Fronted a punk band back in the day. Had worse sleeping conditions than that.
[ But she's not wrong and it's frustrating. The best thing they can all do right now is stay in their respective homes and wait this out. But then she looks down the way she does, as if she's contemplating something and when she finally speaks---he wishes she hadn't.
[She knows she has a point about not gathering all in one spot. There's strength in numbers, yes, but there's something to be said as well for spreading themselves out to force him to divide his attention. They all have their own strengths, and she's confident he won't be able to breach their wards.
Mostly.
The cold knot of dread she feels in the pit of her stomach is artificial. It's just the effect of Tara's accidental touch earlier in the month, and logically Willow knows this, even in moments like this when it threatens to become overwhelming. It's not much consolation, but at least she can find comfort in knowing if something does happen, the people she cares for will be looked after until she returns.]
I know... I know...
[She looks up at him, and tries to offer a reassurance she doesn't really feel.]
[ There's a niggling feeling. The kind that makes the hair on the back of his neck go up. The feeling of something looming on the horizon. A storm he can taste in the air but the sky is bright and blue and shining. ]
Course it will, sweetheart. You'll see, we'll be back to normal before you can blink. This'll just be a bad memory.
[ Shifting to draw her in for a more firm hug, he holds on maybe a bit longer and a bit tighter than he might normally. As if he can dispel or take on the upset rippling through her by touch alone. He rubs her back with one hand and kisses the side of her head. ]
Now, you ought to get home before it's too late, yeah? You let me know when you're there safe and I'll text in the morning to check in. [ He swallows thickly. ] Off with you.
Yeah. Like all things, this, too, will pass, right?
[She lets him draw her into a hug, and she returns it. It's supposed to be comforting, but under the influence of Tara's unintentional touch, she feels absolutely nothing. Somehow, it makes her feel worse, knowing she should feel differently, but she buries it, and pulls away when he tells her she should go.]
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[ But she's not wrong and it's frustrating. The best thing they can all do right now is stay in their respective homes and wait this out. But then she looks down the way she does, as if she's contemplating something and when she finally speaks---he wishes she hadn't.
Mouth set in a grim line, all he can do is nod. ]
You know I will.
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Mostly.
The cold knot of dread she feels in the pit of her stomach is artificial. It's just the effect of Tara's accidental touch earlier in the month, and logically Willow knows this, even in moments like this when it threatens to become overwhelming. It's not much consolation, but at least she can find comfort in knowing if something does happen, the people she cares for will be looked after until she returns.]
I know... I know...
[She looks up at him, and tries to offer a reassurance she doesn't really feel.]
It'll be fine.
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Course it will, sweetheart. You'll see, we'll be back to normal before you can blink. This'll just be a bad memory.
[ Shifting to draw her in for a more firm hug, he holds on maybe a bit longer and a bit tighter than he might normally. As if he can dispel or take on the upset rippling through her by touch alone. He rubs her back with one hand and kisses the side of her head. ]
Now, you ought to get home before it's too late, yeah? You let me know when you're there safe and I'll text in the morning to check in. [ He swallows thickly. ] Off with you.
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[She lets him draw her into a hug, and she returns it. It's supposed to be comforting, but under the influence of Tara's unintentional touch, she feels absolutely nothing. Somehow, it makes her feel worse, knowing she should feel differently, but she buries it, and pulls away when he tells her she should go.]
Yeah. It won't take me long to get back.
[She nods and forces a small smile.]
I'll send a message as soon as I'm in.