Author: Katie
Disclaimer: Not mine, never will be. These characters belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy et al.
Rating: 12 - British System.
Distribution: If you want it, just let me know.
Feedback: If you want me to continue, you'll have to let me know.
Dedicated: To Nicole for posting the challenge. It just made me type! All those who sent feedback - guess you really were reading it!
Notes: Answer to Nicole's challenge on the WillowandPartner list.
Had to include Count Dracula, someone getting high, and five from
a list.
Not saying which five - it might give away the story, if there was
actually a plot!
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The group had assumed various positions around the small waiting room.
Riley was sleeping with his head resting on Buffy's lap and his
thumb in his mouth. Joyce was gazing at him fondly, like the
baby son she had never had. Xander was casting dirty looks at Angel,
and
hoping that in this case looks really would kill, or rather dust.
Anya was gripping Xander's hand, in an attempt to restrain him. Giles
and
Cordelia attempted small talk, Giles wondering what on earth had persuaded
Cordelia to claim to be married to him. A nurse wandered
into the room.
"Can we see Willow?" Buffy pushed Riley off her lap and jumped up.
"Just two at a time, and only for a few minutes. She needs her
rest." The nurse smiled at them. They were an odd collection,
their
costumes in various states of disarray. Buffy started for the
door, but Cordelia intercepted her.
"I'm going first. I am her sister." Cordelia flipped her
hair. "Angel - would you like to come with me?" Angel followed
her out, but Buffy put a
hand on his arm, stopping him. Cordelia rolled her eyes and chatted
to the nurse about Willow's condition. The doctors thought she was
a
bit confused - she didn't seem to remember having a sister!
"What's going on with you and Willow?" Buffy demanded. "Is this some sort of gratitude thing?"
"No. I am grateful to her. She risked everything for me.
I loved her before this, though." Angel shook his arm free and started
down the
corridor towards Cordelia.
"You don't love her! You love me! Angel! I know you
do!" Buffy shouted after him as she raced to catch up. "Willow
will understand. We
can be together now that your soul is permanent." Buffy continued
to scream hysterically.
"No Buffy. I love Willow. You've got Riley now. You've
moved on. I've done the same." Angel kissed her forehead, gently,
and moved off
again.
"Buffy, come on." Joyce took her daughter and led her back down the corridor. "You can see Willow tomorrow."
"They betrayed me!" Buffy shouted at her mother. Joyce shook
her lightly and raised her own voice. "It's over Buffy. Leave
it." Joyce
walked off, and after a moment Buffy followed her dejectedly.
Angel and Cordelia turned back to the nurse. Cordelia smiled, perhaps a little too brightly.
"Don't worry about that. Too much excitement." She lowered
her voice. "She forgot her pills today."