(no subject)

[torturedslayer]

Tara I have to admit I'm glad when Angel asks me to go take the girl we rescued to the home that had been set aside for her and her Watcher. It meant I'd get to see Willow and there's never a bad in that. I orb to the attic, seeing her still wrapped in Groo's coat, him holding her protectively in his arms.

Julie I jumped when someone appeared out of no where. "Wh...What?" I asked clinging to Groo.

Groo I look up as Tara orbs in, holding Julie. "It is all right, sweet Julie," I say calmly. "She is what is called a whitelighter, she is a guardian angel, of sorts." I smile up at Tara, "You have been sent to assist us to the school, am I correct?"

Julie "W..Where?" I asked confused. "W...Will they hurt me?" I was so scared.

Tara "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you," I say softly, kneeling beside the both of them. I look into the scared girls eyes, hoping she will realize I won't harm her. "There's a school for women just like you, for slayers. There is a home that has been set aside for you and your Watcher. Angel asked me to take you there," I explain gently.

Julie "C..Can he come?" I ask motioning to Groo. I didn't want him to go..."I..I mean if he wants to."

Groo I stroke Julie's cheek softly, "No one will harm you, I promise." I smile as she states she wants me to come. "I'm afraid, my sweet Julie, they could not keep me away," I say with a smile.

Julie I close my eyes and take a deep breath. "O..Ok" I whisper "Wait...W..Where is Edward" I start to panic again.

Tara I nod in agreement. "Yes, of course, I w-was sent to take you both, all of you, I mean." I point to the curled figure on the other side of the attic. "He is just there."

Julie "I...Is he dead?" I asked scared.

Groo I look down at her, "No, sweet Julie, he is not. He has been healed. Tara is who healed you, another whitelighter named Leo healed him."

Tara I duck my head and blush, not expecting to get nor take credit for healing her. "I-it w-was nothing," I say shyly.

Julie I calm down again laying my head on his shoulder. "O...Ok." I whisper "I..I trust you." then looked to the girl "T..Thank you. Not that someone like me deserved it."

Tara I lean forward and touch her arm softly. "You did deserve it, I'm only glad I could help," I tell her with a smile.

Julie I shake my head "I don't..." I said softly

Tara I smile gently at her, understanding her thoughts more than she may expect. I gracefully stand and look down at them. "Are you ready to go home, your true home?" I ask her.

Julie "D..Don't forget Edward, please." I whisper

Groo "We will not," I say to her as I stand, still cradling her in my arms. I look to Tara, "Do you need my assistance with the gentleman?"

Tara I shake my head and walk over to the sleeping man, touching his shoulder lightly as I hold my other hand out for Groo to take. Once I have them all in my hands, I orb us to their new home.

Willow I jump as I hear them orb in. "Uhh, hi." I said softly

Tara I smile and take a couple of steps closer to Willow. "H-hi Willow," I reply.

Willow I couldn't do this right now. I couldn't explore how I felt about Tara and having her back...I wans't ready. "I...I think we should get him to a room." I said motioning to Edward "And her some clothes...we have nothing here."

Tara My face falls even though I try not to show it. "G-good idea," I say softly. "I'll take him, y-you get the clothes," I say as I orb Edward into one of the bedrooms, arranging him carefully in the bed as I swat the tears from my eyes.

Willow I sigh feeling like the ultimate bitch now. "Hey, sorry...I..I should get you some clothes...and umm who are you?" I asked the guy Julie was clinging to.

Groo I look at the small redhead. "I am The Groosalugg, who are you?" I ask, straightening my coat over Julie to cover her more efficiently.

Julie "I am Willow...and whats a Groosalugg?" I asked now confused and wishing I could just let the worry slide away away and kiss him.

Julie I sit up a little too fast "The Willow?" I ask suddenly "The same Willow...Oh My...that means that is...oh wow." I couldn't be accused of never reading and learning what Edward gave me.

Willow Her*

Groo I look down at Julie, mildly confused. "You are familiar with her?" I look back up at Willow, "I am The Groosalugg, there are no others to my knowledge."

Julie I take a deep breath "Yes, she...Edward taught me about her, and Buffy, and...Angel and...wow..where Is Buffy?" I finally asked.

Willow: "Wow..I guess I should be thrilled people know about me, beats how I felt in highschool. Anyway, Buffy is busy at the school...and ok...wait, you were the one from Pylea right?" I asked having been updated by Angel from time to time. "You know Angel was.....umm nevermind."

Groo I nod at her. "I am from Pylea. What do you mean, Angel was?" I ask her pointedly.

Willow "Its nothing. What do you say I get Julie some clothes and maybe some food."

Groo I cock my eyebrow, certain she is not being truthful but decide to let it go. "I believe that would be most welcome."

Julie I look between the two "Is everything ok? What about Angel?" Ok why was I being so nosey?

Groo I smile a bit at Julie, I am pleased she asked, I am curious as well. "Yes, what about Angel?"

Willow "I am going to get those clothes now." I said as I rushed out of the room running into Tara on the way. "Sorry...umm I need to go get her some clothes."

Tara I reflexively grab Willow's arms as she runs into me. "I-it's okay. Are y-you okay?"

Willow "Yeah, I'm fine, just got to get clothes." and avoid my feelings just a bit longer.

Tara I nod and release her arms. "All right," I say softly, stepping out of her way. "But you know I'm here for you, right? No matter w-what."

Willow "Yes, here for me...and your charge who is mysteriously not here, and the elders..." I could continue but Julie needed clothes. "I will be back." I said leaving quickly

Tara I just stand there, not knowing what to say. After she leaves, I sit down on the staircase, gathering my emotions before I go down to face Julie and Groo again.

Willow Giles had a discretionary fund just for things like slayers who needed clothes instantly. I went to a few stores getting her everything she would need and a few things to make her feel more comfortable.

Tara I take a deep breath and walk down the stairs, looking at Groo and Julie. I don't think they even know it yet, but they are in love.

Julie I look up at the woman with the soft voice...for some reason she also made me feel safe. "I didn't mean to scare Willow off."

Tara I look at her, "You didn't, believe me, it was me." I say. "How are you feeling?" I ask, rolling my eyes at myself. What an insanely stupid thing to ask.

Julie I sit up a bit. "You didn't." I said softly. I had learned to read emotions when dad started beating me. "She is just scared to love you again." I whisper

Tara I blink at her. "W-what? I mean, what makes you think that?" I fidget with the hem of my shirt.

Julie "She loved you right?" I ask softly she nods "You died and she lost everything that ever ment anything from her in a moments time." I said softly "Lets just say I know what it looks like to have that feeling." I said softly

Tara I feel tears sliding down my cheeks. "And I loved her, love her still." I say, wiping my face. "I-I'm sorry, I'm just being..." I shrug as I don't quite know how to finish.

Julie "Being normal." I said softly "She is just scared...something else I know well."

Tara I smile kindly at her, "You are an amazing woman, Julie." I sit down in a chair, looking at them.

Julie I curl back up in Groo's arms.

Groo I smile as she curls up against me, moving to sit beside Tara. I kiss her cheek softly, not even thinking it may be inappropriate.

Julie I felt so comfortable with him my eyes closed when he kissed my cheek. "Thank you Tara...."

Tara I shake my head and smile at her. "I should be the one thanking you. You just gave me a hope I didn't dare have before."

Willow: I walk in with bags full of clothes and everything else. "We have hope here? I thought that wasn't allowed." I joked a bit as I was relaxed some now.

Tara I blush deeply, laughing nervously. "Y-yeah, it's a big no no, we should just keep it under wraps."

Groo: I laugh softly, both at Tara's blush and Willow's words. "Angel is not here, we may have hope if we so choose."

Willow: I looked at him confused "What do you mean?" I asked

Groo: I shake my head, a bit embarrassed. "I am afraid my sense of humor is not recognized by many."

Willow: "J..Just tell me." I said softly "What do you mean?"

Groo: I frown slightly, "I am sorry, I only meant that he can be quite cross at times. I do not enjoy his company any less for it, however."

Willow: "Its only because he was jealous of you." I was shocked I just said that.

Groo: I open my mouth, then close it. "You are teasing me," I say with certainty.

Willow: I shake my head "He was in love with Cordelia...and so were you..that and everyone worshiped the ground you walked on at the time."

Groo: "I do not understand, when I realized they were kyrumption, I departed."

Willow: "and Cordy disappeared." I whispered

Groo: I look at her, surprised. "I was unaware. I am sorry." I look down at Julie, hoping she does not think me a bad person.

Julie I hold tighter to him. "Can we talk about better things?" I asked barely audible fearful something would happen.

Groo: I look down at her, smiling. "Of course, my sweet Julie, what would you enjoy to speak of?" I look back to Willow, "Perhaps your new clothing."

Willow: I stepped forward lunging the bags at her "Yes, everything you could ever need...." she looked at me funny "Ok so I panicked and decided to spoil you...forgive me."

Tara I giggle at Willow, she always overdoes it when she's nervous. I love that about her.

Groo: I smile at Willow. "Thank you," I say to her. I turn back to look down at Julie, "It is all right," I say reassuringly.

Julie "T...Thank you" I whispered "D...Do I have permission to take a bath and put some clothes on?"

Groo: I stroke her cheek softly. "You do not need permission to do such things. Whatever you desire, you shall have."

Julie "B...But" I started and he stopped me "I'm sorry" I say looking down in shame.

Groo: I smile as she does not continue, lifting her chin gently. "There is no need to apologize. Do you desire to walk, or shall I take you?" I offer, no expectations in my question.

Julie "I can't walk...if I do everyone will see."

Groo: I smile kindly at her. "I shall take you," I say, standing easily with her in my arms. "Shall I bring the clothing as well?"

Willow: "I can carry it. You help her, she trusts you." I said softly as I followed them upstairs to her room, the most amazing room in the house. "I will put everything away, here is the bag of bath items she will need."

Groo: I smile at Willow, taking the bag from her. "Thank you for your assistance." I turn toward the bathroom, carrying Julie into it. I stand there, unsure of what to do next.

Julie "I...I think I can do the rest..." I said as I hand him his jacket and climb in the shower. He had seen me bloody and naked, not like I cared now.

Groo: I bow my head as she hands me my coat, I do not wish to invade her privacy. "I shall wait in the hallway. You need merely call me and I will return."

Julie "T..Thank you" I said still hiding in the shower waiting on him to leave.

Groo: "You are welcome," I answer without looking up. I pull the door mostly closed behind me, then exit the bedroom, closing it completely.

Tara I stay put downstairs, the last thing Julie needs is one more person in her space. I look up as Willow comes back down the stairs.

Willow: "Tara" I said as I turn back and don't see her there. "Why didn't she come with."

Tara "Why didn't who come with, swee-uh..." I stop myself before I use her pet name, but only barely.

Tara *scratch

Tara I think I hear Willow say my name and stand, walking up the stairs. I smile at Groo who's standing in the hall. "Is Willow in there?" I ask.

Groo: I nod at Tara. "She is, I believe she is putting Julie's things away."

Tara I open the door slowly, looking in. "Want some help?"

Willow: "I'm in here" I say from the closet as she walks in "and apparently so are you."

Tara I giggle and look at her. "I am," I say softly, unsure of what else to say.

Julie I climb out of the shower and look in the mirror before pulling things out of the bag.

Willow: "I hope she likes these."

Tara "I'm sure she will, swee-uh, I'm sure she'll love them," I say, taking some of the items out of the bag and hanging them.

Willow: "Thanks." I whisper as I lean against her. "I'm just confused..."

Tara I can't help it, I wrap my arms around her waist and lean my chin on her shoulder. "I know, I know. I'm a little confused too."

Willow: "You seemed so certain before...how do you know you won't get in trouble."

Tara I place my hands on her hips and turn her to face me. "Willow, I have to be honest and tell you that I don't really care. Leo and Piper have made it work, they've even got two beautiful >

Tara children." I gently tuck a strand of red hair behind her ear. "To have a second chance is worth the risk."

Willow: I shake my head "Not the risk of Makayla." I said "She needs her whitelighter, she needs what we didn't have."

Tara "Willow, I would never neglect my charges, ever. You should know me better than that. I'm not saying it will be all rainbows and fluffy bunnies, not by a long shot, but I'm willing to try, i-if you are, I mean."

Willow: "Just promise me if they make you choose you will choose your charges."

Tara I swallow hard, but force myself to nod. "Strong like an amazon, right?"

Willow: I smile with an inward laugh "Yes, strong like an amazon."

Tara I look into her eyes, feeling more bold. "I never stopped loving you, you know."

Willow: "I know"

Tara "So, can we just skip it?" I ask, not able to finish the rest of the statement, but certain she'll remember.

Willow: "Just kiss now?" I ask as tears fall everything from that day coming back. I start to back away "I..I can't. The things I did, the people I killed."

Tara I wrap my arms around her, not willing to let her go. "I know, I saw," I say softly, "And I never, not even for a second, stopped loving you." I look into her eyes, willing her to know I'm being truthful.

Willow: "I believe you, but it doesn't make it right..." I said "I don't...it just isn't right." I said one more time.

Tara I wrap my hand in her hair, I've learned sometimes the only way to stop her is to kiss her. I pull her body to mine, kissing her softly, feeling electricity run through my body.

Willow: I can't stop it, can't stop her I kiss her back my fear lost in the kiss.

Tara I deepen the kiss feeling her melt against me, opening my mouth against hers, my tongue trailing softly over her lips.

Willow: I break the kiss "W..We can't do this here though." I said

Tara I pull away slightly, my arms still around her. "I know, I want to do it right. Goddess, how I've missed you."

Willow: "You are a pain when you are persistant, you know that?"

Tara I smile widely, kissing her nose. "Yup, but you like it anyway," I say. I've never felt more confident.

Julie I pull everything out and line it up, there was a bottle of shampoo, one of conditioner, a razor, some shaving cream, a brush, some hair stuff...I looked in the mirror again then back down to the things. I couldn't take it anymore, I turned on the shower, hot water flowing, and then broke the razor just before using it to slice in to my arms, legs, chest, anywhere I could. I didn't want to leave an inch uncut, not feeling pain anyway, I was numb.

Tara I frown slightly, something feels off. "Did you hear that?" I ask Willow.

Willow: "It sounds like water" I said "She did say she wanted to take a shower."

Julie I slowly climb into the shower and let the water pour over me, thinning the blood to keep it from clotting.

Tara I shake my head. "I-I think it's something else. Something doesn't feel right. Do you think we should check on her?"

Willow: I look to Groo "He is standing by the door." I said "Wouldn't he hear..." I then thought of her new abilities "Do you feel something?"

Tara I frown and nod. "It's not right, Willow, I'm worried about her," I say, unwrapping myself from her, taking only her hand instead. "I think we should check on her."

Willow: "If you think we should then we will." I said worried letting her lead me to the bathroom. "She trusts you, you go in first." I said to Groo and Tara.

Groo: I look at the girls, concerned looks on their faces. "What is wrong?"

Julie Weak I fall to the floor of the shower hitting my head and the room went dark. Finally I will be free.

Groo: I turn quickly from the girls, openning the bathroom door. "Julie, Julie answer me," I shout over the water. When she does not immediately answer, I rush in. I open the door and find her on the floor, covered in blood.

Groo: I jump into the shower and hold her on my lap. I look up at Tara, "Please, assist her!"

Tara I gasp as I watch Groo jump into the shower, fully clothed. I cover my mouth with one hand as I look at her blood covered body. I shake my head and gather my calm, kneeling beside her, healing her wounds quickly.

Julie I started to come to the blood fading away "Why did you do that?" I asked

Groo: "Because we do not wish you harm," I say softly. I take my shirt off and cover her, not wanting her to feel self conscious.

Julie I push it off "Just let me die." I said softly

Groo: "I will not," I say firmly.

Julie I use what strength I have to push him away "You are too good for me, just let me die."

Groo: I slide back further into the large shower. "I am not, sweet Julie. I will not allow you to die if I have the power to prevent it," I say softly. I do not care that I am completely soaked, I will not >

Groo: give her the opportunity to think I will leave her.

Julie I turn and start to hit him screaming in anger.

Groo: I wrap my arms around her, holding her to me, allowing her to take her rage out on me. "It is all right, I will not leave you, I am here."

Willow: I pull Tara back "He will protect her. We should leave them."

Tara I nod at Willow, not even realizing we were still there, my heart breaking for her pain. "I know he will." I take her hand and walk out into the bedroom, tears streaming down my face.

Willow: "I need to tell Giles..." I said as I started down the stairs. Why didn't I listen to her?

Tara I follow her down the stairs. "No, Willow, let it be."

Willow: "He needs to know she is here Tara." I said "Thats part of my job."

Tara "I know, I mean, tell him she is here, but you don't have to tell him about that, right?" I ask.

Willow: "I don't think not telling him will help matters." I said

Tara "How will telling him help?" I ask softly.

Willow: "Help her get help." I said softly "She could do this again if we don't."

Tara "She doesn't trust easily, Sweetie, no one can help her other than those she trusts. Let Groo try. I promise you, if it happens again, I'll tell him myself," I say softly.

Willow: "Do you want to risk that? You may be too late next time."

Tara I take her hand. "You knew what I came from and you didn't care, you loved me anyway. You saved me in a way I never thought possible. I trusted you when I couldn't trust >

Tara anyone. If I'm right, and I'm pretty sure I am, he will show her that kind of love."

Willow: I sigh "Ok...but I still have to tell him she is here." I said

Tara I let out a held breath. "Thank you, I owe you," I say. "Call him, he'll be glad she's safe."

Willow: "I..I need to go talk to him." I said "And tell him how much I spent and give him receipts." I add.

Tara "Oh. Okay, sure. I'll, um, I'll see you later?" I ask, trying not to be too hopeful.

Willow: "You know where I am." I said

Tara I nod. "I do, but I don't want to push you," I say softly.

Willow: "Again I say, You know where I am." I smile a bit at her.

Tara I take a step to her and smile, kissing her softly. "I do. I'll see you later then."

Willow: I kiss her back as she orbs out. I take a deep breath then leave as well.

Julie eventually I was too weak to hit him anymore, I just laid there sobbing and naked in his arms.

Groo: I held her tightly, speaking soft, comforting words to her, even though they are nonsensacle. I stroke her face softly, her tears melding with the hot water flowing over us both.

Julie eventually I am just so tired I fall asleep. Why did I trust him so?

Groo: I feel her breathing slow, become more rhythmic. I pick her up and carefully turn the water off, carrying her to the bed. I lay her down and then strip my wet clothes off, drying quickly and >

Groo: putting on a pair of dry pants. I gently take a towel and press the majority of the moisture from her hair, then moving her to the other side of the bed that is not wet. I pull the sheet and blanket up >

Groo: over her body and sit on the floor in front of her. I will not leave her.

Julie I start to panic when I feel alone again. I shoot up looking around the room.

Groo: I stand suddenly as Julie sits bolt upright in the bed. "It is okay, sweet Julie, I am here."

Julie "W..Why did you let go?" I asked scared and alone.

Groo: "I did not want to make you uncomfortable," I explain. I slide onto the bed beside her. "I will lay with you, I only did not want you to think poorly of me."

Julie "You remember what I came from right?" I asked "You are way better than anyone I have come across before."

Groo: I nod and brush her hair from her face. "Thank you, sweet Julie." I hesitate before laying down. "Do you desire to dress before I hold you?"

Julie "Not like you haven't seen it...if you want me to I will, but at this point I no longer care."

Groo: "It is your decision, I only desire to allow you your privacy," I say softly.

Julie "I wouldn't know what that is." I said softly

Groo: I smile kindly at her. "Perhaps it is a good thing to learn, if you so desire. I am not a shy person, it does not bother me, but I do not wish you to feel as if I may take advantage of you."

Julie "I already know you won't do that." I said softly

Groo: I lift her hand and kiss it softly. "Thank you, sweet Julie." I slide into the bed beside her.

Julie I curl up in his arms. "Thank you." I whisper "Umm...is there a reason the bed is wet?" I ask after a moment.

Groo: I chuckle softly. "I am afraid I did not feel as if I should dry you off as you slept. We can go to a different room, if you choose, there are many."

Julie "Or just change the sheets." I said "I think she bought some more."

Groo: "I believe you are smarter than I," I say, kissing her cheek. I slip out of the bed and go to the closet where I saw Willow and Tara putting many items. I choose a set of sheets and a new blanket, >

Groo: carrying them out. "I believe these are sufficient."

Julie I stand and take them from him after removing the wet ones. "Thank you."

Groo: "You are welcome, I will assist you," I say, walking to the opposite side of the bed.

Julie "No its ok" I said as I started to make the bed by myself.

Groo: I touch her hand softly. "I desire to assist you," I say gently. "Please, allow me."

Julie "Its not allowed" I say out of instinct. "It has to be done perfect."

Groo: I take her hand in mind, lifting her chin to look at me. "It is allowed, it does not need to be perfection. They are only sheets, my sweet Julie."

Julie "It does have to be perfect." I said firmly.

Groo: "Please, understand me, you are not there. Your life is different now," I say softly.

Julie "And I say it has to be perfect." I can't let go of this, I don't know how.

Groo: I take both of her hands in mine, pausing her actions. I do not say anything until she looks at me. "Why does it have to be perfect?" I ask gently.

Julie "It just does." I said as I returned to making the bed."

Groo: "As you wish, my sweet Julie." I smile and take a step back, allowing her to work.

Julie I get the bed how it should be and look around.

Groo: "It does look lovely," I say softly, offering her my hand. "Shall we rest?"

Julie "I guess." I said looking at the now perfect bed, scared to get in it.