Going through changes

Bad news? That didn't sound too good. Following Connor she could kind off remember where everything was, but it was hard remembering many details with everything filling her mind. Sitting down she muttered a quiet, "thank you," to Connor, sending him a faint smile before he left to get them some tea. She smiled, because that wasn't something she had had in a while.
Leona went on to explain what happened, but she found it hard to emote. Her mouth just parting, but she felt bad because her aunt clearly sounded distressed about it. "I've met with Amos and Saoirse ... My daughter is more clever than I think we give her credit for, but she found me - and of course where she goes Amos always seem to follow," she said, a sad smile on her face, as she frowned a little bit. Her aunt was so kind, always being there for her when she needed it, and Buffy felt like she had betrayed her in a way. "They are alright, considering the circumstances, but both of them have become infected," she said. It was clear that she wished she could take that burden from them, but alas, she had yet to discover her full potential.
Leona urged her to tell everything, and so she did her best, but keeping it a little vague for the sake of Baal and his safety. "I don't want to think that I am crazy, auntie," she sighed, hearing Connor enter and the warm scent of tea in the air. It all felt so familiar. "But you need to trust that I am still me, and that I am still the daughter of your sister," she hoped that her aunt would perhaps put aside her prejudice for a small while.
Buffy started to explain everything with Simeon, how he had forced Baal to consume her soul and everything with the Abyssus. She told her aunt of the fight to get back, to stop everything from collapsing into nothingness and how Baal had changed. But she didn't stop there, she explained how something in her had changed, and that was why she was blinded right now. Keeping out the stories with the cultists, she told her of the safehouse they had created - although never telling of it's location. "So you see auntie, a lot has happened ... But I fear that the journey is far from over," a small sigh as she took the cup of tea that was handed to her, lifting it to take a sip. Thank god she could still withstand heat or it would be strange of her to just let her tea go cold. "Belial and I have a plan ... To destroy the temple of Bael, and stop this glorification of a god that cares not for his own creation," she said, not knowing how such a question would fare, but here went nothing, "would you help us in that cause?"

"We have perfectly capable healers at our disposal ... I am one myself," she said breathing out in a sigh. As she heard her aunt's reaction, part of her feared that it had been wrong to come here. But without the numbers, they would surely fail. "Something needs to be done," she said firmly, sounding almost as adamant as her own mother had once sounded. "If we don't act now, then my daughter, our family; Everyone with a slight connection to daemons will continue to suffer - you cannot tell me that is the way things are, because I refuse to see my little girl in more pain." It was perfectly clear that she had made up her mind, and she trusted Baal in all of this. "You know how much we have shielded Saoirse ... How it's not even her own parents that are on her birth certificate ... How she has to hide away a big part of herself just to fit in?" she shook her head as she could only remember the countless nights where she had to comfort her own child who felt so torn. "I know I am not a perfect mother, but if I do not do this for her and for the countless others like her then I am no better than a stranger on the streets."
Buffy breathed out, looking down as she felt her emotions run off with her. She could feel her eyes burn, but she wasn't sure what it was. "What Baal and I have isn't something unnatural, it is the real deal, and I refuse to believe that there isn't some sort of meaning to why we are together; You yourself have heard the stories of when Verity and Bael will reunite."

"Just because it's their way of life doesn't mean it's a good one, or even a life worth living," she retaliated. How could her aunt sound so heartless? Did she really hate daemons so much that she didn't care about their lifetimes being so filled with suffering? Buffy refused to believe that anyone had to go through what Baal had to, what Amos and his mother had to endure. It didn't seem fair to have a life of pain and then an afterlife with more suffering. However her aunt seemed to give in, wishing to aid them, but as Connor chimed in, Buffy felt a little surprised. Connor had taken a big step back from being around Saoirse, and why Buffy hadn't quite figured out. It seemed as though Saoirse had made up her mind to be with Amos, but that didn't remove the bond that was tied to Connor.
"You won't have to lie, auntie ... You think that it is going to be the end, but I know in my heart that this is the beginning of something more important; A united world where it doesn't matter what race you have, a world were I can be with Baal and not fear that someone will take our children away," she said, reaching her hand out as she had gotten a feeling of where her aunt was. Touching her hand, Buffy was warmer than usual, but this was more important. "As descendants of Verity it is our duty to help others, and the daemons have suffered for long enough for a sin they never committed in the first place."

Many things could be said about Connor and Buffy's relationship, but the two of them had always seemed to somehow get each other. In a way that Buffy couldn't even connect with her own brother. "I have one more favor to ask," she said knowing she had already asked for so much, but this last thing was what she needed the most. "When all of this is over I want to be included in the seraphim sides of our family," she said, knowing it was a stretch. Buffy had never really been involved with that side too much, but she felt like she needed to if they were to truly be a family. "I don't need to know the ins and outs of everything, but I want to be a part of that world just as much as my brother has been these last few years," she said looking from her cousin to her aunt.

Leona knew that Connor and Buffy had a special bond but it really wasnt what she needed right in this moment. She however sighed and nodded, which made the seraph smile bright before he took a sip of his mug. The mention of another favour made her turn her head to her niece, folding her hands on her lap before she spoke, "I'm listening," she said as a nod wouldnt suffice. However what Buffy asked was just as complicated as the first thing. Connor didnt seem to hesitate though, looking at his mother with determined eyes. "Both Buffy and Tessa should be included from here on out. The old rules dont work in this time of age," he remarked. Leona unfolded her hands and lifted them to rub her temples. "Oh, how I wish I could indulge in this youthful rebellion," she muttered before she looked at Connor and then Buffy. "I cant do much else than put it forward for the council,"

"It's not a rebellion, it's a long needed change of the system we've just learned to accept," she reminded her aunt, but as she gave in Buffy couldn't help but smile. It felt so good to hear her speak, even if it was just an agreeance to try, it was the first step to change. "Thank you, auntie," she said in a genuine voice. It felt like a huge weight had been taken off her shoulders, but now she felt that she had so much more to do. She had to prepare, she had to make sure everything was in order.
"Speaking of Tessa, where is she?" she asked, knowing that her cousin would usually come running down the stairs when they had guests.

"The Buffy cut?" she had to repeat, smiling a little as she chuckled. Gods, how she wished she could see that. Breathing out she shook her head, touching her own hair that was getting a bit long. But it wasn't like she had had much time to think about it. Things had moved so fast, and her last haircut were so many months ago at this point. "It might just be the Tessa cut now, seeing as I'm not really keeping up with it, huh?" she chuckled, but she wished her life could be so simple again. But there was really no turning back now.
"Maybe I should leave ... Before she gets here, I don't-" she said, taking a deep breath, "I just don't want to disappoint her image of me." Buffy had always seen Tessa as her baby sister, the one that always looked up to her in some way or another. And the last thing she wanted to do right now was ruin the image that her cousin had in her head about her.

It felt weird to be here, knowing that she looked the way she did. It hadn't bothered her when it had just been her, Baal and the cultists, but having her family see how she had transformed like this felt weird. She knew she would eventually get to cut her hair again, but it hadn't been a priority. Nothing but the work her and Baal had done. She missed looking herself in the mirror and recognizing herself. Not that she did it much while being blind, but she could only imagine how changed she looked. Her family urged her to stay, but maybe it was for the better to go, even if they encouraged her to stay.
Then the door opened, and Buffy already knew it was too late to run now. She got up from her seat, holding her balance quite well as she turned her body in the direction the sound had come from. "Tessie?" she called out, feeling her nerves tickle her fingers. She desperately wanted to just see her little cousin.

Tessa had been out with Theodosia to finish up some homework that she needed to do. Frankly she had just been expecting to get home, announce her arrival and then just go off to her room to edit her photos. But she heard a familiar voice call out, dropping her bag next to the stairs as she went to be sure she was hearing right. As she saw the former fenix, her eyes widened before she squealed happily, running up to hug her close. Sure the whole Buffy being obviously blind was going to get to her but for now she was enjoying the reunion. "Oh my god, I've missed you so much!" she exclaimed into the fabric of her cousin's shoulder, holding her close for a little longer before moving away to look at her. She frowned a little, but then grabbed her cousin's hand and lead it to her face. That was how blind people saw things? She looked shortly at Connor, who just shrugged and gestured for her to find out herself. "What's up with the blindfold?" she then asked.

Buffy felt her eyes well up a little, but it wasn't visible to the others. Feeling Tessa's arms around her felt so good. She couldn't even remember the last time they had hugged, but Buffy wrapped her arms around her cousin, smiling in to her shoulder, "missed you too," seh confessed in a hushed whisper. Being pulled out of the hug she felt her hands being guided, chuckling a bit as she couldn't read her features or anything, but she could feel the short hair. It felt so strange, not feeling how her hair had normally seemed to go on forever.
"I'm blind for a while," she said, knowing that it was a bit confusing for all involved. "But I can't wait to see your hair ... I can already tell it suits you," she said, smiling as she thought back to when they were younger. Chuckling a bit she shook her head a little. "I still remember when I had cut my hair for the first time and you were so upset because you thought I was going to look like a boy," she smiled, touching the ends of Tessa's hair gently with her fingertips. "How we've grown."

The young valkyrie was definitely a bit teary eyed from the reunion, and even more did she chuckle as Buffy disclosed that the blindness wasnt forever. "Thank Verity. I would have cried if you were actually going to tell me that it would be this way forever," she admitted, to then smile a little shyly as Buffy complimented the hair. It was definitely out of her comfort zone, but she was liking it so far. The mention of their childhood made Tessa groan before she laughed, holding onto Buffy, "You did look like a boy! For the first week or so until it just became a part of you," she remarked as she remembered having a lot of trouble with accepting the hair at first. "But I can see that you've let yours grow," she then said as she looked at her cousins hair. She hummed and then shook her head. "No can do, it wont be the Buffy cut if you dont have it," she said like she was considering something or rather planning.

"I did not look like a boy, not more than you did with your hair down to the floor," she chuckled, but as the valkyrie kept talking, it was clear she had a scheme. "You want to cut my hair, is that it?" she asked, but she wasn't opposed to it. Buffy had never been picky about when and where she got her hair cut, mostly because she always felt confident enough to pull anything off.
If that was indeed Tessa's plan, she couldn't help but giggle a bit, running her hand down her cousin's arm until she had a hold of her elbow. "C'mon I don't have to see to know you are scheming," she said.

"You totally did! It was so hard to tell you and Xander apart sometimes!" she teased her with a chuckle, obviously not meaning it. "That's so not true," Connor argued as he was reading a book but obviously listening in. It was definitely true that she had a scheme brewing in her head. She looked a little surprised as Buffy seemed to catch on to it rather quickly. "Maybe I do?" she said in a devious tone. She however knew she wasnt the best at keeping secrets, not innocent ones like this at least. "Yes, I do want to cut your hair, because it just looks so good on you!" she finally admitted, hearing Connor snicker from the couch. She sent him a short stare before she looked at her cousin again. "Would you let me? Are you busy?" she asked, trying not to sound too eager, though she was exactly that.

Her hand gesturing to Connor, almost as a thank you for your support, before chuckling along. It felt good. It felt like she was still just their cousin and not some stranger. Of course catching on to Tessa's ideas was always easy, but in this case, it was a bit harder without her sight. Breathing out in a small sigh before shrugging. "I'll always have time for you, you know that," she said rather sincerely. It was late, but not terribly so, and if Buffy timed it right she could perhaps go home soon enough. Or rather, home to Baal. She could feel him, almost as if he was right next to her, but she knew he wasn't.
"Just give in and show how eager you are already," she giggled, giving her arm a little squeeze.

Tessa's eyes lit up as Buffy confirmed that she did in fact have time for her. She could almost jump around and make a scene from just how happy she felt. This was definitely the biggest highlight of the day and Tessa always seemed to have many. As Buffy urged her to give in, she giggled and pulled her cousin with her, telling Connor to come along as well now that Buffy was here with them. The seraph was a little hesitant but followed as Tessa guided Buffy up to her bedroom. The bathroom would have been better but Tessa wouldnt mind cleaning up the mess later. "Alright, let me get a chair," the valkyrie said before leaving the two of them. Connor watched her leave before he chuckled and crossed his arms. Then he frowned a little because he hadnt been able to ask when Leona was there. "How's Saoirse?"

Buffy was being led through the house, up the stairs and in to Tessa's room. Or she at least presumed it was her room as she spoke about going to get a chair. She stood still, thinking she was alone before Connor spoke. Breathing out through her nose she shook her head. "She's surviving," was all she could really say right now, taking a few seconds to gather her mind. Holding her hand out to her cousin for him to take, she gave it a soft squeeze. "She hates me, but she's alive and I'm doing everything to heal her," she whispered, not wanting to speak too loudly just in case. It was clear that Buffy was upset. She hadn't let herself cry about it or even feel it fully, because she constantly had something to do. But now was a vulnerable moment.
"Do you want me to say something to her from you? A message or?" she asked, because maybe that was what he wanted. And perhaps it would make Saoirse happy to know that her family was missing her too.

Hearing that she was surviving wasnt exactly a nerve settling reply. But it would have to do in these times. Connor had seen the state up at the temples so survival wasnt really that bad of a state. He took her hand and held it, frowning a little at her whisper as he shook his head. "She could never hate you, Buffy?" he argued quietly but clearly confident in his words. From what he had seen, it was very hard to believe that the trybrid could really hate anyone. But he had felt her anger and how she had been hurting. The question made him hum before he instinctively nodded to then realize. "Yes. Uhm... Tell her that I'm sorry. Like really sorry, I've let her down and I know it," he said before he sighed and gave Buffy's hand a little squeeze. ".. Tell her... That it's okay if she's upset with me now. And that she has every right to. But I do intend to make up for it when everything has settled down,"

Buffy found it hard to believe, but she was thankful that her cousin gave her some comfort, even though she didn't believe that she deserved it. However as Connor went on to explain his message, she knew it was one that wasn't going to be received well. At least not if Amos caught wind of it. "I'll tell her ... But I don't think words will be enough for her," she confessed, knowing it wasn't what Connor wanted to hear. Saoirse had been so hurt knowing that Connor was avoiding her, and seeing her daughter like that made Buffy really disappointed in her cousin. "Look, whatever the two of you had or have ... She will come around eventually; But I don't think it will ever be the same, I'm sorry," she said. If she knew her daughter well enough, then she was just as stubborn as Buffy herself was. She knew that once Saoirse had committed to something, she wasn't going to let go of that.

"You've really let it grow huh?" she asked as she gently touched her cousin's hair, feeling the softness between her fingers. It was almost a crime to cut something this smooth and well kept, but she had to if Buffy had to upkeep her iconic haircut. She got a brush and grabbed a handful of hair before she gently started brushing it through. "So, how's life? You're in the chair of gossip now, so you have to spill all the juicy deets of everyday life," she said as if things were just like they used to.