from the parking lot.

“Wh-Wh-What did he say?” Willow asked.

“He said that he wasn’t familiar with that particular species, but that he’d get his organization on it right away,” Giles reported.  “He said to leave it to him and he’d take care of it.”

“Good,” Willow said, her eyes flaming.  “I hope they kill it, rip its head off and tear it to pieces.”

Everyone looked at Willow, surprised to hear such violent wishes coming from their normally gentle Willow.  Their concerns for Willow were cut short when they saw Joyce coming from the treatment area.  Giles immediately rose and put his arm around Joyce, leading her to a seat near the group.

“Joyce, please, sit down,” Giles said.

Once Joyce was seated, everyone turned to her expectantly.

“Buffy…how is she?” Giles asked.

“They had to do some emergency surgery,” Joyce said.  “She was…ummm…bleeding inside, but they’ve stabilized her, and they say she’ll be fine, in time, once she’s had a chance to heal.”

Everyone heaved a sigh of relief and hugged the person next to them.

“When can we see her?” Willow asked.

“Not for a while,” Joyce said.  “She’s still in recovery, and after that, they’re moving her to ICU.  I think you should all go home and rest.  You can come back tomorrow, maybe after lunch?”

“Yes,” Giles agreed, “I’ll stay here with Joyce.  The rest of you can get some sleep and check with us tomorrow.”

Everyone stood, then Willow and Tara and Xander and Anya reluctantly left the waiting room, leaving Giles and Joyce alone.

“You don’t have to stay, Rupert,” Joyce said.

“No, I-I-I insist,” Giles said firmly.  “You shouldn’t be alone in this.”

“Thank you,” Joyce said looking gratefully into Giles’ eyes.

Giles smiled reassuringly and pulled Joyce into a warm hug.  That was all it took for her brave façade to crumble.  She fell weeping into Giles’ arms.

*     *     *

Riley stood at the head of the conference table and addressed his team leaders.

“All right, here’s what we know,” Riley announced.  “It’s a Shagritoth Banesdrake demon.”

“I never heard of it,” Forrest commented.

“It’s very rare, that’s why we don’t have any information in our databanks,” Riley informed his team.  “My sources tell me it’s big and bad and hard to kill, so this is a full mobilization.  I want every available man on this, armed to the hilt.  You’ve got the specs in your report.  Study up.  I want this thing dead.  We move out in one hour.”

The team leaders filed out, taking their reports with them.  Only Forrest remained.

“Your sources?” Forrest pressed.

“Not now, Forrest,” Riley growled.

*     *     *

Willow and Tara waved goodbye to Xander and Anya, who had dropped them off at Stevenson Dorm on the UC Sunnydale campus.  Then the two witches stood awkwardly in place, making no move to go inside.

“I guess we should get cleaned up,” Willow said, pointing out their clothes, which were still dirty from their rescue mission.

“Yeah, we probably should,” Tara agreed.

“We should try to get some sleep too.”

“Yeah.”

“Okay then,” Willow said, moving up the steps of Stevenson.

After Willow turned to go, Tara started to make her way towards her dorm.

“Tara!”

Tara turned back around.  Willow came back down the steps.

“Can I…after I’ve changed…can I…?”

Tara knew what Willow was asking.  She moved to Willow and took her hand and kissed it.

“Yes, of course, you can,” Tara said.

God, I love this woman, Willow thought as she stared into Tara’s gorgeous blue eyes.

Tara smiled and pulled away, but not before giving Willow’s hand a final squeeze.

“I’ll see you in a bit,” Tara said.

Tara turned back around and headed down the sidewalk.  Willow took a deep breath and went inside her dorm.

*     *     *

When Tara got in the shower, she finally let go.  Her body shook as the sobs overtook her.  She wrapped her arms around herself and fell against the shower wall.  Then she slipped to the floor of the shower, unable to remain standing.

This is all my fault, Tara accused herself.  I made this happen.  Daddy was right, I am evil.  Selfish, so selfish!  I almost got Buffy killed.  And that would have killed Willow.  She’s hurting so bad, and it’s all my fault.  I should just break things off before I do something worse.  Oh, Willow, I love you so much, but you deserve better than me.

After another long stretch of crying, Tara finally pulled herself together enough to actually complete her shower.  She put on her robe and toweled her hair dry, then changed into her underwear and a long t-shirt.  She combed out her hair then brushed her teeth.  She gathered up her dirty clothes and her bathroom caddy and trudged back to her room.  When she opened her door, she was surprised to see Willow already there, sitting on her bed. 

Willow was dressed in a baggy pair of sweat pants and an overlarge jersey.  She also had a bag beside her, and she held a stuffed animal tightly to her chest.  She looked up when she heard Tara come in.  She smiled weakly and stood up.

“Hey,” Willow said. “I hope you don’t mind, I let myself in.”

“No, of course not, that’s fine,” Tara said.  “I’m sorry it took me so long, I--”

“It’s okay,” Willow replied.  “I kinda did a rush job over there.  I…ummm…I didn’t want to…you know.”

Tara nodded, understanding completely that Willow didn’t want to be alone, especially not in the room she and Buffy shared.

“Who did you bring with you?” Tara asked, pointing at the stuffed animal.

“Oh, this is Mr. Gordo,” Willow replied, holding up the stuffed pig.  “H-H-He’s Buffy’s.  I thought maybe I’d take him to her.”

“It’s sweet of you to think of that,” Tara said. “I’m sure she’ll be glad you did.”

Tara went to her closet.  She put her dirty clothes in the basket, then set her caddy on the dresser.  She turned back to Willow.

“We should probably try to get some sleep,” Tara suggested.

Willow nodded sadly and got up, moving her bag to the floor and setting Mr. Gordo inside it.  As Tara turned off the lights, Willow pulled off her shoes and her sweat pants.  When she finished folding her pants and laying them on top of her shoes, she turned back to the bed. 

Tara was already there, and she held back the covers for Willow.  Willow slipped into the bed and wasted no time moving into Tara’s arms.  She snuggled in as closely as she could, laying her head on Tara’s shoulder and resting her arm across Tara’s stomach.  Willow sighed deeply.

“Tara?” Willow whispered.

“Hmmm?” Tara answered.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

The two witches closed their eyes, and soon they were both fast asleep, exhaustion having finally taken its toll.

*     *     *

Riley crept silently towards the cave where he had heard the growling.  He motioned to his team to take their positions.  When they were in place, he inched his way towards the entrance to the cave.  Once there, he flattened himself against the rock and waited.  Then slowly he peeked around the edge.

“Holy crap,” he whispered as he took in the scene before him.

The Shagritoth demon was shredding the robe it was wearing.  Once it had removed its robe, Riley could see its torso clearly.  It was covered with multiple blister-like sacs.  Riley watched in disgust as the skin over the sacs rippled and peaked as if something were moving beneath.  He drew an involuntary gasp as a tiny clawed arm suddenly thrust out of one of the sacs.

“Jesus Christ!” he exclaimed before running from the entrance.  He grabbed his radio and yelled into it.  “Rocket launchers! Explosives!  Now!”

The demon heard Riley and began to roar.  It moved towards the opening.  Its roar was cut off as a barrage of missiles caught it square in the chest, exploding it and half the cave into smithereens.

Riley and his team hit the ground and covered their heads as bits of rock and demon flesh peppered the ground around them. 

When the worst seemed over, they stood up and looked at the damage.  While his men began brushing the debris from their uniforms, Riley merely stared at the cave, clenching and unclenching his jaw, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

*     *     *

Lindsey got out of his limo and walked up to the Summers’ home on Revello Drive.  Once on the porch, he straightened his tie and buttoned his coat.  Then he knocked on the front door. 

He listened, expecting to hear someone coming to the door.  He heard nothing.  He knocked a second time.  Again, there was no response. 

He left the front porch and looked in the driveway.  No vehicle was present.

“Nobody’s home,” Lindsey said.

*     *     *

Willow awakened slowly.  She blinked her eyes and leaned up on her elbow.  She cocked her head to listen.  She was sure she had heard something.  When she started to lie back down, she heard it again: a whimper and a soft sob.  She turned to the other side of the bed.  Tara wasn’t there.  Willow scooted over and looked over the edge of the bed.

Tara was on the floor, curled into a fetal position, her body wrapped around her pillow.  She was still asleep, shaking her head and crying.

“No, please, no,” Tara mumbled in a choked voice.

Willow threw off the covers and went to Tara.  She knelt beside her and touched her shoulder.

“Tara?” Willow said softly, not wanting to frighten her.  “Baby, wake up, you’re dreaming.”

Willow squeezed Tara’s shoulder and shook her gently.  “Come on, baby, wake up.”

“Mama!” Tara screamed as she suddenly sat upright.

Tara looked around the room, gasping for air, trying to figure out where she was.  Then her eyes settled on Willow in front of her.  Tara’s eyes were full of such grief and anguish that Willow’s heart nearly broke when she saw it.

“Tara?  Are you okay?” Willow asked, touching Tara’s arm.

Tara looked around the room once again, then pulled out of Willow’s grasp.  She scooted back until she was leaning against the night stand.  She felt herself trembling, so she pulled her pillow tightly to her chest.  She met Willow’s eyes and simply nodded wordlessly.

Willow wasn’t convinced.  “Tara, baby, what is it?”  Willow eased into a cross-legged position in front of Tara, but didn’t try to move any closer.

“It was…” Tara had spoken the words so softly that they were barely audible.  She swallowed and tried again.  “It was a b-b-bad dream, that’s all.”

“It was more than that,” Willow said.  “Whatever it is, you can tell me.”

“It was about my m-m-mother,” Tara said, forcing the words out.  “When she died.”

“Oh, Tara,” Willow whispered.

“I don’t know why I’m being such a big b-b-baby,” Tara said, attempting a chuckle and wiping the tears from her face.  “It was over two years ago, it’s not like it happened yesterday.”

“But, being at the hospital,” Willow said, “it must have--”

“Yeah,” Tara said.

“Tara, I’m so sorry,” Willow said, reaching for Tara.

Tara moved quickly out of Willow’s reach and stood up, dropping the pillow.

“I’m okay, I’ll be fine,” Tara insisted.  “I’ve…ummm…I’ve got to go to the bathroom.”

Tara darted from the room before Willow could say another word. 

Willow watched in shock as Tara fled the room.  She blinked back the tears in her eyes, got up, and started to get dressed.

As soon as Tara was seated in the stall, the grief hit her again.  She doubled over as the wracking sobs took over.  Mama, I miss you so much!

*     *     *

When they got to the hospital, Willow and Tara went immediately to the ICU waiting room.  They found Joyce and Giles asleep, with Joyce neatly tucked against Giles’ shoulder, his arm held protectively around her.  Willow and Tara stopped in place and took a moment to softly croon “Awww” to each other.  They crept back into the hallway and made a much louder and slower entrance to give the grown-ups a chance to extricate themselves with minimal embarrassment.

“So, Tara, you think this is it?” Willow called out loudly.

“Yeah, I think so,” Tara answered.

“Yep, you’re right,” Willow continued.  “Here’s the sign: ‘ICU Waiting Room’.”

By the time Willow and Tara had returned to their original position, Joyce and Giles were sitting up with a respectable distance between them.  The two witches tried not to grin.

“Willow,” Joyce said, standing. 

Joyce tugged the stuffed pig that Willow carried in her arms.  Then she hugged Willow tightly.  Tara stood by nervously.

After hugging Willow, Joyce turned to the blonde that was with her.

“You must be Tara,” Joyce said, taking Tara’s hand.  “I’m sorry we didn’t have the chance to get introduced last night.  I’m Joyce, Buffy’s mom.”

“Oh, I-I-I didn’t mind,” Tara said shyly, ducking behind her hair.

“I wanted to thank you, both of you, for finding Buffy.  If you hadn’t found her when you did…” Joyce trailed off.

“How is she?” Willow asked.

“Stable, but not conscious yet,” Giles answered, standing and joining them.

“The doctors are worried about that,” Joyce said, trying to keep her voice steady.  “Buffy hit her head pretty hard, at some point, and they’re concerned that she hasn’t woken up yet.”

“Sometimes i-i-it just takes time.  I know it did when I was here,” Willow said, referring to her brief stint in the hospital that came courtesy of being crushed under a huge library bookshelf.

Joyce smiled gratefully at Willow.

“Can we see her?” Willow asked.

“Oh, yes,” Joyce said.  “They’re letting us go in by two’s for short periods of time.  Just go in that door and tell the nurse and she’ll take you in.”

Willow turned to Tara.  “Come with me?” Willow asked.

Tara smiled and nodded and slipped her hand into Willow’s.

*     *     *

Willow and Tara eased into Buffy’s ICU room.  They stopped at the end of Buffy’s bed.  They frowned when they saw how battered and frail the Slayer looked.  Her face was bruised and swollen, and a bandage covered the right side of her head.  Her right wrist was enclosed in a cast.  An IV was running into the top of her left hand.  Various tubes and cords came from under the covers and were hooked into machines softly blipping nearby.

Willow breathed deeply and suppressed the sob that was threatening to come out.  She moved to Buffy’s left side.  Tara stood behind Willow, holding her arm around Willow’s waist.  Willow set Mr. Gordo on the bed beside Buffy and then carefully took Buffy’s hand. 

“Hey, Buffy, it’s me, Willow.”

Willow paused for a moment, then continued.  “Tara’s here, too.  Oh, a-a-and Mr. Gordo.  He kinda insisted on coming along.  I told him only two visitors at a time, but you know how pig-headed he is.”

Willow chuckled at her little joke.  “Pig-headed, get it?”

Willow quickly sobered.  “I know you had a bad day and all, but it’s time to wake up now, okay?”

Willow couldn’t stop the tears this time.  “Please, Buffy,” she pleaded, “come back to us.”

*     *     *

Buffy lay sleeping on a blanket in a meadow.  The sun shone warmly on her body, and the breeze just barely tickled her skin.  She was content and relaxed.  Then she heard a voice.

Buffy’s eyes popped open, and she sat up on the blanket.  She gazed around the flowery meadow, wondering where the voice had come from.  She stood up and turned in a slow circle, listening intently.  Then she heard the voice again.

Buffy moved toward the voice, leaving the sunlight for the forest.  The warm meadow gave way to a shadowy, tree-darkened path.  Buffy followed it in deeper. 

The path became hard and rocky, and the air chilled.  She stopped and glanced back, then suddenly found herself at the bottom of a cave, looking up at the mouth.  She heard the voice echoing down from above her.  She began to climb.

The more she climbed, the harder her ascent became.  Soon she was sweating and struggling, the muscles in her arms and legs trembling.  She pressed on.  When she neared the top, she could hear the voice more clearly.

“Willow?” she said, recognizing the voice.

She forced herself to keep moving toward the lighted entrance of the cave.  She got her arm over the edge, but then felt herself slipping.  A strong hand suddenly took hold of hers and pulled her up.

*     *     *

Willow was bent over, crying, her head near Buffy’s hand.  Tara stroked Willow’s back, trying to comfort her.  Tara pulled back quickly when Willow abruptly straightened.

“Oh my god,” Willow said.

“What is it?” Tara said.

“My hand, she squeezed my hand!” Willow exclaimed.  “Come on, Buffy,” Willow coaxed.  “Come back to us!”

The two witches stared at Buffy’s face, looking for any sign of her regaining consciousness.  They were rewarded when they saw Buffy’s eyes gradually flutter open.

“Oh, thank god!” Willow cried, “Buffy!”

Willow turned to Tara.  “Go tell the nurse!”  Tara hurried from the room.   Willow turned back to Buffy.

Buffy blinked slowly a few times until she could focus on the face in front of her.

“Willow?” Buffy croaked.

“Yes,” Willow replied, unable to contain her wide grin.

“I thought it was you,” Buffy said, smiling back.

*     *     *

A few hours later, Buffy was taken off the critical list and transferred out of ICU to a regular private room.  Giles and Joyce went home to rest for a few hours.  Xander and Anya dropped by for a short visit and then left again, allowing Willow and Tara to take the first leg of BuffyWatch. 

After the move and the visits, Buffy was exhausted.  She fell asleep, clutching Mr. Gordo in her right arm.  Tara got up from her spot on the bench seat chair and looked at Buffy closely.  Tara turned to Willow and mouthed, “She’s asleep.”  Tara switched off the overhead light and returned to her place beside Willow.

“She looks better, don’t you think?” Willow whispered.

“Yes,” Tara whispered back.

Willow and Tara smiled then hugged.  Within a short time, the two witches themselves were fast asleep.

*     *     *

Willow and Tara were entwined in each other’s arms, sleeping soundly, when a knock on Buffy’s hospital room door awakened them.  They both looked towards the door.  Willow quickly pulled out of Tara’s arms.  She moved several inches away and sat up straight.  Tara felt the intentional separation keenly and reluctantly duplicated Willow’s actions.  When the two witches turned their eyes to the door, they saw Riley sticking his head in.  He made eye contact with them and slipped inside the door.

“Willow, who is it?” Buffy said groggily.

Willow’s eyes were drawn to Buffy, who was trying to sit up in her bed.  Willow went to Buffy’s side and helped her sit up.

“It’s Riley,” Willow said.

Riley stepped around the corner of the room’s bathroom so that Buffy could see him.  He gave a small wave.

“Hey,” Riley said.

“Hey,” Buffy replied.

Riley moved to Buffy’s bedside across from Willow.  He smiled briefly at Willow and Tara as a way of greeting.  No one spoke for the next few breaths.  Willow finally broke the silence.

“I think Tara and I will go check out the snack bar,” Willow said.  “Right Tara?”

“Oh, right,” Tara said, joining Willow.

“We’ll catch you guys later, okay?” Willow said as she and Tara moved towards the door.

“Okay,” Buffy said.

Willow and Tara exited the room, leaving Buffy and Riley alone.  Another moment of silence ensued.  Then Riley spoke.

“So, how are you doing?” Riley asked.

“Better,” Buffy replied.  “Still pretty weak.  And sore.”

“You’re lucky to be alive,” Riley said.  “I saw that thing.”

“Yeah, not exactly the brightest moment in my Slayer career,” Buffy said.

“I just wanted you to know that we took care of it, it’s history,” Riley said.

“How did you--”

“We blew it up.”

“Ah, always a good option,” Buffy agreed.  “I’ve used it myself on occasion.”

“A good thing we did, too,” Riley added.  “The thing was just about to give birth to ten or twelve little spawn just like it.”

“Thank you,” Buffy said sincerely.  “I’ll rest better knowing that thing’s not out there.”

“I wish you had called me,” Riley said.  “About the demon, I mean.”

“We were in back-off mode, remember?” Buffy reminded him.

“Yeah,” Riley said.

“We still are,” Buffy said softly.

Riley looked at Buffy with a hurt expression then looked quickly away.  He moved towards the door.

“Well, I guess I better be going,” Riley said awkwardly.  “I just wanted to check on you and give you the news.”

“Thank you, Riley,” Buffy said earnestly.  “It means a lot to me that you came and that you took care of that demon.”

Riley smiled and nodded.  “You get better.  Maybe we could talk later, when you get out?”

It was Buffy’s turn to smile and nod.  At that, Riley left the room.

*     *     *

Willow and Tara sat in the snack bar, drinking coffee.  Willow fidgeted in her seat, looking back towards the elevator repeatedly.

“Maybe coffee wasn’t such a good idea for you,” Tara commented.

“Huh?” Willow said.

“You seem nervous enough already,” Tara said.  “You can hardly stay still.”

“Oh, sorry,” Willow said, realizing how fidgety she was being.  “I’m just worried about Buffy.  She and Riley are in a tough spot at the moment.  They each learned that the other was a secret demon fighter, and it kinda put a kink in things.”

“That’s why you ‘fessed up, isn’t it?” Tara asked.

“Yeah,” Willow replied.  “I saw what keeping secrets was doing to Buffy and Riley, and I didn’t want that to happen to us.  Buffy was really hoping Riley was a ‘normal guy’ and then he wasn’t.  I mean, I think he really cares for her, but…I’m not sure if we can trust him.  We don’t know what this ‘Initiative’ of his is really up to.”

Willow glanced at the elevator again.

“Do you want to go back?” Tara asked.

“Yeah,” Willow admitted sheepishly.

“Let’s go,” Tara said, getting up.

*     *     *

Buffy sighed deeply as she watched the door shut behind Riley.  She leaned back against her pillow and draped her arm across her eyes.

Oh, god, what am I gonna do? Buffy thought.  Riley is so sweet.  And he likes me.  A lot, obviously.

But he’s some kind of secret agent soldier working for some government demon patrol! Buffy’s logical self reminded her.  How can you trust him?

Well, he must not be too bad, Buffy countered.  He blew up that demon for me.  Maybe he’s just the right kind of boyfriend for a Slayer.

You said you wanted a normal relationship for once, and Riley isn’t normal, Buffy’s logical self responded.

So what? Buffy answered. Riley is a good man.  He likes me.  And I like him…sort of.  No, really, I do like him, I just…

Buffy sighed again. 

“I just like someone else more,” Buffy said out loud. “Someone I can’t have.”

*     *     *

After receiving a response to her tentative knock, Willow slipped in the door to Buffy’s room, with Tara following.  They saw immediately that Buffy was alone.  Willow went to Buffy’s bedside.  Tara remained standing at the end of the bed.

Willow was relieved to find Riley gone.  She hadn’t wanted to intrude; plus, she just didn’t want Riley here.  It was stupid, she knew, but she didn’t like sharing Buffy time with him.  I was best friends with Buffy long before Riley came around, Willow justified to herself, so I should get visit priority.

“Riley’s gone already?” Willow asked.

“Yeah,” Buffy said.

“Did he have any news about the demon?” Willow inquired.

“It’s history, he said,” Buffy replied.  “He and his fellow commandoes blew it up.”

“Well, that’s good news,” Willow said.

Willow and Buffy reached an awkward moment in the conversation.  As the two best friends wrung their hands and kept cutting their eyes away from each other, Tara watched them. 

Tara narrowed her eyes and focused, trying to read their auras.  At first, their auras darted about in the same way Tara had seen them move when she had observed them at the Bronze.  But then their energies settled down and began slowly intertwining with each other, intensifying as they did so. 

Tara released her focus and turned her attention to what the two women were doing.  They had stopped looking away from each other and were now staring into each other’s eyes.  Willow rested her hands lightly on Buffy’s arm.

Tara tore her eyes away.  After a moment, she cleared her throat.  Willow and Buffy looked her way.

“I’m…ummm…gonna go,” Tara said, not meeting their eyes.  “It’s…ummm…almost time for Mr. Giles and Mrs. Summers to come back anyway, so I’m just gonna go.”

Tara moved for the door.

“Wait,” Willow called.  “I’ll go with you.”

“No, that’s okay,” Tara replied.  “I’ve got some errands to run on the way.  I’ll just see you back on campus.”

“Okay,” Willow said sadly as she watched Tara leave the hospital room.

*     *     *

Tara hurried out of the hospital and headed towards the campus of UC Sunnydale.  Her mind swam with thoughts of Willow and Buffy.

Their auras intertwining like that—what does it mean? Tara thought.

Willow and Buffy are best friends, Tara’s logical self replied.  They’re close.  Buffy almost died.  Of course, their auras would touch and intertwine.

But it was so…intense, Tara countered.  There’s more than friendship going on here, there must be.

You’re reading too much into it, Tara’s logical self insisted.  Willow likes you, remember?  It was your bed she slept in the other night, it was your lips she was kissing, right?

Yes, Goddess, yes, Tara thought, remembering with joy the night that Willow had stayed over.

Then stop second-guessing yourself, her logical self ordered.

But Willow deserves so much better than me.  Maybe Buffy—

Stop it!  Don’t even say that! Tara’s logical self  interrupted.  It’s you Willow wants, she’s made that clear.  So accept it, enjoy it.  And don’t jinx it.

Okay, you’re right, Tara thought finally.  I love her, and I want to be with her, and she wants to be with me.  I just have to make sure I don’t screw things up.

Tara sighed and took a deep breath, committing herself to do everything she could to make her relationship with Willow work.

*     *     *

“Is she okay?” Buffy asked Willow about Tara.

“Oh, yeah.  I’m sure she is,” Willow replied.  “She’s probably just feeling a little like an outsider in all this.”

Willow looked pained.  Buffy put her hand on top of Willow’s.

“Plus, I don’t think she likes hospitals much,” Willow continued.  “Her mother died a couple of years ago.  I think it’s been hard for her, being reminded, you know?”

“I’m sorry,” Buffy said, “about what I said the other night, about Tara.  I didn’t know what I was talking about.”

“That’s okay,” Willow said. “You were just upset about the spell not working.  I still don’t know why that spell didn’t work.  I know we did everything correctly, and Tara is really powerful.  You should have seen her when we were looking for you.  She made a huge flare shoot up into the sky to alert the helicopter—she did it with just magic.  And before that, she so kept her cool.  I was totally freaking out, but she calmed me down and made me focus so that I could follow my connection to you.  She--”

“Wait!” Buffy interrupted.  “Your connection to me?”

“Yeah,” Willow said. “I didn’t tell you this part?”

“Uh, no,” Buffy said.

“Oh.  Well, I…ummm…I felt it when you were fighting the demon,” Willow explained.  “I was sitting there at Giles’ doing research, and wham! I was suddenly hit with this intense pain, and I just knew it was you.  I don’t know how I knew, but I did.  We split up to look for you.  I called Tara, and she went with me.  She encouraged me to try to connect with you again, and I did, and that’s when we found you.”

“Wow,” Buffy said.

“What were you thinking, you know, before we got there?  Do you remember?” Willow asked.

Buffy hung her head and didn’t meet Willow’s eyes.  How sorry I was, Buffy thought, that I had broken my promise to you, how sad you’d be when I died, how I didn’t want to die without having told you how I feel.

“How much it hurt,” Buffy said out loud to Willow, “how I didn’t want to die, not like that.  I remember wishing that you would…that you guys would find me somehow.”

“Well, we did, and everything’s gonna be fine now,” Willow said, smiling.

Buffy smiled in return.

*     *     *

As the limo pulled into UC Sunnydale, Lindsey caught sight of a blond girl who was just heading onto campus.  He directed the driver to pull alongside of the girl.  Then he hit the power button lowering the tinted window.

“Excuse me, miss?” Lindsey called out.

Tara turned when she heard the voice and was startled to see a handsome man addressing her from an expensive limousine.

“Yes?” Tara inquired.

“I’m trying to find Stevenson Dorm,” Lindsey said.

“Oh, it’s not hard to find,” Tara answered.  “Just stay on this road till you see the sign for the residence halls.  Follow that sign.  You’ll go past a few buildings, then Stevenson will be on your left.  You can’t miss it.”

“Thanks,” Lindsey said, smiling in gratitude.

“You’re welcome,” Tara said, smiling in return.

Tara watched the limo pull away, wondering which rich girl in Stevenson was about to be visited.

*     *     *

Lindsey entered Stevenson and went immediately to the second floor.  He wound his way down the hallway until he found Room 214.  He knocked on the door and listened.  No one answered.

He turned from the doorway just as a male resident came out of his dorm room and headed for the stairwell.

“Excuse me,” Lindsey said, catching the resident by the arm to stop him.  “Is this Buffy Summers’ room?”

“Yeah, but I haven’t seen her in a couple of days,” the male resident said.  “She’s probably hanging out at her mom’s house, doin’ laundry or something.”

“Thanks,” Lindsey said, releasing the resident.

As the dorm student went down the stairwell, Lindsey put his hands on his hips and frowned.

*     *     *

The next morning, Buffy woke to find Tara sitting with her.  Tara was on the cushioned bench, quietly reading a book. 

“Hey,” Buffy said.

Tara looked up at Buffy’s voice.  She smiled at the Slayer. 

“Hey,” Tara said.  “How do you feel?”

“Ugghh,” Buffy responded.

“That good, huh?” Tara said teasingly.  Then she asked, “Can I get you anything?  Some water maybe?”

“No, thanks,” Buffy said.

“I know you were expecting Willow,” Tara explained, “but she had an appointment with one of her professors, and she just couldn’t get out of it.  She asked me to fill in.  She’ll be back this afternoon.  Oh, but your mom’ll be here before that.”

“Tara, that’s fine, but you don’t have to stay with me,” Buffy said.  “I’m a big girl.  Besides, I know that you--” Buffy caught herself before mentioning Tara’s mother.  “I know that you probably have better things to do,” she corrected.

“Oh, it’s okay,” Tara said, “I don’t mind.  Really.”

Buffy sat up in her bed.  She repositioned her pillows and tried to get comfortable.  But no matter how she redid her pillows, she couldn’t get situated.  Tara rose and came to the bed.  She punched a button on the bed railing, and the head of the bed tilted up.  Tara stopped the bed’s movement.

“How’s that?” Tara asked.

Buffy redid her pillows once more and seemed pleased with the results.  She sighed and settled in.

“Thanks,” Buffy said.

“No problem,” Tara said, touching Buffy’s arm gently.

As Tara touched her, Buffy could feel the positive energy radiating from the blonde witch.  It was peaceful and nurturing.  Buffy could see why Willow had been drawn to the girl.  After the upheaval of Oz’s departure, Willow needed that kind of energy, that kind of comforting.  It was something she hadn’t gotten—couldn’t get—from Buffy.  How could someone who dealt daily in death and violence offer anything even remotely close to what Tara exuded so easily?

When Tara went to withdraw her hand, Buffy quickly caught it in her grasp.  She gave Tara’s hand a squeeze and then held it.

“Willow told me what you did,” Buffy said, “when you guys found me.  I just wanted to say thank you.”

Tara immediately tucked her face behind her hair.  “Oh, I-I-I didn’t do anything special,” she mumbled in embarrassed shyness.

“Yes, you did,” Buffy insisted.  Buffy paused until Tara finally met her eyes.  “And it’s not just me you’ve helped,” Buffy continued.  “I know you’re a big part of why Willow has been doing so much better, you know, since Oz.  You’ve been a good friend to Willow, and I want you to know how grateful I am for that.”

Tara smiled, but pulled away, knowing that if she didn’t, she’d probably cry.  Tara had never felt such a tumult of emotion.  Ever since she had moved to Sunnydale and met Willow, Tara’s world had been turned upside down.  She had felt more and done more in the last few weeks than she had in all her previous years combined.  She had fallen in love for the first time, she had helped to save someone’s life, and now she was the recipient of such sincere gratitude that she was simply overcome.

Tara cleared her throat then spoke.  “I’m gonna go for a little walk,” she said.  “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

Buffy watched Tara leave the room and wondered why Tara seemed so sad.

*     *     *

Not long after Tara returned from her walk, Joyce came to check on Buffy.  Tara quickly excused herself, leaving mother and daughter alone.  Despite her earlier protest that she was a big girl, Buffy was glad to see her mother.  She didn’t fuss when Joyce pulled her into a hug; instead, she hugged her back tightly.

“I love you, mom,” Buffy said, as they pulled out of the hug.

“You’re not just saying that ‘cause I brought donuts, are you?” Joyce said teasingly while holding up the bag of goodies.

Buffy’s eyes lit up at the sight of the bag.  “Donuts?  For me?” Buffy asked with a big grin.

Joyce laughed at her daughter’s enthusiasm as she dug into the sugary treats.  She was glad to see Buffy returning to her usual self, both physically and emotionally.  Her injuries were healing with the usual rapidity that came courtesy of being the Slayer, and her naturally light and funny personality was slowly re-establishing itself.  Still, Joyce was worried.  She’d never seen Buffy sustain injuries this severe, and she wondered how Buffy was handling things.  Joyce didn’t want to dampen Buffy’s good spirits; she filed that topic away in the back of her mind for another time.

*     *     *

That afternoon, Willow came back as promised.  When she came in the door, she found Buffy swinging her legs over the edge of her bed.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Willow demanded.

“Going to the bathroom,” Buffy stated.

“You wait just a minute, missy,” Willow said firmly.  “Let me help you.”

When Willow came to Buffy’s side to lend a hand, Buffy stopped her.

“I can do it on my own, thank you very much,” Buffy said.

Willow reluctantly stepped aside and allowed Buffy to get off her bed on her own.  Willow hovered nearby as Buffy successfully trudged towards the bathroom.

When Buffy came out of the bathroom, Willow again stood nearby.

“I told you so,” Buffy said smartly, sticking her tongue out at Willow.

Almost immediately, Buffy’s knees buckled.  Luckily, Willow caught the falling Slayer and pulled her safely into her arms.

“You were saying?” Willow countered with a smirk.

Buffy didn’t respond to Willow’s gibe; instead, she closed her eyes and focused on the feel of Willow’s arms around her, the touch of Willow’s hand at the small of her back.  Willow unconsciously pulled Buffy closer and began to caress her back.  Buffy opened her eyes. 

After an intense moment of breathless staring, Willow cleared her throat and moved to support Buffy from the side.

“Come on, let’s get you back in bed,” Willow said as she helped her roommate back into her hospital bed.

*     *     *

After Willow left, Buffy was alone.  She was relieved.  Although she appreciated the efforts of her friends and family, she was feeling a little overwhelmed by all the attention.  She needed some time to think.

She knew she couldn’t go on like she was.  Even though she liked Riley and thought he was a good man, Buffy couldn’t continue seeing him.  It wasn’t right.  Not when she was in love with someone else.  Not when she was in love with her best friend and roommate.

Buffy knew she couldn’t deny her feelings for Willow any more.  She would have to tell Willow the truth—whether Willow returned those feelings or not.  She prayed that the revelation wouldn’t ruin their friendship.

Buffy thought about how it had felt earlier to have Willow’s arms wrapped around her, how Willow herself had reacted to their closeness.  Maybe I’m seeing what I want to see, Buffy thought, and not what’s really there.

Buffy sighed and snuggled under the covers.  She closed her eyes and tried to go to sleep.

*     *     *

“The three, the three, we shall see the three,” Zephenia babbled for the umpteenth time, still pacing about her bedroom in the large hotel suite she and Lindsey shared.

In his own room, Lindsey groaned and wrapped his pillow around his head.  Zephenia’s babbling voice, though muffled, still penetrated.

“Zephenia!  Will you please…shut…up!” Lindsey shouted.

Lindsey heard Zephenia continue as if she hadn’t heard him at all.  “The three, the three, we shall see the three…”

Abruptly, the babbling stopped, and the suite became quiet.  Lindsey sighed in relief.  “Thank you,” he said, turning over to try to go to sleep.

In her room, the seer was frozen in place, listening intently.  Then she fell to the floor and prostrated herself with her ear pressed into the carpet.  She smiled and then giggled with glee.

“Oh…He comes,” Zephenia whispered in awe.  “He comes, He comes…” she repeated.

*     *     *

In the ruins of the old high school, in the lower levels below the destroyed library, a faint light seeped from the crack in the foundation.  As the light gently pulsed, the surrounding rock began to vibrate in time with the light.  The result was a deep hum, barely audible, that sounded like a heartbeat.

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