Greetings from the Hellmouth
Buffyann TheSlayer Summers-Vilf Hoping to reach Sheriff Nørthman-Vílf, I’m disappointed when Chow answers, telling me that Eric and Søøkie are still on their vacation. “Listen, can you get a message to them?” I ask, chewing my nail with worry.
He answers simply, “Yes,” and I roll my eyes.
“Great. Would you tell them I need to talk to one or both of them right away? It’s urgent. I think…,” lowering my voice to a whisper, “…I think they’re both in a little trouble.”
“Can you be more specific?” he asks flatly, and I can tell he doesn’t really care about my answer.
“No.” My voice betrays my irritation. “Just tell them. Tell them the Slayer called on urgent business.”
I can tell my emphasis on my title has an impact, and he’s more polite in his reply. “Yes ma’am,” he says. “Right away.”
The click on the line lets me know he’s hung up without any further conversation, and I slip the phone back into my pocket, sliding back into the shadows outside the Northman house, watching whoever it is as they surveil the house at a distance.
They’re vamps for sure. I can see that clearly. I stay hidden, determined not to give myself away. I’m outnumbered and I want to know who they are and what they’re up to before I make a move. Plus, without Eric’s say so, I might just turn a bad situation worse. As long as no one makes a move to harm the property or family, I’m better off gathering information, even though I’d rather just whip out Mr. Pointy and not have to wonder anymore. Stupid protocol.
((NEXT DAY))
Willow Rosenberg *Sitting down on my bed, after going through some old photos of Sunnydale, I can’t help but notice there is a strong part of me that misses it. But probably not the place, but the friends, or actually the family I made there. Opening the laptop, I head to my emails, and send an email to someone, who sadly enough, I hadn’t spoken to in a while, and considering how much we had been through, I missed her.
Typing away:
Dear Buffy. I’m sorry it’s been so long, things have been rather strange in California. Life on the beach is a lot easier on me, especially considering everything that we went through, and to be honest, I lost track of time.
Xander came by not so long ago, Anya wasn’t with him, though he did talk about her, a lot. But you know what he’s like. Always jabbering about someone.
Giles keeps in touch on email, and always sends me details of how the coven is doing in England. It’s great to hear things over there have calmed down in the madness. I mean, after the vampires came out and all that. Well. It made things I suppose a little easier, but there are still folk that don’t get it. I mean what’s not to get? Vampires are here and they aren’t going away. Sheesh, we should know shouldn’t we? I mean we saw plenty in our time!
It’s pretty peaceful over here, but to be honest, not a lot happens. Oh, I can’t remember if I said before, but me and Kennedy have gone our separate ways. You remember what she was like right? The slaying just was too much for me, I had seen you do it all your life, and after Tara and well, all “that” stuff, I… we decided that we’d just be friends. But I’m good. I mean it was for the best. Afterall, I need to focus on me, and I can’t get my, well, you know, go off hilter again.
But anyway. Enough of me. How’s things with you? I mean, are you still… with Spike? I know you two were well you know. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that, I mean, it’s Spike! But as long as he treats you right, and well, you know what I mean, I’m happy if you are.
I miss you Buffy! As much as I love the peace that California gives me, we still have vampire issues here, I think there must be a local slayer, every now and then you hear about a vamp that got dusted, so I’m guessing… Talking of vampires and being killed, you hear about that Las Vegas one? I still can’t get my head around the “Royalty” aspect of things. A king non the less. WOW. To be honest, I did wonder who could do that, made me think of you, and all the crazy ass stuff we used to do at Sunnydale High, I mean we did get up some truly awesome stuff. Though, whether I should call it awesome is another thing!
Oh boy, I’ve babbled away for hours. I hope I haven’t kept you from anything to important. I know you probably have lots to do over in Shreveport now, I mean, well, you know.
Anyway, I hope to hear from you soon. I love you always!!
Willow xx
Closing the laptop as the email finishes sending, I glance over to a picture on my bedside table, me, Buffy and Xander. Putting the laptop next to the picture, I cross my legs, take a deep breath and close my eyes, concentrating on my surroundings.*
Buffyann TheSlayer Summers-Vilf Finally getting a night off from my duties in Area 5, I sit down with a nice cup of coffee, flip open my laptop, and go online for a little facebookery and stuff. While I’m at it, I check my email. The Slayer League is always spamming me with junkmail, so I try to clean out my folder once a week.
I skim through, clicking “delete…delete…delete” when suddenly, there it is. A message from Willow. Dang! How long has it been? I don’t even know. I’m embarrassed I haven’t kept up with her lately. She and I were always so close, but since I moved here, well…I haven’t done very well and staying in contact with the people back in California.
Her email makes me smile as I read it. It’s so her. I can just hear her voice in my head. God I miss her. I’ve got her number around here somewhere.
When I get to the section about Spike, I laugh out loud. Me and Spike…yeah. Uh…that’s gonna be a long conversation. Maybe she’ll understand more than I think she will.
The paragraph about the Vegas king stops me dead in my tracks. Man, if she put it together, maybe someone else will too. Crap! I really hope she hasn’t mentioned her suspicions to anyone else. That could put all of us at risk, including her. The wrong word in front of the wrong person…well…vampire…and she might end up in an interrogation cell at the Authority.
Hmm…I’d better see if we can talk about all this stuff face-to-face. Emails and phone calls…they can be traced or wiretapped or whatnot.
With a deep breath, I click reply, murmuring, “Hope Spike’s cool with having a little company.”
REPLY:
Hey, Will! Great to hear from you! God, I’ve missed you. I’ve been working a lot, and yeah, you guessed it—Spike and me, we’re a thing. An undefined, but definite thing. I had a little moment of crazytalk where I thought maybe things weren’t so hunky-dory, but all girls do that sometimes, I think. Love makes you do the wacky. And it’s love. I’ll admit it.
I’ve got so much to tell you. You’d love this place. It’s not quite the Hellmouth, but there’s still plenty going on to keep me on my toes. Back in California, slayers were everywhere, but here I feel like I’m really needed, you know? I don’t deal well with retirement. You remember I had this whole Shopping Channel addiction thing going? Well, I’ve totally kicked it. Yep. It’s like old times, except for you.
Since you’re kind of at loose ends, maybe you could come visit? I know it’s kind of far, but I can help pay your expenses, and it would be so great to have some girl time that didn’t involve stabbing things.
Let me know, and I’ll set it up.
Love,
Buffy
Willow Rosenberg Not able to sleep again, I grab my laptop and go and sit on the porch that leads to the beach, the sun is more or less up now anyway, it may be early but what the heck. It’s nice to wake with the sun, it means I can get so much done.
Setting the laptop up on my knee as I lay on the sun bed, a shawl around my shoulders to keep off the early morning sea breeze, I turn my laptop on and have a look at a couple of things.
Seeing an email from Giles, makes me smile, letting me know how the coven is going on over in England and how they are all thinking of me. God how I miss them sometimes. He also mentions that Wesley Wyndam Pryce is coming my way over the coming months, and he hoped I didn’t mind him giving him my number. Shrugging to myself, I can’t see it being a problem. Though I thought he was working with Angel in the city.
Seeing the email from B makes me eager to read it. After taking it all in, and having a small think about going to see her… and Spike, I start a quick reply.
Hey B, I’m glad you’re doing well. And things with Spike are too. And I totally know what you mean about the wacky!
Blimey, come and visit Shreveport? Didn’t you just have some major witch problems? I don’t know if I’ll be well.. welcomed with open arms. And how would Spike take me coming over? I mean I wouldn’t want to get in the way of things… for you two.
Well, I’d be up for it. But just let me know about the witch thing and well, if Spikes ok. I know we had a few issues in the past. But the past is the past and he did do a shed load of stuff to help out when the going got rough back in Sunnydale.
Have you spoken to Giles or any of the others?
Oh crap. I’ve got to shoot. I’m still on the same number. Text me.
Love you. Willow. xxx
Hitting send and shutting the laptop I head inside to grab the phone, wondering who on earth is calling at this hour.
Buffyann TheSlayer Summers-Vilf *texts Willow Rosenberg* Hey Will. I talked to Spike William TheBloody-Vilf and we’d both love to have you come visit. Gimme a call and we can talk about it. Miss you! B *send*
Willow Rosenberg *Heading in from an afternoon on the beach, I grab myself a glass of cold lemonade from the fridge and see that my mobile has a message* Ooo Wonder who that could be? *grabbing it I press the button, seeing an old school pic of B flash up. The smile spreads across my face.* Awesome! Hmmm… go stay with Spike? Okay… *dialing the number back, I wait for her to answer.*
Buffyann TheSlayer Summers-Vilf *my phone rings and I can see Willow’s name pop up on the screen* Oh my gosh! *clicking the button, I grin from ear to ear* Will! How the heck are ya?
Willow Rosenberg *Hearing B’s voice makes me realise how much I’ve missed her.* Well hello there! I’m great. Oh my gosh, I can’t believe we haven’t spoken in ages! I’ve missed you! *Heading back out to the porch I perch on the sun bed*
Buffyann TheSlayer Summers-Vilf *I start to pace like I always do when I’m excited* I know, right? So have you thought about it? You know we’d love to see you.
Willow Rosenberg *Leaning back in the sun lounger, I can’t help but giggle to myself.* What even Spike? Now that I have to see!
Buffyann TheSlayer Summers-Vilf *laughs* Well…..okay….he’s not THAT excited. It is Spike we’re talking about here. But…he misses you. And when I asked him about you coming to stay, he said “Whatever you want, pet” and smiled, so, you know, he’ll be fine with it. He’s promised us lots of girl time, and I’ve got a guest room all set up in the crypt. It’s cosy. *peeks into the room as I’m talking about it* No windows, but cosy.
Willow Rosenberg *Shaking my head at Spike* Well, if you’re sure. I mean I haven’t exactly got much to do at the minute. And to be honest, the break away from the beech might actually do me good. *Pausing for a moment as the words finally hit me* Wait… crypt? *I raise my eyebrow as i take a slurp of my lemonade*
Buffyann TheSlayer Summers-Vilf Um…well…yes. *shutting the guest room door and walking back toward the living room* You know…Spike is a vampire. It kinda goes with the territory. *I pause for a moment awkwardly, then shrug, taking a seat on the sofa* You get used to it.
Willow Rosenberg *can’t help but laugh* Well, who would have thought you’d end up living in a crypt! You got yourself a deal Miss Summers. When do you want me? *smiles as I think of how Spike would have the place decorated, and hope B had some say in it. But then, knowing her, she most certainly did.*
Buffyann TheSlayer Summers-Vilf Woo hoo! YES! *fist pumps* Oh, come whenever you like! I’m still working nights, but you know the routine. Patrol, patrol, patrol….dancing. *laughs* Now don’t laugh, but Spike is actually working at this bar here in town called…wait for it…Fang-tasia. Yeah. Vamps make with the punny. *laughs* Anyway, it’s a fun place. We could go.
Willow Rosenberg *Bursts out laughing even more* You are kidding me? I mean seriously? Fang tasia? Blimey, is it as bad as the place Spike used to go in sunnydale? You remember the one?
Buffyann TheSlayer Summers-Vilf Oh, I couldn’t forget. The kitten poker was…memorable. *bites my lip, not wanting to tell you that I’m pretty sure there’s a standing game of it at Fangs too* Anyway, no. This place is totally legit. Caters to human people and stuff. It’s like Disneyland, but…vampire style. And kind of….occasionally bitey. *stammers* But…not at you, of course. Just, you know, stupid tourists who don’t know not to pick a fight in a vampire bar. You can totally handle it.
Willow Rosenberg Hmmm… *Not sure if I actually like the sound of it, but..* Well, you seem to know the place. And you say Spike’s working there? I mean a job and everything? *Can’t help but imagine him behind the bar like some cowboy in a Western*
Buffyann TheSlayer Summers-Vilf *nods with a laugh* Yep. He’s gone in for the whole 9-5 routine. The dark version, of course, but yeah. I think he really likes it. His boss is really nice. In fact, I’m working for him. Filling in while his wife is on maternity leave. Well, okay, nice might be the wrong word…but he’s fair and likes me and he’s a good boss and I think you’ll like him once you get to know him.
Willow Rosenberg *Taking another sip of lemonade as I watch the ocean listening to you* His wife? You mean she’s a …. I still get can’t get my head around the fact that there’s so many out there now. I mean for real! And they all sound wonderful. I’m sure i’ll like them. *Pausing for a moment again* And you’re sure Spike’s ok with me coming? I mean really I don’t want to put either of you out. I can find a motel or something to stay at.
Buffyann TheSlayer Summers-Vilf Will….you’re my bestie! Of course you can stay with us! Don’t be silly.
Willow Rosenberg *Sighs somewhat* Well. I’ll start having a look at flights tonight and see what’s what. Then I’ll email you over the details . How does that sound?
Buffyann TheSlayer Summers-Vilf Totally amazing! *grins* I can’t wait. Oh! And there’s this cool magic shop nearby. We’ll have to go sometime. My friend Saige owns it. She’s awesome. I think you guys would totally hit it off.
Willow Rosenberg Oh fabulous! It sounds like a plan. Well. I’m going to let you go. I’m sure Spike will be due to be getting up shortly… and well. I still can’t work these blastered time zones out. *laughs* but I’ll keep you posted on the whole flight scenario ok?
Buffyann TheSlayer Summers-Vilf Sounds great! I can’t wait. *big smile* It’ll be just like old times.
Willow Rosenberg It certainly will. With a brand new flare to it. *laughs a little* Well, give my… love? to Spike? And I’ll see you soon. You just be careful!
Buffyann TheSlayer Summers-Vilf Aren’t I always? *laughs* Bye Will. See you soon! *hangs up*
Willow Rosenberg *smiling as I put the phone down, I place it beside me, and finish the lemonade I made and watch the sun. Breathing in the world around me, my eyes close and I listen to the earth.*
Erica TheSlayer Blodtörst-Vilf *Pulls down your driveway in my Bumblebee Camero and stops in front of your house. I shut off the engine and gets out.* Hey Sookie. So we’re really gonna break into a kings…
Buffyann TheSlayer Summers-Vilf *hops off the coffin with excitement* Devlin Inc.? Isn’t it run by that guy, whassisname…. *snaps fingers trying to remember* …uhhh….yeah…. Clark Devlin. That’s it. He was on the cover of some magazine last month.
Sookie TheSlayer Northman-Vilf All righty then. If you’re sure. Come by Fangs later and you can pick up the folder on what I’ve been able to find out so far.
