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The Mysterious One
Part Five of the Foolish Games series.
Lying on the roof with Willow dozing lightly on his chest, Oz could believe that it was morning once more. In this light he could believe that somehow the sun had gone backward, that the whole day could be done again, that they could start again.
In this wonderful half-light, just before the sun breaks on the sky or darkness covers it in a cool blanket of blue, he could almost believe that the spectacular sight he had just seen was not sunset but it's less colorfully breathtaking twin sister, sunrise. This was exactly how Willow had looked this morning, asleep in his arm, the light creating strange but beautiful shadows on her face. Everything took on a faintly blue tint as if they were manipulated pictures in someone's photo software. Oz like it.
Closing his eyes, he could believe that, once more, he could wake his love with a kiss. Would catch her dancing and singing to an outdated song. Would be made to dance to that outdated song. That they would chase each other around the apartment, laughing and squealing as they waged war with careful, careful fingers only to land on their bed and begin again. That he could sit with his love watching the shadows play with the walls and the breeze play with the curtains. Would sit with her until she left him to play his music while she picnicked with her best friend. He could believe that, once more, he could draw her into his arms, stricken suddenly with an intense need just to feel her, and kiss her like a drowning man. That he would feel her grab hold and drown with him. With his eyes closed Oz could believe they had twelve more hours of daylight.
Darkness had strayed over the sky while Oz mused. It was just as well. Willow looked as beautiful in moonlight as sunlight. His mysterious one. She could be so many things and yet she chose to be with him. When it didn't render him speechless it warmed his heart terribly.
Oz planted a soft kiss on Willow's forehead. "Wake up, Miss."
"Hmm, what? Steak meat, Xander, not stake-wood. Can't eat wood."
"And when did Xander start bringing home the side of beef?"
Willow came out of her dreamy daze. "Apparently ever since my subconscious became a contestant in the Iron Chef competition. Next I give someone else the recipe list."
"And where was I?"
Willow giggled. "You were the host, Mr. Man. I think that's his name."
"I could see that, but then what would William Shatner do?" Willow could only laugh. "Hey, the stars came out when you weren't looking."
She turned from Oz's bright eyes to the bright stars. "Oh, aren't they beautiful."
"Breathtaking," Oz agreed, staring at the stars reflected in her eyes.
Finis
