The Fallen Slayer {1}

Broken Minds

Despite what they had originally thought, the spell to reseal the tomb had taken more energy out of Shelia Bennett than any of them could have imagined.

All of the magic she had used to keep the tomb open had come with major consequences.

She had passed away in her sleep. 

Hence why Buffy was standing beside Bonnie and her father Rudy in a black dress, the three of them watching as Shelia Bennett's casket was blessed and covered in flowers.

Preparations before she was lowered into her final resting place.

The funeral was small, with only close family invited to honor Shelia's wishes. 

Witch funerals tended to be more intimate.

Buffy was the only one Bonnie had actually invited to come. She had told both Caroline and Elena to stay away.

Given how devastated Bonnie was, Buffy wasn't surprised by her desire to keep her distance from her friends. Caroline would go over the top to try and cheer her up, which while it was a sweet gesture, would be too much.

However, the fact that Elena hadn't been invited was still a little confusing to Buffy.

Elena was literally Bonnie's childhood best friend, yet the Bennett witch had flinched every time her name was mentioned.

Knowing now was not the time to bring up the weird tension between the two girls, Buffy merely remained the supportive friend and hugged Bonnie tightly.

Bonnie had just placed her flowers on the new grave and was close to falling apart. Offering her friend's father a reassuring smile she squeezed Bonnie tightly, wanting to make sure that Bonnie knew she would always be there for her.

No matter what.

"Thank you for coming." Bonnie cried softly into her shoulder just as the coffin was lowered into the ground.

Burying her own tears, Buffy just squeezed her tighter "I will always be here for you, Bon."

**



As Rudy handled the guests who had attended the wake, Buffy and Bonnie found themselves hiding away in the corner of the living room, just out of sight.

Bonnie had needed a moment away from all of the condolence speeches and Buffy couldn't blame her.

Her Grams had been the most consistent person in her life since her mother left, even more than her dad and the constant reminder that she was actually gone was a lot.

As Bonnie continued to rest her head against her shoulder, Buffy did her best to soothe her. Running her fingers through Bonnie's hair softly she shooed away anyone that got too close.

Bonnie didn't need more pity, she needed time to process.

"Your Grams..." She whispered softly "Was so proud of you, Bon. You are strong and brilliant."

Bonnie sniffled slightly as she buried herself deeper into Buffy's shoulder "She told me that you would be the best person to keep close in my life." Her Grams had practically sung Buffy's praises since the moment they had met.

Shelia Bennett had been so sure they would be friends for life, that they would keep each other safe.

No matter what, the two of them would be able to count on each other.

"She was right." Bonnie continued, her voice barely above a whisper "In my whole life I never felt like I could trust someone the way I trust you."

"Ditto." Buffy admitted.

As much as Buffy loved all of her friends when it came to Bonnie, their connection was on a deeper level. She knew she could go to Bonnie no matter what and she knew Bonnie could come to her.

They were sisters down to a magical level.

Their souls just felt so connected. Like they were meant to protect each other forever.

"I have to ask..." Buffy whispered softly as she continued to stroke Bonnie's back soothingly "Why didn't you invite Elena to the Funeral?"

Given that Buffy had been staying with Bonnie for the past few days following Grams's death, Elena had been texting every day.

Yet Bonnie had not wanted to speak to her.