14489/The Darkness...Again!

The Darkness...Again!
Date of Scene:	30 July 2022
Location:	Apartment 312, Hyperion Hotel, Los Altos
Synopsis:	The Scobs all get together to talk about what was going on.
Cast of Characters:	Angel, Buffy Summers, Willow Rosenberg, Faith Lehane

---

Angel has posed:
    Another night. Or so it seems. Angel was wandering around the hotel once more, impatient and wondering a few things. Right now, what was going on, and that nothing was going right. The place was empty. Everyone was gone. It was "The eye of the Storm" right now, and that made Angel...antsy.

Moving behind the nearby desk, Angel flips thought the pages, knowing that was usually one of his team's job. Was it boredom? Or a sense of something coming...another Darkness? Or the fact business was dead right now. No pun intended.

Buffy Summers has posed:
"I mean, I'm not living in the basement but it still feels weird being back home with Mom," Buffy complains as they approach the door to the Hyperion. "But it is what it is. I'm trying to find a job and then may be able to get back out there on my own. Maybe see about going to college again."

She pushed open the door, letting her bestie walk in first then following. Though she was admittedly a little surprised to see Angel right there behind the front desk. Usually he was off skulking around somewhere else. Though perhaps skulking wasn't a fair assessment. But he didn't brood as much as he used to so she wasn't sure what else to call it.

"Hey, Angel."

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
Willow was actually out with Buffy. Boggles! Up to this point she had been in the background letting Buffy figure it out. Plus this way she didn't have to figure out what to do with the boys. Which shouldn't be a problem -- yet it was.

Because Willow.

"Are you liking it at your mom's? Geeze, I couldn't do that." Then again, Willow homelife was very different from Buffy's. As they came up to a familiar building, she squeed a little bit. "Did you plan this?"

Angel has posed:
As the door opens, Angel looks back over his shoulder, maybe a bit too enthusiastically. Yep. Behind the front desk. His expression was one of surprise, for about 3 seconds, and then as he saw Buffy and Willow, it disappears. Moving around the desk, Angel straightens his overcoat, and almost, almost smiles. One step. Two. Closer.

"Buffy." Responding to the Slayer. What was that look? Gone. His eyes move to the left. "Willow." His voice was bereft of emotion. "Hello. What brings you both around to visit me? Is everything okay"

Faith Lehane has posed:
To be honest, Faith didn't actually come to the Hyperion to visit Angel specifically. She just happened to be in the neighborhood. And a few minutes after Buffy and Willow step in, she'd rather not get swept into some goody goody Scooby meeting or something..But the weather suddenly, unexpectedly took a turn for the worst with a rumble of thunder and a downpour of rain.

So she ducked in at the last moment. Hey, they even have a bar here, don't they? Maybe she can grab a drink or something..So she slips in, lurking in the background, checking the place out. Honestly she hasn't been here often, maybe only once or twice. Definitely beats getting soaked to the bone though..

Buffy Summers has posed:
There is always that odd tension in the air when she sees Angel. Even though they have moved on, the feelings are still there under the surface. A necessary evil to leave them behind, a sacrifice for the rest of the world.

She did her best not to focus on that, to put on that happy face she was better known for. "I think everything's okay but not really sure. Willow had something to share so figured kill two birds with one stone."

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
How did she do it anyways?!?

Not that she was surprised - Angel had always had a thing for Buffy. But darn it all, why did nobody notice her? Even with two sexes! Oh well. She was just glad that they all were together.

Even Faith.

Which kind of surprised her. But with the sudden shower outside..

At mention of her news, Willow pinkened. "Well, you know that this was my final year at university. I passed, by the way - before you ask. I've got some news. Next year I am going to Columbia and taking my Master's a dual path.." Always with the dual path (and then some!). "..in computer science and maths. And.. and.. and they are giving me a total ride. I mean the whole way. Tuition, books, allowance - the whole shebang for 4 years if I need it!!"

Angel has posed:
And then. Faith. Coming in out of the rain. That was...unexpected. Swooping towards the desk once more, Angel pours four drinks, one for each guest and himself, and pushes them towards each of his guests. "Ladies. I want to say it is great to have you visit. Things have been...boring...and I know if all of you are here, something is happening."

Angel takes one of the glasses, and nods towards the three remaining on the counter. Strangely enough, each glass contains what each person likes. After all, the Angel with a soul knows each of the woman quite well by this time.

"Faith." A nod. Was that betraying her "hiding in shadows". "Buffy. Something to share?" That was concerning. Angel was all ears. "And Willow. Congratulations." Was that a...nod? "Columbia. Wow. That is good right? A full ride? Good for you. I'm proud of you."

Buffy Summers has posed:
That got a squee out of Buffy and she immediately was hugging Willow. "Wil, why didn't you tell me?!" Which was obvious, because she wanted it to be a surprise for everyone. But it was still hard getting caught so off guard. "Congratulations! A full ride to Columbia is insane. Course, doesn't surprise me. You've always been the best!"

And the thing is, she meant it. Willow often felt like she wasn't enough. But she was so far beyond what Buffy was. Sure, Buffy was a Slayer. Yet Willow was super smart, determined, focused. A lot of things that Buffy didn't see reflected in herself.

She did glance over at Faith, giving a nod to the other woman. But with this good news, even the presence of the other Slayer wasn't enough to bring her down. She picked up her drink and held it up. "A toast to Willow for all her awesomeness!"

Faith Lehane has posed:
Faith Lehane shakes herself off like a wet dog, and at least she was thoughtful to stand in the front porch rather than closer in where everyone else might just get sprayed. "Phew! It's a jungle out there! Well, more like a monsoon, or something." She smirks at Angel, "Yo Angel..Wow, looks like the whole gang is here, minus X-man! What is this, a Scooby emergency meeting?" she looks amused as she steps towards the bar, accepting the drink with a grin and a wink, "Well gee, how generous of you, were you expecting guests, Angel?"

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
Of course, Willow's is Long Island Iced Tea .. without the long island! Okay - sometimes she /did/ like the long island! But Buffy isn't used to /that/ Willow. Heck, some days neither was Willow!

"The funny thing was, I applied late. They were the only place I tried, figuring I would have to try again next year. And a package came for me, registered mail. It was weird! I didn't even open it till the next week."

Now she looked embarrassed. "Thanks Angel. Buffy. I didn't know how to tell you Buffy. I've only told one person so far."

Angel has posed:
Sipping his drink, a crimson red fluid, Angel subconsciously wipes his left arm across his lips, knowing the ladies would be uncomfortable about it. Willow and Buffy hugging made him pause, and truly smile.

Angel admired their friendship and made sure it was non-alcoholic "Long Island Iced Tea". "Yes. Agreed! This is worth celebrating! Congratulations Willow. We're going to miss you!"

As Buffy raises a glass, Angel nods, grabs his glass, and looks over at Faith, he waits.

As Faith picks up her drink, Angel says softly, "Always Faith. Generous and expecting guests." Even more quiet, meant only for her... "Good to see you Faith." Pushing his glass higher, Angel says, "To Willow!"

Buffy Summers has posed:
That immediately had Buffy wondering who Willow had told. But she realized that was her being selfish and didn't ask. All that mattered was Willow had gotten great news. Although, going to Columbia was just furthering that distance between them. That Buffy didn't like. She just wasn't sure how to fix it.

Buffy took a sip of her drink and then glanced over to Faith. "No Scooby meeting. Willow just had good news to share. Though I had no idea what that news was until now," she added with a grin to the redhead. Then she looked back to Faith. "How've you been, Faith?"

Faith Lehane has posed:
Faith Lehane probably went for something stronger, dry red wine or something else she can get drunk on..With enough glasses, so hopefully Angel keeps them coming. She listens rather boredly to the two girls getting excited over...School. What's up with that? It causes the rogue slayer to smirk a bit. "Geez, I don't remember the last decade I was in school. Good riddance, I say."nope! not an academic gal, this one..

She grins and winks at Angel, raising her glass to him, "Likewise! Was wondering where you ran off to the other night, when we were trying to talk to Thomas.." she shrugs, "Oh well, he seems to have calmed down for a bit at least."

As for Buffy, she just shrugs and grins, "Never better, B! Can't complain, life is good." well, if you count managing to scrounge a bit for odd jobs here and there, and not getting kicked out of the latest crappy hotel getup. "What you been up to? I hear you got some weirdo selective amnesia or something."

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
"Don't worry! I plan on sticking around. It's just in New York." She'll make it work! One of the top Universities wanted /her/. Da..darn straight Willow will make it work! The only people left to tell were her parents, and that was going to /hard/. Already she could imagine the questions they will ask.

Maybe she could tell that when she took the Thanksgiving break?

The only thing that she had to share was minimal in comparison. "I'm helping a pseudo-friend.." Henri de Fontainebleau. "With a problem. I'll tell you later." And she shuts up.

Angel has posed:
Angel looks at Buffy. Then at Faith. Then at Buffy. Then at Willow. Then at Faith. Sips his drink and doesn't say anything. It was a moment. It was important to let it happen without interference.

Then, a moment. "Thomas. Yeah. Something to talk about." A pause. "Sorry I had to run. Faith. Stuff." That seems to be a regular event.

A pause. His eyes look at Willow and his eyebrow shoots up. Henri de Fontainebleau? Hmmm. For later?

"I am happy to see you all. It is...what it us. "

Buffy Summers has posed:
"It'll give me more reason to visit New York City," Buffy decides as she grins over at Willow.

Then Faith draws her attention and she considers mention of Thomas. A glance to Angel, the curiosity there, then back to Faith. At this point she knew of Thomas, had spoken to him, but she didn't /know/ Thomas like she had at one time. "Not sure how selective it is. It's apparently the last two or three years. All of it gone. Flash of light then poof, I'm back in Psych 101 and Willow is graduating so there it is. We haven't been able to figure out what happened yet. Still trying though," she adds.

She smiles to Angel, giving a nod. "Been a while since we all spent time. It's good to see you too. What have you been up to?" Then she looks over to Faith as well, making it known the question was aimed for her, Angel, Willow...anyone that wanted to answer!

Faith Lehane has posed:
Faith Lehane chuckles at Willow, who seems excited about school stuff. Weird. "Well. Congratulations! Better you than me." she finishes off her wine surprisingly quickly, and helps herself to another glass, cuz the bottle's just kinda sitting there looking lonely. "Mm, this is pretty good wine, Angel! I should come here more often, too bad the place is pretty dead.."

Buffy is given an arched brow and a shake of the head, "Three years..? Wow that's harsh. You think some demon stole your memories or something? Couldn't imagine what that must feel like.." well, she doesn't have a lot of fond memories that she'd miss but..

She shrugs at the comment, deciding not to mention that she's not 'part of the crew' or anything. "Not much, just looking for a steady income for a change. I mean, I just 'take' whatever I want but it'd be nice not having to scramble for rent for a change. So, living with your mom again, huh? How's that going?"

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
Willow wrinkles her nose at Angel "It's a personal favour."

She looks to Buffy, and back to Angel. "Buffy wasn't able to help when we found the problem." Back to Buffy. "Well, you weren't. And besides it is kinda a witch problem. Like burning witches. I think we've got it handled?"

No, she's not sure of it at all.

Then the others speak about Thomas. She was the only one who knew several sides of him. After all, she'd known him for 3 years now because of Buffy. Without the memory loss, or the dating him!

As Faith flips the conversation, to Buffy, Willow sips her drink.

Angel has posed:
"It has been too long since we spent time together Buffy. I miss this." A pause. "It is good to see you. To see everyone." Buffy. Willow. Faith. "I've been up to the same as always. Helping people who need me. Same as you. And Willow."

"I am okay with personal favours," Angel smiles at Willow. "You can as me for anything you know that."

His eyes find Faith. "And Faith."

Faith finishes her wine, and Angel holds up the bottle, ready to refill. "For you Faith, always the best! It is kind of dead here...I think that is a pun." He smirks... "Anyone want another drink?"

"Faith. Always could use a Slayer on my team. Wesley and Fred would love to have you aboard."

Buffy Summers has posed:
Burning witches and witch problem. Those were not good words used together. "Sorry I couldn't help." Even if she couldn't remember it. Helping was kind of her thing. "But if you need me in a way that doesn't involve the magic mojo, you know I'm always here."

She glanced to Faith and gave a little shrug. "It's not great. Between Mom and Dawn, I really miss being somewhere else. I love them but damn." And that about summed it up for her.

"So both of us are job hunting. Huh." Weird to think of her and Faith doing the same sort of thing. "If I find something, I'll let you know too." Not that she sees her and Faith working in the same place but it is the right thing to do.

Though when Angel makes his offer, she glances his way in surprise. Not like she could be that Slayer. It was already complicated enough when she saw Angel. So it made sense for Faith to fill those shoes in this circumstance.

Faith Lehane has posed:
Faith Lehane arches a brow at Willow, "What's that, a witch problem?" she shrugs helplessly, working on her second glass of wine. "Yeah sorry can't help you there, I'm more of a demon slayer myself."

Angel is given a long thoughtful look and she grins, "Ooh, would I get paid and how much? If it involves beating up demons, count me in!" she chuckles, "Never got to know Fred at length, and Wes is.." well her former Watcher, a failed one at that. It causes her to chuckle a bit, waving a hand, "Ooh, I'm sure he'd be 'delighted' to see me. Again."

Buffy is given a curious arched brow, "Oh yeah? You finished college B? Woulda thought all that extra education would have paid off.."

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
*blink blink*

"You don't remember!" Faith wouldn't care less. Angel might care? But Buffy would! "Golly. I've been invited to join the Justice League. And I've taken a job at the X-Corporation. The only person who isn't a mutant!"

So many things the old Buffy knew - but not the new Buffy.. Old-old Buffy?

"You should take the job, Faith." But that still leaves Buffy - who, understandably, couldn't go back to her old job with Thomas. "You could take all my shifts at the Magic Box, Buffy?"

Buffy Summers has posed:
And suddenly the tables are turned. Buffy finds herself as the opposite from what had been the balance of the Scoobies. At one time, she was the center. The one with everything going for her--if one didn't quibble about that shortened life span expectancy.

Now she was the one living at home with her parents and unemployed. At Faith's question, she shook her head. But that smile was in place, not letting on to the undercurrents in her head. "I didn't finish college. I was apparently in my last year. But with the loss of time I don't remember anything so I dropped out for now. I don't think any amount of cramming will get four years into my brain for me to pass the finals necessary." She shrugged.

Then Willow made her suggestion and she had to consider it. "Yeah, I could do that. It's a start! I'll give Giles a call tomorrow. Today. Whenever it's daylight in England. See if he's good with it." She figured he would be but still.

Then a look to Willow. "Justice League I vaguely remember you had helped them right? I didn't know you joined up. And X-Corporation! I really need to get you all to write up a list of things I should know and keep a notebook."

Faith Lehane has posed:
Faith Lehane blinks in surprise, staring at Buffy with wide eyes, "Woah, are you serious? You don't even remember college? It's got to be some sort of memory demon.." she slaps her hands together, "We should find it and teach it a lesson, you know what I mean? Before it robs anyone else's memories.."

Willow is given a surprised look, "Wow, you mean *that* Justice league? With Superman and them? How did you get involved with them? That's pretty impressive." Faith has no idea what this X-Corp is all about though..

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
Willow doesn't know how to fix the problem. On the hand, telling Buffy about /everything/ wasn't the best solution. Neither does not telling her.

And Faith? There was a whole different problem that Willow couldn't fix. Which made her feel even more worse.

She took her three-quarters empty glass, and asked Angel for a refill. With real Long Island this time!

"I helped them get Superman back." Willow tells Faith. "And Wonder Woman. But that was a different time. Normally I just take my turn with the Watchtower."

Buffy Summers has posed:
"If we find out it's a demon like that, it definitely will be dusted." Then Buffy considers. "If it dusts. Probably doesn't dust." Since that was more vampire and less demon. They just often made a mess that had to be buried in a hole somewhere. "But no, I don't remember after the first year of college. At least I think that's what we added up."

She turns her attention back to Willow. "Superman! Yes, that was what I remembered." But she didnt' remember anything with Wonder Woman. Or much more than that. She gave a little shrug, trying to just put it all in perspective. "You need to get me a tour of the Watchtower. Totally abuse your position to help our your bestie," she teases.

Faith Lehane has posed:
Faith Lehane is already reaching for her third wine glass, not taking her time at all to chug it all down. "Ooh, you saved Superman AND Womder Woman? Wow, way to go Willow!" she lifts her glass in celebration to her, "Guess I underestimated you." she winks at her, having already finished half the glass.

Buffy's comment gets her frowning again, "Well gee that sucks. Maybe Angel can help you figure out who or what it is..With my help of course. So is that a job offer, Angel?" she turns to him but he's fine and done that weird vanishing act he likes to do sometimes. "Geez that guy is Soo mysterious."

With a yawn, she chugs down the rest of the wine, glancing at her watch. "Well, looks like the rain has finally stopped, so I'm gonna head out. See y'all later!" she waves as she gets to her feet and heads for the door.

Angel has posed:
Angel listens to everything, and takes a moment to absorb it all. "This is...wow. Thank you for coming. Buffy. Willow. Faith." As she leaves. "We need to do this again. And Faith, it is a job offer." Angel watches as she heads out.

His eyes find Buffy and Willow. "I am glad you came." Angel pours the last of the drinks, topping up the glasses, if each person wishes.

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
"Wonder Woman was something like you. Did you know that? A goddess stole her away, and put a doppelganger in her place. We only found out because she was finally doing things that made no sense. We rescued her then on a Greek island."

Ok. Very small bits of the story were parallel.

But the other part Willow grins at. "Sure! I can take you anyday. Well, maybe when Batman isn't there."