Willow discusses secrets. Or, a secret.

I don't know what else to put here :P

Anyway. Enjoy.

I stood in the hallway, fighting my indecision. The door loomed before me. As I stared, I was certain I could see every line and panel that made up the portal in front of me. Steeling myself, I extended my fist towards the wood.

I dropped my hand.

"Shit." I muttered a few other choice words that I'd learned from Jon, than raised my hand again.

Drop. "Maiden's tears."

Raise. Drop. Raise. Drop. Raise. Drop

"Willow? What are you doing?"

I whirled. Jon watched me. "Are you alright?" he asked.

"Yes. No." I sighed. "No."

Jon walked up to me. He looked between me and the door, then sighed. Reaching past me, he knocked. "Better?"

I shut my eyes, steeling myself, then nodded, smiling at my brother. He knew me too well. "Yes. Thanks Jon."

At the sound of footsteps, my smile vanished. Quickly I turned to face the door as it opened.

The dark-haired youth eyed me. "Can I help you?"

Jon, seeing I was struck dumb, sighed. "She wanted to talk to you," he said, then turned away, walking down the hallway.

The other boy watched me for a moment, then stood aside to let me in.

Once we were both inside, Alex turned to me. "What do you want?"

I swallowed, meeting his eyes. "I wanted to apologise…for-"
"Lying? Deceiving me?" Alex threw himself into a chair. "Not telling me about Alanna?" He glared up at me.

"I'm sorry." Even as I said it I knew it wasn't enough. It would never be enough. Not for us. Suddenly I was glad that we were just friends.

"Why didn't you say anything?" demanded Alex.

I sank into a chair, taking deep breaths as I fought for words. "You're an honourable person, Alex. Can you look at me and say, truly, that you would not have revealed Alanna's secret if I'd told you?"

Alex blinked, then sighed. "No. You're right. Mithros's shield." He rubbed his head. "It's just that, we were supposed to be friends. And you did this."

"I'm sorry that I hid this from you, Alex." I laughed bitterly. "These things always happen to us, don't they?"

Alex snorted. "Yeah." He tilted his head at me. "How long have you known?" He had calmed down somewhat.

I bit my lip before answering. "Since you all returned from the Black City." When Alex remained silent, I scrambled to explain. "I was scrying…in my crystal. I saw her…by accident. When you all returned, I confronted her and Jon." I sighed. "Maybe I should've just left it alone. I didn't realise that I would have to hide this from you, or anyone else. I never wanted this to happen. I never wanted to hurt anyone. I didn't really think it over. Now that I look back, I wish I hadn't confronted them."

"The only things you think over are chess games," replied Alex. I scowled at him as the boy grinned crookedly. "It's alright. I guess."

I relaxed. "Really?"

Alex nodded.

"That's not the only thing I wanted to speak about though."

I tilted my head at Alex's words. "Oh?"

The boy met my gaze, his expression impassive. "I'm going on another border patrol. I'll be leaving in two days."

"Oh." My voice was soft.

"I'll be gone for a month or so." Alex struggled for a moment. "I just need some space…to think about everything."

I raised a hand. "Stop." Alex fell silent, confusion sweeping over his face. "Alex…I understand. Thank you for telling me. I…need the space too."

Alex let his breath out in a rush of air. He stood, turning to look out the window. "Okay. Okay."

He swept a hand through his hair.

Slowly I rose. "I hope you find what you're looking for."

Alex turned away from the window. He seemed to be fighting with himself. Finally, he crossed the room in swift strides and gave me a hug. I started, then relaxed in his arms, putting my own around him. "I hope so too," he replied, his voice rough. Quickly, he let go, stepping back. "I have to…go…pack," he finally muttered, meeting my gaze.

I nodded and smiled at my friend. "Okay Alex. Bye."

"Bye." His voice followed me out the door.

Well. Hopefully that worked out. This is probably not my best worked. It seems rushed. But the important thing is that their friendship has survived intact. It must have the lives of a cat.

Anyway, hope you like it.

~MagicalLeaves