" I knew these heels just weren't for me." Willow huffed as she plotted down the sidewalk to her car. She could already feel the slinky straps rubbing the sensitive skin of her ankles raw. Lately she found herself working late nights in order to pay some of her enormous college debts. At this point it seemed she'd be working many late nights to make up for all the loans she'd taken out to attend the ivy league school. " Grrreat." she said to herself as she fumbled for her keys inside her purse.
"Now where are my keys…"
The full moon shown across the empty parking lot, reminding her of just how utterly alone she was. The feeling was enough to send chills down her spine, because she knew all too well just what went bump in the night. She'd seen too many full moons in her day. But those Sunnydale nights where far behind her now, just distant memories. She'd worked too hard at building her life to let her 'not so normal' upbringing ruin it.
She inched her head around at the sound of crunching leaves. Her hands began to shake as she fumbled inside her bag in a panic. A cold sweat broke out on her brow as she realized her keys were no where to be found. She was alone. Without her keys. Without help.
Suddenly she heard a familiar metallic jingling behind her in the shadows.
" Looking for these?" A familiar voice called from the darkness.
"No, no..…your …your dead." Willow's voice quivered as she spoke. She took a step backward, cursing as she felt the cool metal of her car on the backs of her legs. Nowhere to run.
"Yeah.. I guess your right." The figure spoke as it slowly inched away from the tree it stood against.
Slowly the full moon shown down onto the pale blonde strands of her hair, on the deathly pallor of her skin.
" Bu-Buffy," Willow whispered, her voice cracking.
" Are these statements or questions Will? I'm very confused." Her face held no emotion what so ever as she walked toward a shocked Willow. Willow's eyes darted from her keys clutched in the hands of the 'thing' that once was her best friend. But that was years ago…in her other life. She'd locked the past away, and wished it had stayed that way…but apparently it didn't.
" I've missed you Willow." Buffy said as she reached her friend, and held the keys out to her.
Willow gasped and flinched away from Buffy's hand, nearly tipping over in her effort to avoid the creature.
A wrinkle appeared on Buffy's smooth, flawless face as she frowned at her friends actions.
" What are you…?" Willow breathed as she carefully took the keys from Buffy.
" We both know the answer to that question Will. You remember don't you, just what we fought together years ago… I guess it caught up to me. But you seem to be doing well…nice car, great job, gorgeous shoes," Her stormy expression broke as a warm smile spread across her face. " that seem to be killing your feet."
Willow looked at her with question in her eyes.
" I can smell the blood Willow, is that what you want to hear?" Buffy's smile faded as she began to back away.
" No…don't go." Willow whispered, cursing herself at her thoughtless action. Buffy= Vampire. Vampire= Kill. Once again she'd allowed emotion to rule her. But she couldn't help but wonder just what happened…and she seemed friendly enough.
"Why not Willow? So I can stick around and scare you some more? It's only been five years Will, I'd love to say you've changed for the better, but now I'm not so sure. Of all people, I thought you'd accept me." Buffy's eyes filled with tears that she quickly blinked away.
" Buffy… I don't mean it…it's just a shock. We thought you were dead Buffy. Where have you been all this time?" Willow back away from the car, cautiously approaching her.
"Just around. Searching for answers, and finding none." Buffy smiled as Willow's shock began to fade. Memories came rushing back as she saw her friends hesitant smile.
" So you have a soul right? Or else I'd be toast right now. But I can't understand…how?"
" Well your not the only one. That's been a mystery to me, but I'm glad I have one all the same."
At once their eyes met and without words the tension in the air faded and the girls embraced each other in a fierce hug.
" Gosh Buffy I've missed you so much. Don't ever scare me like that again. Don't ever leave me again." Willow whispered as she held Buffy tight.
" Never again Will. Never again." Buffy said solemnly, staring passed her friend into the wide, bright full moon. She knew better than to make promises. But for Willow….she'd do anything.