AB/BtVS FF: Nightmares in Waking Life 77/?
TITLE: Nightmares in Waking Life
AUTHOR: 38gnihsurc
RATING: en.sea.xvii, overall
PAIRINGS: All the pairings from the previous two stories---and some new ones, too
SPOILERS: Up until Micah for AB; the whole TV series for the Buffyverse; Alive at Last and Living Underground.
WARNINGS: A little bit of fur... bdsm... the usuals for Anita's crazy, crazy world.
DISCLAIMER: I don't own anyone---except for any original characters that I whip up to do my bidding ;)
NOTE: This story is a sequel to Living Underground.
Previous chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9-11, 12, 13, 14-5, 16-7, 18-9, 20-1, 22, 23, 24-5, 26-7, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32-3, 34-7, 38, 39-40, 41, 42, 43-44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51A, 51B, 52, 53, 54, 55-6, 57, 58A, 58B, 59, 60, 61, 62-63, 64, 65, 66-7, 68-9, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76
PART SEVENTY-SEVEN
Willow looked across the back seat of the car Jamil was driving and looked at Richard.
"What?" she asked.
He'd been staring at her off and on for a little over a week, when their conversations would lull. That morning, on their way to school was no exception.
Just like with Jean-Claude and Micah, she avoided lying and very serious conversations. Richard and Asher never asked what was on her mind, but she guessed the Ulfric was about to break his current streak.
"You've been kinda... different for the last couple weeks," he said.
"Really?"
He nodded. "Ever since your big play date with Asher. Did something happen?"
"In the dungeon?" she asked, thinking back to that specific night. "No, nothing too out of the ordinary... I mean, for us. In that place. You know."
He smiled and took her hand. "Okay, just checking," he told her. "I'm glad you were still up when I got up," he added. "I like seeing you before school."
She smiled back at him. "I like seeing you before school, too."
He kissed over her knuckles and then brought her hand to his chest. She watched him for a few minutes and then turned her head to look out around them.
She wondered how many people outside of their close-knit coalition knew what was happening in the world---everyone seemed to be so focused on getting where they were meant to be, not showing any signs of the turbulent emotions she was feeling and (according to some of the men in her life) having a hard time keeping bottled inside.
As Jamil neared the school, Willow noticed there was a crowd outside the school. She frowned and leaned forward in her seat; Richard mirrored her, peering at the group of people with concern.
"I don't like this," Jamil said, sparing a glance to the rearview mirror.
He met Willow's eyes, and as Richard suggested it was a fire alarm, Skoll and Lupa shared a slight nod of agreement---it wasn't an emergency drill.
As they drew nearer to the school, Willow saw the people was carrying picketing signs with very angry, anti-lycanthrope messages written on them.
"Oh god," she whispered.
Richard made an anguished sound between a whine and a growl. He fell back against his seat; when he closed his eyes, Willow inched to him and rubbed her hand over his chest.
"Richard?"
"The two weeks are up."
"Yeah," she agreed quietly. "Did you forget?"
"I... didn't think it would be like this," he replied. "I thought I'd be called into the office and fired."
"We're going home," Jamil decided.
"No!" Richard exclaimed.
Anita! Willow exclaimed across their bond. Where are you?!
With Dolph. He said we were called out to a---
Willow tried to convey images of what they were facing as Richard argued with the other male werewolf, but she didn't send them across before Anita cursed into her mind.
---oh fuck.
Jamil pulled the car to a stop. Willow saw Dolph's car, light flashing on the dash, parking on the other side of the street. She looked for Anita, and found the necromancer looking as nauseated as she felt.
Richard opened the door and made a move to get out of the car.
Jamil grumbled under his breath. Willow hurried after Richard; in her peripheral vision, she saw Anita hurrying towards them.
"Get outta here, freak!"
"Stay away from our children, you monster!"
"Arrest him!"
Those were only a few of the jeers Willow could pick out of the mob. She caught Richard's hand with both of hers and tugged hard to get his attention.
"Willow, I need to---"
Allison stepped forward, away from the frontline.
"Allison, what the hell is going on?" Willow asked before Richard could say anything.
"I could ask the same thing," she said in a barely-calm voice. "You are with a monster! What right does he have to be anywhere near these children?"
Willow shook her head, but it was Richard who spoke next: "I'm not a monster. I'd never hurt a child. Who told---"
"I've known for a while," she admitted.
Anita had made it to Richard's other side. "You're the blackmailer," she stated. Allison didn't say anything, but Willow could have sworn there was a glint of pride in her eyes.
The black-haired woman's next move was to turn to Dolph and explain everything about what Allison did. The law enforcer, however, was not supportive of Anita's cause.
"With no proof, there's nothing I can do," he told her. "Mr. Zeeman, I suggest you go home before this gets worse for you."
Ignoring his words, as well as Anita's protests and Jamil's stern suggestions, Richard moved toward's the school's principal, who had come towards them once they'd made their approach.
"Are you really going to keep me from teaching?"
"You've never done anything to hurt the students, and I've always considered you to be a model teacher," the principal, someone Willow knew as Todd from conversations with Richard. "I, personally, have no problem with you continuing on... but the teachers and parents---" he broke off and gestured towards the still-jeering crowd. He sighed. "Why don't you give me some time, let this cool down, and we'll revisit this...?"
Willow studied him. She sensed something in him---nothing like lycanthropy, but something with a little magical power. He was sympathetic to their cause.
"Richard? Willow?"
Willow turned and saw Emily, trailed by Shang-Da. She looked at the male wolf and gestured to the car. He nodded and guided her towards the vehicle; she only protested a little, eventually sitting in the backseat quietly.
"I'm getting a lawyer, Todd," Richard told his boss.
Todd smiled a tiny, fleeting smile. "Good," he said in a low and quiet voice. "I'll call you, okay?"
"Nothing about this is okay," Richard replied.
Willow all but dragged Richard to the car. She thought Jamil muttered "thank god" under his breath, but she couldn't be sure. She glanced at the scene in front of her and frowned; Anita was going toe-to-toe in the insults department with one of her mentors.
"Anita," Willow murmured. She went over and touched the other woman's arm. "Let's go home. I don't want to stoop to their level."
"You said you wanted to fight," Anita reminded her.
"There's a right way and a wrong way," Willow said. "If we cause a scene, that's what's going to be on the news. You don't want that."
Anita sighed and her resolve crumbled. She almost leaned into Willow's touch, before stiffening and muttering: "I hate this."
"Me, too, but Richard needs all of us right now."
"Here, Anita," Jamil said. "Sit in the front with me. Patrick and Shang-Da'll follow. Ted's here, too, right?"
She nodded. "Yeah, somewhere."
"Let's go," he insisted. "We'll call people from the Circus."
Anita swallowed her anger down and followed the other pack members.
&&&&
It wasn't necessary to call anyone. The vampires may have been asleep, but everyone else was awake and those who could come to the Circus' residence came to greet them---or so it seemed from the number of cars in the parking lot.
Richard sent everyone but Willow and Anita inside; he didn't say anything immediately but took their hands and squeezed gently.
"I love you both... so much," he said after a few minutes.
Willow rubbed his arm with her free hand. "What do you need?" she asked.
"Love."
"It's safe to say you've got that already," Anita pointed out quietly. "How are you feeling?"
"Betrayed... angry... sad. Ashamed. Astonished. I never thought she was the one---I never even thought---"
"I'm proud of you," Willow whispered. "I knew you'd handle this with some grace, but I was so scared---tempers rise and they were all so angry---"
"I fed on the crowd," Richard whispered.
"Wow," Anita commented.
"Why?" Willow asked. She'd decided to move past the surprise she, too, was feeling and dig a little deeper into the Ulfric's reasoning behind doing something he'd been so opposed to only an hour or so ago.
"Because I knew their anger could get out of control," he told her. "I didn't want us to get arrested for starting a scene, which is what would've happened."
"That was... smart thinking," the redhead said. She leaned up and kissed his cheek. "Thank you."
"What?"
"You saved us all a lot of trouble... and maybe some time in lock-up," Anita pointed out. She seemed to be in agreement with Willow. "So, it was smart thinking," she added.
"I didn't want to prove them right," he said. "Even if I was just protecting you guys, it'd still be on the news: 'Werewolf attacks police, students, and teachers!'"
Willow sighed. "Maybe."
She heard a phone vibrate and saw Richard look to his waist for the device he kept on his belt. Before he could react, she snapped it up and shut it off.
"Supporters know where to find you," she said to explain her actions, "and most of your family's here. You need some quiet."
"Taking charge?" he asked.
"Darn tootin'."
He chuckled in a sad tone and released her hand to pull her into a hug.
"Alright. I'll have to call Mom later, and that lawyer, but... for now, okay. What's the plan?"
"Anything you want," she answered him. "But I suspect there are a bunch of people waiting downstairs to see you."
"Yeah," he agreed.
"You don't have to entertain," she reminded him, "and any time you want to go off and be alone, you can do that, too."
He nodded.
They got out of the car and quickly made their way to the door thanks to Anita reminding Richard that once reporters figured out where he was staying he probably wouldn't have much privacy left. Willow agreed with her; security personnel greeted them at the door with words of concern and then they entered the underground home.
There were a lot of lycanthropes there to meet them. Some were in the hall, but the rest were in the largest of the sitting rooms, curled up in chairs and in piles on the floor.
Richard settled down with some of his pack, with Willow and Emily at his side. Anita took a spot near them but between Micah and Nathaniel.
"I'm not sure what I'm supposed to say," the Ulfric said quietly.
"You don't have to say anything, mon ami."
Everyone turned---and nearly everyone gasped. Asher and Jean-Claude were standing in the doorway, dressed in pajamas and their robes. They looked surprised, too, although their expressions were dampened by what Willow guessed was time to get used to the occurrence.
"However, we would like to know why we were robbed of our beauty sleep," Jean-Claude added.
&&&&
Willow followed the vampires and Anita into another, more private room, with Richard trailing behind her.
"I don't see why we have to---"
The Ulfric spoke quickly, before Anita could finish her sentence: "If we're being watched, I don't want them to know this. Not for sure. Especially when I'm not sure."
"Okay. Makes sense." The necromancer waited until the door was closed and then asked: "Did you channel the energy somewhere?"
"Yeah, I think so," he replied.
"What happened?" Asher asked.
"Everyone was so angry at me," Richard said to try to explain his actions. "But it wasn't just that. I felt... I could feel it. It was heavy... hungry. Like something was fueling the anger on. It was going to get out of control, even if it looked like a tame protest on the outside. My hurt and rage wasn't helping... I knew it could go bad.
"So, I just... fed on the anger. I didn't want to keep the energy---I didn't know what would happen if I kept it. I didn't think it consciously. I didn't have time. But, I think... the ardeur or whatever---or maybe it was just me, I don't know---I think whatever part of me was in charge knew that giving the energy to Willow or Anita could also cause problems... so it went to you, Jean-Claude. And you, Asher."
When the werewolf king stopped talking, Willow took his hand and squeezed it.
After a heavy pause, Richard added: "I'm sorry if this is a problem, guys."
Asher and Jean-Claude shared a glance. "It is not a problem, mon ami," the Master of the City assured him. "We merely found it disconcerting to be awake at such an early hour."
Willow only half-listened to them continuing their discussion of the morning's events. Richard's feeding on such a passionate crowd had given the Master of the City and his second in command enough energy to rise only hours after falling victim to the power of the sunrise; his accidental gift of power was something Marcus would find useful, and it was also something she could find useful if she decided to leave St. Louis. If she could channel that much power, it was likely that she could manage teleportation to the Deeper Well. If there were lycanthropes and vampires in the crowd, it would be more than likely, she was willing to wager.
Something of her thoughts must have shown on her face because she felt a hand on her lower back. When she came back to her surroundings, she realised Jean-Claude had made his way to her side.
When will you share your burden?
Willow closed her eyes. She trusted Micah and Patrick not to push---because the former understood being between a rock and a hard (or crazy) place, and because the latter took her word as law as long as it didn't directly contradict his orders to protect her---but she had known Jean-Claude would have a harder time not trying to solve the mystery she inadvertently presented.
When I know what to do.
His fingers drummed a soft rhythm against her spine. She shivered.
Something about this morning's turn of events has piqued your curiosity.
Willow bit back a sigh. She knew she was lucky to be surrounded by highly capable, incredibly intelligent (and sometimes downright crafty) people who cared for her, for whom she cared in return. But, there were moments, like the one she was presently in, when it was incredibly difficult to express herself. If she made a sound of frustration, the others would notice.
Jean-Claude.
I find myself without my usual patience.
Willow risked a glance at him. She tried glaring, but found herself wanting to smile. Her lips pursed. His lips curved a little. The expression was comforting, but it was also infuriating. She wanted to say something---anything---to vent some of her emotions and thoughts; she also wanted, or needed, to keep her thoughts and emotions to herself.
When Faith entered the room, apparently at the request of some of the more curious lycanthropes (who thought Faith, with child, would be less likely to be punished for asking questions), Willow saw an exit and a way to work through her frustration.
"Hey, Boss," the brunette said quietly. "I'm sorry to interrupt---"
"I expected mon loup, to be honest," Jean-Claude interjected, smiling politely as he stepped away from Willow. He took the slayer's arm. "How are you and the little one this morning?"
"Five by five," Faith replied. "How are you this morning?"
"Awake."
"No shit."
Jean-Claude snorted. "What can we do for you?"
"Honestly? They voted me in because I guess I'm good at spying?" Faith said in a doubtful tone of voice. "Seriously, I don't know. I was hoping to steal Willow away, even though I know she's busy---"
"She's right here," Willow cut in. Then, as she took in Richard's and Asher's faces, she frowned. "But, maybe I should... stay."
Richard shook his head. "No, go... whatever. Can I see you later, though?"
Willow walked over to him and gave him a hug and a kiss. "Absolutely. I won't be long, promise." She studied him and then asked: "Will you be okay?"
He nodded. "The gang's all here," he said, surprising her a little bit more than he already had. "Go. We'll find each other."
The redhead kissed him again before reaching out for Asher's hand and squeezing it. He tugged her close and kissed her, too.
"I'll find you, later, too, mon colibri," he assured her.
Willow smiled at him before going to Faith's side. "Well, I guess I'm all yours," she told the Slayer.
"Excellent. C'mon, Red."
Neither woman spoke as they slipped out of the room. Willow spoke only to tell those waiting that she didn't have any information to give (or share, but she wasn't going to tell anyone that), and she slipped past those waiting for news to follow Faith into her own suite.
Damian was awake, sitting on the bed and reading a book.
"Wow. Is everyone awake?"
The vampire nodded. "Quite a few of us are, yes," he replied. "We were instructed to remain in our chambers until told otherwise."
"Jean-Claude gave the order?" Willow asked.
"Yes," he told her. He smiled and shrugged. "It is unsettling. But, not... terrible."
"I guess he's just being careful," Faith suggested. "If there's trouble, might be good to keep this as quiet as we can."
Willow frowned. "Word will get out. Especially if some of the vampires were in bed with lycanthropes."
"It's usually just those trusted as pommes de sang," Damian reminded the witch.
"Is this why I'm here?" Willow asked.
Faith smiled and shook her head. "No, Will. I... well, this is gonna sound weird, but I had a feeling you needed a break."
"A feeling?"
"Yeah, in the back of my grey matter."
Willow shrugged. "I didn't mean to... send a feeling out."
"I think the power spike's been affecting everyone."
"Richard swore he didn't send it to me or Anita," Willow protested.
Faith gave a little shrug of her own. "Maybe it leaked. Anyway, you're here. And we're here, so how can we help?"
"Just... be normal."
The slayer laughed. "That might be tricky. We're not normal."
"Normal's a relative thing," Willow insisted as she paced a little. "Just, be you. A slayer carrying her healthy half-vampire baby and her warrior lover."
"We can handle that, Red," Faith said with a grin. She eased herself into her favourite armchair and rubbed her belly. "How's Richard doing?"
"Way better than I thought he'd be doing," Willow admitted.
"And Anita?"
"I don't know yet," Willow replied.
Faith nodded. "Alright. So... what else is going on in that head of yours? You felt pretty panicked earlier."
"Huh?"
"In my head, Will."
Willow blushed a little. "There's been a lot going on," she said quietly. "And I've been having... ideas about everything, and I have no one to really talk to about it all, so my head's a little squirmy."
Faith arched an eyebrow. "No one to talk to? What about Asher? Richard? Jean-Claude?"
"I can't. Not... not yet. They won't like it. I don't like it. But... it might be a necessary---"
"Before you start rambling, stop and take a breath," Faith cut her off. "I'm not going to ask specifics. Too tricky 'round these parts to keep a secret. But, when you need help, you know I'm here, right?"
Willow nodded. "Yeah."
She looked at Damian, who had returned to his book. Richard had raised more than Jean-Claude and Asher. He had tapped into enough power to raise quite a few of the kiss' vampires, if Damian's being awake was any indication. Willow wondered how much power she could raise---and how smooth a trip it could be if she used that power to do what Marcus wanted her to do, as well as how much power such a weapon could be if it fell into the wrong hands.
"Damian, I know you're listening. Any thoughts?"
He set his book down. "Before war, strategies should be weighed carefully. Sometimes, letting in too many opinions and voices can make it more difficult to make a decision---to do what must be done," he told her. "However, once a course of action has been plotted, it is unwise to carry such burdens alone."
"So, you're telling me to make up my mind---probably on my own---and then turn to people for help?"
"Not telling," he insisted. "Suggesting. However, if you're unsure... you know you have people you can turn to."
"You're right. I'm just... not sure these people will back me up."
Damian nodded. "These people care about you," he reminded her.
Willow smiled a little. "Thanks."
"It's nothing... stupid, right?" Faith asked.
"Nothing like sacrificing my life or anything," Willow assured her. "It's just a difficult decision. And, difficult to do, but Richard's accidental raising has me wondering about that."
"Is this a 'kill the queen, off with her head' sort of plan?"
Willow shook her head. "Nah, more of a 'keep her creepy ass in jail' sort of plan."
"That's still good," Faith reasoned. "How can I help?"
"I don't know yet," Willow admitted. "Jean-Claude and Micah are all about the help. Or the offers to help, I mean. But, I don't really have a plan. I'm still wrapping my head around the idea."
"And it's freaking you out?"
"It really is," the witch said on a whisper.
Faith leaned forward as best as she could. "Why?"
"Because, if I go through with it, at least a handful of people will be really pissed at me."
The slayer snorted. "Breaking out the bad words, huh?"
"Faith!"
She sobered quickly. "Look, if it's for the greater good or whatever, I'm not going to be Lil Miss Crankypants about it. You're more worried about Fangs and Fur, huh?"
"Asher, Richard... Nathaniel, Jason... Jean-Claude... maybe even Anita. Plus, Dawn, if she comes back after her break, and---"
"Why, Will?"
Willow frowned. "Faith..."
"If you're not in any danger---"
"I'm not not in any danger."
"Will!"
"It's not without risk," the witch insisted, "but it's not... it's more magic-risk than dangerous."
Faith nodded.
Damian cleared his throat. "Do you wish for me to take a shower? Or listen to Faith's music through her headphones?"
"The illusion of privacy, huh?"
"I can promise I won't go running to Jean-Claude," he assured her. "Unless he or Anita specifically orders me to tell them everything you've mentioned right now, I choose to keep your secrets." He paused, and then added: "Of course, I understand your desire to talk as vaguely as you want to, as well."
"Thanks," she murmured. She turned to Faith. "Asher will be furious. Richard, too. I can't believe I'm thinking... considering... but I don't know if I have a choice."
Faith nudged the nearby ottoman with her foot. "Sit."
Willow obeyed.
"You don't think there's any other option?"
"I don't... think so."
Faith frowned. "This has to do with the Deeper Well, right?"
"Yeah."
"Powerful magic at work there."
Willow nodded.
"Will it work?"
She shrugged. "It might make things easier... for the fight here," she said in a quiet voice.
"Might?"
"Probably."
Faith frowned. "Willow..."
"I know," she whispered.
The slayer studied the witch. "You're getting good intel?" she asked.
"Yeah."
"Do you trust it?"
"Giles trusts it."
Faith frowned more. "G-Man's been wrong before."
"I don't think he's wrong about this," Willow said. She added: "He's not the one telling me about this stuff. It's coming from a source he trusts, I mean."
"Good, because if it was Giles, I'd have to ask if this is a plot to get you away from your family," the slayer commented. When Willow's eyes widened, Faith smiled a bit. "I think I'm figuring it out a bit."
"Yeah."
"Don't give me any more details, Red," Faith advised. "Plausible deniability."
"What do you think?"
Faith thought for a minute before speaking. "I think... if you trust the information, you've gotta go with your gut. It comes down to deciding if you can be a stronger force here, with everyone, or if you'll do the most good where you're being told you're needed."
"Yeah."
"So, we train and we prep," Faith reminded her. "And you don't shut us out."
"Thanks," Willow whispered, feeling as though a weight had been lifted off her shoulders.
&&&&
Richard opened his eyes and smiled as Willow came into the bedroom. A few of the wolves around him shifted to make room for their Lupa on her bed; she padded towards them on soft-clad feet, and crawled up onto the mattress.
"C'm'ere," the Ulfric whispered.
"Did you get any sleep?" Willow asked.
"Nah," he replied. "Had to make some phone calls. Finally talked to Mom and Daniel... and I called the lawyer Micah pointed our way. Have to go meet him soon. This is just about feeling better." He pulled her into his body and hugged her. "You feel good," he added.
Willow smiled. "You, too."
He kissed her temple before she snuggled into his body. "Thanks for being here," he whispered. "I don't know what I'd do without you here."
"You're not the same man you were years ago," Willow reminded him. "And you're not alone anymore."
"I know."
"How are you feeling?"
He sighed. "Still pretty numb. It's been hard to process."
She nodded and rubbed her hand over his side and hip. "Yeah," she agreed, "I know. When it starts settling in, you know I'm here, right?"
"Yes," he whispered. He kissed her forehead. "I know. You always make sure I know."
"Sorry---"
"Don't ever apologise for that."
Willow squeezed him a little. She thought more about what Marcus had told her in her dream and about what it would mean. Leaving Richard before he comes to terms with everything would be a terrible thing to do; it would break her heart to hurt him after or during his processing the pain of his public outing.
"I love you," she whispered.
"I love you, too," he whispered back.
"Do you want company at the lawyer's?"
Richard kissed her forehead again. "Anita and Micah are going to take me in."
"Good," Willow replied. She didn't know as much about the law as they did, and while she would've gone and taken good notes, she was relieved people who had a better grasp of the situation would be going with him. "Keep me posted?"
"I promise." He leaned back a bit to look at her. "What are your plans for the rest of the day?"
"Some magic stuff," she replied. "Gotta call Dawn, too."
"You'll be careful?"
"Dawn's dangerous, I know, but I think I can handle her if she gets out of line."
Richard smiled. "I meant with the magic stuff."
"It's just some meditation... strength stuff," she replied. Secretly, she was hoping to find a way to reach out to Marcus, but she wasn't about to share that information with Richard. "Nothing to worry about."
"Good."
"Do we have some time?" she asked.
"A little. They're coming for me in an hour."
Willow smiled. "Awesome," she said as she snuggled into him. She felt Richard tighten his hold on her and she smiled more. She pressed a kiss to his collarbone and closed her eyes. "Mmmm, let's just..."
"This."
"Yes," she agreed.
&&&&
Willow looked around as the trees came into focus. She saw the door and she sighed. A couple of hours of serious concentration couldn't get her to that place, but an accidental nap took her there without any trouble at all.
"Marcus?"
"Hey, Peaches."
"That's not going to be your codename for me," Willow said sternly.
He grinned and came into her line of sight. "Alright. I'll keep thinking."
"You do that."
His smile faded. "What do you want?"
"Huh?"
The werewolf rolled his eyes. "I felt you reaching out."
"How?"
"I wasn't born yesterday. I've had a lot of time to hone my gift into a tool," he told her. "It wasn't a good time for me to zone out. I came as soon as I could."
Willow nodded. "Cool. Okay. So... I've been thinking about what you told me."
"Are you in?"
"Not sure yet. Not sure I have a choice, either."
Marcus shrugged. "You always have a choice."
Willow snorted.
"Do you have questions, or did you call to bug me?"
"Y'know, you could be nicer since you're the one coming to me, trying to get me to help you by sacrificing my relationships with everyone I hold dear!" Willow shot back. She glared at Marcus. "But, yes, I do have questions."
"Go ahead."
She sighed. After taking a few steps towards the door to the Deeper Well, she turned back to look at her mysterious source. "When?"
"When the power peaks---when our guy can't fight it anymore."
She nodded. It was vague, but she knew sometimes those were the only answers to questions like that one in situations like the one they were currently facing.
"And how will I know what to do if I go there?"
"Your instincts will guide you."
She frowned. "You're not afraid the bad stuff will take me over?"
"You're tied to wolves. And to the earth. You've got a better shot than Anita does," he reminded her.
"Right."
He smiled a bit. "Go on, ask the question you really want to ask," he prompted her.
"How long will I be there?"
"As long as it takes to find a replacement---or as long as it takes to effectively squash her return," he replied.
"Are you looking for a replacement?" Willow asked.
He nodded. "I've got some feelers out."
Willow glared at him. "You better get more than some feelers out. If I decide to do this, I can't be tied there indefinitely. I have responsibilities. Not to mention, there are probably some packs and kisses who won't want me in their neck of the woods."
"You'd think your lovers would want you out of harm's way."
"This is not out of harm's way!" Willow exclaimed, gesturing towards the door in the tree. "This is not a safe place to be! And what about Anita? If I leave her alone, who knows what could happen to her!"
Marcus' brows jumped up. "And if you're not here, helping us stop the power leaking out of the Well? What do you think will happen to her then?"
Willow growled wordlessly.
"I know this is a big deal. They'll either forgive you or they won't. And you're all tied together so it's tough to decide," he said in a calmer voice that made her feel like he was sympathising with her a little. "But, this isn't about your boys' feelings. This is about the end of the world as we know it. Normals aren't ready for this. Hell, we aren't ready for this. She is not someone to screw with. That's why I came to you."
Willow sighed. "I know," she whispered.
"What do you need?"
She shrugged. "I don't know. Supplies. Magic and otherwise. But, I don't know what I'd need for magic... I don't even know where I'd start looking." She tilted her head back and looked at the canopy of leaves. "I'd need something or someone to help me keep my tie to them," she said, thinking out loud. "I'd need coordinates... or a map. I need to know where exactly I'm going. And something to help the transfer of energy. I can't get there without a huge exchange."
"A lycanthrope?"
"I'm not sacrificing anyone!" Willow replied hotly.
Marcus rolled his eyes. "I know. I meant, if you swapped yourself for our guy. Would that work?"
"I don't know," Willow admitted. "That might be too much. It... it's kind of like physics. No action without an equal and opposite reaction. I have to look into this."
"Keep me posted. Use the Watchers' database. I'll put some things there when I get more information for you. I'll start a research file. You'll be able to find it."
Willow opened her mouth to ask more questions, but Marcus turned his head, frowned, and muttered a quick goodbye before disappearing into the fog around them.
&&&&
The witch woke up with a gasp. Jason was lying down next to her, watching her. Emily was behind him, sound asleep. She recognised a few other faces, but everyone appeared to be dozing in the late afternoon, lulled by the warmth and comfort of the pack.
"You okay?" he asked quietly.
She nodded.
"You lying?"
She nodded again. She was tired and she had a little heartache (she would've called it a headache but it seemed to be settled in her chest more than her head), and she didn't want to lie. She knew Jason wouldn't push.
He wriggled towards her and hugged her.
"Thanks," she whispered.
Richard returned to them a few minutes later, looking a little like how Willow felt. He greeted them with a sigh and managed to get onto the bed on his lover's other side.
When she tried to ask what happened, he said: "I think it's setting in, what happened."
"Richard---"
"Just... let's stay like this for a while," he interjected.
Since she was also seeking comfort while she sorted out some thoughts, she agreed and decided to let the warmth of her pack all around her provide some physical comfort.
AUTHOR: 38gnihsurc
RATING: en.sea.xvii, overall
PAIRINGS: All the pairings from the previous two stories---and some new ones, too
SPOILERS: Up until Micah for AB; the whole TV series for the Buffyverse; Alive at Last and Living Underground.
WARNINGS: A little bit of fur... bdsm... the usuals for Anita's crazy, crazy world.
DISCLAIMER: I don't own anyone---except for any original characters that I whip up to do my bidding ;)
NOTE: This story is a sequel to Living Underground.
Previous chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9-11, 12, 13, 14-5, 16-7, 18-9, 20-1, 22, 23, 24-5, 26-7, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32-3, 34-7, 38, 39-40, 41, 42, 43-44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51A, 51B, 52, 53, 54, 55-6, 57, 58A, 58B, 59, 60, 61, 62-63, 64, 65, 66-7, 68-9, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76
PART SEVENTY-SEVEN
Willow looked across the back seat of the car Jamil was driving and looked at Richard.
"What?" she asked.
He'd been staring at her off and on for a little over a week, when their conversations would lull. That morning, on their way to school was no exception.
Just like with Jean-Claude and Micah, she avoided lying and very serious conversations. Richard and Asher never asked what was on her mind, but she guessed the Ulfric was about to break his current streak.
"You've been kinda... different for the last couple weeks," he said.
"Really?"
He nodded. "Ever since your big play date with Asher. Did something happen?"
"In the dungeon?" she asked, thinking back to that specific night. "No, nothing too out of the ordinary... I mean, for us. In that place. You know."
He smiled and took her hand. "Okay, just checking," he told her. "I'm glad you were still up when I got up," he added. "I like seeing you before school."
She smiled back at him. "I like seeing you before school, too."
He kissed over her knuckles and then brought her hand to his chest. She watched him for a few minutes and then turned her head to look out around them.
She wondered how many people outside of their close-knit coalition knew what was happening in the world---everyone seemed to be so focused on getting where they were meant to be, not showing any signs of the turbulent emotions she was feeling and (according to some of the men in her life) having a hard time keeping bottled inside.
As Jamil neared the school, Willow noticed there was a crowd outside the school. She frowned and leaned forward in her seat; Richard mirrored her, peering at the group of people with concern.
"I don't like this," Jamil said, sparing a glance to the rearview mirror.
He met Willow's eyes, and as Richard suggested it was a fire alarm, Skoll and Lupa shared a slight nod of agreement---it wasn't an emergency drill.
As they drew nearer to the school, Willow saw the people was carrying picketing signs with very angry, anti-lycanthrope messages written on them.
"Oh god," she whispered.
Richard made an anguished sound between a whine and a growl. He fell back against his seat; when he closed his eyes, Willow inched to him and rubbed her hand over his chest.
"Richard?"
"The two weeks are up."
"Yeah," she agreed quietly. "Did you forget?"
"I... didn't think it would be like this," he replied. "I thought I'd be called into the office and fired."
"We're going home," Jamil decided.
"No!" Richard exclaimed.
Anita! Willow exclaimed across their bond. Where are you?!
With Dolph. He said we were called out to a---
Willow tried to convey images of what they were facing as Richard argued with the other male werewolf, but she didn't send them across before Anita cursed into her mind.
---oh fuck.
Jamil pulled the car to a stop. Willow saw Dolph's car, light flashing on the dash, parking on the other side of the street. She looked for Anita, and found the necromancer looking as nauseated as she felt.
Richard opened the door and made a move to get out of the car.
Jamil grumbled under his breath. Willow hurried after Richard; in her peripheral vision, she saw Anita hurrying towards them.
"Get outta here, freak!"
"Stay away from our children, you monster!"
"Arrest him!"
Those were only a few of the jeers Willow could pick out of the mob. She caught Richard's hand with both of hers and tugged hard to get his attention.
"Willow, I need to---"
Allison stepped forward, away from the frontline.
"Allison, what the hell is going on?" Willow asked before Richard could say anything.
"I could ask the same thing," she said in a barely-calm voice. "You are with a monster! What right does he have to be anywhere near these children?"
Willow shook her head, but it was Richard who spoke next: "I'm not a monster. I'd never hurt a child. Who told---"
"I've known for a while," she admitted.
Anita had made it to Richard's other side. "You're the blackmailer," she stated. Allison didn't say anything, but Willow could have sworn there was a glint of pride in her eyes.
The black-haired woman's next move was to turn to Dolph and explain everything about what Allison did. The law enforcer, however, was not supportive of Anita's cause.
"With no proof, there's nothing I can do," he told her. "Mr. Zeeman, I suggest you go home before this gets worse for you."
Ignoring his words, as well as Anita's protests and Jamil's stern suggestions, Richard moved toward's the school's principal, who had come towards them once they'd made their approach.
"Are you really going to keep me from teaching?"
"You've never done anything to hurt the students, and I've always considered you to be a model teacher," the principal, someone Willow knew as Todd from conversations with Richard. "I, personally, have no problem with you continuing on... but the teachers and parents---" he broke off and gestured towards the still-jeering crowd. He sighed. "Why don't you give me some time, let this cool down, and we'll revisit this...?"
Willow studied him. She sensed something in him---nothing like lycanthropy, but something with a little magical power. He was sympathetic to their cause.
"Richard? Willow?"
Willow turned and saw Emily, trailed by Shang-Da. She looked at the male wolf and gestured to the car. He nodded and guided her towards the vehicle; she only protested a little, eventually sitting in the backseat quietly.
"I'm getting a lawyer, Todd," Richard told his boss.
Todd smiled a tiny, fleeting smile. "Good," he said in a low and quiet voice. "I'll call you, okay?"
"Nothing about this is okay," Richard replied.
Willow all but dragged Richard to the car. She thought Jamil muttered "thank god" under his breath, but she couldn't be sure. She glanced at the scene in front of her and frowned; Anita was going toe-to-toe in the insults department with one of her mentors.
"Anita," Willow murmured. She went over and touched the other woman's arm. "Let's go home. I don't want to stoop to their level."
"You said you wanted to fight," Anita reminded her.
"There's a right way and a wrong way," Willow said. "If we cause a scene, that's what's going to be on the news. You don't want that."
Anita sighed and her resolve crumbled. She almost leaned into Willow's touch, before stiffening and muttering: "I hate this."
"Me, too, but Richard needs all of us right now."
"Here, Anita," Jamil said. "Sit in the front with me. Patrick and Shang-Da'll follow. Ted's here, too, right?"
She nodded. "Yeah, somewhere."
"Let's go," he insisted. "We'll call people from the Circus."
Anita swallowed her anger down and followed the other pack members.
&&&&
It wasn't necessary to call anyone. The vampires may have been asleep, but everyone else was awake and those who could come to the Circus' residence came to greet them---or so it seemed from the number of cars in the parking lot.
Richard sent everyone but Willow and Anita inside; he didn't say anything immediately but took their hands and squeezed gently.
"I love you both... so much," he said after a few minutes.
Willow rubbed his arm with her free hand. "What do you need?" she asked.
"Love."
"It's safe to say you've got that already," Anita pointed out quietly. "How are you feeling?"
"Betrayed... angry... sad. Ashamed. Astonished. I never thought she was the one---I never even thought---"
"I'm proud of you," Willow whispered. "I knew you'd handle this with some grace, but I was so scared---tempers rise and they were all so angry---"
"I fed on the crowd," Richard whispered.
"Wow," Anita commented.
"Why?" Willow asked. She'd decided to move past the surprise she, too, was feeling and dig a little deeper into the Ulfric's reasoning behind doing something he'd been so opposed to only an hour or so ago.
"Because I knew their anger could get out of control," he told her. "I didn't want us to get arrested for starting a scene, which is what would've happened."
"That was... smart thinking," the redhead said. She leaned up and kissed his cheek. "Thank you."
"What?"
"You saved us all a lot of trouble... and maybe some time in lock-up," Anita pointed out. She seemed to be in agreement with Willow. "So, it was smart thinking," she added.
"I didn't want to prove them right," he said. "Even if I was just protecting you guys, it'd still be on the news: 'Werewolf attacks police, students, and teachers!'"
Willow sighed. "Maybe."
She heard a phone vibrate and saw Richard look to his waist for the device he kept on his belt. Before he could react, she snapped it up and shut it off.
"Supporters know where to find you," she said to explain her actions, "and most of your family's here. You need some quiet."
"Taking charge?" he asked.
"Darn tootin'."
He chuckled in a sad tone and released her hand to pull her into a hug.
"Alright. I'll have to call Mom later, and that lawyer, but... for now, okay. What's the plan?"
"Anything you want," she answered him. "But I suspect there are a bunch of people waiting downstairs to see you."
"Yeah," he agreed.
"You don't have to entertain," she reminded him, "and any time you want to go off and be alone, you can do that, too."
He nodded.
They got out of the car and quickly made their way to the door thanks to Anita reminding Richard that once reporters figured out where he was staying he probably wouldn't have much privacy left. Willow agreed with her; security personnel greeted them at the door with words of concern and then they entered the underground home.
There were a lot of lycanthropes there to meet them. Some were in the hall, but the rest were in the largest of the sitting rooms, curled up in chairs and in piles on the floor.
Richard settled down with some of his pack, with Willow and Emily at his side. Anita took a spot near them but between Micah and Nathaniel.
"I'm not sure what I'm supposed to say," the Ulfric said quietly.
"You don't have to say anything, mon ami."
Everyone turned---and nearly everyone gasped. Asher and Jean-Claude were standing in the doorway, dressed in pajamas and their robes. They looked surprised, too, although their expressions were dampened by what Willow guessed was time to get used to the occurrence.
"However, we would like to know why we were robbed of our beauty sleep," Jean-Claude added.
&&&&
Willow followed the vampires and Anita into another, more private room, with Richard trailing behind her.
"I don't see why we have to---"
The Ulfric spoke quickly, before Anita could finish her sentence: "If we're being watched, I don't want them to know this. Not for sure. Especially when I'm not sure."
"Okay. Makes sense." The necromancer waited until the door was closed and then asked: "Did you channel the energy somewhere?"
"Yeah, I think so," he replied.
"What happened?" Asher asked.
"Everyone was so angry at me," Richard said to try to explain his actions. "But it wasn't just that. I felt... I could feel it. It was heavy... hungry. Like something was fueling the anger on. It was going to get out of control, even if it looked like a tame protest on the outside. My hurt and rage wasn't helping... I knew it could go bad.
"So, I just... fed on the anger. I didn't want to keep the energy---I didn't know what would happen if I kept it. I didn't think it consciously. I didn't have time. But, I think... the ardeur or whatever---or maybe it was just me, I don't know---I think whatever part of me was in charge knew that giving the energy to Willow or Anita could also cause problems... so it went to you, Jean-Claude. And you, Asher."
When the werewolf king stopped talking, Willow took his hand and squeezed it.
After a heavy pause, Richard added: "I'm sorry if this is a problem, guys."
Asher and Jean-Claude shared a glance. "It is not a problem, mon ami," the Master of the City assured him. "We merely found it disconcerting to be awake at such an early hour."
Willow only half-listened to them continuing their discussion of the morning's events. Richard's feeding on such a passionate crowd had given the Master of the City and his second in command enough energy to rise only hours after falling victim to the power of the sunrise; his accidental gift of power was something Marcus would find useful, and it was also something she could find useful if she decided to leave St. Louis. If she could channel that much power, it was likely that she could manage teleportation to the Deeper Well. If there were lycanthropes and vampires in the crowd, it would be more than likely, she was willing to wager.
Something of her thoughts must have shown on her face because she felt a hand on her lower back. When she came back to her surroundings, she realised Jean-Claude had made his way to her side.
When will you share your burden?
Willow closed her eyes. She trusted Micah and Patrick not to push---because the former understood being between a rock and a hard (or crazy) place, and because the latter took her word as law as long as it didn't directly contradict his orders to protect her---but she had known Jean-Claude would have a harder time not trying to solve the mystery she inadvertently presented.
When I know what to do.
His fingers drummed a soft rhythm against her spine. She shivered.
Something about this morning's turn of events has piqued your curiosity.
Willow bit back a sigh. She knew she was lucky to be surrounded by highly capable, incredibly intelligent (and sometimes downright crafty) people who cared for her, for whom she cared in return. But, there were moments, like the one she was presently in, when it was incredibly difficult to express herself. If she made a sound of frustration, the others would notice.
Jean-Claude.
I find myself without my usual patience.
Willow risked a glance at him. She tried glaring, but found herself wanting to smile. Her lips pursed. His lips curved a little. The expression was comforting, but it was also infuriating. She wanted to say something---anything---to vent some of her emotions and thoughts; she also wanted, or needed, to keep her thoughts and emotions to herself.
When Faith entered the room, apparently at the request of some of the more curious lycanthropes (who thought Faith, with child, would be less likely to be punished for asking questions), Willow saw an exit and a way to work through her frustration.
"Hey, Boss," the brunette said quietly. "I'm sorry to interrupt---"
"I expected mon loup, to be honest," Jean-Claude interjected, smiling politely as he stepped away from Willow. He took the slayer's arm. "How are you and the little one this morning?"
"Five by five," Faith replied. "How are you this morning?"
"Awake."
"No shit."
Jean-Claude snorted. "What can we do for you?"
"Honestly? They voted me in because I guess I'm good at spying?" Faith said in a doubtful tone of voice. "Seriously, I don't know. I was hoping to steal Willow away, even though I know she's busy---"
"She's right here," Willow cut in. Then, as she took in Richard's and Asher's faces, she frowned. "But, maybe I should... stay."
Richard shook his head. "No, go... whatever. Can I see you later, though?"
Willow walked over to him and gave him a hug and a kiss. "Absolutely. I won't be long, promise." She studied him and then asked: "Will you be okay?"
He nodded. "The gang's all here," he said, surprising her a little bit more than he already had. "Go. We'll find each other."
The redhead kissed him again before reaching out for Asher's hand and squeezing it. He tugged her close and kissed her, too.
"I'll find you, later, too, mon colibri," he assured her.
Willow smiled at him before going to Faith's side. "Well, I guess I'm all yours," she told the Slayer.
"Excellent. C'mon, Red."
Neither woman spoke as they slipped out of the room. Willow spoke only to tell those waiting that she didn't have any information to give (or share, but she wasn't going to tell anyone that), and she slipped past those waiting for news to follow Faith into her own suite.
Damian was awake, sitting on the bed and reading a book.
"Wow. Is everyone awake?"
The vampire nodded. "Quite a few of us are, yes," he replied. "We were instructed to remain in our chambers until told otherwise."
"Jean-Claude gave the order?" Willow asked.
"Yes," he told her. He smiled and shrugged. "It is unsettling. But, not... terrible."
"I guess he's just being careful," Faith suggested. "If there's trouble, might be good to keep this as quiet as we can."
Willow frowned. "Word will get out. Especially if some of the vampires were in bed with lycanthropes."
"It's usually just those trusted as pommes de sang," Damian reminded the witch.
"Is this why I'm here?" Willow asked.
Faith smiled and shook her head. "No, Will. I... well, this is gonna sound weird, but I had a feeling you needed a break."
"A feeling?"
"Yeah, in the back of my grey matter."
Willow shrugged. "I didn't mean to... send a feeling out."
"I think the power spike's been affecting everyone."
"Richard swore he didn't send it to me or Anita," Willow protested.
Faith gave a little shrug of her own. "Maybe it leaked. Anyway, you're here. And we're here, so how can we help?"
"Just... be normal."
The slayer laughed. "That might be tricky. We're not normal."
"Normal's a relative thing," Willow insisted as she paced a little. "Just, be you. A slayer carrying her healthy half-vampire baby and her warrior lover."
"We can handle that, Red," Faith said with a grin. She eased herself into her favourite armchair and rubbed her belly. "How's Richard doing?"
"Way better than I thought he'd be doing," Willow admitted.
"And Anita?"
"I don't know yet," Willow replied.
Faith nodded. "Alright. So... what else is going on in that head of yours? You felt pretty panicked earlier."
"Huh?"
"In my head, Will."
Willow blushed a little. "There's been a lot going on," she said quietly. "And I've been having... ideas about everything, and I have no one to really talk to about it all, so my head's a little squirmy."
Faith arched an eyebrow. "No one to talk to? What about Asher? Richard? Jean-Claude?"
"I can't. Not... not yet. They won't like it. I don't like it. But... it might be a necessary---"
"Before you start rambling, stop and take a breath," Faith cut her off. "I'm not going to ask specifics. Too tricky 'round these parts to keep a secret. But, when you need help, you know I'm here, right?"
Willow nodded. "Yeah."
She looked at Damian, who had returned to his book. Richard had raised more than Jean-Claude and Asher. He had tapped into enough power to raise quite a few of the kiss' vampires, if Damian's being awake was any indication. Willow wondered how much power she could raise---and how smooth a trip it could be if she used that power to do what Marcus wanted her to do, as well as how much power such a weapon could be if it fell into the wrong hands.
"Damian, I know you're listening. Any thoughts?"
He set his book down. "Before war, strategies should be weighed carefully. Sometimes, letting in too many opinions and voices can make it more difficult to make a decision---to do what must be done," he told her. "However, once a course of action has been plotted, it is unwise to carry such burdens alone."
"So, you're telling me to make up my mind---probably on my own---and then turn to people for help?"
"Not telling," he insisted. "Suggesting. However, if you're unsure... you know you have people you can turn to."
"You're right. I'm just... not sure these people will back me up."
Damian nodded. "These people care about you," he reminded her.
Willow smiled a little. "Thanks."
"It's nothing... stupid, right?" Faith asked.
"Nothing like sacrificing my life or anything," Willow assured her. "It's just a difficult decision. And, difficult to do, but Richard's accidental raising has me wondering about that."
"Is this a 'kill the queen, off with her head' sort of plan?"
Willow shook her head. "Nah, more of a 'keep her creepy ass in jail' sort of plan."
"That's still good," Faith reasoned. "How can I help?"
"I don't know yet," Willow admitted. "Jean-Claude and Micah are all about the help. Or the offers to help, I mean. But, I don't really have a plan. I'm still wrapping my head around the idea."
"And it's freaking you out?"
"It really is," the witch said on a whisper.
Faith leaned forward as best as she could. "Why?"
"Because, if I go through with it, at least a handful of people will be really pissed at me."
The slayer snorted. "Breaking out the bad words, huh?"
"Faith!"
She sobered quickly. "Look, if it's for the greater good or whatever, I'm not going to be Lil Miss Crankypants about it. You're more worried about Fangs and Fur, huh?"
"Asher, Richard... Nathaniel, Jason... Jean-Claude... maybe even Anita. Plus, Dawn, if she comes back after her break, and---"
"Why, Will?"
Willow frowned. "Faith..."
"If you're not in any danger---"
"I'm not not in any danger."
"Will!"
"It's not without risk," the witch insisted, "but it's not... it's more magic-risk than dangerous."
Faith nodded.
Damian cleared his throat. "Do you wish for me to take a shower? Or listen to Faith's music through her headphones?"
"The illusion of privacy, huh?"
"I can promise I won't go running to Jean-Claude," he assured her. "Unless he or Anita specifically orders me to tell them everything you've mentioned right now, I choose to keep your secrets." He paused, and then added: "Of course, I understand your desire to talk as vaguely as you want to, as well."
"Thanks," she murmured. She turned to Faith. "Asher will be furious. Richard, too. I can't believe I'm thinking... considering... but I don't know if I have a choice."
Faith nudged the nearby ottoman with her foot. "Sit."
Willow obeyed.
"You don't think there's any other option?"
"I don't... think so."
Faith frowned. "This has to do with the Deeper Well, right?"
"Yeah."
"Powerful magic at work there."
Willow nodded.
"Will it work?"
She shrugged. "It might make things easier... for the fight here," she said in a quiet voice.
"Might?"
"Probably."
Faith frowned. "Willow..."
"I know," she whispered.
The slayer studied the witch. "You're getting good intel?" she asked.
"Yeah."
"Do you trust it?"
"Giles trusts it."
Faith frowned more. "G-Man's been wrong before."
"I don't think he's wrong about this," Willow said. She added: "He's not the one telling me about this stuff. It's coming from a source he trusts, I mean."
"Good, because if it was Giles, I'd have to ask if this is a plot to get you away from your family," the slayer commented. When Willow's eyes widened, Faith smiled a bit. "I think I'm figuring it out a bit."
"Yeah."
"Don't give me any more details, Red," Faith advised. "Plausible deniability."
"What do you think?"
Faith thought for a minute before speaking. "I think... if you trust the information, you've gotta go with your gut. It comes down to deciding if you can be a stronger force here, with everyone, or if you'll do the most good where you're being told you're needed."
"Yeah."
"So, we train and we prep," Faith reminded her. "And you don't shut us out."
"Thanks," Willow whispered, feeling as though a weight had been lifted off her shoulders.
&&&&
Richard opened his eyes and smiled as Willow came into the bedroom. A few of the wolves around him shifted to make room for their Lupa on her bed; she padded towards them on soft-clad feet, and crawled up onto the mattress.
"C'm'ere," the Ulfric whispered.
"Did you get any sleep?" Willow asked.
"Nah," he replied. "Had to make some phone calls. Finally talked to Mom and Daniel... and I called the lawyer Micah pointed our way. Have to go meet him soon. This is just about feeling better." He pulled her into his body and hugged her. "You feel good," he added.
Willow smiled. "You, too."
He kissed her temple before she snuggled into his body. "Thanks for being here," he whispered. "I don't know what I'd do without you here."
"You're not the same man you were years ago," Willow reminded him. "And you're not alone anymore."
"I know."
"How are you feeling?"
He sighed. "Still pretty numb. It's been hard to process."
She nodded and rubbed her hand over his side and hip. "Yeah," she agreed, "I know. When it starts settling in, you know I'm here, right?"
"Yes," he whispered. He kissed her forehead. "I know. You always make sure I know."
"Sorry---"
"Don't ever apologise for that."
Willow squeezed him a little. She thought more about what Marcus had told her in her dream and about what it would mean. Leaving Richard before he comes to terms with everything would be a terrible thing to do; it would break her heart to hurt him after or during his processing the pain of his public outing.
"I love you," she whispered.
"I love you, too," he whispered back.
"Do you want company at the lawyer's?"
Richard kissed her forehead again. "Anita and Micah are going to take me in."
"Good," Willow replied. She didn't know as much about the law as they did, and while she would've gone and taken good notes, she was relieved people who had a better grasp of the situation would be going with him. "Keep me posted?"
"I promise." He leaned back a bit to look at her. "What are your plans for the rest of the day?"
"Some magic stuff," she replied. "Gotta call Dawn, too."
"You'll be careful?"
"Dawn's dangerous, I know, but I think I can handle her if she gets out of line."
Richard smiled. "I meant with the magic stuff."
"It's just some meditation... strength stuff," she replied. Secretly, she was hoping to find a way to reach out to Marcus, but she wasn't about to share that information with Richard. "Nothing to worry about."
"Good."
"Do we have some time?" she asked.
"A little. They're coming for me in an hour."
Willow smiled. "Awesome," she said as she snuggled into him. She felt Richard tighten his hold on her and she smiled more. She pressed a kiss to his collarbone and closed her eyes. "Mmmm, let's just..."
"This."
"Yes," she agreed.
&&&&
Willow looked around as the trees came into focus. She saw the door and she sighed. A couple of hours of serious concentration couldn't get her to that place, but an accidental nap took her there without any trouble at all.
"Marcus?"
"Hey, Peaches."
"That's not going to be your codename for me," Willow said sternly.
He grinned and came into her line of sight. "Alright. I'll keep thinking."
"You do that."
His smile faded. "What do you want?"
"Huh?"
The werewolf rolled his eyes. "I felt you reaching out."
"How?"
"I wasn't born yesterday. I've had a lot of time to hone my gift into a tool," he told her. "It wasn't a good time for me to zone out. I came as soon as I could."
Willow nodded. "Cool. Okay. So... I've been thinking about what you told me."
"Are you in?"
"Not sure yet. Not sure I have a choice, either."
Marcus shrugged. "You always have a choice."
Willow snorted.
"Do you have questions, or did you call to bug me?"
"Y'know, you could be nicer since you're the one coming to me, trying to get me to help you by sacrificing my relationships with everyone I hold dear!" Willow shot back. She glared at Marcus. "But, yes, I do have questions."
"Go ahead."
She sighed. After taking a few steps towards the door to the Deeper Well, she turned back to look at her mysterious source. "When?"
"When the power peaks---when our guy can't fight it anymore."
She nodded. It was vague, but she knew sometimes those were the only answers to questions like that one in situations like the one they were currently facing.
"And how will I know what to do if I go there?"
"Your instincts will guide you."
She frowned. "You're not afraid the bad stuff will take me over?"
"You're tied to wolves. And to the earth. You've got a better shot than Anita does," he reminded her.
"Right."
He smiled a bit. "Go on, ask the question you really want to ask," he prompted her.
"How long will I be there?"
"As long as it takes to find a replacement---or as long as it takes to effectively squash her return," he replied.
"Are you looking for a replacement?" Willow asked.
He nodded. "I've got some feelers out."
Willow glared at him. "You better get more than some feelers out. If I decide to do this, I can't be tied there indefinitely. I have responsibilities. Not to mention, there are probably some packs and kisses who won't want me in their neck of the woods."
"You'd think your lovers would want you out of harm's way."
"This is not out of harm's way!" Willow exclaimed, gesturing towards the door in the tree. "This is not a safe place to be! And what about Anita? If I leave her alone, who knows what could happen to her!"
Marcus' brows jumped up. "And if you're not here, helping us stop the power leaking out of the Well? What do you think will happen to her then?"
Willow growled wordlessly.
"I know this is a big deal. They'll either forgive you or they won't. And you're all tied together so it's tough to decide," he said in a calmer voice that made her feel like he was sympathising with her a little. "But, this isn't about your boys' feelings. This is about the end of the world as we know it. Normals aren't ready for this. Hell, we aren't ready for this. She is not someone to screw with. That's why I came to you."
Willow sighed. "I know," she whispered.
"What do you need?"
She shrugged. "I don't know. Supplies. Magic and otherwise. But, I don't know what I'd need for magic... I don't even know where I'd start looking." She tilted her head back and looked at the canopy of leaves. "I'd need something or someone to help me keep my tie to them," she said, thinking out loud. "I'd need coordinates... or a map. I need to know where exactly I'm going. And something to help the transfer of energy. I can't get there without a huge exchange."
"A lycanthrope?"
"I'm not sacrificing anyone!" Willow replied hotly.
Marcus rolled his eyes. "I know. I meant, if you swapped yourself for our guy. Would that work?"
"I don't know," Willow admitted. "That might be too much. It... it's kind of like physics. No action without an equal and opposite reaction. I have to look into this."
"Keep me posted. Use the Watchers' database. I'll put some things there when I get more information for you. I'll start a research file. You'll be able to find it."
Willow opened her mouth to ask more questions, but Marcus turned his head, frowned, and muttered a quick goodbye before disappearing into the fog around them.
&&&&
The witch woke up with a gasp. Jason was lying down next to her, watching her. Emily was behind him, sound asleep. She recognised a few other faces, but everyone appeared to be dozing in the late afternoon, lulled by the warmth and comfort of the pack.
"You okay?" he asked quietly.
She nodded.
"You lying?"
She nodded again. She was tired and she had a little heartache (she would've called it a headache but it seemed to be settled in her chest more than her head), and she didn't want to lie. She knew Jason wouldn't push.
He wriggled towards her and hugged her.
"Thanks," she whispered.
Richard returned to them a few minutes later, looking a little like how Willow felt. He greeted them with a sigh and managed to get onto the bed on his lover's other side.
When she tried to ask what happened, he said: "I think it's setting in, what happened."
"Richard---"
"Just... let's stay like this for a while," he interjected.
Since she was also seeking comfort while she sorted out some thoughts, she agreed and decided to let the warmth of her pack all around her provide some physical comfort.