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A collab between [@Sadie] & [@Hedgehawk]
Featuring [color=lightblue]Willow Shirnock[/color] & [color=00FFFF]Carlisle Aston[/color][/center]



The party had been absolutely fantastic. The ending of the ceremony saw Willow in front of the stage, a large grin on her face. She continued to applaud her man and was overly enthusiastic about her praise. It was time for her to rejoin him. When he finally made his way off the stage, she hurried over to him and wrapped her arms around his neck in a hug. [color=lightblue]”You did fantastic!”[/color]

Stepping back, she held him at arms’ length and beamed at him. He seemed a little pale and slightly out of breath, but she warranted it to his nerves. Willow bounced a little on her heels and only had eyes for Carlisle. [color=lightblue]”You were beyond perfect. Congratulations!”[/color]

Carlisle let out a slight gasp at being pulled into the hug. He returned it in kind, wrapping his arms around her and keeping her there for a moment. As she went to pull away, Carlisle released her and looked her up and down once more, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Tonight had been a rollercoaster, as he had more than enough drama for one night. Willow however was the one person that he could lean on. A constant in his life. Sure they had been going out for just under a month at this point, but she had been around him for the most tense couple of weeks of his entire life. He would be nothing without her right now. 

Trailing his arms across her body as she stepped back, Carlisle nodded a little at her comments. [color=00FFFF]"I am fairly sure I just telegraphed to the whole of Witch-kind my mommy issues"[/color] Carlisle nervously chuckled back in an attempt to brush off his own insecurity as humour. Carlisle then closed his eyes and took a deep breath, feeling a wave of energy escape his body, leaving behind only exhaustion. Letting his mind empty of thoughts for a brief second, allowed him to maintain concentration on his double prison spell. Opening his eyes to see Willow there smiling at him and bouncing on her heels, forced him into a smile. 

[color=00FFFF]"Can we sit down for a little bit? I need to decompress before the dance and rebalance myself"[/color]

As she studied him, there was something else holding him back that he was talking about. Was it just the nerves of tonight? No, there was something else. Willow used her background and experience as she took in his appearance. He was definitely under great stress. With a nod of her head, she grabbed his hand and squeezed it before leading him over to a small sitting area. She crossed her legs at the knee as she searched his face, her brows furrowed in concern. [color=lightblue]”Are you feeling okay? You know you can talk to me.”[/color]

Carlisle sat down next to Willow, brushing his hand along the edge of his hair, brushing a few rouge stands back into place. [color=00FFFF]"What is supposed to be a big celebration has turned into a night of drama and revelations"[/color] Where did he even begin? Also how much did he reveal? There had been so much going on, involving so many people. Alot of this wasn't his place to say. [color=00FFFF]"Well to start with. My mother is alot more sick than I thought. Some of her previous choices were revealed. It doesn't directly affect me, so I don't want to start spreading information."[/color] Carlisle looked down for a second [color=00FFFF]"All I can say is that it has made my job interesting from day one. I am sure it will be the talk of the town soon.[/color] Carlisle's mind drifted to Lilith and Miles. It was a complex situation. One that he could barely figure out how to navigate, so he couldn't even begin to figure out how they were going to take it. Carlisle couldn't do much, only ensure that Salem stayed away and kept other coven leaders away from the situation.

Her brows furrowed even further in concern when he stated tonight had become one with some drama. She had expected at least a speck of drama- with this many people, it was practically a given. Willow tilted her head and just listened to him. She didn’t understand what his mother had to do with this- hell, she hadn’t even seen Amanda tonight. Then again, that could be a huge problem. She was the one who was supposed to handle the ceremony with Carlisle, and she wasn’t there. With a slight breath, she nodded her head and slid her hand back into his. She squeezed it as she searched his face. [color=lightblue]”I’m sorry to hear about your mother. I know it’s hard for you, dealing with her. But you are a strong, courageous coven leader now. You are more capable of things than you think. I believe in you, Car.”[/color]

Feeling the hand squeeze, Carlisle let out a soft sigh. Feeling her touch calmed him down slightly. [color=00FFFF]"You might be one of the few who does believe in me."[/color] Carlisle would raise his one hand, brushing it along the side of her face. [color=00FFFF]"So I discovered my mother had been using enchantment magic to get me to fall in love with Lilith. She had been trying to get us together so we would make powerful children. But it explains why I had gone from just being best Friends for two years to suddenly wanting to get together over the summer. It feels weird having the answer. But now I just feel like a sucker. You know"[/color] Carlisle hasn't truly decompressed after learning that information. The night had been a whirlwind, and now was the first time he could stop for a second and actually unravel his thoughts. 

Willow had to hold back the little school girl squeal when he brushed his hand along her face. She grinned back at him before slightly leaning her face into it, enjoying the comfort for just a moment longer. Then, her grin faltered a bit as he spoke. He was enchanted? He- [color=lightblue]”So you really weren’t in love with her. Your mother- [i]enchanted[/i] you?”[/color] She continued to blink at that information. The news made her feel so much lighter. Maybe she didn’t have to compete with Lilith anymore. A small grin stretched across her face before she quickly hid it. He needed her to be there for him, not giddy over the fact that she wasn’t a rebound anymore. She reached up with her free hand, dragging the back of her knuckles lightly against his jaw. [color=lightblue]”That’s awful. You’re not a sucker at all, your mother did a terrible thing. You were enchanted, none of what happened is your fault.”[/color]

Carlisle blushed ever so slightly as he felt her knuckles brush against his jaw. Her skin touching him seemed to send off massive explosions of serotonin across his body. Each second they touched only made him long for her more. He raised his free arm, holding her hand against his jaw for a few extra seconds before then letting her go. [color=00FFFF]"Well, I don't think Lilith would accept that if I told her that was the reason. I was enchanted, but those actions I did were still mine even if I wasn't in full control…"[/color] In all honesty he wasn't looking forward to that conversation with Lilith. He was already imagining the lecture he was going to get from her. It was crazy to think the pair had been best friends for over two years given the way they had interacted in the past month. 

[color=00FFFF]"That was only the start though. Quite tame really. My mother had another child… And she is here."[/color] Carlisle didn't know how else to blurt it out. The only thing he could do was be direct.

Willow blinked at that information. She sat back in her seat, her hand dropping from Carlisle’s face. There was another Aston child? She looked around the room for anyone she didn’t recognize and came up empty. Furrowing her brows in question, she looked back to the man in front of her and shook her head. [color=lightblue]”She’s here? Where- why now? Is she- I mean-”[/color] She huffed out a breath. [color=lightblue]”Where is she?”[/color] A sudden Aston child popping up during the Handover ceremony seemed incredibly suspicious to her. It was all too terribly convenient. 

Carlisle could see that Willow wasn't impressed by this sudden revelation. Though Carlisle was struggling to understand exactly what was going through her mind or how Willow was feeling. Pulling his hand back he let out a deep sigh [color=00FFFF]"She is in here"[/color] Carlisle motioned, tapping his forehead to reveal his mental prison. [color=00FFFF]"She threatened you, I couldn't really stand it. So I locked her up. I also locked my mother up after her own revelations. So yeah, trying to concentrate on a double spell is making me very exhausted."[/color]] Carlisle would rub his face lightly, his skin tone was pale at this point, bordering on pure white. [color=00FFFF]"But I couldn't risk them doing anything to disrupt the ceremony"[/color]

She was in his head? Along with his mother? Gods, no wonder he looked ashen and worn out. Willow shook her head and played with the ends of her hair. She couldn’t understand why the girl would threaten her. Unless she was the second coming of their mother. Which, in that case, they were all screwed. Shaking her head, she squeezed his hand again as she searched his face. He looked so incredibly wiped out, yet she marveled at how brave and courageous he was. Wasting his own energy to make sure everyone here had a great time. [color=lightblue]”Car, you’re so incredible. You really are. But you have to let them out soon. You have people here who would fight to the end for you. You’re not in this alone. Let the people who care about you help you.”[/color]

[color=00FFFF]”I will let them out when everyone starts to leave. Besides, I don’t want to inconvenience anyone else. This is my family's mess. So it is on me to clean up. I can hold it. I am just having to divert energy to maintaining it”[/color] Carlisle could hold the spell no problem at all. The reason he was getting exhausted was because he was actively ensuring that the energy drain didn’t affect Claire. Since they were now intrinsically linked, Carlisle could share the load somewhat, but he didn’t want Claire to suffer at his expense. So instead he was bottling the energy drain and putting it on himself. [color=00FFFF]”Her name is Violet. She seems like my mother in every sense. She has already ruled me out as being head of the family because she is a witch. No doubt my mother had a plan to switch me and Violet around and make her leader.”[/color]

Willow bit the inside of her cheek as she searched the man’s face. She admired him greatly for what he was doing, sparing everyone else of the mess that was Amanda Aston. But still, to hold in a sister who was just like the woman? Shaking her head, she let out a breath. She couldn’t let him do this on his own. She dragged up the courage to say what she was feeling to him. She wanted to let him know exactly what she felt about the situation. Her eyes locked onto his. [color=lightblue]”It is not on you. Not just you. You and I are together now. Your problems are now officially also my problems. I care so deeply for you, Car. Let me help.”[/color]

Carlisle smiled softly at her words. They calmed him and helped him find an inner peace that he hadn't found in quite a while. [color=00FFFF]"Thank you Willow. It's nice to know you have my back. But this is for me. I don't want to drag you into this. But once this is dealt with. I want you in my life permanently"[/color] Carlisle moved in and kissed Willow on the cheek softly, he had wanted to go in for a proper kiss, but he wasn't quite sure how up for it Willow was. 

[i]Permanently? Did he just say [b]permanently[/b]?[/i] She couldn’t hold back the giant grin that stretched across her face. Then, the small kiss on her cheek? That just wouldn’t do for this moment. Willow gave a small laugh before putting a hand on his cheek and brushing her lips across his. She finally had everything she had ever wanted. There was nothing at all that could possibly ruin this moment for her.

As she brushed her lips against his, Carlisle could feel his breath getting short. How was she able to do that? When she touched him he would just feel his heart rate increase. [color=00FFFF]"I am staying at the household tonight. I will be too tired to go to the ranch. Perhaps you wanna spend the night with me and keep me company?"[/color] He decided he would shoot his shot and see what she said. 

As she pulled back slightly to study his face, she thought about his question and took a deep breath. She wasn’t a prude by any means, but this was definitely a big step in their relationship. Willow bit her bottom lip and grinned before tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. [color=lightblue]”There’s nothing I want more. Of course I’ll stay.”[/color]

Carlisle smiled back at her response. He wasn't going to lie. He was nervous. He was consulting all the things he heard while sitting outside the dorm room in college with Miles. He would be okay. [color=00FFFF]"I will have my skin colour back and will have dealt with everything by then. So once I close the door, you will be the only thing in my mind all night"[/color] 

[color=lightblue]”Better be,”[/color] she joked. She reached up to fix his hair before tilting her head. He really didn’t look so good right now. Willow let out a breath and shook her head. [color=lightblue]”Let’s just get through the rest of tonight and see how you are after you release your mom and sister. And then we’ll deal with whatever they throw at you, together. Okay? I’m not budging on this, Car. I’m helping whether you accept it or not. You want me in your life permanently? This is what I do for the people in my life. So. Accept my help. It’ll just be easier on everyone in the end.”[/color]

[color=00FFFF]"Alright then. I will. I just don't want to make you a target"[/color] Carlisle let out a softer sigh. He didn't quite understand what Willow saw in him. Carlisle wasn't exactly a charmer, or a cute guy. He had no people skills, and had deep family issues that made interactions awkward with people he valued. His two best friends were currently in peril. He knew him and Miles would drift as he became a father. And he wasn't even sure what Lilith and Carlisle's relationship was right now. While he still thought of her as his closest friend, the words still echoed in his head from the basement a month ago. She was done with him. So why would Willow fall for him. Clearly other people had spotted his flaws, why couldn't she? 

[color=00FFFF]"You know, I have to ask… why me? There are alot of better bachelors out there than me. And you have the looks and personality to get them. So why settle for broken Carlisle?"[/color] It was obvious that Carlisle was still in self doubting mode. While he was trying his best to be a leader, those clutches of insecurity continued to rear their ugly heads every now and again. 

Raising a brow, she searched his face and slowly shook her head. She didn’t understand why he thought he was broken. Sure, he was flawed, but so was everyone. But the man in front of her? Willow let out a breath as a soft grin pulled at the corners of her lips. [color=lightblue]”Car…You’re stronger and braver than you give yourself credit for. You’re not broken. You’re just a little lost. Look at what you did tonight. Look at what you’re still doing. You’re keeping your family from ruining everyone’s night by sacrificing yourself. You put this entire party together.”[/color]

Willow shook her head slightly before reaching up to brush her fingers lightly through his hair. [color=lightblue]”And for the record, I don’t see anybody else besides you. You’re all I care about, all I have eyes for.”[/color] She tilted her head before shrugging. [color=lightblue]”You just need to find your way back to the true essence of you. And luckily for you, I’m pretty good at helping with that.”[/color]

Carlisle let out a soft sigh of relief at Willow's words. He felt secure and safe when he was next to her. It was certainly an adjustment period to have someone stick to you as much as Willow did. [color=00FFFF]"Well I will try my best. So… are you excited about our dance? Given that I am the leader now. I have to dance first… Everyone will be looking at us"[/color]

She blinked at that statement and her eyes widened slightly. Willow didn’t realize they’d have to have a special dance. Of course, she should have known better. She was dating the leader of the coven now. With that came responsibilities of her own. And it looked like that all started with a dance. Clearing her throat, she gave a small nod of her head. [color=lightblue]”Oh, um. Yeah. No pressure. Hope I don’t step on your toes.”[/color]

[color=00FFFF]"I am sure you will be fine. It's me who steps on peoples toes"[/color] Carlisle rubbed the back of his head, before placing his hand ontop of Willows left leg. [color=00FFFF]"It is a strange tradition. It won't be for long, as everyone else joins in"[/color] Carlisle leaned in, stealing one more kiss onto Willows lips, taking a second to enjoy the taste of her lips and the tingling sensation he felt afterwards. 

Willow beamed from ear to ear from the kiss. She couldn’t believe how incredibly lucky she had become. From crushing on the high school boy, to finally being with the man. She let out a breath and searched his face. He put her so at ease and wanted to relish in the feeling just a moment longer. But, of course, the dance had to happen. But afterwards, came the after party. Carlisle and Willow, party of two. But was she really ready for all that? One more kiss on the man’s lips and she knew she was done for. She was in love with the man.

[color=lightblue]”As long as you don’t let me fall and embarrass myself, I think we’ll be amazing.”[/color] She couldn’t stop smiling, she was so over the moon. It was amazing how one person could make her feel what others didn’t. She never wanted to lose that sensation.

[color=00FFFF]"Nah, If you were going to fall, I would throw myself first"[/color] Carlisle stood up, holding his hand out for Willow to hold to help her up. [color=00FFFF]"Shall we get ready m'princess?"[/color] Carlisle asked with a goofy grin. Once he got her onto her feet, Carlisle wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her right upto him, taking in the moment as their bodies touched. He could feel the chemistry. Or was it his elevated heart rate? Carlisle just felt in bliss. 

She couldn’t help the deep flush of her cheeks and the tips of her ears as Carlisle pulled her up and against him. Her breath hitched in her throat as she brought a hand up to his chest to keep herself steady. Willow let out a shaky breath and nodded her head. [color=lightblue]”Lead the way, my prince.”[/color]

He was fairly sure Willow could feel his accelerated heart rate as she placed her hand on his chest. He would take a breath before holding her hand properly and leading her out onto the dance floor that had been set up outside. Walking onto the floor, he helped Willow onto it, before guiding her to the middle of the dance floor.

The crowd would begin to partner off, gathering around the floor as Willow and Carlisle stood there. Carlisle took a moment to breathe, maintaining his concentration as his nerves began to rise. A speech was one thing. But dancing infront of everyone. That was a whole new game. Eventually the announcer would declare that the dance would begin and that Carlisle and Willow would lead. Turning to face Willow, he took both of her hands into his own as the classical music would start to play. [color=00FFFF]"Ready?"[/color]

As everyone stood around them, Willow cleared her throat and shifted her feet. She hoped beyond everything that she wouldn’t miss a step and fall on her face. She wasn’t called miss ungraceful for nothing. Letting out a slow breath, she pulled her eyes away from the crowd and looked back up into Carlisle’s face. Her nerves settled some and a small grin appeared on her face. She squeezed his hands and nodded. [color=lightblue]”Ready. You and me. We can do this.”[/color]

Shaking slightly, Carlisle started the dance. He went with a slow dance, something simple that would allow the pair to stay close together, and avoid any fancy footwork. Carlisle would use his body, swaying left and right, while using his own hands to guide and hold Willow, making sure she was safe and that she was trying to enjoy it. [color=00FFFF]"You look so amazing when we are dancing this slowly"[/color]

As they danced, all she could think about was Carlisle. How considerate he was, how caring. His heart was huge and so full of love. She couldn’t believe he was all hers. The flush in her face and neck returned at his compliment. She tilted her head and grinned at him, her eyes searching over his face. [color=lightblue]”You think so? I did dress this way to impress you.”[/color]

Carlisle smiled as she finished speaking, his eyes once more looking the dress up and down. [color=00FFFF]"Well it worked. Without lowering the tone too much, that dress has given me alot of thoughts about what I want to do after the party"[/color] Carlisle smiled softly as he savoured the moment. He continued to lead the dance, making sure the pace was comfortable for Willow. However a few moments later, Carlisle stumbled, having to use Willow as a support for a second as his left leg gave way. The most obvious sign of his exhaustion so far. Carlisle attempted to pass it off as him being clumsy while dancing, to everyone else. Though he doubted he was successful. 

She was enjoying herself in the moment, right up till he stumbled. Willow took a breath and put her hands on his waist to keep him steady. Searching his face, she lowered her voice. [color=lightblue]”As soon as everyone starts dancing, we’re going into another room and you’re getting rid of the people in your head.”[/color]

Carlisle looked back at her, embarrassment all over his face. He would get back to normal and carry on leading the dance as he was before [color=00FFFF]"Nah nah, I need to wait until I have at least spoken to Salem. If I do it before then, there is more chances for trouble kicking off. I do appreciate the concern though"[/color] Carlisle gave a soft smile before resting the side of his head on her chest as they carried on small dancing. 

Willow huffed out a breath as she held onto him. He was getting weaker by the moment and she didn’t know how to tell him that he needed to rest. That he would actually listen to, that was. It seemed every time she had told him to rest it just fell on deaf ears. She shook her head and continued dancing with him, but her tone was clipped. [lightblue]”Carlisle, I’m serious. If we’re going to be a couple you need to at least try to listen to me. They’re weakening you by the second. You need to do something before they completely overpower you, cause that will cause even more trouble.”[/color]

[color=00FFFF]"I am listening. I only have to hold for another hour. I just need to keep my focus."[/color] For a moment Carlisle wanted to explain his connection to Claire and how he was protecting her from the exhaustion effects that was making it worse. But Carlisle decided against it. It was a complicated matter and Carlisle didn't want Willow to be any more disappointed in him. [color=00FFFF]"I just get do relaxed and enjoy the moment so much I take my eye off the ball"[/color] 

Huffing out a breath, she gave a small shake of her head. [color=lightblue]”Fine. One hour. But you’re sitting down after this dance. If you won’t let them out of your head, you can at least try to maintain your strength. And that’s by sitting down and not worrying about anything else tonight. You did your speech, the handover, and now the dance. Your part is done for the night.”[/color]

[color=00FFFF]"Okay then. I can do that. All I have to do is speak with Salem and then I have done everything. After that I will sit down and never leave the chair"[/color] Carlisle would smile pulling a strand of Willows hair out of the way as he kissed her and held her close as he went back to dancing.

She felt this kiss was different. Sure, they had kissed plenty before. But here, now? He had kissed her in front of the entire coven. Willow let out a shaky breath and beamed at him as they continued to dance. Maybe this made them officially official? She found she couldn’t be upset with him for long. Though, she [i]was[/i] going to make him relax later. He was doing too much and she wanted him to finally let all his stressors go. If he actually really did listen to her. She felt this was going to be an issue of theirs for years to come. Something she didn’t mind the idea of.

Carlisle continued the dance, until a few moments later everyone else was invited to join in too. Carlisle would slow the pace down now that he could blend in with the crowd more. [color=00FFFF]"You know… Spending time with you, just seems to make everything so much better"[/color] Carlisle said, resting his chin on her shoulder as he carried on the dance between them. 

[color=lightblue]”I feel the same way, Car…”[/color] She let out a breath and looked around at the rest of the party finally joining them. Willow cleared her throat and gave a small nod. Now was the time for Carlisle to go relax somewhere. [color=lightblue]”Everybody’s dancing now. I think you should find Salem and then release your family from your mental prison.”[/color] She placed a soft kiss on the side of his head before whispering. [color=lightblue]”I need you well rested for what’s going to happen tonight when everyone leaves.”[/color]

Carlisle let out a nervous giggle as soon as he finished listening to what Willow had to say. That last part caused some feelings to stir around deep within Carlisle. He hadn't really felt them before. It was nice though that was for sure. [color=00FFFF]"I won't be long okay. Ima sit down and once the dance is over, I will find Salem and then deal with my now extended family. I promise"[/color] 

She nodded slightly and let out a breath as she squeezed his hand. Willow knew she couldn’t be around for the conversation he would have with Salem, so she decided to go visit with Carla some more. Hopefully the woman hadn’t left yet. Clearing her throat, she gave another kiss to the side of his head before speaking. [color=lightblue]”Thank you. I’m going to go see what Carla is up to. Find me after the party is over.”[/color]