Disclaimer: See Chapter One

A/N: Again, revised version of this chapter. Errors (all hopefully) fixed and story formatted correctly. Thanks to Wispr for doing this for me!

Chapter 2 - Came Like A Whisper

One minute the world was tilting and the next the world was warm and comforting enfolded in a slayer cocoon.

Not that she really minded that part.

"Welcome back." A voice greeted with a gentle kiss.

The world returning to focus, she currently had a ringside seat to the Slayer's breast.

"Buffy, what happened?" Willow withdrew from cushiness, angling her face ever so slightly to stare into beautiful hazel eyes. "The last thing I remember was standing in the hallway with you holding me and now I'm over here?"

"Apparently, you decided to play damsel in distress and fainted." Buffy wryly commented, with an undertone of concern.

Choosing to turn a deaf ear to Buffy's quip, Willow twisted in strong arms, trying to wiggle out of the Slayer's secure grasp. Buffy only tightened her grip. "Oh, no you don't Wills."

"Dammit, Buffy! Just because I fainted, or slipped on a…a…stray…" Willow protest died on her lips.

The house was spotless.

Ooops.

Buffy only smirked while her head swiveled slightly, eyes flickering about the living room, "You were saying?"

Willow scowled knowing the jig was up but pursuing it nonetheless. "I don't know…a stray dust bunny or something! Now let me up!"

"All right, Miss Impatience." Buffy chuckled. "How 'bout I make you a deal?"

Willow's eyes narrowed in suspicion. "What kind of a deal?"

"I release you…" Buffy's voice was soft and beguiling "and you stay lying down on these plump pillows you lovingly arranged, and I'll pour us a glass of wine."

"Fine." Willow relented, knowing the battle to be a lost cause.

Buffy effortlessly settled the Wiccan onto the soft rug and said plump pillows. Willow watched her slayer rise gracefully, leisurely making her way to the coffee table just out of reach. The blonde picked up the bottle examining it. "1997 huh?"

"Well, it's a good age!" Willow pouted. "Besides, wine is always better when it's aged."

The Slayer poured the Merlot into two wine glasses feigning innocence. "I'm just saying that's all."

"Well, you can quit saying. Besides," Willow mumbled, flushing slightly, "I'm rather partial to that year."

"So am I, Wills, so am I." Buffy set the bottle down grasping the two wine glasses in turn. "It's nice to see your circulation returning. Even without the aid of alcohol. But tonight I think it's a good idea for me to skip any of the suck and bite of your tempting neck."

"There used to be a time when you sucked and nibbled on my neck all night long." Willow sighed wistfully. It all seemed like yesterday when it was really so long ago.

The Slayer padded over, carefully setting each glass down upon the brick hearth. "Love bites, Wills, they're called love bites."

Willow snorted. "Whatever Slayer." A ghost of a smile hinted at the corners of her lips. "Now I'm going to have to sit up in order to drink that wine you know. I just bought this dress; there will be no wine dripping onto Willow's new dress." Willow smoothed and patted her dress for emphasis.

"Not to worry, Wills," Buffy scooted over and slipped her hands underneath the Wiccan. "Ready?"

"Yes."

Buffy eased Willow into a sitting position, arranging the pillows for support. "All good?"

"Yes, I'm fine." The Wiccan glanced at the inviting wine. "Hand me one of those glasses, Slayer." Willow flashed Buffy her signature very-pleased-sticking-her-tongue-between-her-teeth grin.

"Yes, Ma'am!"

Buffy carefully handed the Wiccan her wine with Willow answering the question in the Slayer's eyes. "Yes, I have it secure. Now," Willow nodded towards the tiny blonde's glass, "grab yours."

"Here's to my favorite Wiccan." Buffy raised her glass in a toast.

"Here's to my favorite Slayer." They clinked glasses and sipped, the Merlot slightly on the fruity side but with the nice balance of sweet and tart Willow preferred. "So how's Giles?"

Buffy relaxed into the familiar pose, stretching out in her tight leather pant legs that Willow so admired. Kicking off her stylish yet affordable boots and propping her head up with one hand, Buffy settled in for a long conversation.

"Oh the same as always. He's in heaven. Books galore."

Willow smiled around her wine glass at the apt portrayal of the Watcher she sorely missed.

"Xander?" Buffy countered.

"Oh, he doesn't recognize me anymore. I think he's worse than I am." Willow smiled forlornly. "I really miss him, Buffy." The Wiccan blinked away a start of tears.

The blonde Slayer bent over to tenderly kiss each eyelid and leaned back. "I know, Willow."

"I still don't understand why you're not allowed to know what's happening with him." Willow grumbled at what she perceived as one of the ridiculous rules set forth beyond their control.

"It's just the way it is, Will." Buffy shrugged. "Someday I'll see him and it will be just like yesterday."

Buffy's nonchalant answer did nothing to appease the Wiccan nor did the Slayer's attempt at whimsy. Willow found herself conjuring a brood that would make Angel proud.

"Oh, c'mon, now! There will be none of that, Doctor Rosenberg. I can't have you stealing the crown of broodiness from Mr. Dark and Glower-y himself." The blonde lightly kicked her foot playfully against Willow's leg.

The good-natured teasing did its job, Willow's spirits lifted. "How is Angel? Is he happy? I mean it took him so long to get to you."

"Actually, he didn't get to me, Wills, just my locale. Cordy was the one he got to." Buffy smirked.

Willow paused, sipping her wine thoughtfully. "It really doesn't bother you, does it," Spoken like a statement, yet a hint of a question lingered in Willow's voice, really searching more for an answer to her lover's well being.

Angel was one topic the Wiccan's insecurities made no appearance. She respected their love and despite Buffy's flippancy Willow knew there would always be something there between them. Willow had come to terms with this a long time ago; after all, for her Tara held the same special place in her heart, which Buffy respected as well with no fear of threat to their relationship.

"Oh, God, Will, that was eons ago." The Slayer smiled, swirling her wine. "I'm glad he's finally happy." Buffy paused, placing her glass onto the hearth. The tiny blonde stared down, picking at the rug strands. "No one moment of happiness. A soul intact guarantee," Buffy mumbled.

Raising her palm to the Slayer's face, Willow caressed it with her thumb. The Wiccan smiled indulgently, deciding a change of topic was in order. Willow dropped her hand to cover Buffy's, striving to halt the blonde's anxiety before slayer strength ripped the rug strands to bits. Willow's brief squeeze brought the return of Buffy's gaze with the famous resolve face demanding attention.

"All right, missy," Willow waggled a finger at the slayer imperiously. "Oh, c'mon now! There will be none of that, Miss Summers." Willow's echo of Buffy's earlier good-natured admonishment brought laughter on both fronts, helping to ease the tension. It felt good, Willow recognized. This reversal of roles during the evening, this time Willow being the one to provide comfort for her love.

The atmosphere lightened, Willow returned her hand to her lap. She tilted her wine glass, gesturing to the slayer in expectation. "Okay you know the drill. So spill." Willow sipped her wine in contentment.

The Slayer arched an eyebrow. "Alphabetical order as always?"

Willow nodded. "I know how you are and how you like the skipping around method, but this is the only way my tired brain can handle. So many updates put a strain on Willow's brain."

"Don't give me the old 'my mind is too weak and feeble' routine Wills. We both know that's not the case."

Willow stuck her tongue out at Buffy who in a burst of slayer speed captured it in a sweet kiss. "Mmmm," hummed Willow, in happy appreciation. "Fine. But humor me anyways."

Willow swirled her wine a bit, bringing the glass to her lips to taste the smooth Merlot.

Buffy raised her wine glass in acknowledgement to the command. "As you wish, my lady."

"And as per usual, top of the alphabet begins with nerd turning into amazingly enough a very good Watcher Andrew." Willow savored a longer drink this time, pointedly ignoring the warnings not to drink alcohol on all of her pill bottles.

"I'm not sure I'd go so far as to say very good but let's just say some things never change. Every time I see him it's Star Wars, Lara Croft, or Red Dwarf. You would think he would be sick of them by now."

Another gulp had Willow feeling very warm inside, not entirely in control of her faculties. "I suppose that is his perfect idea of heaven, huh?"

"We all have our ideal places in mind for heaven," Buffy shrugged, sipping at her wine.

Willow set her wine glass on the hearth, suddenly finding a particular piece of fabric on her dress very interesting. "What about you? What is your ideal?"

"Well, I would say this would have to qualify," the Slayer teased.

"Yeah, but you're not here all the time you know," The Wiccan mumbled, the wine's effects now bringing about a slight headache and rumble-y stomach.

Or maybe that was from the current heading of this conversation.

"Well, mochas are a must. Can't survive without everyday mochas."

"Mochas? Your body gets nothing from mochas." Willow's eyes flickered to catch the sight of a smirking slayer, the ambience of the evening changing by the Wiccan's own hand.

"Yes, but they are still very tasty."

Willow sighed heavily, her gaze fully returning to the Slayer. "What else? There must be more than that."

"I don't know what you want me to say here, Willow." Buffy's tone serious, even a tad reproachful. "I think you already know the answer to this question."

Why did she ask? Buffy came once a year, and here her shifting moods spoiled it with feelings of inadequacies and self-hatred. "I just meant…you know, the same as when I…"

Not responding for a moment, the Slayer swirled the wine in her glass. "I'm not going to lie to you, Willow. Yes, my ideal is exactly the same. Peaceful. Warm. In the blink an eye, I can see everyone I love and feel that love returned. Complete in every way."

Willow squeezed her eyes shut, the intense guilt re-emerging upon opening this particular Pandora's box. Silence fell and the seduction scene suddenly felt stifling. Hollow inside, Willow opened her eyes and turned back around. Not looking at Buffy, she stared at her lap covered by the beautiful dress, stained nonetheless with self-accusations. Placing her palms on floor, Willow concentrated on putting all of her effort into leaving the ruined night behind and in her mind the ruined relationship as well.

Powerful arms stopped her effort, wrapping her in an embrace. "Buffy, please, just let me go."

"Willow, look at me."

"I can't. I can't stand this. All I do is wreck everything. How can you stand me? Not only do I rip you out of heaven, but I try to kill you as well after Tara's death."

"Yes, you did, but…" The Wiccan struggled to twist away from Buffy who wouldn't let go, "but there is something I didn't tell you." Willow still refused to look at the Slayer.

"Dammit, Willow! Stop. I need you to look at me while I say this." Ceasing the struggle, Willow however reluctant, frightfully switched her regard to the Slayer. "During the summer you were in England...well, I did a lot of soul searching. Okay, maybe not the best choice of words. At any rate, as the healing began, those buried feelings of love for you surfaced. The entire time that was all I could think about; my love for you and our deep friendship.

"When you brought me back, I couldn't feel anything. Why Spike made me feel anything is still a mystery to me-even after all of these years. I knew I wanted more than anything to go back."

Struggling, Willow wanted nothing more than to leave the Slayer's grip. "Willow! Quit it!" Buffy's hand on the distraught woman's chin, forcing her attention back to the Slayer. "As for you…I instinctively knew that you were safe and loved, so I was content with that knowledge that someday you would join me forever. And when you, the missing piece, came I would be complete. Absolutely complete. That's my ideal."

Willow blinked, bewildered. "Really?"

"Yes. Really." Buffy whispered; releasing her hold of Willow's chin tucked a stray white hair behind Willow's ear.

Suddenly confusion cleared morphing into the familiar petulance. "But the fact remains: it's too late for me." Buffy opened her mouth to speak but Willow cut her off. "No, Buffy, I mean it. When I finally…well…die…there will be no heaven for me." A tear trickled down Willow's cheek, turning into a stifled sob.

"Willow!" The Slayer rolled her eyes, in obvious aggravation. "When are you going to let go of that guilt?"

"Probably never." Willow glanced down, fiddling with her hands. "What I did…to Warren…"

"Stop. You have paid for that over and over and over again." Buffy cradled the fragile woman in her strong arms, so soothing to the Wiccan. "You have done so much good, Will. You have risked your life one hundred times over and then some. This world wouldn't be here if it weren't for you. Not to mention the lives you saved and people you helped as a doctor. When it's your time, I guarantee a place in heaven."

"You can't know that, Buffy."

The Slayer smiled. "Hey, I have the inside track, remember?"

Willow sniffled, burrowing even farther into the Slayer's embrace. Despite Willow's attempt to stop it, her eyes felt heavy and her body wanted to sleep.

"Are you tired, Wills?" Buffy softly stroked the white mane.

"No." A childish sulky Willow cursed herself as her eyes grew heavier and heavier. The same scenario played out year after year.

Buffy gingerly laid the exhausted woman onto the rug, her head on the fluffy pillows. Scooting behind, the Slayer spooned her. "That better?" Buffy's arm held her securely, Willow's weak struggles in vain.

"No. I can't…I won't…"

"It's alright, Willow. I'll wake you up when it's time to go."

Unable to fight any longer Willow's eyes closed, a single tear sliding down her cheek.

"No…"

And Buffy faded away into darkness.

"Willow."

The Wiccan slowly woke to soft lips kissing her ear and the Slayer's whispered, "Will, it's time to go."

At this, Willow jerked awake. "What?"

"It's time, Baby."

Willow scooted upright, panicking. "No, no. It's not time yet. A big no to the time to go time. I only closed my eyes for a second. I-"

Buffy placed a gentle finger on Willow's lips. "Look at the window."

A sliver of sun peeked through slit in the curtain. "But…but…" Willow abruptly turned away to stare into the fireplace and no matter how hard she tried to stop them a few tears leaked out. "I miss you so much. I know…I know you have well, special permission and all to do this once a year, but don't you think they might be okay with you know, extending it?"

Without answering, the Slayer kissed the woman's wrinkled neck and Willow heard her slip into her boots and then stand. Willow's eyes opened to just stare at the fire in a haze.

"Willow."

She didn't think she could stand this anymore. Every year Willow's heart broke just a little bit more.

"Willow. Look at me."

Willow's head turned to see Buffy's outstretched hand.

The Slayer smiled tenderly. "It's time, Willow."

Willow stared, wondering if she should take the proffered hand yet somehow knowing that this hand held the promise of something more.

Willow edged slightly back, shaking. "I'm afraid."

Bending down, Buffy extended her reach. "Don't be. It won't hurt." The Slayer wiggled her fingers. "C'mon, Wills. It's easy. I promise."

Taking a deep breath, Willow stretched out her withered hand. Her fingertips touched Buffy's and it was warm and comforting like a spring day.

The Slayer lifted her with ease and smiled. "Look." Willow turned to see the old woman's body lying peacefully on the hearth, the emerald dress still sparkling from the firelight. Buffy caressed the freckled smooth cheek. "What you feared would come like a thunderstorm...came with a whisper."

"Is it really true?" Willow raised her youthful hand, gazing in wonder.

"You know it is. You can feel it." And Willow could. She felt like she could run and run, jump and laugh with free abandon.

Buffy tucked a fiery red errant lock of hair behind Willow's ear. "You're coming with me this time."

A wide grin spread across the redhead's face. "You and me? Together? Forever?"

"Forever." Came the soft reply.

Willow smashed their bodies together in a fierce hug, pulling back only to give the Slayer the deepest most intense kiss they had experienced in a long time. Releasing the passionate kiss, the redhead glanced down, scrutinizing her wardrobe peevishly. "If you think I'm wearing one of the dresses my mother picked out for eternity, you've got another thing coming."

The Slayer chuckled. "That's only for the moment. I think the PTB wanted to have a little fun with you before you came with me." Buffy grasped Willow's hand, interlocking their fingers as she led Willow to the door.

Buffy held them upon reaching the doorway, subdued. "You can get so close…intimate… with your loved ones." The Slayer stared deliberately into the redhead's emerald green eyes. "Past lovers can especially be intense."

Willow swallowed hard, nodding. How could she face Tara? After everything she had done…panic began to set in, a practically inaudible whimper escaping.

Tender fingertips traced Willow's brow, easing the anxiety. "Shh, it's okay, Wills," Buffy hushed, "Tara can't wait to see you."

"Honest?" Willow's trepidation began to subside. "She can't wait to see me?"

"On Slayer's honor." Buffy released Willow's hand, and made a motion across her chest. "Cross my heart, and hope to die," And Buffy pretended to spit down at the floor.

Willow leveled Buffy an exasperated look. "Buffy, your heart doesn't beat anymore. You're dead, remember?"

"Well, then see! In that case, it's proof of honor. You know, honor proof!" The blonde grinned. The redhead rolled her eyes, but Buffy logic produced a smile (albeit sardonic) as Willow suspected Buffy already knew.

"Okay, I'll let it go." And Willow did feel better until a sudden thought hit. "Oh! Is she going to be okay with me and you and her and me…you know, us together and me and her together and…"

"Not to worry, Wills. She is absolutely one hundred percent of the fine with it."

"What about you? You won't mind sharing me?" Willow voiced her last anxiety.

"It's all of the good, Will," The Slayer waved her hand dismissively and winked. "Besides, Tara and I have grown quite close."

"Oh, really?" Willow's eyebrows rose, wondering at the implications of Buffy's words.

"Yeah, we hang out." Buffy grabbed Willow's hand, swinging them back and forth. "I think we're forming a deeper bond and stuff. Whether you know it or not, I always had an attraction towards Tara."

A glimmer of surprise flashed across the redhead's features. "Wow. I never knew."

"Yeah. She really was one of the sweetest persons I ever knew." Buffy leaned into Willow's personal space. "Next to you, of course."

Willow's eyes twinkled. Now with the relief of Tara welcoming her, not to mention the acceptance of Buffy and Tara sharing her, Willow began to feel quite giddy. And now? The promise of all three together? Willow was actually beginning to feel her own snoopy dance coming on.

"You're such a sweet taker, Slayer. Are you that way with Tara?"

"Oh you know, now and again." Buffy opened the door. "It's mostly reserved for you though."

"Hmm." The redhead gave Buffy a sweet short kiss and tugged on the blonde's hand. "Well let's go. You can sweet talk us both."

"Yes ma'am!" As they crossed the threshold, Buffy asked, "Anywhere but here, Wills?"

Willow grinned like a Cheshire cat. "You? Me? Tara? Heaven?" Willow sobered a bit, knowing without a doubt her answer.

"Nowhere but here, Buffy, nowhere but here."

Fin