Back to where it all began

[freckled_witch]

I got to talkin’ to Tara about going to LA, she was very enthused about going away for a day (even if it was for business means). However, when I got to mentionin’ taking London with us, she kinda clammed up. Which-okay, understandable considering our track record with vampires, but if Buffy says she’s harmless, then I believe her. An’ it’s not

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[freckled_witch]

It’s comin’ on sunset now, I grab my shawl off one of the living room chairs and head out the front door, wrapping the shawl ‘round my shoulders. There’s an unnatural chill in the air that I don’t wanna think about. I look up at the ever-darkening sky. It’s almost blue moon. The seventieth, if I remember correctly. Though Tara’d know better than me. I step off the front porch and walk along the sidewalk, watching my feet for the most part.

“He’s not there”. I have to tell myself. “Nothing bad’s gonna happen.”

Then why can’t I stop from shaking?

[freckled_witch]

I stop on the front step, a little lost in my thoughts. I think I heard something rustling inside, but I can’t be sure. “Hello?” I hesitantly raise my hand to the door.

Angel? Are you in? No. Thinking about that won’t help. The door’s open a smudge, so I push it open. Just a little.

[freckled_witch]

...

Buffy told you about this, remember? No wonder Tara’s skittish. “Very safe and I love flowers”, I say, a little confused. I close the door behind me, but still keep my distance. Not because I’m scared, but mostly ‘cause she seems to be.

I let my eyes roam around the building. Apart from a layer of dust, it’s exactly how I remember it. I try not to let my gaze linger on anywhere in particular, and end up focusing on London half-hiding behind a corner.

[freckled_witch]

Okay, um-“That’s right”, I smile, stepping forward and taking the flowers from her hands and smelling them appreciatively. “Thanks”.

“I’m Willow”.

[freckled_witch]

I smile in thanks when she compliments me, but at the mention of Angel’s name my eyes immediately tick to the sofa and the world seems to go black. There’s a flame in my chest.

And then it’s gone.

London’s staring at me with wondering eyes -which is a little disconcerting, to say the least-and I remember why I’m there. “Well, in the spirit of friendship?”

Maybe this wasn’t my best idea ever.

[freckled_witch]

Uh-

“The bad things gone”, I say after a minute. She thinks the couch is a bad thing? Sure, some couches are bad, some are pure evil in fact, but it’s just a couch. Not capable of doing… what happened there.

“I was just remembering something. It’s okay”. I smile, at first confused by her actions but also comforted by them. Which is actually why I wanted her along. To make sure she kept the bad things at bay, like what happened with Cordelia. Only with Bad Things I mean Angel and with at bay I mean… at bay.

[freckled_witch]

I’m a little frightened by her sudden change in demeanor, but realizing it was something I displayed just a minute ago I give her the benefit of the doubt. Sometimes the bad things of the past are hard to forget. ‘Specially for someone over a hundred years old, I guess.

“I’d love some cake”. I'm inwardly hoping it isn’t green and gonna make me sick, but outwardly I can’t smiling, her childlike behavior is infectious and almost making me forget why I’m here.

[freckled_witch]

Wait, what was that-? I crane my next to see what we just passed. A stuffed animal tea party? I use to do that. A long, long… three days ago. Before I know it, London’s handing me a big piece of cake. I’m not even sure if I can eat it all. Though it does look nice. I better give it a try, don’t want to offend the girl-slash-vampire.

I take a bite, “Mm, it’s very good. Thank you,” I smile, takin’ another bite.