Title- Admissions 1/7
Author- Veronica
Rating- G
Pairing- G/W
Disclaimer- All Joss's and Mutant
Feedback- good, bad, as long as I get some
Summery- new found love between old friends
The time that she had spent away had helped her to learn self control over her powers and give herself some small sense of inner peace. Willow had, with the help from the coven, discovered that everything was connected, from the people and the animals living above, to the creatures and roots of every plant living below. She could even feel the emotions, if she concentrated, from the plants and animals and the people around her.
She hadn't wanted to leave the lush green hills of England, had tried talking Giles into letting her stay, but to no avail. Giles had decided that it was time for her to go home. Home... was Sunnydale still her home? Would Buffy and Xander still be willing to accept her back into their little circle? She didn't know, and wasn't at all sure that she wanted to find out. After what she had done, the things she'd said, Willow couldn't blame them-wouldn't blame them if they chose to have nothing to do with her. Still, the possible loss of Xander's friendship bit into her mind, and her heart.
She decided that maybe, in the end, that was probably for the best thing for everyone concerned. Even with her new found control, the possibilities were too great, and the idea of hurting any one of them... she doubted highly if she could live with that.
As it was a couple of months ago, she had wanted to die, but Giles stood by her, was supportive and a much needed shoulder to cry on... something she had done alot of. He never gave up on her, wouldn't let her give up on herself as he tried to sidetrack her mind on to other topics of interest such as theology and phylosophy, and even ancient myths and legends. Willow had found him to be a very interesting person to talk to, something they had never really done before unless it pertained to research on the next 'Demon of the Week'. She enjoyed hearing the tales of his youth, and even laughed at the telling of his rebelious years. Giles had very much been her pillar of strength.
"Nervous?" he asked, interupting her thoughts.
"How could you tell?" she said smiling slightly before her face became serious once again. "I'm afraid they'll hate me."
"Somehow, I doubt that will happen. But no matter the outcome, it is time for you to come home." he spoke softly.
"Home... I don't even know where home is anymore. Giles, I'm so confused, I don't know what to think or what to feel. I didn't want to leave England, I still want to turn around and go back... it felt safe there."
"Your place is here, Willow. Not England."
"All I know is, if you hadn't been with me the last couple months, I wouldn't have made it. Giles, all I wanted to do was die."
"I think you give yourself far too little credit. You are much stronger than you think."
"You don't understand, I gave up. Life just wasn't worth living anymore. I didn't want to feel... I wanted to die." she paused. "My life just didn't matter to me anymore."
"But I do understand. You forget that I was able to see through your eyes, I knew what you were thinking, I could feel what you felt... the pain you were in. The power you took from me linked us both together. So you see, I do know."
"Can you still feel..." she let the question trail off as she nervously knitted her fingers together.
"Not as strongly as before. The residual link is gradually fading, but yes, I can. Given time it will fully disipate."
"Giles?"
"Yes, Willow?"
"Thank you... for everything." she said as she looked into his eyes and smiled.
* * * * * * * *
Giles and Willow made their way down the terminal and headed for the baggage carousel, weaving in and around crowds of others scurrying past in all directions. Willow found her bag easily, but it took Giles a minute to find his, and another minute as he argued with someone who thought the suitcase was his own. Argument over, Giles the victor, they headed towards the large glass doors that would allow them to escape the building.
Much to the red heads surprise, there, waiting beside the doors were Dawn and Buffy holding ribbons with many balloons floating at the tops. One foil balloon, larger than the rest put some of Willow's fears at ease as she read the words, 'We Miss You. Standing beside the girls was Xander. Her eyes couldn't stop from moving to the slight scars on his left cheek, and a large wave of guilt washed over her. She felt Giles put a hand on her shoulder to keep her from running in the other direction. 'Damn it!' she thought as her eyes brimmed with unshed tears. The movement of Xander's arms caught her attention as she looked at the sign he held up. 'Bestest Bud- Waiting For A Hug'. For a moment all she could do was stare as her feet held her frozen to the spot she stood in. But as Xander made his way to her with a big smile, her bottom lip trembled and the tears spilled as her feet let go of the floor, and she ran into his outstretched arms. He hugged her tightly and whispered softly into he ear, "I love you, best bud. Welcome home".