[025 - action & written]

[slaying]

[Buffy is sitting outside one of the window's of house forty-seven, despite the rain. Her back is against the wall and she looks over her shoulder every so often--an uncertain frown bending her mouth. The room was empty and it was going to be empty every time she looked into it, no matter how much she expected otherwise

Comments

[Written, filtered]

[wise_maiden]

Was it someone you felt you had to protect?

[Written, filtered]

[slaying]

My kid sister. In a lot of ways, she'll be better looked after back home--but you know how it is. Everyone things they can do it the best.

[Written, filtered]

[wise_maiden]

I'm aware.

Although there is a chance that since she's been 'returned', that you would already be protecting her there, considering how time 'stops' and so forth.

In any case, that certainly doesn't make it any easier. I'm sorry.

[Written, filtered]

[slaying]

She's home. I guess that's what's supposed to matter. No experiments, no kidnappings. At least, none that they can't handle back there.

[A pause, the tapping of the pen and then:] I was told that time stops, like you said--so is it really true?

[Written, filtered]

[wise_maiden]

From what I've observed, that seems to be the case. At least, those who have come from later periods of time in my world have have reported that I've been there with them, even though it is in my future.

And... from what those who have been returned reported, they returned to where things were the same as where they had left them, as if they've never been gone. Whether or not they remember Luceti at all seems to be a variable, however.

[Written, filtered]

[slaying]

Good. Really good. It's great to know Dawn probably won't be alone, then. She's a bratty sister, but she's my bratty sister.

[Written, filtered]

[wise_maiden]

Indeed. A small comfort, in any case. Though it's always easier when that person is right in front of you, instead of having to wonder.

[A considered pause, and the pen taps the paper. It's raining, but:] Would you mind a visitor?

[Written, filtered]

[slaying]

[It takes a moment, but she writes:] I'd love a visitor. House forty-seven, I'll jerry-rig some coffee or something.

[Written, filtered]

[wise_maiden]

Understood. I'll be there soon.

[Luckily, house forty-seven isn't too far from the school, and is right near another house she visits frequently enough, so she knows how to find it. She'll come after class wraps up, with a large umbrella to ward off the rain.]

[Action]

[slaying]

[Back inside, Buffy took her time in drying off from the weather while the coffee quietly percolated. No electronic coffee-makers, but she had found some work-arounds.

From the kitchen window, she watches the path and keeps an eye out for Raine. At the first sight, she scrambles to pour the hot drink. To be a good host is a slightly comforting distraction.]

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

[Ah yes, the fun in making coffee the old way. Raine's tried a few times, but it's better when other people make it.

She steps onto the porch and gently shakes out the umbrella. She thought a larger one would provide better cover, but she hadn't taken some of the wind changes into account.]

[Action]

[slaying]

[Coasters, coasters? Where are the coasters? Cue more scrambling, some panic-stricken faces and the burst of relief when she finds them tucked behind a bundle of wooden stakes. How they'd gotten there, she would never know.

She plunks two coasters down on the table and rushes the mugs out to them. Her goal is to have everything set up before the expected knock arrives on the door.]

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

[Raine closes the umbrella once it's been properly shaken out, and finally it's time for that 'expected' knock to arrive. Though Buffy really doesn't have to rush so much on her account.]

[Action]

[slaying]

[This rushing around is easier than sitting still and letting herself wonder about Dawnie back home. So it's painfully obvious that she was hovering just inside the door because of how quickly it opened in response to Raine's knock.

She puts on her best, welcoming smile but it's only a little see-through.]

Raine! Hi, hope the weather's not been too...y'know...weathery.

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

[It's not really all that difficult to tell that it's a front, especially from experience. But Raine nods, and gives a small reassuring smile.]

It's fine; I've seen worse weather, so this was manageable.

[Action]

[slaying]

Worse? I hope you don't mean here. I'm a girl from South California. I'm not exactly well-equipped for winter.