*~*~*~*
*~ "Willow!" The redheaded witch was taken by complete
surprise at the warm welcome Cordelia threw her way.
Not only was there the genuine happiness to see her,
but there was the tight hug the former cheerleader
drew her into.
*~ "Hi, Cordelia," Willow answered, returning the hug
after a shocked hesitation. "Thanks for letting us
stay here. As soon as I can, I'm going to get us a
place of our own."
*~ "That's no problem," Cordelia said, pulling away
with a brilliant smile on her face. She caught sight
of the children the two were still carrying, and her
face softened. "God, they're beautiful, Wills."
*~ "Thanks," Willow said, blushing. "Is there a place
I can lay them down?"
*~ "Of course," Cordelia said, still smiling as she
led them into the apartment. Willow took it all in as
she followed her ex-enemy through the apartment and
into the spacious spare bedroom, equipped with a full
sized bed, a dresser, and a closet full of empty
hangers. Everything was spotless and clean and smelled
heavenly after several nights in cheap hotels. Willow
gently laid Anna on the bed after Cordelia had pulled
the covers back and moved over so Angel could lay Erin
next to her sister.
*~ It only took her a few seconds to pull their tiny
shoes and socks off, and to replace their jackets with
the blankets. She tucked them in and kissed their
cheeks before again following Angel and Cordelia back
out to the living room.
*~ "Thanks for having me here, Cordy," Willow said,
her voice as tired as she looked. Codelia waved her
over to the sofa, and Willow sat down gracefully,
crossing her legs.
*~ "No problem," Cordelia said. "Do you want anything
to eat or drink?"
*~ "No, I'm fine," Willow answered, shaking her head.
"I ate earlier. I have some money set back, and I want
to help you with things while I'm here... You know,
pay half the rent and utilities and stuff."
*~ "You don't have to do that," Cordelia said, and
truly meaning it. She took a seat next to the redhead
and took her cold hands in hers.
*~ "But I need to help..." Willow said, only to be cut
off by Cordelia.
*~ "But nothing. You're a guest here, Wills."
*~ Willow sighed, giving up on it for tonight. She
looked ready to cry again as she hung onto Cordy's
hand as if it were a lifeline. "I- I don't know how to
thank you... I mean... I don't know what I'd do if you
guys weren't here for me."
*~ "You have no idea how many times I've thought that
about you, Willow," Cordelia said, surprising her.
"Now's the time for me to repay a fraction of what
you've done for me in the past. Besides, you're not
the only one to benefit from this arrangement. You get
a place to stay and protection, and I get to be the
aunt and best friend I've never gotten the chance to
be."
*~ Willow laughed through her tears and hugged the
former cheerleader tightly.
*~ "And that goes for me too," Angel said quietly and
was enfolded in a hug of his own. "But I think you'd
better get into bed and get some sleep now. You look
dead on your feet, no pun intended."
*~ "Explanations can wait for morning," Cordelia said,
her concern for the other woman stronger than her
curiosity for the moment. "Now get in there and get
some sleep. The bathroom's down the hall and to the
left, feel free to use whatever you want."
*~ "Okay, then," Willow said, biting back a yawn. "I
think I'll take a quick shower, then, if you don't
mind?"
*~ "Go right ahead. I'll show Deadboy out and then
tuck you in, k?"
*~ "Sure," Willow said, hugging them both again before
heading down the hall toward the bedroom, and then the
bathroom.
*~ Cordelia waited until Willow was safely in the
bathroom and the shower was going before pouncing on
Angel. "Now, what's all this about?..."
*~*~*~*~