~* Looking In *~
Part Six - Battle Wounds
~* I'm on the outside
I'm looking in
I can see through you
I see your true colors
Inside you're ugly
Ugly like me
I can see through you
I see to the real you *~
Willow awoke to someone pacing around the room. She opened one eye and saw Draco shuffling through a bunch of papers, reading something and shaking his head. She contented herself with just watching him. He was top-less, which made him look even more amazing then she thought he could.
After watching him for a few minutes, she sighed and let him know that she was awake.
Draco stopped pacing and looked over at her, smiling. He gave her a quick kiss. "Good morning."
"Yes, it is." Willow said smiling. She sat up and gestured to the papers in his hand. "What's that?"
"This? Oh." Draco grimaced. "Reports about what happened yesterday. Casualties, survivors, whole nine yards."
"What's that mean, anyway? Whole nine yards. Nine yards of what?" Draco laughed, and Willow pouted. "You're laughing at me."
"I'm sorry," he said, still laughing, "it's just - you're cute when you ramble."
Willow blushed. "I guess I should take that as a compliment." She kissed him soundly.
"Yes, you should." He murmured against her lips.
After a few minutes, Draco pulled away and brushed a stray hair behind her ear. "I should go see if Hermione is awake."
He slipped off of the bed and put on a tee shirt as she asked. "Why? What's up?"
"I want her to try some healing charms on Buffy. It may not completely heal her, but it'll speed things up a bit."
Willow brightened. "Really?"
"Really."
Draco was about to walk out when Willow got up and pulled him to her, kissing him like she would never kiss anyone else ever again. "I love you." She said, her forehead resting against his.
Draco kissed her softly. "I love you too."
Willow pulled away and ushered him out the door. As he walked down the hall, Willow sighed.
This was going to be one of the hardest goodbyes she'd ever have to face.
~*~*~*~*~*~*
Hermione was awake long before everyone else. She was content with just looking out the window, and was even happier when she felt Harry's arms go around her at sunrise. They sat in silence, as they often did. They didn't have to say a word, but so much was said in the few hours they sat together, watching the day begin.
There were two short knocks at the door and Hermione went to open it. "Draco. What's wrong? Is everything alright?"
Draco nodded. "Everything's fine. But I need to ask you a favor."
"Sure - name it."
Draco noticed the door to Buffy's room open slightly. She was obviously letting everyone know she was awake. He looked back to Hermione. "The slayer - Buffy. She's really beat up, and I was hoping that maybe you could help her a little bit."
"Healing charms?" Harry asked, coming up behind Hermione. "Are you sure she'll want the help?"
"It won't hurt to offer." Draco said.
Hermione eyed Harry and nodded. "Sure. I'll go take a look. Harry, will you hand me my - "
"Ten steps ahead of you." Harry said, handing Hermione a small bag that doubled as a magical first aid kit of sorts.
Hermione took the bag and gave Harry a quick peck. "I'll be back."
"Don't stay too long." Harry said, grinning.
"Oh, I'll take good care of her Potter. Let her go already." Draco said rolling his eyes. Harry glared.
"That's enough out of you." Hermione said, giving Draco a slight shove down the hall. "Walk." The two of them walked down the hall.
Draco knocked on Buffy's door. "Buffy?"
Buffy looked up from the bed at Angel. He shrugged and said, "Come in."
Hermione and Draco stepped in and closed the door behind them. Hermione stood a bit awkwardly. Draco's idea was a good one, but how exactly do you go about asking someone if you can help heal their battle wounds *nicely*?
"Hermione, Draco." Buffy said nodding. "Is something wrong?"
"No, everything's fine. Actually - well, this is going to sound like an odd question but," Hermione bit her lip. 'How the hell do I ask this?'
"But - what?" Buffy asked.
Draco answered for her. "This was my idea, Buffy, so maybe I can help 'Mione. When you were in Willow's room the other night, I couldn't help but notice the - umm -"
"Cuts and bruises aplenty?" Buffy offered.
"Exactly. And - well, I was wondering if - "
"I can help you." Hermione said, as if stating the obvious.
Buffy was stunned. "How?"
"Healing magic." Angel said, smiling. He had caught on while Hermione was still trying to figure out how to ask.
"Exactly. It was Draco's idea, and when he asked if I could help - well, of course I said yes. There are some potions and a few charms that I could do and it may not get rid of everything, but it should help a great deal." Hermione smiled. "That is, if you'll let me."
Buffy looked at Angel, as if asking his opinion. "I'd say yes. What could it hurt?"
Buffy nodded. "If it'll put me back in action faster and get me out of this bed - fire away. Do what you want."
Hermione beamed and put her bag down on the bed. "Alright boys. Out."
Draco mock saluted and walked out, although Angel took his time walking out the door. When they were both outside, Hermione waved her wand and the door shut and locked behind them.
"There. Now - Draco said something about a bunch of cuts on your back."
Buffy nodded and Hermione handed her a pillow. Buffy knew what it was for - she pulled her tee-shirt over her head and held the pillow to her chest, covering up. "Most of them have closed - I think. But it's still pretty painful."
Hermione sucked in her breath. "Ouch. Draco wasn't kidding." She shook her head and opened up the bag, taking out a few bottles of - something - and mixing them together. An odd smell began to fill the room - it wasn't anything disgusting, but it wasn't quite pleasant either.
There was a knock on the door, and Willow came in the room. Hermione didn't even have to ask how she got in - a good Alohomora from Draco could have opened the door pretty easily.
"How's it going?" Willow said, walking over to the bed.
"It's - "Buffy flinched. "Burning."
"Sorry!" Hermione said, giving Buffy a sympathetic look. "I forgot that stung."
"Don't worry about it. A little stinging is better then an aching pain."
The three women lapsed into silence. Hermione finished up and gave Willow a little smile. "Okay, you can put your shirt back on. Keep the bandages on for two hours and then have someone take them off."
Buffy nodded and slipped her shirt back over her head. Hermione tended to most of the other wounds. The swelling at Buffy's hip went down almost immediately, and Hermione re-wrapped her wrist. Her leg, which was less painful to begin with, was completely healed.
"Stay off that leg for a few hours." Hermione instructed. "By tonight, you should be fine, and by tomorrow, you should be back to a somewhat normal exercise routine, nothing too strenuous until next week. Okay?"
"Thanks." Was all Buffy could manage. She was amazed at how blissfully ache- free she felt.
It was like heaven.
"So, how long until you leave?" Willow asked.
"Don't you mean, 'how long until Draco leaves?'" Hermione asked, packing up her bag.
Willow blushed and Buffy grinned. "C'mon Willow admit it - you're a love sick puppy."
If possible, Willow blushed even further, but played along. "Oh, like you're not love sick over Angel. Xander had to leave the room and you were just looking at him!"
"Looking, but not touching!"
"Please, like you wouldn't touch if you could." Willow quipped. Hermione was enjoying watching the banter go back and forth. Buffy shrugged but licked her lips.
"Buffy!" Willow squealed and threw a pillow at her, which Buffy effectively caught.
"Oh come on, I'm sure Buffy wouldn't do anything you and Draco haven't already done." Hermione said grinning.
"'Mione, I am shocked. I am truly appalled," Buffy paused. "That I didn't think of that astounding retort sooner."
The three started laughing and the door opened, revealing Harry, Draco, and Angel standing impatiently in the doorway.
"Problem gentlemen?" Hermione asked, eyes gleaming.
"Yes - you." Draco said, pulling Willow into his arms.
Hermione feigned shock. "That hurt." She sniffled. "I think I might cry."
Draco rolled his eyes. "Over-sensitive know-it-all."
"Overly conceited bastard." Hermione shot back.
"I can just feel the love in this room." Buffy said smiling. "Really - it's overwhelming."
"Oh, shut up slayer." Willow said, throwing another pillow at her.
Buffy threw it back. "Witch!"
Willow threw it back, and it turned into an all-out war. After a few minutes, Willow surrendered, laughing.
"Hermione!" Lavender's voice called down the hall.
Hermione was laughing with the rest of them. "Yeah!" She called, still giggling.
Lavender and Ron came into the room. "We just got an owl from Sirius." Lavender said, holding up a piece of parchment. "It's time to go."
Willow eyed Draco and sighed, giving him a sad half-smile.
It was time to say goodbye.
~*~*~*~*~*~*
Willow and Draco stood off to the side from the rest of the group. They were going to apparate home, and the Summer's yard seemed to be the easiest and least public place to do so.
After saying goodbye to everyone else, Willow and Draco walked off alone. They wanted to say their goodbyes, but without the large group of on- lookers. Willow looked over, where Hermione was waiting with Harry patiently for them to finish. She smiled at her. Willow found she couldn't smile back.
Draco turned Willow's face towards him and leaned in to kiss her. It wasn't as probing as some of his kisses had been - it was gentle, and lasted longer then either of them had meant it to.
Willow pulled away and leaned her forehead against his. "Don't say goodbye, okay? This isn't goodbye - I'm going to come see you as soon as I can."
Draco smiled at her. "You read my mind. I was going to tell you the same thing."
Willow pulled away and looked into his eyes, seeing them full of love -
For her.
Willow kissed him again and whispered, "I love you."
Draco kissed her back, pulling her as close to him as he possibly could. "I love you too."
Draco pulled away and kissed her forehead. Willow watched as Draco walked over to Harry and apparated away. She saw him mouth something as he left, but didn't quite catch it until he was gone and it was too late to respond. She would see him again, 'soon' she vowed silently, and she would be able to tell him that she understood - and that she felt the same way.
"I see you." He said, the meaning of the words not lost on her. Draco *had* seen her, for who she was -
Just Willow.
And that was enough.
~* End *~
Part Six - Battle Wounds
~* I'm on the outside
I'm looking in
I can see through you
I see your true colors
Inside you're ugly
Ugly like me
I can see through you
I see to the real you *~
Willow awoke to someone pacing around the room. She opened one eye and saw Draco shuffling through a bunch of papers, reading something and shaking his head. She contented herself with just watching him. He was top-less, which made him look even more amazing then she thought he could.
After watching him for a few minutes, she sighed and let him know that she was awake.
Draco stopped pacing and looked over at her, smiling. He gave her a quick kiss. "Good morning."
"Yes, it is." Willow said smiling. She sat up and gestured to the papers in his hand. "What's that?"
"This? Oh." Draco grimaced. "Reports about what happened yesterday. Casualties, survivors, whole nine yards."
"What's that mean, anyway? Whole nine yards. Nine yards of what?" Draco laughed, and Willow pouted. "You're laughing at me."
"I'm sorry," he said, still laughing, "it's just - you're cute when you ramble."
Willow blushed. "I guess I should take that as a compliment." She kissed him soundly.
"Yes, you should." He murmured against her lips.
After a few minutes, Draco pulled away and brushed a stray hair behind her ear. "I should go see if Hermione is awake."
He slipped off of the bed and put on a tee shirt as she asked. "Why? What's up?"
"I want her to try some healing charms on Buffy. It may not completely heal her, but it'll speed things up a bit."
Willow brightened. "Really?"
"Really."
Draco was about to walk out when Willow got up and pulled him to her, kissing him like she would never kiss anyone else ever again. "I love you." She said, her forehead resting against his.
Draco kissed her softly. "I love you too."
Willow pulled away and ushered him out the door. As he walked down the hall, Willow sighed.
This was going to be one of the hardest goodbyes she'd ever have to face.
~*~*~*~*~*~*
Hermione was awake long before everyone else. She was content with just looking out the window, and was even happier when she felt Harry's arms go around her at sunrise. They sat in silence, as they often did. They didn't have to say a word, but so much was said in the few hours they sat together, watching the day begin.
There were two short knocks at the door and Hermione went to open it. "Draco. What's wrong? Is everything alright?"
Draco nodded. "Everything's fine. But I need to ask you a favor."
"Sure - name it."
Draco noticed the door to Buffy's room open slightly. She was obviously letting everyone know she was awake. He looked back to Hermione. "The slayer - Buffy. She's really beat up, and I was hoping that maybe you could help her a little bit."
"Healing charms?" Harry asked, coming up behind Hermione. "Are you sure she'll want the help?"
"It won't hurt to offer." Draco said.
Hermione eyed Harry and nodded. "Sure. I'll go take a look. Harry, will you hand me my - "
"Ten steps ahead of you." Harry said, handing Hermione a small bag that doubled as a magical first aid kit of sorts.
Hermione took the bag and gave Harry a quick peck. "I'll be back."
"Don't stay too long." Harry said, grinning.
"Oh, I'll take good care of her Potter. Let her go already." Draco said rolling his eyes. Harry glared.
"That's enough out of you." Hermione said, giving Draco a slight shove down the hall. "Walk." The two of them walked down the hall.
Draco knocked on Buffy's door. "Buffy?"
Buffy looked up from the bed at Angel. He shrugged and said, "Come in."
Hermione and Draco stepped in and closed the door behind them. Hermione stood a bit awkwardly. Draco's idea was a good one, but how exactly do you go about asking someone if you can help heal their battle wounds *nicely*?
"Hermione, Draco." Buffy said nodding. "Is something wrong?"
"No, everything's fine. Actually - well, this is going to sound like an odd question but," Hermione bit her lip. 'How the hell do I ask this?'
"But - what?" Buffy asked.
Draco answered for her. "This was my idea, Buffy, so maybe I can help 'Mione. When you were in Willow's room the other night, I couldn't help but notice the - umm -"
"Cuts and bruises aplenty?" Buffy offered.
"Exactly. And - well, I was wondering if - "
"I can help you." Hermione said, as if stating the obvious.
Buffy was stunned. "How?"
"Healing magic." Angel said, smiling. He had caught on while Hermione was still trying to figure out how to ask.
"Exactly. It was Draco's idea, and when he asked if I could help - well, of course I said yes. There are some potions and a few charms that I could do and it may not get rid of everything, but it should help a great deal." Hermione smiled. "That is, if you'll let me."
Buffy looked at Angel, as if asking his opinion. "I'd say yes. What could it hurt?"
Buffy nodded. "If it'll put me back in action faster and get me out of this bed - fire away. Do what you want."
Hermione beamed and put her bag down on the bed. "Alright boys. Out."
Draco mock saluted and walked out, although Angel took his time walking out the door. When they were both outside, Hermione waved her wand and the door shut and locked behind them.
"There. Now - Draco said something about a bunch of cuts on your back."
Buffy nodded and Hermione handed her a pillow. Buffy knew what it was for - she pulled her tee-shirt over her head and held the pillow to her chest, covering up. "Most of them have closed - I think. But it's still pretty painful."
Hermione sucked in her breath. "Ouch. Draco wasn't kidding." She shook her head and opened up the bag, taking out a few bottles of - something - and mixing them together. An odd smell began to fill the room - it wasn't anything disgusting, but it wasn't quite pleasant either.
There was a knock on the door, and Willow came in the room. Hermione didn't even have to ask how she got in - a good Alohomora from Draco could have opened the door pretty easily.
"How's it going?" Willow said, walking over to the bed.
"It's - "Buffy flinched. "Burning."
"Sorry!" Hermione said, giving Buffy a sympathetic look. "I forgot that stung."
"Don't worry about it. A little stinging is better then an aching pain."
The three women lapsed into silence. Hermione finished up and gave Willow a little smile. "Okay, you can put your shirt back on. Keep the bandages on for two hours and then have someone take them off."
Buffy nodded and slipped her shirt back over her head. Hermione tended to most of the other wounds. The swelling at Buffy's hip went down almost immediately, and Hermione re-wrapped her wrist. Her leg, which was less painful to begin with, was completely healed.
"Stay off that leg for a few hours." Hermione instructed. "By tonight, you should be fine, and by tomorrow, you should be back to a somewhat normal exercise routine, nothing too strenuous until next week. Okay?"
"Thanks." Was all Buffy could manage. She was amazed at how blissfully ache- free she felt.
It was like heaven.
"So, how long until you leave?" Willow asked.
"Don't you mean, 'how long until Draco leaves?'" Hermione asked, packing up her bag.
Willow blushed and Buffy grinned. "C'mon Willow admit it - you're a love sick puppy."
If possible, Willow blushed even further, but played along. "Oh, like you're not love sick over Angel. Xander had to leave the room and you were just looking at him!"
"Looking, but not touching!"
"Please, like you wouldn't touch if you could." Willow quipped. Hermione was enjoying watching the banter go back and forth. Buffy shrugged but licked her lips.
"Buffy!" Willow squealed and threw a pillow at her, which Buffy effectively caught.
"Oh come on, I'm sure Buffy wouldn't do anything you and Draco haven't already done." Hermione said grinning.
"'Mione, I am shocked. I am truly appalled," Buffy paused. "That I didn't think of that astounding retort sooner."
The three started laughing and the door opened, revealing Harry, Draco, and Angel standing impatiently in the doorway.
"Problem gentlemen?" Hermione asked, eyes gleaming.
"Yes - you." Draco said, pulling Willow into his arms.
Hermione feigned shock. "That hurt." She sniffled. "I think I might cry."
Draco rolled his eyes. "Over-sensitive know-it-all."
"Overly conceited bastard." Hermione shot back.
"I can just feel the love in this room." Buffy said smiling. "Really - it's overwhelming."
"Oh, shut up slayer." Willow said, throwing another pillow at her.
Buffy threw it back. "Witch!"
Willow threw it back, and it turned into an all-out war. After a few minutes, Willow surrendered, laughing.
"Hermione!" Lavender's voice called down the hall.
Hermione was laughing with the rest of them. "Yeah!" She called, still giggling.
Lavender and Ron came into the room. "We just got an owl from Sirius." Lavender said, holding up a piece of parchment. "It's time to go."
Willow eyed Draco and sighed, giving him a sad half-smile.
It was time to say goodbye.
~*~*~*~*~*~*
Willow and Draco stood off to the side from the rest of the group. They were going to apparate home, and the Summer's yard seemed to be the easiest and least public place to do so.
After saying goodbye to everyone else, Willow and Draco walked off alone. They wanted to say their goodbyes, but without the large group of on- lookers. Willow looked over, where Hermione was waiting with Harry patiently for them to finish. She smiled at her. Willow found she couldn't smile back.
Draco turned Willow's face towards him and leaned in to kiss her. It wasn't as probing as some of his kisses had been - it was gentle, and lasted longer then either of them had meant it to.
Willow pulled away and leaned her forehead against his. "Don't say goodbye, okay? This isn't goodbye - I'm going to come see you as soon as I can."
Draco smiled at her. "You read my mind. I was going to tell you the same thing."
Willow pulled away and looked into his eyes, seeing them full of love -
For her.
Willow kissed him again and whispered, "I love you."
Draco kissed her back, pulling her as close to him as he possibly could. "I love you too."
Draco pulled away and kissed her forehead. Willow watched as Draco walked over to Harry and apparated away. She saw him mouth something as he left, but didn't quite catch it until he was gone and it was too late to respond. She would see him again, 'soon' she vowed silently, and she would be able to tell him that she understood - and that she felt the same way.
"I see you." He said, the meaning of the words not lost on her. Draco *had* seen her, for who she was -
Just Willow.
And that was enough.
~* End *~