DISCLAIMER: No infringement of copyright is intended. You know the drill, anyone appearing on or mentioned on BtVS are ME's.
RATING: T
PAIRING: Joyce/Pat
SUMMARY: Joyce finds solace during Buffy's abrupt disappearance.
EXTRA WARNINGS and or SPOILERS: None
A Shoulder
by Eris © 2005 — All rights reserved.
Joyce stood in the kitchen staring blankly off into the distance beyond the back door. Lost in thought, she never heard the kettle begin to whistle then stop. A few moments later, a soft hand gently gripped her shoulder returning her to the present.
"Your tea is ready, dear," Pat, announced quietly holding out a cup.
"Thanks," Joyce replied still fairly removed as she accepted the steaming beverage.
Pat returned to sit at the counter and sipped her tea, noting Joyce remained absently at the door, "Oh, sweetie," she said rising once more to cross the span between them and meet her with a big hug from behind, "I know it's hard. I wish I could do more to ease your mind."
Joyce wistfully leaned her head back into the woman, "No, Pat, you've been great. Truly."
Pat took her cup, "Come, sit," and led her to a stool at the counter whereupon she collapsed like a rag doll, trouble playing across her anxious brow. Pat then attentively took her hands and squeezed them reassuringly, "She's all right. She'll be back once she's worked everything out. You have to trust in that."
"I do. I so do." Joyce smiled and returned the hand squeeze, then lowered her eyes to the counter, her face becoming a mask of confusion. "It's not that…" her voice trailed off.
Pat tilted her head questioningly, patiently waiting.
"It's…It's just…" Joyce stammered searching for the words.
Pat stroked her upper arm urging, "Just what, sweetie?"
Joyce met her gaze, stood and suddenly leaned into the other woman, wrapping her arms around her, placing her head on her shoulder.
Pat folded her arms around her readily and stroked her hair and back, "Oh, honey."
Joyce turned her head resting her cheek on Pat's shoulder breathing into her neck letting long moments pass. She then raised her head taking Pat's face in her hands staring deeply into her eyes, "It's just… I wouldn't even know where to begin to tell Buffy about the two of us," and kissed her long and hard.