DISCLAIMER: I do not own any character appearing on the TV show BtVS and make no money off the attempted writing. I am borrowing them for a little while to play. I promise to return them in their original condition, abet a little tired.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: The series starts after their freshman year in college. The first chapter was written during the summer after season two (1998). So, the series was AU when I began it and is seriously more AU now.
ARCHIVING: Only with the permission of the author.

The Love Shack Series
By kimly

Chapter One : Louder Than Words

It was good to be home. She had only been gone a month but it seemed like years. Boston was a quaint city, so rich in history and bars. But she was a California girl at heart and she had learned that evil was not confined to her little hometown.

She heard her name before she saw the owner of the voice. A quick look over the heads of the other disembarking passengers revealed a jubilant Slayer bouncing up and down, waving her arms and screaming her name.

Willow juggled the carry-on, secured it over her shoulder and threw a frantic wave in Buffy's direction. The crowd seemingly parted in front of her. In no time she was dropping her bags to the floor and was being enveloped in a ferocious hug by her blonde friend.

The two hung on to each other for several minutes before breaking the embrace. Willow looked fantastic, Buffy had to admit. She had cut her hair, short. Buffy ran her fingers through it and nodded approvingly.

And Buffy had the look of the young girl Willow had met their sophomore year in high school. It had taken three year, but she was back.

"I am so glad Oz couldn't make it," Buffy gushed, flashing a wide grin. It quickly faded as she realized what she had said. "Not glad that he's not here for you, but glad in that I got to see you right off. I like Oz... Did you understand that?"

Willow laughed and collected one bag while Buffy took the other. "Yeah, I understand. I'm the original babbler, remember?"

"How could I forget? So, how long do we have you before you head back to UCLA?" the blonde asked as they exited the terminal and made for the parking lot.

Willow sported a grin like the cat who ate the canary. "Well... how would you feel if I didn't go back? Would I be welcomed back in all our old haunts?"

Buffy stopped dead and grabbed Willow's arm to keep her from advancing. "You're kidding right?"

Willow just shook her head.

"I... I'd love it!" the Slayer exclaimed. Then more cautiously, "But what about your degree? And what does Oz have to say about this?"

Willow got the pair moving again towards the car. "I've already discussed it with Oz. He came to Boston last week. We had fun... And he'll support whatever I decide."

"Of course he would," Buffy agreed. "He'd support your wish to have him disemboweled if it would make you happy."

"Yeah," the redhead replied dreamily. "But, he also supports my reasoning. Believe me Buffy, he has no problem telling me when I'm acting like an ass."

"That makes two of us, but I'll hold off commenting for now. And your degree..."

Willow took a deep breath. The car had just come into sight. "I'm not planning on completing my degree," she blurted out and bolted for the car. Of course the sprinting didn't do her much good. Buffy had the car keys which she pleasantly dangled in front of her friend's nose when she finally sauntered up to the door.

"Now, what's this about not finishing college?" she asked patronizingly as she popped the trunk and they stowed the bags. "Do we need to have the 'what-are-you-going-to-do-with-the-rest-of-your-life' talk?"

Willow snatched the keys from Buffy's hand when she let her guard drop for a moment. The hacker twirled them on her finger. "Let me drive and I'll explain on the way?" she offered, giving her friend her contrite, pouty face.

"Fine," Buffy huffed, throwing up her hands in surrender.

"Goodie!"

Willow pulled on to the access highway that led away from the airport. She floored the Escort and sputtered a few mental epitaphs at the car's lack of pick up. She mentally ran through the dozen odd cars she had test drove on the east coast. Saab. Five on the floor. Convertible. Buffy would definitely look good in one of those. If she didn't pick that model for herself. Maybe a Lexus.

"Uh, Will... notice the shaking? This rust bucket ain't meant to go eighty," Buffy cautioned as she glanced nervously at her driver.

Willow grunted, burying the petal in the floor and moving one lane to the left to pass a Mustang.

They drove on in silence for several more minutes before Buffy yelped again. "Will! You've missed our exit!"

"Not going home just yet," she stated and gave the blonde a devilish grin. "Trust me."

Buffy gulped. "Only if you bring us outta mach 2."

Willow eased the petal and swerved back to the right. "Fine. Spoilsport."

Although physically relieved the car was no longer rattling, Buffy was more than concerned about her friend's abnormal behavior. "Will, how much caffeine have you had?"

Willow turned to the right and smiled genuinely at Buffy for the first time since the automobile left the parking lot. "I'm not on anything, and I'm not possessed. I'm just in a wonderful mood and plan on sharing it with my bestest friend."

"That's a load off my mind. I was planning on calling Giles as soon as we hit a phone. Day calls to London tend to be expensive," the Slayer joked. "So... care to let me in on where it is we're going?"

"Promise you won't be mad?" Willow asked, concerned.

"Ok, I promise. Will, are you sure there's nothing wrong?" she asked placing a hand on the other girl's arm.

"I know there's a rule... but I've been keeping secrets," the redhead announced in hushed tones. She spotted her turn and left the expressway. A few quick turns and they were traveling along the coast.

Buffy was dumbfounded. She didn't think they had any secrets. Not after Willow had rescued her from herself all those years ago. She was concerned and a little hurt, truth be told. What could be so bad? "Just tell me. Whatever it is, we'll work through it."

Willow stared straight out the front windshield. She drove a little while more, seemingly ignoring Buffy's request. Her face brightened as she turned into a private drive that was well marked discouraging trespassers.

"Uh, Will? I don't think we're supposed to be up here," Buffy started. "Didn't you see the signs?"

They came over a small rise and a house appeared before them. A breath caught in Buffy's throat. Willow just smiled. Perfect... Willow pulled up to the back door and shut off the engine before jumping out of the car. She grabbed her carry-on from the truck and made her way to the door. She stood on tip toes and ran her fingers above the door frame. Her nose crinkled until she found the small metal object for which she had been searching.

Unlocking the door, she turned and called to Buffy who was still sitting in the car, mouth agape. "Come on," she waved with her free arm. "I know the owner."

Buffy shook herself out of the stupor she had fallen into and slowly exited the car and walked to the back door. Upon reaching the entryway, she paused and peeked inside. Willow appeared from behind the door and scared the bejesus out of her. Demons didn't faze her, but spunky redheads made her jumpy.

"Come on, slowpoke," Willow admonished and dragged the blonde into the foyer. "So, whaddya think? Get a load of the view... God it was worth it."

Buffy turned in a small circle. The foyer had two wings off of it - one on either side. In the front, it opened into a sitting room. To the left was the kitchen and a dining room beyond that. The sitting room ended in a wall of windows and sliding doors. The doors led to an enormous deck. And the view was amazing. Stairs off the deck connected to a boardwalk that snaked over the dunes to the beach. Gently waves crashed on the shore.

"Why are we here?" Buffy asked tentatively when she finally found her voice.

She disturbed Willow's hunt through the kitchen. The hacker was opening closets, drawers, cupboards and even checked the refrigerator. She was pleased. It was stocked just they way she had instructed. In a burst of energy she bolted down a hallway and screeched.

Buffy barged into the room at a dead run to find Willow delicately fingering a computer terminal. Willow spun around. "So... whaddya think?" she asked again.

"I think we're gonna get arrested for breaking and entering," the blonde deadpanned not even trying to make a joke.

"Nope, had a key. Won't stick," the redhead explained and dragged Buffy back to the sitting room, parking her on the end of an overstuffed couch.

"Wait right here." Willow skipped off to the kitchen and returned momentarily with a bottle of champagne and two flutes. She placed the glasses on the coffee table in front of the couch and took a seat beside Buffy. She tore through the foil and twisted off the metal cap before sending the top bouncing off the large screen TV across the room. She filled the two glasses and handed one to Buffy before grabbing her own and settling back into the cushions.

Buffy shrugged and raised her glass. "To a cell without Bertha the weight lifter," she toasted and went to take a mouthful. Might as well go with the flow.

"Un-ah," Willow admonished, wagging a single finger. "We're not gonna get arrested. They can't arrest the owner." She raised her glass, looked directly at her friend and then took a long swallow, letting the comment wash over her.

More out of habit than anything else, Buffy followed Willow's lead and also took a mouthful of the champagne. She choked on it as the words finally made sense in her mind. "Owner?" she sputtered.

"Owner," Willow confirmed and the devilish grin appeared on her face again. She polished off the rest of her glass in one long gulp and placed it back on the table. She leaned forward and grabbed Buffy's free hand and held it tight. "It's all part of the lie. Or more exactly, lies...I guess."

Willow was beside herself with happiness. Twenty years old and she had her first home, mortgage free.

"How? When? Why?" Buffy stuttered all the important questions.

"You forgot 'what', but I'll forgive you. That little trip to Boston I just came back from, remember that?" Willow asked, giggling. Buffy nodded, so she continued. "I went to see a software conglomerate. I've been negotiating with them since Christmas. We finalized the deal when I arrived and spent the last month fine tuning the arrangement. Buff, I'm filthy rich and it's gonna get worse."

Buffy arched an eyebrow and poured them another glass of champagne. "How filthy?"

It was time for Willow to gloat. "One program: $215.5 million cash, a 20% stake in the company and this house. Oh and the house... It's yours."

"That's filthy... and what do you mean this house is mine?" Buffy went from mildly (ok extremely) impressed to panicky.

"The title's in your name. It's the first of my gifts to you. I would, however, like squatter's rights for an occasional rendezvous with my boyfriend," Willow explained and drained her second glass.

"Why?"

Willow refilled her glass. "Well, you've gotta admit the setting is awfully romantic..." Buffy gave her a disbelieving look. "Ok, I want screw Oz in front of the fireplace. Better?"

"Wrong question," Buffy replied exasperatedly but laughed. It seemed like ages ago that the woman sitting beside her blushed feverishly at the mere mention of sex. She still gave off that air, but Buffy knew better.

"I know," Willow replied in a seductive voice. "I just like talking about making love to Oz. It gives me a happy."

Buffy just glared through a smile.

"Oh, fine. You were the inspiration for the program. Without you, I would have never written it. Slayage has been the best thing for my creativity. I have three more programs and two databases out for bid as we speak. So, do I get those squatter's rights?"

"Uh, yeah... of course," Buffy answered offhandedly. "Willow, how have I inspired you to write code?"

"Well, remember that nasty business with Acathla and how you kinda took off on us for a few months?"

"Yeah..." she responded, not quite sure she was going to like where this was heading.

"I wrote a program to peek at hospital ER and admittance records throughout California. I ran it nightly, searching for your name or a Jane Doe matching your description. As the weeks turned into months, I started adding other states. By the time I found you, I had coded 2/3 of the US. I spent our senior year completing the program. Of course I needed a way to make it legal. My original program was a tad suspect when it came to haphazardly disencrypting security codes. Last year was spent making it work for law abiding police stations."

Willow reached for the champagne bottle only to find it empty. "Well, this won't do." She padded off to the fridge and snagged another bottle.

Buffy watched Willow uncork the bottle sending a stream of foam over the carpet. "So, this is mine, huh? Has anyone ever told you, you have wonderful tastes in multi-million dollar homes? I still can't believe you did this." As she spoke, she moved to the sliders and stepped out onto the deck. She walked it's width and stood leaning against the rail.

Willow joined her, handing her another full glass of the bubbly. "I'm well on my way to drunk. I think you should join me."

Buffy took the glass and draped an arm over her friend's shoulders. "Works for me. What do we have when we run out of the good stuff?"

"Had 'em stock the bar full. All top shelf. Buying is so much fun when money is no object. Cordy's gonna have a kitten, ya think? Oh, and we shouldn't run out of this stuff. I had them send a case."

After a leisurely walk on the beach where they killed the second bottle of a '96 Black Opal Merlot, the champagne being abandoned after the third dead solder, the pair returned to the house in search of food. They agreed a liquid dinner probably wouldn't sit well on top of a liquid lunch and liquid afternoon snack.

"It's only 4pm, a little early for dinner wouldn't you say," Buffy slurred and attempted to take a seat on a stool at the kitchen's island. She succeeded on the second try earning her a round of applause from her house mate.

"By the time we get our collective asses in gear and fix something edible, it will be time for dinner," Willow mumbled with her head in the refrigerator. "How 'bout chicken? I think I can handle chicken."

"Works for me. And if you can't handle 'em, I'll just slay 'em," Buffy responded and made a stabbing motion with her arm almost causing her to slip off the stool.

Willow dropped a package of boneless, skinless breasts on the counter and dug in a drawer under the stove looking for a pan. "Be careful. I don't want to try to explain to Giles how I got his Slayer tanked and broke her," she quipped and set the pan on the counter as she moved to a cupboard and fished around before setting a couple cans of cream of mushroom soup and a box of instant rice with the rest of their unprepared meal.

Willow opened the soup and poured it into the pan. With one quick motion she sliced the package of chicken open and arranged the contents in a single layer in the liquid. She opened the oven door and carefully moved the sloppy mixture to the rack. It took all the concentration she was capable of not to dump it on the floor. Main dish set, she started the water for the rice.

She found Buffy digging through the liquor cabinet. She relieved her of the bottle in her hand. "I think we've had enough for awhile," Willow hiccuped and set the bottle on the counter before leading Buffy to the couch. "Stay. I'll be right back." Like Buffy had a choice. The plush couch enveloped her and it was way comfy. Staying was definitely high on her things to do list.

True to her word, Willow was right back. She set a large glass of water on the coffee table and shook a container of pills. She flipped the lid and dumped six white disks into her palm. She took Buffy's hand and dumped three ibuprofen tablets into it before handing her the glass. "Take these and drink up. All of it," she instructed. Seeing the blonde's expression she continued. "Wine hangovers are the worst. A few more treatments of these and we should be blissfully pain free in the morning."

"We're staying the night?" Buffy asked.

"We no longer have a choice. Who's gonna drive our sorry asses home?"

Buffy was duly impressed with dinner. When had Willow learned how to cook? And sporting a buzz no less. The pair finished eating and the Slayer instructed the redhead into the living room. She would clean. Willow had cooked, it was only right. Fifteen minutes later, Buffy found Willow asleep in the corner of the couch.

Buffy covered her with a throw blanket she found draped over the chair and decided to explore her new house. My house!!! Too cool...

When Buffy returned to the main room a half hour later, Willow was just waking up from her nap. She stretched and tried to focus on the fuzzy moving blob she assumed was Buffy. "Sorry I conked out. Too much booze and a full stomach makes me sleepy," she yawned.

Buffy situated herself sitting indian style on the couch beside Willow. "I've checked out the place. It's gorgeous! Did you get to decorate it too?"

"I spent a couple afternoons at Stanley-Cooper. Their office has the most wonderful view of the Public Gardens. One of their architects helped me with the make over. Buff, you would have loved him. Tall and oh so built. You probably wouldn't have gotten into the goatee but he was way nice to look at," she replied in a dreamy tone. "Hey, I hope you like what we did. You can always change it if you hate it."

"Willow, it's beautiful," Buffy confirmed, reaching for the redhead's hand. "But what were you doing lusting after...."

"Peter," Willow provided.

"Peter, when you have Oz? Hum?"

"There's nothing wrong with admiring a fine specimen of a male. Besides, I met his girlfriend. He was as unavailable as I am. I was looking more for you than for me, anyway," the hacker explained and gave Buffy a suggestive look.

"Thanks but no thanks, Will. I can't seem to make a relationship work when we're in the same town. Cross country is visiting dream land."

"Aw, come on... what happen to the computer repairman you were dating before I left? He seemed nice enough."

"He was great," Buffy sighed and stared at her hands in her lap. "But we just weren't clicking. Honestly, I wasn't clicking. He was real interested... I, I couldn't seem to let him get past the kissing stage. Something just didn't feel right."

"Then he wasn't the right one," Willow offered confidently. "He'll come along Buffy, you can't force it."

"Will, I'm beginning to doubt even you. I've dated eight guys since we graduated. And my lack of interest hasn't been their fault. I feel dead inside."

"Buff, you're twenty years old. You can't tell me you never get hot."

"Oh, I'm not denying I get horny, especially right before my period, but when a guy starts to touch me, I shut down." As she spoke, she looked past Willow, not focusing on anything in particular. "Remember Glenn? I really liked being with him. He loved dancing and those bizarre foreign films... I went farther with him than anyone. Well, anyone since Angel. He could make my body come, but it felt so hollow. No heart, no soul, just physical. I hated myself for not being able to get totally into it with him. I broke it off soon after."

Willow's heart was breaking for her friend. She had had Oz for so long she had forgotten what it was like to be alone. She watched as tears dripped from Buffy's eye. Willow leaned over and brushed away the wetness. "I'm sorry. Why didn't you ever say anything?" she asked gently.

"What's there to say?" Buffy replied sadly. "I'm a head case when it comes to sex. I deal. I have an intimate relationship with my hand," she stated and chuckled, turning a bright red.

"Hey, that's my color," the redhead teased and joined her friend in a giggle. "Besides, who doesn't?"

Buffy's eyes went wide. "You?"

Willow looked at her indignantly. "Yes, me! I see Oz maybe two weeks a month and three of those days I have to chain him in the basement. And as fun as that may sound, sex is never on the menu. God, don't tell me you still see me as that wallflower from high school."

"No, it's just I never pictured you as the type to go in for self stimulation," Buffy commented with a shrug.

Willow saw no reason to defend her practice, so she decided to turn the tables. "And exactly how have you pictured me?"

Buffy turned scarlet for the second time in ten minutes. Willow had managed to shock her into incoherent babble with the question. "I... um... that is, I... well...."

"Come on, spit it out."

"I, I always kinda figured you for traditional, gentle type of love making," the blonde started and then with a thoughtful look added, "But something tells me, you're up for just about anything."

"You're not wrong," she confirmed. "That's our norm, but we've tried just about everything. About the only thing I don't really care for is the hard core S&M. Never figured out how being whipped or paddled could be pleasurable, but maybe we were doing it wrong. Moot point 'cause Oz hated it."

"Oz whipped you?"

"Once. We wanted to see what the big stink was," Willow explained as normally as she would a new computer program. "All it did was give me a few nasty welts across my back and a sore ass. Couldn't sit for days." She had begged and that was the only reason Oz had agreed to her little game. But he had hated every minute of it and told her he would never do it again. Which suited Willow just fine. Although she did enjoy the two weeks of pampering she received in compensation. That had been fun.

"Wow."

"I don't suggest it. Just about anything else is gentle by comparison, so I guess, you were right about that," she answered and rose from the couch, stretching. "I have to pee. Yes, I often announce my bodily functions to my friends. So do you."

When Willow returned from the little girl's room, the sitting room was empty. She spotted Buffy out of the deck leaning over the banister, watching the waves. Moonlight danced on the water making the surface look as if it was coated with a million little jewels.

Willow watched her friend unobserved for several minutes before padding softly over to her. She slipped her arms around the blonde's waist and leaned her body snugly against hers, resting her chin on Buffy's shoulder. "Beautiful out here tonight, huh?"

Buffy relaxed into the embrace, leaning back into Willow. "Yeah..."

"What are you thinking about?"

"Nothing... Everything... Really not important," Buffy sighed.

The pair stood together in silence for several more minutes, enjoying the intimacy. When Willow decided to do what she did next, she never figured out. She turned into Buffy's neck and placed her lips behind her friend's ear and kissed her. She kept her lips still, allowing Buffy to pull away if she wanted. When Buffy made no move to leave, Willow gently started sucking and licking the soft flesh, massaging her friend's neck with her lips.

Buffy's eyes drifted closed and she tilted her head to the side giving Willow clear access to her entire neck. God, did it feel good. Buffy couldn't believe the sensations her girlfriend was causing in her body. Her temperature was elevating and her breathing became shallow.

Buffy turned her head to face Willow and ask what exactly was going on. But the question wasn't voiced. Willow stopped her ministrations when Buffy moved, but as her lips came into view she covered them with her own. Willow made no demands. She felt Buffy tense but the Slayer didn't pull away. In seconds, Buffy leaned into the kiss and brought her hand up to cup Willow's cheek.

Neither dared to bring the kiss to the next level for many moments. Willow took that tentative next step and ran her tongue along the surface of Buffy's top lip. The blonde gasped and settled once again. When Willow went to apply the same treatment to the bottom, Buffy met the tip with her own. Playfully, the two dueled, exploring the recesses of each other's mouths.

Slowly, Buffy broke the union. She disengaged their lips and opened her eyes. Willow stared back at her and gently passed her thumb over her friend's swollen lips. "I'm glad you didn't bolt," Willow whispered and leaned her forehead against Buffy's.

"Ummm, nope," Buffy replied taking in a deep breath. She licked her lips, in awe of the pair that just left hers. "But, why?"

"I love you," Willow started and placed a quick kiss on Buffy. "I don't want my friend hurting." Another peck. "I want you to be happy." Willow kissed her in earnest.

"Oh," Buffy sighed when they broke apart. "Will, where is this going?"

Willow searched her friend's face before answering. "As far as you'll let me."

"And that would be?"

"Let me make love to you."

Buffy nearly fainted. Willow supported her and lead her back into the sitting room and sat with her cuddled on the couch. The kissing had been... wonderful. Buffy had at least kissed most of the guys she had dated, but this was so different. Kissing Willow, she felt as if she was kissing love itself. The redhead held nothing back and concentrated on nothing else. All her being was channeled into those wonderful, wet kisses.

"Will, I've never..." Buffy started when she finally found her voice.

"Neither have I," came the answer. It travel from Willow's lips directly into Buffy's ear. It was an easy commute since Buffy's back was cradled against Willow's front.

Buffy twisted to look at her friend. She ran her fingers lightly over her face. "I love you, too. I just don't understand why... when you have Oz."

Willow captured the hand and placed soft kisses on the fingers. "I've never really considered it until I kissed you out on the deck. I've told you I love you - and I do. It just doesn't seem like enough. I want to show you. I don't want you to feel alone."

Buffy took Willow's face in her hands and kissed her, chastely on the lips. "You've show me how much you love me every time you come out hunting with me, when you listened to me sobbing over Angel for months with never a complaint, by being my friend even when I act like an ass. You don't have to do this to show me you love me."

"I don't want to do this because I feel I have to or out of some twisted sense of duty," Willow explained playing with the hair at the nape of Buffy's neck. "I... I'm not sure 'why' exactly. It feels right. I want to be with you. And I want you to be with someone you know loves you unconditionally. With me, you'd never have to doubt that."

Buffy leaned down and rested her head on Willow's chest, snaking her arms around her body. Willow enveloped her and waited.

"The thought of being with you... It makes my heart leap," Buffy said quietly. "But my selfishness has cost me dearly. I don't want do anything to jeopardize our friendship."

"Buffy, you're not forcing me into anything. I came onto you, remember? I can't lose my soul by loving you and I'll be your friend whether we do anything tonight or not," she said speaking into Buffy's hair.

"If I say yes, what happens next?" Buffy asked sounding rather intrigued and scared all at the same time.

"I'm not sure, exactly," chuckled Willow. "But it can't be as awkward as when Oz and I first started exploring. Neither of us are particularly innocent. I'm sure we can figure it out."

"You're sure?"

"Buffy!" Willow yelled in exasperation and with one quick motion flipped Buffy onto her back on the couch straddling her thighs. "Yes, I want you. I'm sure. Do you want me to beg or do you just get off acting like Oz?"

"I wouldn't dream of acting like Oz. Don't think I could pull it off. Don't have the equipment," Buffy quipped and grabbed her crotch before snagging Willow by the collar pulling her into a kiss. Willow collapsed on top of Buffy and lost herself in her friend's mouth. Buffy used a totally different style than Oz. Not necessarily better, just different and new. It had been years since Willow kissed someone new.

When the kisses ended, Willow righted herself to a sitting position again and looked down at a lust glazed Buffy. She looked beautiful and sexy and perfect. It was difficult to fully grasp all the feelings coursing through her being, so she ignored the thought and concentrated on the sensations. In the back of her mind the most random thought coalesced. Somewhere, a group of stodgy, old, right wing, republican men would condemn their union as unholy, a crime against nature and just plain evil.

They had seen evil. This wasn't it. And if the powers that be would condemn them for a act of love, maybe Hell was where they wanted to be.

"Whatcha thinkin'," Buffy asked as her hands rubbed the length of Willow's thighs.

"How beautiful you are," she answered honestly, a bit dazed herself. "So... are we gonna grope on the couch like a couple of high school kids or shall we retire to a bedroom and do this right?"

It took Buffy all of a second to respond. "Bedroom. Definitely." And she pushed Willow backward sending the redhead sprawling against the opposite arm of the couch as she cleared the back of the sofa and took off... She stopped dead in the foyer when she realized she hadn't a clue where to find a bedroom.

Willow came up behind her and grabbed her hand. "It's this way," she said pulling Buffy behind her. When they entered the hall she dropped the hand and sprinted forward ducking into the third door. Buffy gave chase and entered the room to find Willow already lying in the center of a king size bed, grinning mischievously.

Buffy walked slowly over to the bed and sat on the edge. Willow came up behind her and brushed aside her hair to nibble her neck again. The Slayer relaxed under the skillful lips of the hacker. "Nice bed."

"Ummm hum," Willow voiced against the nape of Buffy's neck. Buffy let out a slow, low moan. "Mmmmmm, so good.... Ya know, looking at this place, one would think you had this planned from the start." Willow coaxed Buffy into the center of the bed on her back, curled into her side and continued her assault near her clavicle. Between kisses she responded. "And if I did?" She sucked gently on Buffy's throat.

"Ohhhhh... yessss... great... plan...." Buffy gurgled as the redhead slowly explored her face and neck. Buffy ran her fingers through Willow's hair and up and down her back.

Willow's lips traveled lower down the blonde's neck only to be stopped by the material of a shirt. Undaunted, Willow wiggled her hands further under the shirt and slid the garment over Buffy's head. The Slayer laid back down sporting a simple tan lace bra. Willow fingered the front clasp and flicked it open freeing her friend's breasts. Of course they were perfect; they belonged to Buffy.

Her breath caught. The girls had changed in front of each other from early in their friendship and Buffy had never been shy about walking across a room to find a specific article of clothing for an occasion. But Willow had followed the code to the letter; never openly staring and turning away under some other pretext. There was no code any more. With their decision, they had agreed to share every part of themselves.

Buffy arched back and slipped the straps from her shoulders tossing it over the side of the bed. Willow reached out and ran the back of her hand over the side of one, gently tracing its circumference. Her stroke followed concentric circles, slowly traveling closer to its erect peak. When Willow brushed her knuckles over the swollen nub, it was Buffy's turn to suck in a ragged breath.

The Slayer reached up and unbuttoned Willow's cream colored Oxford. The opened shirt revealed a white push up bra. She looked at the confining garment and back at its owner's face. "Oz?"

"Yeah, it's his second favorite style to nothing at all," Willow offered with a sly grin as she shrugged out of the shirt and reached behind herself to unclasp the bra. She dumped both with Buffy's contribution. She retook her position alongside her friend, placing her head on her shoulder. The blonde gave Willow's nearest breast the same thorough exam she had received; feeling its softness and its weight, seeing how it reacted to different strokes. The globe wasn't as large as her own but no less perfect.

After several blissful minutes of being petted, Willow leaned over and stole another kiss. She lingered, exploring all the crevices of her lover's mouth. Buffy's hands still played over her back. Now bare, the touch became electric.

The redhead moved from her lips, down her neck and across her chest leaving a wet trail of saliva. As she moved south, her nipples traced a red hot path down the blonde's side. Willow licked the valley between Buffy's breasts with the flat of her tongue before running the wet member along the undersides. Willow finally saw fit to capture an erect nipple between her teeth and nipped. Buffy moaned loudly but instead of jerking away arched into the mouth now clamped and suckling at her breast.

As Willow lavished oral attention on one, her hand wandered over its mate; caressing and kneading every square inch. Her tongue swirled around one peak as her finger rolled the other until Buffy couldn't distinguish which was more pleasurable. Thankfully no one ever asked her to choose.

Willow rolled over the form beneath her to reverse the sensations she was creating within Buffy's breasts. After equal time was given for the endeavor, Willow left her chest and kissed across her ribcage. Before she could get any lower, Buffy reached for her and pulled her up for another kiss. "Where did you learn that?" she asked breathless.

Willow's line of thought scattered as Buffy twirled one of her nipples. The redhead took the blonde's hand in her own and slowly, begrudgingly, removed it from her breast.

"You didn't like that?" Buffy asked obviously concerned.

Willow gave a sad chuckle at the question. "Oh, no... hate was definitely *not* what I was feeling." She took the hand she was holding and placed an open mouthed kiss on its palm. "But you asked me a question, which requires me to think, which I can't seem to do while you're doing that."

Buffy physically relaxed, overjoyed that her touch was appreciated. She planted a row of kisses along her jaw before nipping at her neck. It didn't seem to distract Willow enough to keep her from speaking. "It's a variation on something Oz does. Mmmmm... Only he uses hands. For some strange reason he can do six things at once with his hands but ask him to use his mouth and that takes all his concentration."

"He plays you like a guitar," The blonde explained between advances across her throat. "His hands are used to... what do you call it in computers?" Willow tilted her head back to give Buffy complete access to her voice box. She sucked hard over the area presented. "Ohhhh... multi... tasking?" Willow let her mind float as Buffy's tongue and lips caressed her shoulders. Although not wanting the sensations to end, she remembered she wanted this night to be for Buffy. She worked her arms between their bodies for leverage and flipped Buffy onto her back for the second time that night.

Buffy looked up startled then softened as Willow sat across her abdomen with her hands on her hips, looking at her sternly. "Ok, you win," the blonde exclaimed, throwing up her hands. "You can play butch. Do you always need to be this much in control?"

"No more often than not. We're pretty evenly matched." She moved forward and placed her hands on either side of Buffy's head, then leaned down and kissed those wonderful, pouting lips. "And I don't need to be in control. This is so not about control. I just want this night to be about you."

Buffy thought about that for a moment, although her stream of consciousness was sidelined when she noticed Willow's breasts swaying in small circles each time the other girl took a breath. She shook her head clear. "Only if I get a crack at you at some point."

"Sounds fair," Willow quipped and kissed her again. The fact this was not going to be a one night stand pleased her immensely.

As the redhead sat back on her heels, Buffy stretched her arms over her head before clamping her hands behind her neck. "Do your worst," she challenged. She was about to find out it was not always wise to challenge the quiet ones.

The gauntlet thrown down, Willow surveyed her conquest before acting. She positioned herself by the blonde's knees and took her time examining every inch of her half naked friend. Quick or slow, fingers or teeth? The decision on how to remove Buffy's shorts was complex on may levels. Willow rubbed her hand across her chin as she thought.

Buffy was growing anxious at Willow's time consuming inspection. Her nipples ached to be touched; she didn't care by what. And her core; God, she knew she was wet. She could feel her lips slide over themselves every time she shifted her legs. If Willow took much longer, a paddling sounded like an interesting motivational idea.

Decision finally made, Willow slid off the bed and stood at its side. She locked eyes with her lover and slowly unfastened her belt and slid it through its loops. She doubled it over in her hands and snapped it against itself once just to see Buffy's reaction.

The blonde's eyes widened just a smidge and a faint smile played across her lips. Willow tossed the belt into the pile of previously discarded clothes. The trust Buffy had just shown in her melted her heart. The button and fly were the next to be undone. As she stepped out of the pants, she also discarded the socks.

That left her standing there in pair of black lace panties straight out of a Frederick's of Hollywood catalog. Willow turned in a small circle and Buffy realized she was wrong. Panties required material. These were a thong. Buffy did the only thing that came to mind. She put her fingers in her mouth and let loose a construction site wolf whistle.

Willow took a deep bow and did her best Elvis impersonation. "Thank you... thank you very much." She divested herself of her final garment as she straightened up. And it was hard to pull off the dignified look in a fit of giggles but they matched the ones coming from the bed. So dignified got waylaid but it gave her a warm fuzzy feeling inside for Buffy to like the way she looked.

Willow moved to the foot of the bed, grabbed Buffy by the ankles and dragged her down. She screeched at the sudden movement, but couldn't wait to see what Willow would do next. Willow pulled her to a standing position, stepped into her personal space cupping her face and kissed her deeply.

Buffy contented herself by running her hands over the redhead's back and slowly creeping lower until she took possession of both of Willow's cheeks. That elicited a moan from the hacker that got swallowed by Buffy since the kiss still hadn't ended.

Willow brought her hands to Buffy's waistband, stopping only for a moment to caress a breast. Once Willow undid the fly, the shorts fell easily over Buffy's hips to the floor. The hacker removed the hands from her ass by the wrists and held them to the side with one hand as she knelt in front of her Slayer and showered her stomach with kisses.

It was a good thing Willow's other arm was holding Buffy securely against her mouth because when she dipped her tongue into her friend's navel, the blonde almost collapsed. Willow released Buffy's wrists and steadied her friend by grabbing her hips. The hacker looked up and was greeted by the biggest smile. All was right with the world.

Willow kissed the stomach in front of her once more before hooking her thumbs into the waistband of her friend's underwear and lowering them to the carpet. The hacker could smell the musty scent of Buffy's desire coming from beneath the thatch of light brown curls at eye level. Buffy stepped out of the garment and Willow made a show out of balling them up and shooting them into the pile of bras like a basketball. Both girls laughed.

Willow rocked from her toes to her heels and rose in one fluid motion, coming to stand beside Buffy once more. They stared at each other again, finding it difficult to believe they were with each other. A lone tear escaped Buffy's eye.

Willow caught it with her finger and brushed it away. "What's the matter? Do you want to stop?" she asked, voice full of concern.

Buffy was quick to respond. "No!" she stated forcefully and smiled. "I just can't believe how lucky I am to be standing here with you like this."

Willow guided them back up onto the bed, propped Buffy against a mountain of pillows and knelt straddling a leg with her hands on her thighs. "We've been naked together before," she jabbed seductively.

"Oh, yeah," Buffy agreed as a look of disbelief crossed her face. "But, the tongue in the bellybutton was a new twist."

Willow just smiled as she sunk into the bed on Buffy's side and went directly to take a swollen nipple in her mouth. She sucked eagerly but her free hand didn't assault its companion. It descended to the juncture of Buffy's thighs and played in the hair there for a moment before one exploratory finger found its way into the soft wet folds of her sex.

Buffy arched into Willow's mouth and gasped as her finger rubbed and explored her outer lips. Buffy swiveled her hips trying to force Willow into more intimate contact. Willow left her breast and reached up and kissed Buffy's mouth. "Be patient, I want to learn every inch of you."

The blonde whimpered but was consoled with a lingering kiss. All the while, Willow's finger never left Buffy's dripping cleft. She pushed the digit all the way down and dragged it forward up the inner passage. At the top she encountered Buffy's engorged clitoris. One light stroke and Buffy raised her hips off the mattress. "Ohhhhh!"

Willow recaptured a breast in her mouth and purposely ignored the blonde's clit until she felt her relax. The redhead used her friend's obvious distraction and plunged her finger into Buffy's tight channel. She moaned as Willow rubbed the pad of her forefinger in long strokes over each portion of her vaginal canal.

Buffy thought she was going to go insane. Willow's touch was enough to be felt but so soft as to not bring any semblance of relief. After the redhead circled the entire tight passage, she withdrew the digit only to replace it with two. She concentrated on the wrinkly patch of flesh about two inches inside on the top wall. Moments later, Buffy exploded and clamped down on Willow hand. Before she came off the high of the first orgasm, Willow used her thumb to manipulate her clitoris in quick, hard strokes. Within seconds, Buffy climaxed again with an incoherent scream.

The Slayer lay covered in a thin layer of perspiration and her skin flushed to a light pink. Her breathing was ragged but she was relaxed. Willow removed her hand from the warmth of Buffy's body and wiped her fluid on the comforter. She pulled Buffy's limp body across herself and cradled it in her arms. The blonde went without a complaint.

Buffy regained her senses to the feeling of Willow's lips on her forehead. She looked up into the redhead's eyes and smiled. "Thank you." she mouthed.

"You're very welcome. May I assume you're feeling better," Willow asked and kissed her nose. "Do you still feel empty?"

Buffy sat up and stretched. "A little. But that's only because I can see your hands."

"You ain't seen nothin' yet," Willow promised. "And next time... I won't use my hands."

"Next time?" the blonde asked in mix of trepidation and anticipation. "This next time is when?"

Willow rolled off the bed, stood and then leaned over it. "You're mine, all night. Unless you wanna renege on our agreement?" She turned and trotted off to the bathroom when Buffy shook her head.

When Willow returned from the bathroom, she found the bed and the entire room, quite empty. Tossed over the foot was a calf length, blue striped bathrobe. She swung it onto her arms and tied the belt as she made her way to the main part of the house.

Buffy, in an identical robe, was in the kitchen arranging a plate of fresh fruit. Another bottle of champagne was already uncorked and sitting on the coffee table. Willow hopped up on a stool and stole the strawberry Buffy was about to add to the plate from her hand. The blonde shot her an annoyed look that quickly softened watching her lover munch contentedly.

Buffy balanced the plate in one hand and grabbed Willow with the other and led them both to the couch. She deposited the plate on the table and shoved it against the sofa, lest they actually have to move to get food or drink.

Buffy climbed onto the couch and pulled the redhead backward between her legs to relax against her, snaking her arms around Willow's soft frame. The blonde leaned over and snagged a piece of melon off the plate and took a bite out of the piece before dropping the other half into her friend's waiting mouth. "I've figured out what this place is missing."

"You have," Willow inquired through a mouthful of melon.

"A hot tub," the blonde replied and shared another fruit slice.

"Great idea, I'll call Peter in the morning."

Buffy repeated the ritual three more times before Willow preoccupied her by turning and placing an unhurried kiss on her lips.

Willow licked the last remaining juice from the corners of Buffy's mouth before sending her tongue into the warm wet crevice to caress its owner's. Willow moved from her lips to her neck and lower. She slid further down the couch and peeled back the sides of the robe covering the breasts she desperately wanted to nibble on again.

She captured one nipple and sucked for a moment before rolling it between her teeth to a hard nub. Buffy moaned and arched until Willow released her hold and licked at the bud with the flat of her tongue. Able to think once more, the blonde leaned over an snagged a strawberry from the table and bit it in two. She took the half still in her hand and rubbed it lightly over the nipple Willow was ignoring. The pale skin surrounding the raised center turned a light pink due to the juice.

Willow hadn't noticed Buffy's action so enthralled with her present work. It was a pleasant surprise to find the blonde tasted like something other than herself. The redhead diligently cleaned the breast, savoring every drop of the sweet coating.

She shifted again and leaned up to gain access to the knot holding the robe securely in place. Willow worked the belt free and uncovered the rest of her partner. She placed a row of kisses down Buffy's breast bone, straight for her navel and plunged her tongue in.

Content with her attention to Buffy's bellybutton, Willow scooted upward and indulged in a long, mutual, oral exploration. As the redhead started her descent once again, Buffy took another half eaten berry and starting on her stomach began a line destined to end in her sex. As the soft flesh of the fruit grazed the patch of light brown hair at the juncture of her thighs, Willow grabbed the hand by the wrist and brought it to her mouth devouring its contents. She then sucked each digit into her mouth and cleaned all the remnants of the berry.

"I thought you would like that," Buffy voiced huskily while stroking the side of Willow's face.

Willow rested her body square between her friend's parted legs and propped her head on a hand looking up into Buffy's eyes. She drew looping lines on the stomach beneath her. "I probably would," she answered and licked the line of juice. "But this time, I only want to taste you."

With that said, she placed her hands on Buffy's upper thighs and pushed herself lower while spreading the blonde further apart. Willow placed her hands so that her first fingers and her thumbs created a diamond shaped frame around Buffy's sex. Using her thumbs, Willow eased apart the outer lips to reveal her friend's wet, pink inner folds. Her swollen clit peaked from beneath its hood begging to be touched.

Buffy arched, imploring Willow to fulfill her need. Willow looked up at her friend and gently pushed her flat against the couch and then went back to her slow visual exploration. With a lingering thoroughness, the redhead extended her tongue into the dripping cleft in front of her. She slowly dragged forward until she brushed lightly over Buffy's clitoris eliciting a low moan.

Willow proceeded to ignore the sensitive nub in favor of sucking on the inner lips in their entirety. She was driving her friend quite mad. Her ministrations were a bizarre form of torture. They were sending the most pleasant little sparks, zinging throughout Buffy's being, but depriving her of any type of release.

Willow stroked and petted every inch, sending Buffy to the edge but never over into that blissful oblivion of orgasm. It was taking all of the Slayer's control not to force her hips up violently. She could hurt Willow unintentionally.

Finally she resorted to begging. "Will, please..." she implored and came off the couch by mere millimeters as her head rocked aimlessly from side to side and her breathing grew ragged.

Willow waited several more moments before she clamped her lips over Buffy's clit and applied a strong, steady pressure. The suction would only be interrupted when she flicked the tip of her tongue across its top. It took less than a minute until Buffy was spasming under her friend's talented mouth. As the climax began to take her, Willow continued her onslaught, dragging out the pleasure in an almost painful continuance.

When Buffy finally came down off her high, she found herself curled into Willow's side with the redhead softly stroking her damp hair. "You're amazing," she whispered.

"So I've been told," Willow quipped and tightened her hold. Buffy was almost asleep in her arms. "Hey, go to bed. I'll put this stuff away and be in in a sec." Willow propped them in sitting position and moved the table away with a foot.

"No, I'll help..." Buffy claimed through a yawn.

"Falling asleep in the fruit salad will not be a help. Go to bed," Willow stated, pointing Buffy around the couch and slapping her once on the ass to get her moving.

The slap woke Buffy up slightly. "Hey!" she exclaimed indignantly. "Fine, I'll go to bed. Don't have to tell me twice." And she made off down the hall.

Willow collected the fruit and covered it before placing it on a shelf in the fridge. It would be breakfast come morning. She took a long swig from the full champagne bottle before dumping the rest down the sink. She flipped off the lights and sat herself on one end of the couch indian style.

She ached; every last nerve in her body ached. Her nipples ached. Her vagina ached. And before she even brought her finger anywhere near her clit, she could just tell it was a totally erect mass of nerves. She leaned back against the cushions and closed her eyes as she dipped a finger into her heat and found her center.

Her mind drifted to thoughts of Oz and the hours of fun they would have in this house, on that very couch. Her brain chastised her for not thinking of Buffy after what they had just shared. So instead of Oz's lips around her clit, it was Buffy's. But she wasn't able to get Oz out of the picture. As her girlfriend beat out a steady rhythm between her legs, Oz was teasing her nipples and kissing her lips.

The thought of both of them loving her combined with the constant pressure she was applying against her clitoris, brought Willow to a powerful orgasm. She stretched out and waited to regain some form of equilibrium. I wonder if they'd go for it?

Willow shook the thought from her head. I am a sick fuck... With a reserved sigh, she made her way to the bedroom. The light on the bed stand was on and Buffy was asleep in the center of the bed. Willow crossed to the bathroom before discarding the robe and joining her friend between the sheets.

She had expected her life to take a vastly different direction when she arrived back in Sunnydale yesterday morning. But the thought of sharing her body with Buffy had never entered her mind, not even her fantasies.

Buffy interrupted her thoughts. "Will? That you?" she asked sleepily and reached out to make contact.

"Yeah, Buff it's me. Who were you expecting? Giles?" Willow jibed and adjusted her arms as the blonde crawled between them.

"Not ready for Giles. Maybe next month..." Buffy replied from whatever dream state she was in. Willow looked down at the form in her arms and smiled. Maybe her fantasies did have a future after all.

Buffy awoke to find herself very much alone in the king sized bed. She was almost positive she had not spent the night that way. As a matter of fact, she distinctly remembered being curled into the side of a nice warm body. Or so she thought.

She grabbed the bathrobe off the end of the bed and wandered into the kitchen to find a freshly showered and dressed Willow. Coffee was made and juice was poured. The fruit from the previous night sat on the platter on the counter.

For her part Willow was leaning over the counter, resting her elbows on the surface as she supported the phone against her shoulder to allow her free hand to scribble notes on the pad in front of her. Buffy arrived in time to catch the tail end of her conversation. She sat herself at a stool and waited to be noticed.

"...the construction take, beginning to end?"

"A few weeks... good, no that would be acceptable. When can you start?"

"What if we pick out the tub today? Peter, hold on a sec." Willow said and then held the mouth piece of the phone against her shoulder. "Good morning," she said to Buffy and placed a quick peck on her lips. "Just making arrangements for your hot tub."

She turned back to her notes and resumed her conversation. "Do you have a supplier on the west coast? You do? In Los Angeles? No problem, we're gonna be shopping this afternoon anyway."

"Perfect. Thanks again, Peter. And use my beeper number. We haven't decided where we're staying tonight. Yeah, I will. Take it easy."

As Willow completed her phone call, Buffy sat and stared at her. The memories of last night were surreal to say the least. She had spent the night in the arms of her best friend. Her best FEMALE friend, and had loved every second of it.

This morning should have been awkward. Willow's greeting signaled she accepted their new relationship and everything it entailed. Buffy was on an emotional roller coaster. Alone with Willow everything seemed easy enough to accept. But what about out in the real world? The world with their friends and families. The confusion was evident of Buffy's face.

Willow immediately noticed her friend's hesitation. She moved to stand in front of Buffy and gently stroked her cheek. "You don't regret last night, do you? I'll never forgive myself if I forced you into anything."

Buffy kissed Willow palm before sliding off the stool and crossing to the sliding glass doors to the deck. She watched the waves crash on the shore for a moment before answering. "No regrets. What you gave me last night... I can't begin to explain what it meant to me."

She stopped and turned, feeling Willow's presents beside her. "But what happens now? I know you have Oz and I will never do anything to jeopardize that relationship for you. How do I act with you when we're around our friends? What is acceptable behavior?"

Willow stood with her hands jammed in the pockets of her jeans. "Full of questions, ain't ya?" She took a deep breath while collecting her thoughts. Buffy knew the look and gave Willow the time she needed to respond.

"As for the 'what happens now' question; I would like to continue the relationship we started last night, but you will still be my best friend if that's not what you want. I guess first off we need to decide if we're going to keep sleeping together," Willow explained. "It's your call."

Willow's insides were in knots that loosened only enough to let the butterflies spin in circles. Up until last night she had never seriously considered making love with another woman. Then why was she afraid her heart would stop if Buffy said she wanted it to end here.

Buffy turned Willow away from the ocean and drew her fingers across the redhead's lips as she placed the other hand around her waist. "I want you," she sighed onto Willow's lips as she brushed them with her own. "I want you in my life and in my bed for as long as you'll have me."

Buffy's words were music to Willow's ears. She grabbed the Slayer in a bear hug and lifted her off the floor. The blonde snaked her arms around Willow's neck and lowered her lips until the met with their mate's. That kiss was sensual; unhurried and pure. Willow replaced Buffy onto the floor while continuing the kiss. They stayed wrapped in each other for several minutes before they breathlessly moved apart.

"I am so glad that's settled," Willow quipped and kissed Buffy once more before going in search of her coffee mug.

Buffy retook her seat at the counter. "That was a no brainer. What about our friends? Will, when I'm around you, all I want is to touch you, kiss you..."

Willow returned to the counter with a steaming cup of java between her hands. "Buff, we're girls. And we've been like best friends forever. Our friends are used to seeing us touch. We should probably refrain from french kissing in public, but other than that, we'll be fine."

"Ok, final issue," Buffy started and snagged a couple of slices of melon. "Oz."

"Oh, fine. Be difficult." Willow tried to sound perturbed but was in too good of a mood. "I'd like to tell him... eventually. But, I won't if it'll make you uncomfortable."

"This is your call. I'll deal. At this point having all our friends, Giles and my mom knowing about us is a little wiggy," Buffy started. "Not that I'm embarrassed by you or anything," she quickly added. "I'd shout it from the rooftops if it would make you happy."

"Buff, I understand. The thought of explaining us to Xander makes my head spin. And it's not the pleasant spinning too much champagne induces," Willow confirmed with a chuckle.

"Will, the world knows I lost my virginity to a 240 year old creature of the night. Loving you is the least evil thing I've ever done." Buffy seemed to lose herself in sadness.

"None of that. He was a great guy. He had to be for you to be with him. Life just likes throwing us curve balls. Unfortunately, with us it's more often than not." As Willow spoke she moved to Buffy's side of the counter and pulled the blonde to her feet. "Go shower. There's clothes in my bag. We're going shopping in LA."

The mention of shopping immediately lightened Buffy's mood. "Shopping? For what?"

"A hot tub, CDs, maybe a car or two," Willow stated flatly and shooed Buffy towards the bedroom. "Now git!"

She didn't have to be told twice. A day of spending money with her new lover and best friend. What more could a girl want? She pondered over the last items on Willow's list. Were cars really on the agenda? The woman just purchased a pricy beach front oasis. Anything was possible.

Chapter Two: Points of View

It had been agonizingly slow for the last several nights - slayage wise. Just once I'd like the demons and children of darkness to abide by my schedule. Willow had been gone for 3 nights and wasn't due back until tomorrow. That had left me with gobs of time on my hands and more than a little frustration to work through. Some vampire ass kicking was just what Buffy needed. But had they complied? No - not a one. Now I'm frustrated from lack of Willow and lack of slayage. And I just know they'll be out in full force tomorrow night since Will was going to be back home. This takes the whole Life is Unfair idea into the next realm.

OK - so I wasn't dealing with missing Willow all that well. Who knew I'd be missing her this much? We had only been together for a week when she went to visit Oz in San Diego. His band was playing a few gigs in the area and I guess I can see how he'd be going through withdrawal considering he hadn't seen her in six weeks. I don't know how he handled it. Maybe I should ask him how he keeps sane during separations…

God! What was I thinking? Talk to Oz about missing sex with Willow? I must have been loosing my mind. As I shook my head to clear those way weird and troubling thoughts from my mind, the bushes to my left started to rattle. Action, at last! My euphoria was short lived as a stray dog flushed a nesting bird from its home.

I felt bad for the bird. It was probably sleeping, being after midnight and all. Since I had seen nada in the two plus hours I had been patrolling, I decided to call it a night. I would give my stimulating report to Giles come morning - or afternoon, depending how late I decided to sleep. That was one nice thing about summer -patrol at night, sleep all morning and get in some quality sparing after lunch. No worries about reports or studying or falling asleep in my 10am.

With the amount of cash Will now controlled, I wouldn't have to worry about the necessities of life. But was I the type to sponge off a friend like that? She seemed ok with providing for me. Hell, I never dreamed I would actually own a Mustang. But should I use my calling to justify not providing for myself? If she wanted to share, who was I to argue? But I would continue to argue…

When I finally arrived at the little apartment Willow and I now shared, I went straight to the bathroom and began a hot shower. Undead or no undead - after patrolling I always felt in need of a cleaning. Like I could wash the slayer part of me away and be Buffy if only for a little while.

I stripped and stepped into the steaming spray of water. After not being with anyone for over a year, my body quickly adapted to nightly orgasms under Willow's skillful hands… and lips… and teeth… and tongue… She didn't seem to mind giving me my release first before allowing me to return the favor.

This line of thought was getting me nowhere fast. I had started soaping my arms and shoulders but as I remembered those nights in Willow's arms, my hands found my breasts. They were generously lathered and had to be immaculately clean since I had been massaging them for the better part of five minutes. My nipples were taut and achy from the constant rubbing. As I passed my fingers over my erect flesh, I realized I hadn't masturbated in eons.

That was going to change tonight. With a concerted effort, I removed my hands from my breasts and reached for the bottle of shampoo. Quick work was made of my hair. I washed my legs, putting off shaving for another day. Not like Willow would be home to complain. Not that she ever did. I don't know if she sympathized, knowing it was such a chore or just didn't care, she was too happy I was alive to have to worry about stubble. My ego liked to think it was the latter but my mind conceded it was probably the former.

I rinsed and dried and padded into my bedroom. As usual, the bed was unmade but not a total disaster. I climbed in and laid on my back. My hands returned to my breasts and started kneading again. It felt so nice to manipulate my nipples to hardened little peaks. I pulled my knees up and let my legs fall open. I could feel the slight breeze from the window cooling the heated skin of my sex. Interesting sensation. The wind blew over the wetness collected between my thighs enough to cause a shiver of reaction, but nowhere near enough for relief.

I allowed one hand to drift south and play idly in the small patch of hair. My actions caused my need to increase. How would I best serve myself? Fast and hard or slow and easy? I figured I could start with slow and accelerate things if need be.

I worked a couple of fingers between the lips of my labia to gather some of the wetness to lubricate my clit. It was just beginning to peak out from under its hood when I touched it for the first time. The shock that went through my body made my nerves go on fire, especially those in my nipples and sex. It was such a pleasant experience, I rubbed myself again, relishing in the jolts of pleasure traveling through my system. I fell into a steady rhythm and my hips soon joined the action, pumping to the beat my fingers set. I think they were worried they'd miss out on all the fun.

My breathing was becoming erratic. I kept licking my lips as my panting dried the little moisture on them. God, I was close. One hand continued to pinch and twist a nipple while the other rubbed the wonderful little bundle of nerves in never ending circles. But something was missing. Something basic. I was right on the edge, but I wouldn't or couldn't fall over. Frustration was mounting and shorting out the climax I had building. No! I was not going to be denied in this as well. If only Willow were here… She'd set me off like a fire-cracker. Those strong, gentle fingers. Knowing just where to touch, to stroke, how hard and how long.

As a vision of Willow filled my mind, I crashed over the top of the precipice with a moan. A few shudders later, I was almost asleep, but a new breeze licked my sweat soaked body causing me to shiver in reflex. I removed my fingers from between my legs, gathered up my blankets and rolled onto my side, tucking one hand under my head. Sleep claimed me quickly. I was sated for the moment and Willow would be back tomorrow. All was right with my world.

The sun was just cresting over the distant mountains as I pulled into Sunnydale. The four days with Oz were wonderful. And the band was doing awesome, like almost ready to be begging for a recording deal, awsome. But to get to the ready stage meant they'd have to go out touring - further away than San Diego or LA. That meant even longer separations from Oz. I was happy for him but sad about us. Would we survive that much time apart?

I was in an emotional upheaval as I drove through the awakening town. It was good to have a town to come home to. Living on a Hellmouth - well… one could never take its continued existence for granted. A smile spread across my face. If the town was still here, so was Buffy. It would take the entire place crumbling before her for her to let this place go.

Ah, home. It should be strange to think of it like that. I've only been living here a few weeks and that's if you count the days I had just spent with Oz. Really, it's Buffy's place. A small two-bedroom apartment on the ground floor on the back-side of a complex. Being the caretaker's place, originally, meant it had its own outside entrance. Much more conducive to slaying than the more sought after sixth floor apartments at the front.

Buffy insisted I move in with her when I got back from Boston and we got back from the coast. After a year out from under my parents' roof I was glad for the offer and jumped at the chance. Once Mom noticed my absence, I would have to deal with questions no kid wants their parents asking. Granted, given my Mom's track record for total lack of attention where I was concerned, I might have gotten to 30 before reality struck her between the eyes.

Okay, so the fact that my new lover - what a wonderfully unexpected term - would be living in the next bedroom instead of across town had only everything to do with my decision. Those first few days back were like we never left the beach house. We slept curled or draped around, over, beside, on top of or underneath each other every night. It was a preposition lover's dream come true.

We slept soundly, like there was any other choice. We wore each other out bringing the other to multiple orgasms - another wonderful term! It seemed like the fighting Buffy did against the forces of darkness acted as extended foreplay for her. She'd get home and would be naked by the time she crossed the threshold into my bedroom. She was always ready - dripping wet. She wouldn't say a word, just beg me with her eyes.

The first night after I moved into the apartment, I was greeted in such a way. But that night her eyes held a hint of fear, like I would turn her away. I opened my arms and she threw herself into them. Her lips claimed mine. She was possessed with some need I didn't understand but was happy to fulfill.

She wasted no time, pulling my hand between her thighs. She was so very ready for whatever I decided to do. I entered her with two fingers as my thumb worked her clit. The moan my entrance elicited was of relief and gratification. I did little work other than angle my fingers to hit her G-spot. She worked herself on my hand; raising up until I thought she would loose me, before allowing herself to slide back down.

I couldn't help but wonder how she had managed while I was away. I would find out soon enough. I keyed the lock and dropped my overnight bag in my room before heading to the kitchen. I really didn't expect to see her up at the ungodly early hour of ten to seven. But that worked for me. I could join her for a few hours of shuteye. The drive had been long and mind numbingly boring.

Per my suspicions, Buffy was still in bed, on her right side with her back to the door. Deciding I was in way too many clothes, I undressed and pulled back the covers. The scent that hit me caused me to smirk. Well, I guess that answered how she was managing without me.

I crawled into bed and pulled the sheet over my shoulder before spooning against Buffy's back. I placed my left hand on her hip more for something to do with it than anything sexual. She didn't wake up, but took my hand in hers and brought it to her chest - nestled between her breasts. I sighed and joined her in slumber.

I woke rested but horny with a too cool surprise pressed against my back. My Wills had evidently gotten back early. I wasn't going to complain. I desired her, wanted her… needed her - in the worst, or perhaps, the best - possible ways. But I had a sneaking suspicion that shaking her awake to ask for a quickie was not the way to win friends and influence people - especially a petite, redheaded, hacker.

Besides, she had put my needs first since we started together. I could put her first. It's not like I'm some kinda animal that can't control her baser urges. Besides, didn't Cosmo say that the longer you hold off, the better it is in the end? A little experiment was in order. But Cosmo would have Hell to pay if they were lying. Hell hath no furry like a frustrated Buffy!

I lay on my side studying Willow. She was on her back with her head turned toward me. She looked no older than the day we met when she's sleeping. I still loved seeing her in those overalls.

I was almost hypnotized by the rise and fall of her breasts as she breathed. I never took much notice of my own. They're just kinda there - once I got over the awe of actually having them. They stopped fascinating me years ago, but I never get tired of looking at Willow's. I could almost fit one in my hand, so they weren't overly large. I think I liked it better that way. There was little chance they would get saggy any time soon. Somewhere in the back of my mind I hoped to live to see the day that they would.

Yet, right now, her breasts were very firm and topped by the cutest, pink nipples that blended into the natural curve of the flesh. That was where I would start. I spent long moments sucking and licking them until they puckered and stood out tall and erect. I got lost in the feel of them elongating under my tongue and lips.

I was cradling her sides as I mouthed those little peaks. I had just started on the second when I felt her stir beneath me. Her fingers came up and smoothed the hair over my ears before one hand worked its way to the back of my neck to play in the strands at the nape. I know I moaned as she played over my scalp, but I think she did too. She still hadn't opened her eyes but as I peeked at her face there was a smile caressing her lips.

I left the nipple I had been sucking to lick and nip my way up her chest. I continued to watch her as I made my way north. She must have been enjoying my ministrations - she was purring! I could feel her chest vibrating under my lips. I had never heard her make that sound before, but filed away the knowledge for a later date.

Finally I reached her lips. I covered them with my own and teased them open with my tongue. I knew she was awake and she knew that I knew she was awake, but she still hadn't opened her eyes. That was Okay with me. Mine were no longer open either and as her tongue danced with mine, her hands traveled over my back - nails scratching lightly along my spine. I think I started purring at that point.

When our kiss ended, I softly placed my lips over one eye then the other before I pulled back and watched them appear for the first time. They were smiling almost as much as her mouth was. I matched her grin then buried my face in her neck as I hugged her.

I was surprised that my need seemed to have ebbed into the background. I knew it was there but it was secondary to the beautiful creature under me. Yes, I thought her beautiful. I knew she didn't see herself that way and I swore to myself that I would remember to tell her often.

My declaration would have to wait. I was much too busy massaging her neck with my mouth. I enjoyed doing it and she seemed to enjoy having it done to her - so it all kinda worked out. Soon I had made a row of small red marks from behind her ear to the hollow of her throat. This wasn't turtleneck weather, so hopefully our friends would just assume they were remembrances from San Diego. At times it was handy to have her involved with Oz.

I slid down her chest and tugged a nipple lightly between my teeth. The purr changed to a moan at that little maneuver. My ego was sufficiently rewarded by that sound. Although I was thoroughly content to suckle at her breast for the rest of my days, my nose told me Willow was ready for a more intimate touch.

I left her chest and blazed a direct route to the auburn patch between her thighs. I bent her knees and spread her legs so I could fit myself down for a feast. She took several deep, gasping, breaths while I kissed and nuzzled the juncture of her legs. I ran my tongue over her outer lips before delving deeper to gather some of her essence.

I never imagined myself needing anything as much as I need to taste Willow at that very moment. She was thick and salty and something that was entirely her. I coated my tongue and drank of her deeply. I was inadvertently driving her batty. I had ignored that wonderful little bundle of nerves at the top of her slit in favor of my own thirst.

Willow did not let me neglect her for long. Her hips moved until I had no choice but to wrap my lips around her clit. She rewarded me with a low, breathy moan. Not that I needed encouragement. I felt her lengthen as my tongue played around and over her nub. You had to love the fact that there was no other use for this piece of flesh than pleasure. If I ever meet my maker, I must remember to thank her for this wonderful addition. Yes, I said her… a male never would've given up such a fun toy.

It was a good thing I was the Slayer. I clamped one arm over her hips to keep their movement confined to where I could still work her over. If the sounds coming from the head of the bed were any indication, Willow wouldn't last much longer. It saddened me that my fun was soon going to end. Unless I took drastic measures.

I released her clit and went back to stroking her length with slow, languid strokes. My Wills was less than thrilled with the change. But she seemed to forgive me as I entered her with my tongue. Yes, she was definitely enjoying the steady fucking I was delivering.

She grabbed the hand I had across her abdomen as she began to come. Her inner walls clenched at my invading muscle. My extra stamina served me - and her - well. I kept thrusting until I heard my name rush from her lips. I gently cleaned the excessive liquid from her labia before climbing up next to her and pulling her into my arms. She sighed, kissed me softly on the ear, mumbling something I couldn't understand.

Her eyes were closed again. I supposed that was a good thing. A small smile graced her lips. I had put that there. Some people think I do amazing things by being able to take on entities three times my weight and better than a foot taller. But seeing that smile… maybe, just maybe, I've been chosen to do something more important.

Oh, wow… Wow, oh, wow… I have… wow. Buffy was, amaz… wow.

Now that was a most wonderful way to greet the day. I just may come back to earth at some point - God, I hope not.

I should really get functional and repay my way generous lover. I just can't seem to operate on anything but the most basic level. It's a damn good thing breathing is automatic. Dying from an orgasm would be kinda anti-climatic. So to speak. Ugggh, I must be out of it. I'm beginning to sound like Xander.

That is the last time I do that kind of driving. I just have to remember I can afford a damn plane ticket and a driver. Maybe I should buy a plane… nah, mental note: utilize air travel. That should do it. Now where was I?

I flexed my hand and moved my leg to find myself snuggled against Buffy. I think my mind was still on overload. I couldn't string together two coherent thoughts. And I couldn't figure out why it mattered or why I cared.

My body was completely sated. That was one of the few things I knew without a doubt. I had spent years as a geek, feeling awkward in my body and believed everyone's opinion of myself except mine. As I lay intertwined with my best friend, I finally felt like there was some place I fit. Absolutely, completely and entirely.

At last, I came into my own. Becoming independently wealthy didn't lead me to this discovery. Having the love of a great guy wasn't the catalyst either. It was being accepted without reservation by a person whose life was already complicated enough without adding an alternate lifestyle into the mix.

She became my friend when it was social suicide. She became my best friend when she was ordered into solitude. And she accepted my love, my body, even though most of society, religion and politics condemned our union. I really shouldn't be surprised. She never did listen to convention.

It just isn't wiggy to be lying, naked, with her wrapped around me. I'm not freaked by the thought of her touching me, tasting me, taking me - however she pleases. Looking at my history, I shouldn't be so calm. Maybe I've finally grown up. This just feels so right.

At last I found the strength to push myself up and kiss her lightly. Her eyes fluttered open and she smiled at me. So I kissed her again. I murmured my thanks as I sucked on her ear lobe. But we didn't escalate our touches. We really needed to start the day. She had to meet Giles for practice and I would tag along and see if he had any jobs for research girl. If not, I could always work on a few of the projects I had going. Mainly I just wanted to stay near her.

She didn't seem to mind having me with her. We weren't overly affectionate towards each other in public. We never talked about it, just kinda agreed to it. It wasn't that we were purposely keeping our relationship secret. We honestly didn't know how to bring it up. Especially since I was still with Oz.

We showered, separately - we really needed to get going, and stopped for a bite to eat. Buffy and grocery shopping did not mix. Once lunch was out of the way, we headed over to Giles's. He had nothing for me to do. From what he could tell, everything was fairly calm. In and of itself, that was kinda freaksome.

Buffy worked through some warm up exercises before taking on the heavy bag. Giles just sat in a corner mostly reading but keeping a blind eye on the Slayer's progress. I was diligently working on a new program until Buffy found herself overheating. That resulted in her loosing the t-shirt and finishing up in a sports bra.

Giles was non-pulsed. I, on the other hand, was very pulsed. One look and my heart started working double time. I must have zoned, big time, 'cause I didn't hear Giles until the third call of my name. But Buffy had heard and soon they were both crouched in front of my chair, patiently peering into my eyes with more than concerned stares.

I automatically muttered something about pondering some passage in whatever book I had been reading until I remembered I was supposed to be working on a computer program. I was so busted - by Buffy anyway.

She knew where my mind had gone and blushed in sympathy - and put her shirt back on. For that I was thankful. At least I could think coherently again. Giles just looked at me as if I'd grown a third head - like the second one wasn't strange enough.

I've zoned before. It's something I'm actually quite adept at. But Giles didn't seem to be buying that this time. His gaze moved between the two of us and he did that worried look thingy with his eyebrows. He cleared his throat and wandered back across the room to the tome he had been studying.

Buffy returned to kneel in front of me, balancing on her toes by leaning against my knees. Her thumbs moved in small circles on my legs making me forget all about Giles or code or much of anything. She quietly asked if I was Okay and promised to keep herself clothed when we were with the rest of the gang. I felt a pang of regret under all the relief.

I felt remarkably like an outsider in my own living room. I hadn't the first idea of what I stumbled into between Buffy and Willow. If I must be completely honest, that was not entirely accurate. I had an idea and it worried me, greatly.

Conceptually, I have no difficulty with homosexuality. Same sex unions offer the participants things not readily obtained through heterosexual pairings. There is a long history of accepted sexual practices that differ from the strict, puritanical, teachings of western civilization.

But practically… it is a very cruel world and the last thing those two girls needed were more complications in their lives. They could probably handle the general population's negative attitude towards lesbians. Their friends would be another matter. Xander, in particular. He often exhibited homophobic tendencies and attitudes. His negative reaction could cost them all beyond measure.

My main dilemma was whether to involve myself in their affairs… so to speak. Would they accept my council? Would they even need or want my support? A decision didn't need to be made that second, so I relegated the issue to the back of my mind.

Buffy returned to the heavy bag suspended in the corner of my living room. This time she kept herself fully clothed. It didn't take long for a dark patch to work its way down the center of her back. She would have been more comfortable - I'm sure - and would have preferred to practice without the shirt, but Willow was concentrating much better with it on, so on it stayed.

It was an extremely telling gesture. I do not think they were even cognizant of the things they did for and because of each other. I am unsure as to why I considered that interaction earlier in a sexual light. It was not out of character for either of them. They had related to each other similarly since the friendship had commenced. Why was this time different?

And wasn't Willow with Oz? Have I been so absorbed in my blasted books that I failed to notice the conclusion of that relationship? Or did Willow have a hedonistic streak that I never noticed?

I suppose I should be elated to have normal problems for a change. Teen infidelity would be achingly normal. Oh, dear God, would you listen to me. I'm no better than Xander. As if I have nothing better to do than speculate on the love life of young people.

Buffy seems to have completed her exercises for the afternoon. I must remember to commend her for her focus and dedication. Since Willow returned to Sunnydale, Buffy has applied herself with a consistency that she has never exhibited before. She now looks to me for different ways of defeating her opponents without putting herself in as much unnecessary danger. Her attitude has changed in a fundamental way. Most interesting.

Before going off for a much-needed shower, she stopped to see why Willow had her nose buried in her computer. They spoke in tones too low for me to hear but both were smiling as Buffy wandered down to my wash room.

Willow packed up her laptop and related accessories while Buffy finished in the other room. Together they came to me to tell me they were heading out for a late lunch or an early dinner - Willow was babbling, but that was the gist. They asked me to join them, but I refused. I could not stomach the amount of grease they tended to ingest.

As they exited my apartment, Buffy yelled that they were going out to the beach house Willow had purchased after she patrolled that evening. They would be home late the following day. I wished them a good meal, doubtful; good hunting, probable; and a pleasant trip, I was not going to speculate.

Dinner was awsome. One of the major perks about having a best friend that was loaded was not having to eat at fast food places or diners. Not that we went five star but most places were better than Taco Hell or Burger Barf. This was going to take no time getting used to. Willow picked a small Italian place that served an inspired lasagna and an even better cannoli.

It was nice just to sit and talk. Willow outlined the projects she had in the hopper. I thought Giles was going to flip once she got the demon database up and functional. I couldn't see how or more precisely where she was gonna sell that one. Other than us, who would want a database of demons? Evidently there were a couple of Universities around the world that would pay good money to tap into Willow's latest creation.

We talked about the future. Not too far into the future. I didn't have that luxury, but still future. Willow wanted to keep working in the computer field and would start her own company. She basically already had by selling those programs. But she also wanted to continue with her magik. I had no problem with either. I would support her in whatever she wanted to do - how could I do less? She always supported me, no questions asked.

I did ask her to be careful. I didn't want the magik to hurt her. I couldn't protect her from that. She promised to work with Giles and anyone else he suggested. It was good enough for me.

She surprised me by asking what I wanted to do with my life - outside slaying. She knew a nine to five job would be impossible. I needed the freedom to come and go as the forces of darkness dictated. They never kept the traditional business hours.

I confided that I had an idea for a children's book - based on my own life and the demons I fought. No, I didn't plan on being as graphic or terrifying as my actual life, but to take the demons and make them softer and to make the slayer more of a superhero. Something along those lines. Just bring my whole life down to kindergarten level.

I was nervous saying anything about this idea, even to Willow. But she was so great. She liked the idea and wanted me to start working on it right away. I still had doubts. Even if I wrote it, could I illustrate it? What about publishing it? Would anybody buy it? What were the chances of this all actually happening?

Willow said it didn't matter if it ever sold, it was the process that mattered. And she believed in me. How could I say no? How could I not at least try. Besides, if I pulled it off, I could contribute to my own expenses and wouldn't need to live as a kept woman.

That was the next thing we talked about over dessert. I told her I didn't want to be taking advantage of our friendship and constantly sponging off her new found wealth. I had accepted the house and the car and wasn't that enough? In hindsight, I should have put up more of an argument over both at the time.

Willow just calmly explained that it was her money and she'd do with it as she damned well pleased. And if I insisted on offending her by bringing it up again… well, it just wasn't gonna be pleasant. She had on her resolve face, the one I found so adorable, and had a real problem saying no to. So I didn't and just said thank you when she paid the tab. I did, however, plan on thanking her in a much more personal manner once we reached the coast.

All that aside, her stubborn insistence to support me financially… well, that gave me the final kick in the ass I needed to make sure I at least attempted the book. I had two months left of the summer before classes started up again in the fall. Hopefully, I would have the majority of it completed before I had to put my nose to the grindstone again.

I couldn't talk her into going back to our apartment, so Willow joined me for patrol. We had argued about her safety in the past and I'm sure we will argue about the same topic in the future. I know she doesn't want me to go out alone and she knows I don't want to be the cause of anything happening to her. So we compromised - kinda.

She came with me while I hunted the undead. As a concession to me, she outfitted herself with a Supersoaker with instructions of flight over fight. I actually liked having her along. But, I think I just prefer her around to not around - no matter the situation. Now if I could just get the time to move faster.

I wanted the duty part of my life to be over, for the rest of the night at least, so the personal part could take over. I owed my Wills some of my undivided attention.

I still had two more cemeteries to case. I needed to get to two possible newbies before they had the chance to do any damage. They couldn't be buried in the same place. No, nothing was ever convenient for slayers. Yet, I don't know how the others managed with just a Watcher. Especially ones that couldn't hack into the police computer to find all those "neck" deaths.

We arrived at Sunnydale Memorial and searched for Heather McDonald's grave. Granted, it wasn't 100% that she would rise. Her cat may have torn out her throat and then nuzzled her mouth. We weren't real high on that theory, so there we were, sitting on some other poor sap's headstone waiting for the dead to live again.

Willow was recounting the latest happenings with Dingoes Ate My Baby when the ground in front of us parted and an arm emerged. In the past I would wait for my nemesis to totally rise and then we'd dance for awhile before I ended their undead life. I no longer had the patience. I hopped off my perch and yanked the vampire out of the ground. It was disoriented and I used that to my full advantage. One thrust with Mr. Pointy and a thin covering of dust joined the newly turned earth.

I held my hand out to Willow and we walked hand in hand to the car and to the next grave site. She wanted to know when I did away with my trade marked bantering. I thought for a minute before I realized it started when she got back from Boston - after we had become lovers. I no longer needed the rush of fighting. I got all the rush I could handle when I was with her. Now, I just wanted to perform my calling well enough to make it home to her. When I told her that, she cried. It was the last thing I wanted.

Thankfully, we arrived at the last cemetery in short order. Before we headed off in search of the late Jason Whitmore, I gathered Willow into my arms and apologized for making her all teary-eyed. She melted into me. I brushed away her tears and gently kissed her. She sniffed and touched my cheek and just looked into my eyes. I realized I hadn't upset her in a bad way. So, I kissed her again.

Willow pulled away and gestured over my shoulder. Jason was already awake and looking for his first meal. He came at us planning on dinner and dessert. Needless to say I was against the idea. If anyone was going to eat Willow tonight, it sure wasn't going to be fang boy.

I pulled Willow behind me then met Jason at a full run. I tackled him and rolled him onto his back but before I could finish him and get back to more important things I found myself on the receiving end of a right cross. For a split second I was embarrassed that Willow saw him land a punch, but the pain in my jaw snapped me back to reality.

We were both on our feet again and I went after him with a roundhouse kick then bent for a leg sweep. He was on his back again and I gripped my stake a little tighter and pounced. I swung with my left and when he brought his arms to block me, I shifted and plunged with my right. He dusted under me and I was soon sitting on nothing but damp grass.

Willow helped me to my feet, escorted me to my Mustang, liberated my keys and tucked me into the passenger seat. She got in behind the wheel before turning to examine my multi-colored chin. Her touch was light and it soothed me completely.

She shook her head and gave me that lopsided grin. I had closed my eyes to absorb the emotion running through me. When I next realized what was happening, we were already on our way to the beach house. Willow's hand was resting on my leg. I covered it with my own and figured I'd get a short nap. I had big plans for that night.

I pulled up the drive and parked the car. A small squeeze to the thigh under my fingers brought Buffy out of snooze mode. I hoped she wasn't out for the night. I had always been edgy after going on rounds with her but until tonight never realized seeing her fight turned me on. When Oz was around I just figured it was him. No wonder he liked it when I accompanied Buffy.

Buffy grabbed our bag out of the trunk and met me in the living room. I had flipped on the deck lights and went out to look over the supplies the construction company had left. A couple of days and the hot tub would be functional. I couldn't believe I overlooked that. Good thing I have Buffy to make sure all the creature comforts are accounted for.

As I stood at the rail watching the waves lap the sand, she came up behind me and wrapped her arms around my waist and nibbled on my neck. Oh, how I loved this position. I had such wonderful memories of being on this very deck but with our positions reversed. It had all started here, like this.

I leaned back into her, confident her strength would keep us both upright. She worked my shirt out of the waistband of my jeans and rubbed her hands over my stomach. I think she just needed to feel skin. She didn't move to elevate the touches into anything more serious. I took her right hand and brought it to my lips in order to drop little kisses along her palm and wrist.

Suddenly, my world swirled violently and I found myself being cradled in strong arms. I couldn't find a good reason to protest. I put my arms around her neck and nibbled on a nearby ear while she carried me to our bedroom.

Good thing the bed had good springs. I was unceremoniously tossed into the center, then pounced upon by a ravenous Slayer. I guess the nap did her a world of good - she had energy to spare and planned on expending it on me. Luck me. Nope, no complaining here. I was about to become a very happy hacker.

I'm glad I wasn't overly attached to my shirt. Buffy and buttons did not work and play well together on that night. They went flying in all directions, we never did find one of them. I was a little more upset over the demise of my bra. I had liked that bra. It was lacy and a nifty shade of pink. Not a wussy pastel but not that day-glo pink either. I hoped I could find a new one like it.

All thoughts about the state of my clothing were quickly forgotten when Buffy attached herself to my left nipple and did a damn good impersonation of an Orek. And I'm talkin' the super duper hotel model. I'm not sure how suction is measured, but… Oh, God! I did the only thing I was capable of - I arched and moaned. Or maybe I moaned and arched - it was all a little fuzzy. The important part was, I needed to have more of me in contact with more of her. Preferably naked.

She must have read my mind. I was still a little hazy and didn't even feel her leave my breasts. The next thing I knew, a very naked Slayer was pulling my jeans off by the ankles. Luckily she didn't rip those. I hadn't packed another pair. I didn't want to have to think about having to explain to the nice officer why I wasn't wearing any pants.

I came back into myself when Buffy lowered herself towards me. She was barely touching me - holding herself up with her fore arms and knees. I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her to cover me fully. She tried to roll off, afraid to be too much weight for me to handle. I would have none of that. I loved the feel of her, the solidness - it felt very safe, not suffocating.

She smiled and went back to her feast. The muscles in her back moved under my hands as I massaged slowly. She purred into my chest. It was a oddly pleasant sensation.

I grew restless with the slow pace Buffy set for this encounter. I think I surprised her when I managed to roll us over and sat on top of her. She allowed me to fondle and pinch her nipples for a moment before reversing our positions once again.

She mentioned something about needing to tip me, I didn't quite catch the whole thing since she ignored my aching nipples to play in the wetness between my thighs. There was no rhyme or reason to what she was doing down there. Then she left my warm center all together. She painted both nipples then returned her mouth to them and her hand to my more acute need.

If she was trying to make me crazy she was succeeding in spades, diamonds, yellow stars and green clovers. My hips took on a life of their own trying to force her into a more committed contact. I grabbed her wrist and tried to force the issue. Dumb move. She was too strong to force so I resorted to the only method left to me.

I begged. I whimpered. I pleaded.

I was denied.

The phrase "over stimulation" kept running through my mind. Her fingers traveled slowly up and down the length of my crease, avoiding my clit. One touch. It would have only taken one touch. If I died before cresting this summit, I'd…. I'd… I wasn't sure what I'd do, but it'd be a doozy.

Finally, she entered me. Three fingers, four on the next stroke. I was in orbit. Houston, we have lift off! No problem here…

I was off for round two when she pressed her thumb against my swollen bundle of nerves, which she had been studiously ignoring. I think I yelled her name. I yelled something. She was smiling, I'll assume it was her name.

I wanted so much to thank her. To tell her how wonderful she had been. All I could do was give her a weak smile and try to breathe. My heart felt like it was going to beat out of my chest. I could feel the pounding of blood in the most amazing places.

She seemed pleased with herself. I couldn't begrudge her that. I could spend hours trying to find all the adjectives to describe what she did to me. I was a very happy hacker as I found the strength to pull her down for a kiss. When it ended, she rested her head against my chest and wrapped herself around me. I remembered playing with her hair before I drifted off to sleep.

I had a shit-eating grin plastered on my face when I woke up the next morning. I may have been new to this whole female love thing, but I was a quick study. Now if I could just convince UC Sunnydale to let me set an independent major in Willow - hell, I'd graduate Summa Cum Loudly.

I think I should be shot for that last comment. Bad puns. Must be from hanging around Xander so much. No matter. I was still quite proud of myself. Willow continued to doze underneath me. It was the first time I had worn her out. Considering I had super-human strength and stamina, she often sent me to dreamland without even breaking a sweat herself. It was gladness to finally be able to return the favor.

A shower was definitely in order. The musky smell of last night's activities clung to me like a favorite shirt. I grabbed my robe out of the closet and headed for the bathroom. I brushed my teeth and emptied my bladder before ducking under the spray of hot water.

I had soaped my body and my hair and was preparing to drag a razor through the jungle that was my left leg when a sleep mussed Willow entered the shower. She smiled and kissed me deeply, passionately. She fought for control of my mouth. She won.

We kissed under the pounding spray for long minutes. She thanked me for the previous night while examining the clear skin of my chin. My healing abilities amazed her and I think made it easier to see me battered and bruised knowing they wouldn't last long.

She took the razor from me and sat me down on the side of the tub before motioning for a leg. I gave her my right one. She rested my foot against her stomach before squirting some gel the length of my shin and proceeding to lather up the entire calf. This was definitely new. No one had ever shaved my legs but me. It was highly erotic watching her carefully run the blade over my flesh.

She finished my lower leg and moved to continue with the upper portion. The lathering was maddening. I wasn't sure if she was purposely trying to turn me on, but that was the effect. I held still as she shaved the leg clean. Just knowing how she was going to touch me made it more difficult to sit still when she moved to work on my other leg.

It felt like she was touching me for hours. I'm sure it was nowhere near that long. I had closed my eyes in hopes of controlling my reaction to having her hands so close to my center. I guess she wasn't as stimulating as I thought because she woke me up after she completed her own shower.

I went to towel her off but was brushed aside. She thanked me for being so wonderfully attentive - her words - but, now she had the need to feel me. Who was I to argue?

I was dried off, then moisturized - head to toe - she massaged my limbs and torso with a single mindedness few people could manage. She had to be aware of the affect she was having on me. I could smell my arousal and felt it trickle down my thigh. One look into her eyes and I knew I was in trouble. She had this wicked little glint and I tried to prepare myself. Who knew what she would ask of me?

She laughed when I shuddered. Willow could be evil in the most wonderful ways. She said she had been keeping track. Since she got back it was Willow 3 - Buffy 0. She planned on evening the score - starting now - and she wasn't going to stop until we were tied. I asked if she would notify my next of kin when she was finished.

She pulled me back into the bedroom and pushed me, face first, onto the bed. I felt her straddle my thighs then bend down to nip at the back of my neck. It was a different position but incredibly enjoyable. She stretched our arms out, and squeezed my fingers before instructing me to keep my hands where she was leaving them - no matter what. I wasn't sure I wanted to find out what would happen if I disobeyed.

Her lips traveled over my neck and shoulders and I could feel her wet sex move rhythmically against my ass. Different was good. I could do different. She continued like this for some time. Soothing and stimulating me at the same time. Half of me wanted to curl up into her arms and forget about everything but her. The other half wanted to escalate this to the stars. It was maddening. I assumed this was her intention.

She moved her lower half off of me, never ending the sucking on my shoulder blade. Who'd have guessed that was an erogenous zone? She tapped my inner thigh signaling that she wanted access to my sex. Cool for me. I complied eagerly.

She worked a couple of fingers between the lips of my labia. She hummed her appreciation at the moisture she found there. My hips moved against her hand as she attacked my ear lobe. My attention was so absorbed with her lips, it took a moment for me to realize she was circling gently against my asshole.

I freaked. It was that simple. I swatted her hand and rolled out from under her, sitting up suddenly. I was shaking. Saying that she surprised me would be an understatement of monumental proportions. I had never… well, even considered being touched where the sun don't shine.

She crawled in front of me and took my hands in hers, bringing them to her lips. She apologized for making me uncomfortable - for doing something I was so evidently against. My breathing settled down and I could think clearly again. I confessed she had startled me.

Willow explained she just wanted to do something different, something she enjoyed and hoped we could share, but promised she'd never try it again. We sat cross-legged on the bed facing each other holding hands. I wondered if she didn't find it a bit, well, gross. I couldn't guarantee what she would find there.

She said after morning rituals it was usually a pretty safe bet. Besides, she wasn't going to try to reach my spleen. I wasn't sure exactly where my spleen was but I took solace in that fact. I had to admit, once I got over the initial shock, it was an intriguing idea. Were we really that sensitive there? Would it be pleasurable? I knew with all that I was Willow would never do anything to hurt me - besides, I was used to pain.

Willow was infinitely patient, answering my questions with her straightforward manner - while not pushing the issue. She was going to let me make up my own mind. I loved her all the more for it.

I hadn't made up my mind about this new area to possibly explore, but I felt this whole thing brought us closer together. It had ruined the heat we had generated from before, during and after the shower but if we could talk honestly about something like this… what could life throw at us that we couldn't work through?

We both felt some deeper connection when my stomach ended the conversation by making itself known. We both chuckled and got off the bed, collected our robes and headed for the kitchen.

As we made breakfast, we kept mentioning how grateful we each were for the other's understanding. It got quite nauseating and we agreed to just let it drop for the time being. We prepared the rest of our meal in silence. Actually, Willow prepared, I handed her whatever she requested. I made a damn fine scrub nurse to her surgeon.

She put on a pot of coffee before whipping up some eggs. I poured some juice and was allowed to make the toast. When everything was complete we took it to the living room and flipped on the tube. There was less than nothing on in the middle of the day. I don't know why we were surprised. There was nothing on in prime time either.

We ditched TV altogether, threw on some clothes and wandered down to the beach. The sun was warm as we made our way to the surf. The water was still cool, it being only June. It would have to jump another 15-20 degrees before I would want to venture in. I know, the mighty Slayer was a wuss.

We had weathered a major, major, stumbling block. Who knew the shy, reserved, hacker would have a more diverse sexual arsenal than the cool, outgoing, Slayer? I think we both learned an important lesson about projecting our experiences onto others. God, I sound like my mother. What next? Hug therapy? Well, that ain't exactly a bad idea…

Buffy had decided to get in some exercise since our morning calisthenics were cut short. She was sprinting down the beach, full out. She got about 200 yards out then turned and came back towards me, passing me and going about the same distance in the other direction. I continued to wander toward a washed up log out by the point.

By the time I reached my target, Buffy had lapped me several times. She collapsed by my side breathing heavily. Her hair and tank were drenched in sweat and she was flushed the most attractive shade of pink. I smiled, remembering the times I had put her in such a state.

She asked if I'd mind if she took off her shirt. I was touched by the question but assured her I wouldn't mind. Who was around to care if I sat there ogling her? She tossed the shirt over the far end of the log then I pulled her down to recline in my lap. She refused claiming she stunk but I managed to convince her the smell of her sweat was anything but revolting.

Buffy put her head on my thigh and played with the fingers of my right hand. She seemed fascinated by the tendons and joints as if she was trying to commit every juncture to memory. Maybe she was. I knew I never tired of learning a different part of her body.

While she played with my fingers, I played with her hair, smoothing it back, enjoyinh the soft texture. I couldn't wait any longer. I needed smoochies. Buffy smoochies. I covered her lips with my own, teasing her with my tongue. She most certainly didn't mind this new activity.

We explored each other slowly, our tongues dueling, aggressive one moment, passive the next. She released my fingers to latch onto my neck. If she was worried about me going anywhere, she needn't bother. Nothing short of that week's apocalypse was going to remove me from her.

Since the kissing thing was going so well I decided to add the groping thing. My free hand went to her sports bra clad breast and began massaging it. Groping was evidently a good thing. Buffy moaned her enjoyment into my mouth. If cloth covered was good then naked had to be better. Right? Right.

I wondered if she had planned this when she dressed. This bra had a zipper running down the center, cinching it closed. Stylish and convenient. Not one to waste a happy accident, I utilized said zipper and freed her breasts from their confinement. This elicited another moan. Naked was definitely better.

I rolled a nipple between my fingers amazed at how fast it hardened. Buffy had picked up a three-word mantra: God, Willow and yes. Not necessarily in that order and in varying volume levels. I alternated between her breasts, not wanting either to feel neglected. Finally, I could stand it no longer. I needed to taste them.

The Slayer put up no fight when I lowered her completely to the sand and moved partially on top of her. I licked, sucked and nibbled each breast, ignoring the erect peaks. Her mantra became less coherent, but louder.

When I began mouthing the nipples, I worked my hand inside the waist of her shorts. She had anticipated this little rendezvous. She wasn't wearing any panties. Naughty Slayer. If I was into spanking, this would have been the perfect opportunity for it.

She grinned at my surprise. We both giggled for a moment but she stopped abruptly when I brushed over her clit. She was calling to God again. I briefly considered I wasn't getting my proper due in all this, but quickly ignored myself. I had more important things to be doing.

As I circled her pleasure center, I worked my way up her chest, nipping and sucking on her neck. I got a little over-zealous at one point. She'd be wearing my mark for hours - she healed pretty fast. That thought really turned me on. I liked the thought that she belonged to me.

Her hips were helping me keep a steady beat. She wanted more, that much was perfectly clear. I kissed my way to her ear and never slowing the movement of my hand, told her in explicit detail how long I was going to make her wait for release and what I was going to be doing to her to tease her into a frenzy.

She was close. My fingers were covered in her passion. Her breathing was shallow and labored. Her sex was enflamed. Over the course of the past day and a half she had gotten me off three times, and to my knowledge, never came herself.

I confused her by making her think. As I made small circles around her sensitive flesh, I asked her what she wanted me to do to make her come. She said she didn't care, just please put her over. I was a real bitch, I made her make a decision she was in no condition to make. Speech was a luxury and thought was impossible. Her coordination, however was superb.

One hand tangled in my hair and brought my lips to hers in a crushing kiss. The other grabbed the wrist near her sex and forced two of my fingers deep inside herself. She released my mouth and screamed as I entered her. I could barely keep up with the speed of her thrusts. I returned to her breast and bit her nipple.

My name… she screamed my name as she came. I don't think I will ever get tired of hearing her do that. My fingers were tightly clamped between her thighs and by her inner muscles. I flexed my fingers and felt another spasm. So I did it again. I hadn't planned it, but I made her climax again just by nudging her g-spot.

She told me I was evil for being such a tease. I just reminded her paybacks were a bitch, but wasn't it worth it? The lazy grin plastered across her face told me it was. I kissed her again as I zipped her back into her bra. Her nipple stood out from the cotton. The sight made my mouth water.

Buffy complained when I pulled her to her feet and turned her in the direction of the house. She was whining. She was liking the sun and she was liking the sand, she wanted to stay. I reminded her I still had one, possibly two, orgasms to give yet - depending how you counted - and was pretty sure she didn't want sand in some rather sensitive areas.

She was freshly showered and naked on our bed when I arrived back in our room.

I was naked on our bed when she entered our room. I was resting on one hip, a leg slightly bent, giving my best come hither stare. She ignored me. This wasn't going at all to plan.

She smirked in my direction but entered the bathroom without looking back. I heard the lock click into place. Guess I know where I'm not wanted. I considered just dressing and playing another round of clicker-vision. It was short lived. We had already determined there was less than nothing on. Besides the bed was a comfortable place to wait on the off chance I'd get lucky.

Willow had the same idea I did - get the sand off. I couldn't figure out why nudists like the beach so much. Do they have some secret way of keeping the sand from getting everywhere? I wasn't even completely naked and I found sand in places I didn't even know I had.

I had propped myself against the headboard and was sitting with my knees drawn up but spread and had my chin resting on them. I wasn't trying to be sexy or alluring. It was comfortable and allowed me to keep an eye on the bathroom door.

She laughed when she saw me and wanted to know who taught me how to sit like a lady. Being in an admittedly weird mood, I shrugged then flung my limbs out spread-eagle and waited for Willow to make the next move.

She laughed again - I'm glad I'm so amusing. She crawled up onto the bed and wiggled into my side and planted little kisses over my face and neck before claiming my lips. Oh, she was worth the wait…

We continued to kiss leisurely, exploring each other as if this was new. We were in no rush to elevate our actions, although I did feel her nipples crinkle and tighten and poke into my side. It was a neat feeling. She sighed and nuzzled my neck. If we did nothing else, it would have been a great afternoon.

I needed to buy a thesaurus. I was having problems expressing all the different things Willow did to me - and how it made me feel. I couldn't help but think it was, at least in part, because we were both women. She just knew how my body would respond. Or maybe it was because we were such good friends before we became lovers.

I didn't feel like I had anything to prove when I was in her arms. It wasn't that she didn't care that I was the Slayer and that I had this screwy destiny - but when she's loving me - she wanted me in spite of it, not because of it. She understood the Slayer, but liked the woman. I was getting way too deep and real for just having been thoroughly fucked.

Oh, yes… Willow was nothing if not thorough.

She used her fingers, lips and teeth on my nipples. She licked, sucked and nipped at my lips, my neck, my ear. She planted soft kisses down my sternum, inside my elbow, across my ribs. She was slow and maddening and stimulating and absolute. She might have been working for a minute or an hour, time had no meaning for me.

She made me feel like her complete world as she loved me. Like there was no higher purpose in her life than to give me pleasure. If I ever get outa this haze… I owe her a couple. She made me come… I couldn't tell you how many times; so hard, so good - it was no wonder I couldn't focus.

She mouthed my nipples until they were raw before moving steadily south. She wasted no time finding my pleasure center. She licked and sucked in an erratic dance. She lifted me right to the edge and then… stopped. I lost count of the number of times. As her tongue brought me higher again, she entered me gently - like she could sneak her fingers into my channel.

If it was physically possible, I was more aroused than I had been on the beach. I was equally as speechless, that was for sure. Thankfully, she didn't ask me any questions. This time. She just took my moaning and occasional muttering of her name, or God's, as a matter of course and continued her assault on my clit and the slow, full strokes of her fingers.

My first climax was intense. I would have been perfectly happy to catch my breath, curl around Willow and take a nap. After all, I was going to have to patrol later on. But she wasn't done with me. She wasn't even slowing down. My inner muscles were still spasming, yet she didn't stop the trusting. This time, she made sure she hit my g-spot on each and every stroke. I was off again. I could barely breathe.

That's when it got all out of focus. Number two hadn't completely ended when she reattached herself to my clit. I have no real memory if she stopped after my third or if she kept going. I'll have to ask her, if only to see what my body is capable of. When Giles told me to push myself past my preconceived limits, I doubt this was what he had in mind.

When coherent thought was mine again, I was safe in her arms. My cheek was resting on a firm breast, her heart beating solidly under my ear. I had no desire to move even though I knew we had to get back to Sunnydale. I had to patrol. She would come with me.

She squeezed me tighter when she felt me stir. I returned the hug and lightly kissed her lips. I wanted to say thank you, but it seemed wholly inadequate. Her eyes told me she understood. We took yet another shower, managing to stick to business instead of play.

We stood out on the deck watching the tide, feeling peaceful and grateful for the time we had spent together. Willow wanted to have the whole gang out here for the 4^th. Sounded like a plan to me. I would drag Giles myself if he put up a stink. Although seeing him in swim trunks… Uhhh, don't go there, Buffy.

Chapter Three: Family & Friends

STORY NOTE: The floor plan for the 'Love Shack' has changed drastically in this chapter – call it artistic license. When I have the time, chapters 1 & 2 will be rewritten to match my vision in this one.

Willow lay grinning in her lover's arms. "That was fun," she murmured as she nibbled the sensitive skin behind Buffy's ear.

"Mmmm… yeah, very fun…"

"Ya know, we could do it again, if you're up for it?" Like she's ever NOT up for it…

It was a challenge, and the Slayer was usually more than game for the all night love marathons her hedonistic partner often initiated. "Can I take a rain check?" she asked and tried to shift into a more comfortable position. Her lower back was annoying her; a dull pain radiating into both legs and along her spine. She wasn't quite sure how she tolerated Willow's weight on her as long as she had.

The hacker stared down at the prone form. She couldn't decide between the half dozen emotions swirling within her so she settled for annoyed. "You're in pain and you didn't tell me? Buff, I thought we were over that," she sighed, got off both her lover and the bed and started to pace, her arms alternating between hugging herself tightly and flailing. "I know you're the Slayer. I know you don't want to worry me. I know you'll heal fast. Don't interrupt," she added when Buffy looked like she was going to try to defend her actions. "This, this concern I have for you, about you, it's not some generic human platitude. I need to know. I'm no longer just a concerned friend, even a concerned best friend. I'm you're lover, I deserve to know these things. I deserve to make the choice to fuss over you, coddle you, worry about you."

Willow was quickly building up a good head of steam. "When you hurt, I suffer. You can't stop it. You can't mitigate it. I love you, dammit!" She turned her back on the stunned Slayer and flopped into the overstuffed chair by the window -staring out into the night. "It's bad enough never knowing if tonight's the night you're not going to come home," she continued in a much quieter, controlled voice. "If tonight's the night I loose you…"

The room was silent. The wiccan had burned herself out, knees drawn tightly against her chest, the moon casting a pale glow on her fair skin. Buffy was stunned. She continued to recline against the pillows trying to figure out a way to make things right, or at least, less wrong.

Her back had been a little sore when she presented herself to Willow after her nightly patrol, but nothing overly major. She had hurt it worse the past weekend moving boxes of books and demon related stuff at Giles' place. Being in that position for so long had probably just made her tighten up. The hacker had seemed to be on a personal crusade to thank Buffy for each and every member of Sunnydale's wellbeing. It had been supremely decadent – her body shuddering through multiple boughts of orgasms.

She wasn't real sure what to say about her lover's outburst, but she knew she couldn't do it from across the room. Willow hadn't moved from the chair; hadn't made a sound. Decision made, she rolled off the bed and padded over to her lover. She tucked some hair behind the hacker's ear and gave her a small smile.

Buffy pushed on Willow's shoulder and the redhead scooched forward to allow her to crawl in behind. Buffy wrapped her arms protectively around her lover's middle and rested her chin on her shoulder, right next to her ear.

They stayed like that for awhile, listening to each other's breathing and the sounds of the night coming in through the opened window. Finally, Buffy spoke. "I'm sorry you felt I wasn't tellin' you stuff." She rubbed her fingers in tiny circles on Willow's stomach. "Yes, I'm sore – I was sore when I got home. Your enthusiastic greeting did wonders for my mood, but was hell on my back. I didn't think it was that big a deal. I love making love with you, but I really just wanted to hold you and feel you close."

Willow still hadn't spoken, but her breath grew ragged. She trembled and Buffy felt a tear drip onto her hand. "Hey," she said softly as she turned the hacker to face her. "Will, what's going on? This seems to be more than just me not telling you about a muscle pull. Why were you so afraid I wouldn't be back? Tonight was so of the routine. No big, bad evilly thing, just the normal poofy evilly things."

Willow turned in Buffy's embrace and burrowed herself against the Slayer's chest, wrapping her arms around her partner and began to sob.

Whoa boy, what happened while I was out? "Hey, it's okay. Everything's gonna be all right. I'm here. I'm fine. You're evidently not fine. It's gonna be okay. C'mon now." Buffy kept up with a low soothing litany of soft, caring words and phrases until Willow cried herself out.

"There you go," the blonde said, tilting her friend's face up to look into her eyes. "Better?"

The redhead sniffed and nodded, then pawed at Buffy's chest. "Look, I got you all wet." She proceeded to wipe at the tears. This was anything but soothing to the recipient.

Buffy enfolded her moving hand and held it over her heart, more to stop the distracting motion than anything else. "It's okay. I love it when you get me wet," she quipped and kissed her nose. "Wanna tell me what's up?"

That got a small smile from Willow before she laid her head against the damp skin of the Slayer's breast and sighed heavily. "Mom called before. They're not going to make it to our shindig on the 4^th. They have a 'sudden and pressing engagement' that they simply must attend…"

Not again… "Mmmm, maybe it's a conference. Your Mom is a respected psychologist after all." She tried to keep the bite from her words. How can they keep doing this to her?

Willow's parent's had cancelled the last three sets of plans they had with their daughter. The hacker had invited them twice out to see the new house and once over to the apartment for dinner. They had readily agreed, then called at the last minute because something 'pressing' had developed. It's not like Dr. Rosenburg works a hotline. How 'pressing' could it be?

The redhead snorted. "Yeah, right. Over the 4^th of July? And she just found out about it now? Give me a break."

Buffy hugged her tighter. "I don't know, Will. I wish I knew what to tell you."

"Yeah, well, three strikes and you're out. They can make the next move. I'm tired of making all the moves. I am hereby move free." She sniffed again. "Stupid parents."

"Mmmm… maybe they're wiggy about being around all of us? Especially if your Mom is finally dealing with the whole "burn 'em at the stake thing." Maybe you could invite them out to dinner. Just the three of you. Less threatening." Buffy was trying to be adult and mature about the entire situation when in actuality she wanted to shake them both and yell at them. Find out why they where hurting their daughter and being so casual about it.

Willow just grunted.

They slipped into a comfortable silence. The Slayer making figure eights on the hacker's abdomen while said hacker played with the fine, blonde hair on her arm.

The silence lasted so long Buffy had just about dozed off when Willow spoke again.

"Oz called too," she relayed quietly. "The band got work as an opening act…"

"Will, that's great. Sounds like the break they've been waiting for."

"…in Chicago."

Chicago? "When?"

"Two days. They wont have time to stop on the way out."

He wont be around for the 4^th. I shouldn't feel so good about that. "How long?"

"Few weeks. Maybe more."

"You miss him already," Buffy quietly stated. Her tone wasn't bitter just neutral and resigned.

It was as if Willow finally realized just what conversation she was having with Buffy. I can so not talk to her about this…

She stiffened and tried to pull away. "Umm, yeah, I guess. No biggie. Gosh, am I tired."

Buffy wasn't buying it, she just held onto the redhead and wouldn't let her leave the protection of her embrace. "Nuh uh, it is a big deal, Will. You love him." She swallowed hard after that sentence. You can do this. Having her some of the time is better than none of the time. She needs her best friend – not her other lover right now.

Willow shuddered and covered her face with her hands and started to cry. "I can't ask you to talk about this. It's not fair to you," she got out between tears.

The Slayer attempted to blindside her with logic. "So, what you're telling me is, when you took me as your lover, I lost you as a best friend? Doesn't seem kosher, even for a non-denominational Christian or non-practicing Jew." She let that sink in for a moment.

"Hey, look at me." She turned the hacker to face her. "I knew you loved him when we started this. I've never asked you to give him up on account of me. He was your first and he has a special place in your heart; now and in the future, no matter what your relationship with him is." She wiped the tear stained cheeks with her thumbs.

"What about you?"

"What about me?"

Willow took a minute to try to order her thoughts. "I don't know how to say this without sounding conceded or degrading."

"Just say it. We'll run it up the flagpole, whatever that means, together."

Willow nodded. "Okay… I know I started this, and I don't regret it, not in the least, not for one teeny tiny second," she rushed to get out. "But I never asked you how you felt about, well… about sharing me… with Oz. I never really thought about it before, just blissfully living the charmed life and having two people who love me completely."

"I hear a 'but'."

"But… why? Why don't you mind, if you love me?" Willow turned back to look at her lover. "I know I have no right to ask you that." She dropped her head to her chest.

Those old insecurities are knocking loudly. The blonde tilted Willow's face to look into her eyes yet again, then leaned in and kissed her – sweetly, almost chastely. "Honestly, I never really thought too much about it. You've never accidentally called me Oz when we're together. You never say much at all about your private time with him. It's not like he's here constantly and I have to witness it. You go away. And you come back. I just don't dwell on why you go away. I'm not gonna lie. If you said you wanted us to be exclusive, I would do back flips, you know I can and you'd get no argument from me. But…" Her eyes twinkled. "…but, I'm happy just having a part of you love me. It's more than most Slayers get and knowing what a Slayer's average life span is, well… I guess it makes it a little easier knowing you'll have someone who loves you after I'm gone."

The redhead was shaking her head – almost violently. "No… that's just it. Oz or no Oz, it won't be easy for me when… when… No! You're not gonna die! Well, you are, but not soon." Willow was clinging to Buffy and her voice was barely audible. "… not soon… you can't… you just can't…"

The hacker was crying again. Buffy didn't think they'd get anything further worked out that night. She squeezed out from the chair then gently picked up Willow and brought her back over to their bed. She managed to get them both tucked back in; the redhead curled against her side. Willow, emotionally drained, drifted off to sleep. Buffy just lay there – staring at the ceiling.

Mid-morning found them pretty much the same, Buffy on her back and Willow curled into her side. The blonde had managed a few fitful hours of dozing and was presently back to staring at the ceiling. The redhead really hadn't moved much since they resumed their place in the bed. It was Buffy's playing with her hair that finally dragged her into the conscious world.

As she opened her eyes, she leaned over and planted a kiss over the Slayer's heart. Buffy couldn't help the smile that brightened her features. "Good morning, Wills. How ya feeling?"

"Hrmph… like I've been run over by an emotional Mack truck," she answered, running a hand through her hair as she sat up. "Other than that, just dandy. Ready to start another fun-filled day in demon paradise."

"Well, you sound more like the Willow I know and love."

The redhead's face briefly clouded over. She climbed out of bed and started to head for the bathroom.

"Hey, no festering," Buffy stated as she caught a slender arm, turning Willow back toward her.

The hacker gave a small smile. "I know, we'll talk. Just, please, not right now." She looked seriously at her lover, then brightened. "We have party planning to do. The party's a few less, but food and beverages must still be procured. I feel the need to shop."

The mention of shopping had Buffy grinning. "Okay, no serious stuff till later. We'll put a dent in the gold card and then off to the beach. I'll pack while you shower or would you prefer company?"

"Decisions… decisions…" The redhead glanced at the clock. "It's almost ten, knowing us, we better do this separately or it'll be noon before we get out of here."

Buffy pouted but had to nod her agreement. For some strange reason, it was almost impossible for them to shower together and keep to the business at hand. Basically they had a problem keeping their hands to themselves, although neither considered it a problem while it was going on.

"Don't frown, it's not of the bad, we just really should get going," Willow yelled back as she passed through the doorway.

Buffy 'hurmphed' then started tossing a couple of changes of clothes for both of them into a duffel. Rummaging through their communal underwear drawer, she was surprised at the lack of selection for herself as they has just done laundry. Another casualty of the slaying…

"Okie dokey now, the party platters are chillin' in the fridge. Festive plates, napkins and other assorted paper products have been procured. Hot tub has been filled and chemicaled. Buff, can you think of anything else?" Willow yelled into the house from lounger she occupied on the deck as she placed neat little check marks next to items on her list.

"No. You have thought of everything. Plus a couple of somethings that probably weren't really needed. Wills, the party is going to be a raving success. Mom's even bringing Giles in the Jeep so he has not one excuse to pull a Houdini on us." The blonde handed over an iced diet coke and took a seat on the end of the lounger.

The hacker took a final glance at her list before capping the pen and tossing both onto the table. "You're right. The party will be the bee's knees." When Buffy looked at her strangely, she added, "I have no idea what that means. It's a saying my grandmother used to use."

They lapsed into a silence that wasn't all together comfortable. They both knew there were unresolved issues between them but neither were sure how to bring up the subject.

Buffy stood and moved over to the deck rail and looked out over the water. By unstated agreement, the position seemed to signal a desire to talk, even if the subject was less than pleasant. Willow took the invitation and joined the blonde at the railing. The pair just stared at the horizon before the Slayer finally got up the nerve to start. Early that morning, she thought she finally understood her lover's discontent. It was time to see if she figured right.

"I can't promise I won't die on you," the Slayer began quietly. "As much as I want to make it, you know I can't." Please, let me be right. Not that I have a clue what to do if I'm right.

Willow sucked in a shuddering breath and lowered her head as the tears began to fall. Buffy surrounded her with her arms. Bingo.

"I seem to be making this too much of a habit lately," the redhead choked through the sobs as she wiped at her eyes.

It got a crooked smile out of the blonde. "But what I can promise you, is that I won't just leave you. Until you tell me differently, you're stuck with me. The only way I plan on ending this relationship is when I stop breathing. And these days I have an awful lot of incentive to keep on with the breathing."

"How do you know me so well?" Willow asked ruefully.

"Lack of sleep," Buffy deadpanned. "I spent most of the early morning hours trying to figure out what happened. Look, I don't take quite so many stupid risks anymore, Will. That's because of you; of us. I'm the Slayer and fighting is what I was born to do. It's part of who and what I am. And I plan on being around for a long time; 'cause every night I come back alive is one more day I get to love you. Besides, as a super special added bonus, it'll piss off Quentin to no end."

Willow giggled at the last statement as she squeezed Buffy tight, burying her face into her girlfriend's warm neck. That's gotta be the sweetest, most mushy thing she's ever said to me, but I can't handle any more heavy, deep and reals this afternoon.

As if reading her mind, Buffy added, "We don't have to get into the rest of it now. Know you can with me. I want to be here for you, Will. Don't cut me off."

Willow straightened and nodded. "You'll be the first to know. Thank you for not pushing."

The Slayer kissed her quickly on the lips as she stepped out of the hug. "Your call. I won't force you to talk." Yet. Time for a mood shift. She wandered over to the hot tub and pulled off the cover, then leaned over to turn on the jets. "Although, I may force you to share this really cool, hot pool type thing…"

Willow leaned back against the rail as she watched the blonde grab a beer bottle from the ice chest and deposit it near the tub before rounding up a couple of plush towels and setting them close by. Her eyes got round as Buffy kicked off her sneakers and stripped off her shirt. As she flung it towards the lounger she unzipped her shorts. Willow cleared her throat. "Ummm, Buffy? What are you doing?"

"Stripping."

"I can, ahh, see that."

"So where's the confusion?" The bra got tossed on top of the shirt, followed by the underwear. The Slayer stood naked by the side of the tub. "So, are you just gonna stare or are you gonna join me? Not that I mind you staring."

"It's the middle of the day!"

Buffy looked at the sun. "Yup."

"You're all naked in the middle of the day!" Gloriously naked!!

The blonde looked at herself, at the sun and back at herself and nodded. "Yup."

She then vaulted over the side and settled into the chest deep water. She leaned back and closed her eyes enjoying the feel of the jets pounding on her back. She moaned and wiggled until they hit just the right spots. Finally she opened her eyes to see her lover still standing stock still against the rail. "What's the difficulty?"

"You're all naked in the middle of the day!"

"We've covered… or uncovered, that – as the case may be. Will, you have both male and female lovers, you don't get all wiggy over anal sex, you made love to me on the beach at high noon. What's with the big wig?"

"Closed doors, closed doors and we weren't naked. I don't know if I can do naked in sunlight. Outside sunlight, not window sunlight. What if someone stops by? What if it's Xander and Cordy? What if it's your mom and Giles? What if we get sunburn is really sensitive areas?" As Willow babbled on, Buffy went kinda bug eyed at the litany.

"Oooo-kay…" the blonde rose out of the tub and grabbed a towel wrapping it around herself.

"What are you doing?" her partner inquired, sounding a little upset her view was now covered.

"I was gonna go find a suit."

"Oh." Willow sounded truly disappointed.

"You don't want me to find a suit? Do you want me naked or not? I'd like to buy a clue…"

"I always want you naked…" the redhead mumbled with a look of such consternation plastered across her face, those who didn't know her well would have sworn she was trying to work out the proof to Newton's Second Law of Thermal Dynamics in her head. She pondered a bit longer then shrugged and began removing her clothing. "No suits. New can be exciting."

It was the Slayer's turn to shrug. She dropped the towel and jumped back into the soothing waters. "Works for me."

Willow climbed in after her. "Just promise me you'll kill me quickly if your mom shows up a day early." She glided over and attached herself to Buffy's side and let out a sigh of contentment.

The blonde kissed her forehead and wrapped an arm firmly around the redhead. "I can do that."

After a long leisurely soak and a medium rare steak, the pair retired to cuddle on the couch in search of some entertainment. Buffy was beginning to think Giles was correct; the TV was an idiot box. You'd have to be an idiot to think it was worth a damn. Being the middle of summer, everything was either in re-run or wasn't worth much to begin with.

With an aggravated growl, Buffy chucked the remote onto a distant chair. "Ugggh, next time we go shopping, I'm buy the contents of Blockbuster. Maybe then we'd have something to watch."

Willow twisted between her lover's legs, pulled open the top few buttons of Buffy's shirt and chuckled into her chest before planting light kisses down her sternum. "I can think of better things to do than watch TV…"

It was Buffy's turn to chuckle. "You can, can you?" She tightened her hold on the redhead.

"Ummm, I can." The wiccan nuzzled the soft skin beneath her lips.

Buffy allowed the delicate sensation of Willow's mouth and tongue on her skin to sooth her normally restless nature before bringing that mouth to her own. The kisses they shared were tantalizing but light. There was no rush to elevate their activity. They seemed perfectly content to trade gentle attacks. Willow would explore the recesses of the blonde's mouth like it was the first time she had ever been granted admission, to be followed by Buffy tenderly sucking on the redhead's lower lip. Back and forth, the pair shared themselves, relishing the mutual affection.

They pulled away from each other after countless minutes. Willow looked deep into Buffy's eyes while stroking her cheek. "Thank you for being so understanding."

"That's me, understanding girl," she quipped as she nibbled along the palm and wrist of the hand near her face. "Just remember that's the way I want to be when I fly off the handle at something criminally stupid and insignificant." The Slayer resettled her friend against her chest, hugging her tight and kissing her behind a convenient ear.

Willow nodded. "I like this," she murmured, playing with fingers around her middle. She liked Buffy's hands, so strong one minute, so gentle the next. A lot like their owner. The Slayer could tear a door of its hinges or the head off a demon, but when those same hands loved her… their inherent strength was muted.

Buffy worked the hand not being thoroughly examined under her partner's thin shirt. She rubbed the warm expanse of skin for awhile before changing directions and worming her way under the waistband of Willow's cotton shorts. She drifted lower until her fingertips found the wiry patch of hair. She alternated between playing with the strands that reached up towards the redhead's navel and combing through the densest part of the triangle.

As Buffy played with her mound, Willow lost all interest in the hand she was holding. When she released it, the blonde used it to massage a breast, kneading the globe before concentrating on the nipple. She squeezed the peak, just enough to let her partner know she was there then began slowly running the pads of her fingers over the tip.

Her lower hand explored the crease between the hacker's thigh and body. Willow shifted slightly, just enough to let a leg fall open. Buffy smiled into the neck she was nibbling, but her hand trailed over an inner thigh rather than take the offering presented to her.

She continued to stroke the thigh as her mouth closed over an ear lobe and applied a gentle pressure before sucking at it greedily. Finally, Buffy ran her fingers over her lover's labia. She found a dampness there but not the wellspring usually present if they were going at it in earnest. If it wasn't for the slight tickling sensation the redhead's fingers were providing as they danced over her legs, Buffy would have thought her friend asleep.

Willow's head was thrown back and to the side to grant unlimited access to Buffy's questing lips. Willow's eyes were closed, but a small smile graced her lips. Her breathing was almost normal, certainly not labored or erratic.

They had never made love in quite this way before. It wasn't painfully slow – chances were that Willow would just drift off to sleep if Buffy switched her strokes from minorly arousing to down right relaxing. Yet both women were enjoying the physical and emotional closeness the touching and sharing were allowing them.

Not being tired herself, Buffy continued the gentle assault. She mouthed the neck in front of her and caressed the breast under her hand. Further south, she finally dipped two fingers between Willow's outer lips to rub the length of her crease. She avoided stimulating her clitoris directly, not wanting to rouse her lover out of the sensual haze she seemed to be in.

Buffy's mind drifted, not consciously paying attention to what her hands or mouth were doing. They fondled and stroked and licked with no pressing target in mind. And for a change, her head wasn't dwelling on her destiny or the difficulties that were most likely going to arise if their relationship ever was revealed. All she thought about was how wonderful it felt to have Willow in her arms; her body yielding, responding to her touch, how she would be perfectly content to stay like this forever – longer if they'd let her.

With no real thought, she knew when it was time to advance her touch again. She slid a single finger into her lover. Willow's only response was to release a breathy sigh. Buffy massaged her inner depths with the same thoroughness as her outer skin. She came to the conclusion she never really paid enough attention to what Willow felt like – inside. She took her time exploring the engorged walls, learning their texture, their depth, delighting in the feel of them spasming around her finger. She could feel the orgasm building as her finger was gripped and released in a quickening pace.

Buffy concentrated on the patch of nerves high on the top of the channel. The strokes did not increase in intensity or speed and after an amazing eternity, the walls clamped tight and held her still. Willow moaned, rolled onto her side and kissed the underside of the blonde's chin.

Willow drifted off into a contented sleep. Buffy, her hand trapped between her lover's thighs, tried to wrap her mind around what exactly happened. Deciding that if Willow was happy and satisfied, that was all that really mattered, she rested for a bit before rising from the couch with the redhead securely in her arms and retreated up to their bedroom.

Willow awoke to find the sun shining directly into her face. Not right… Usually, Buffy's body blocked the vast majority of the direct light. An outstretched arm quickly verified that her partner's side of the bed was very empty and rather cold. She's been up for awhile. Probably out running. With the immediate question to Buffy's lack of presence answered, Willow rolled away from the window and decided another hour was definitely in order.

The redhead had been correct. Buffy was out on the beach at half past seven and ran six miles before cooling down with a routine Giles had helped her develop to practice some of her fighting moves even when she didn't have all her training equipment available.

The house was still silent when she returned from the beach. Man, we even got to bed early last night. Poor kid musta been spent. As she went through a mental checklist of things that needed to be done before their guests arrived, Buffy set the coffee to drip. It had taken three pots of sludge and two of colored water before Willow's lessons took hold. She pulled a bowl of fresh fruit from the fridge and wandered back onto the deck.

Gonna be a great day. Now I just have to remember to keep my hands off her, and not sit too close to her, and not hold her hand, or smell her hair. God! I'm dead! We're dead! Deadness will abound!

The Slayer absentmindedly ate as she tried to talk herself into acting like Willow's best friend and not her lover. Her nose twitched as the sent of freshly brewed coffee drifted outside from the open sliders. Next stop, caffeinated heaven!

As she fixed a mug for herself, she did one up for Willow as well. Any die hard coffee fanatic would cringe the way the pair drank theirs. Warm milk and Autocrat with an extra tablespoon of sugar would have achieved about the same results. They made Dunkin' Donuts' Lite and Sweet seem strong by comparison.

Buffy climbed the stairs to their bedroom, placed the mugs on the night stand and sat on the edge of the bed watching the redhead's face. It was relaxed and by the slight up turn of her lips, Buffy figured the dream was a pleasant one. Wanting and not wanting to wake up her lover, Buffy settled for running the backs of her fingers over the upturned cheek.

It didn't take long for Willow to stir. "Mmmm, morning. Have a nice run?"

"Yup, all exercised," she confirmed, smoothing back a lock of hair before stilling her appendage and placing it on the pillow. After a moment she reached over and produced the coffee mug. "I come bearing gifts in the form of coffee."

Willow pushed herself up against the headboard and accepted the mug, bringing it to her face and inhaling the sent before taking a tentative sip. "Hey! This is good!"

Buffy acted outraged. "Like I make bad brew? Yea of little faith."

They both took another sip.

"Will, have you given any thought to the weirdness factor that today is gonna bring?"

"Weirdness? What weirdness? Why weirdness?"

Buffy got up off the bed and walked over to the sliders. "While I was waiting for the coffee to become coffee, I had to remind myself not to get too close to you once the others get here." She turned back towards the bed. "It's getting harder and harder to just act as friends when we're not alone."

"So… you want to tell them?"

"Yes. No. I don't know," the Slayer stammered as she sat on the edge of the bed and cradled her head in her hands. "We barely understand what's happening with us. Even if they accept us, there are questions we can't answer."

Willow put her mug on the nightstand then wrapped her arms around her lover, lying her head on her shoulder. "Oz, I know," she nibbled an ear lobe. "I know I need to make a decision."

Buffy turned in the arms surrounding her. "No, I'm not pushing you for that. I told you, I don't need exclusive and I mean it." She kissed a nose. "But our friends might not be so understanding of so open a relationship. I don't want them coming down on you for that." She kissed lips for good measure.

After several moments of mutual exploration, the hacker pulled away. "And I meant what I started to say the other night. I was upset with my parents and with Oz, but the thought of you hurt was my undoing. As long as you're okay, I'm okay. I'm thinking that tells me all I need to know."

Buffy didn't want Willow making a snap decision based on fear. "Look, he's gonna be away for awhile. Why don't we table this until you have a chance to really think about it and maybe talk to him about his role in your life. I want you to be absolutely sure before you make any life altering decisions."

"You're sounding all like the responsible adult. I am so lucky to have you looking out for me. In every possible way." Willow leaned in and the next kiss was nowhere near light and everywhere past intense. She tried to convey all her feelings with that one kiss. When they finally broke, both were breathless.

"So… what about today? How do you wanna play it?" Buffy asked.

"Mmmm… no overly fawning behavior, no volunteering of information but no denying it either if flat out asked. How's that?"

"Workable. Now, go shower. We have company arriving in a couple of hours," the blonde reminded as she walked to the door.

The redhead made her way to the bathroom. "You're not gonna join me," she pouted.

"I'm already clean and dry. Plus, I'm gonna double check the guest rooms for towel placement."

"I could change that," Willow said tartly.

Oh, God. Be strong. "Oooo, nope. No bath time fun for Buffy. I'm going." She ran from the bedroom to the sound of a chuckling hacker.

Buffy took her head out of the refrigerator at the ringing of the doorbell. "It's open!" she yelled, grabbing then juggling a twelve-pack of beer and a couple bottles of wine.

Joyce opened the door and stuck her head in. "Honey, it's just us," she responded before stepping into the entryway to be followed by a rather uncomfortable looking Watcher.

"Out back, Mom!" the Slayer called as she deposited her booty into a cooler full of ice.

Mother and daughter met in the kitchen and hugged. Buffy looked over her mother's shoulder and stared in shock. "Giles, you look almost comfortable. Is that allowed?" The Watcher was in a pair of khakis, a soft light blue henley tucked into the waistband and cinched with a braided cordovan belt. The ensemble was completed with a pair of dockers the same color as his belt.

As expected, his response was preceded by the removal of his glasses and a quick cleaning with the hanky whipped from his back pocket. "Yes, well, um… Joyce seemed to think this would be more appropriate than the, um, outfit I had originally chosen."

"Way to make with the fashion make-over, Mom." Buffy was dually impressed that anyone was able to get her Watcher looking less uptight. "Giles, if you have semi-cool stuff like this, why do you insist on all those stuffy old jackets and tweed?"

Joyce saved Giles from painfully stumbling through an answer. "Actually, honey, these are new additions to Rupert's wardrobe. We stopped at the Galleria on the way out here," she explained, offering her daughter a large Tupperware container. "Dessert."

"Ooooo," the blonde cooed, setting the container on the counter and peaking inside. "Brownies, rice crispy squares and chocolate chip cookies? Okay, Mom, dish. Whatever you need to tell me can't require this much sugary goodness."

"There's nothing to tell. I just remember Xander's ability to put away the sweets," Joyce stated as she took in the open floor plan of the house.

"Ahh, here, let me give you guys the nickel tour." Buffy snagged a treat before closing and burping the lid. "Mom, I'm going to put you in the first room on the left. Giles, you take the second." She opened the first door and showed her mother the guestroom.

"Oh, Buffy, it's beautiful. Did the house come decorated this way or did you and Willow do it?" Joyce dropped her overnight bag on the trunk at the foot of the bed.

"Willow used a design firm out of Boston when she was out there. We've added some nick-knacks here and there but mostly it was Willow and a designer. Oh, and that door opens onto the side porch and through here is the bathroom. Giles, you room is on the other side." Buffy led the adults through the bathroom into the next bedroom.

Giles was impressed with the more masculine feel of the room he was shown. Unlike Joyce's room of cream with pale pink and seafoam green accents, his room tended towards burgundy and forest green. The dark wood was also in contrast to the whitewashed pine of the first bedroom.

"There's a matching pair of rooms across the living room, only difference is the

coloring; one's done in dark blues, the other in light. Come on and you can take a peek before Xander and Cordy get here." Buffy led the way with Giles and Joyce dutifully following.

"I must say, Willow has an eye for decorating. This whole house is very welcoming," the Watcher offered.

"I like it," Buffy responded, her tone depreciating. "Come upstairs and we'll complete our tour in the master suite." Buffy started climbing up to the loft she shared with Willow. "Will?! You decent? I have mom and that funny old man that keeps hanging around."

"Yeah, come on up. I'm just trying to clear out my inbox before the festivities start."

The Slayer arrived on the landing and stepped to the side to let the others take in the upper sanctuary. The stairs terminated on the left of the back wall. The entire upper floor was open with the exception of the ensuite which notched a square in the right rear of the room, its door facing the stairs. A large four poster bed was canted towards the center of the room in the nook between the ensuite wall and the right side of the house. On the front wall, a set of glass french-styled door led out onto an upper deck; a panoramic view of the Pacific ocean beyond. The balance of the front wall was floor to ceiling windows. The left side of the room held a seating group towards the rear in front of the landing, followed by two desks facing each other closer to the front windows.

In an oversized desk chair facing the windows, Willow sat curled up with her laptop resting on her knees. Her fingers were busy moving over the keyboard, her attention solely directed on the response she was composing.

Buffy realized Willow was so involved with whatever she was doing she had no idea the group had made their way into the space they shared. The Slayer stuck her head around the corner of the chair. "Hey, we have company," she said in a low voice. "Care to put down the work and join the fun?" The blonde continued to stare until her better half finally looked up and shut down her computer.

Willow turned and stuck out her tongue. Remembering they weren't alone, Buffy just stopped herself from answering that challenge in her usual manner figuring she'd blow their secret by sucking the inviting appendage into her mouth.

With one last longing look at the redhead, Buffy shook her head to clear the sexual fog she allowed herself to slip into. God, it's gonna be a long day. "So, great view, huh?" As she spoke she joined her mom and Giles out on the upper deck.

"Spectacular, actually. I can see why you two desire to spend so much time out here." Giles seemed to visibly relax in the short period since his arrival.

Buffy stood at the rail with the two older adults. Willow followed moments later and seeing the Slayer by the rail moved to slip her arms around her waist. At the last instant she caught Joyce turning to watch her and she veered to the left and stood to the side. And I thought Buffy was bad.

"Willow, this is a wonderful house in an amazing location," Joyce started. "Thank you for having us out here."

The hacker quickly flushed a delightful shade of pink. Well, Buffy found it delightful anyway. "You're family Mrs. Summers. You're always welcome here. You too, Giles."

The quartet re-entered the loft talking about what the rest of the day was going to hold. As Joyce passed the desks she noticed a series of drawings pinned to the wall. Closer inspection revealed a loose story of what appeared to be her daughter's life. "Buffy, what are these?"

The Slayer joined her Mom looking at her drawings. "Ahh, I guess you want an explanation."

"Did you do these, Buffy?" Joyce asked running a gentle finger across one of the drawings. "How is it that I run an art gallery and have no idea that my daughter can draw?" She wrapped her daughter in a tight hug.

"Yes she did. Aren't they great?" Willow beamed as she watched Giles take a long look at all the panels before taking off his glasses and giving the lenses a good rubbing with his shirt.

"This is quite the over simplification of your sacred birthright, Buffy. I am not sure of the wisdom of publishing your calling for the masses." The Watcher had his patented British scowl plastered across his features.

"Geez, Giles, channeling the Council much?" Buffy quipped. "And I really don't think a bunch of six year olds are gonna deconstruct Slayer history."

"Giles, be happy for her. She has a creative outlet that doesn't involve killing things." Willow moved behind Buffy and embraced her shoulders. "And it's a good thing. Okay, the creatures are similar but the goal is for each story to have a moral that is presented so both the kids and their parents get it. Cool morals, like the importance of friends, and, and talking if you're upset… And you should support her." The redhead wound down as Buffy squeezed her forearms.

"Rupert, I think we should see the final product before offering any opinion." Joyce looked proudly at her daughter.

"Look, if you're really so extra wigged about this, we can talk about it – after our fun holiday party," Buffy offered. I can do the adult talking thing. Doesn't mean I'll change my mind. "Let's get this shindig started. Xander and Cordelia should be here soon."

Willow and Buffy skipped down the stairs. Joyce followed at a more reserved pace and Giles was his typical self. If it was possible to descend stairs uptight and stiffly, that was how the Watcher descended.

Platters, bowls and baskets of finger food were gathered from the kitchen and set on various surfaces around the back deck. Cordelia and Xander arrived fashionably late, in time for the second round of drinks. The six fell into comfortable conversation, mostly able to ignore, if not forget, the reason they initially became involved with each other.

In the middle of the afternoon, the group headed to the beach for a swim and some touch football. Giles and Joyce begged off from the football game when touch quickly turned into tackle. Cordy wasn't half bad once Willow promised a day at The Spa complete with manicure and pedicure. She even surprised herself by bring Buffy down once. She managed that feat as the Slayer was distracted by the sight of Willow giving her a look usually reserved for their most private moments.

As the afternoon blended into early evening, the friends returned to the house. It was decided that everyone could use a shower to remove the salt and sand before dinner preparations were undertaken.

As Buffy and Willow loaded some stray plates into the dishwasher, Joyce was already in the bathroom rinsing the beach from her skin. Giles has retired to his bedroom to escape the revelry for a short while. Cordy occupied the other shower. Xander sat flipping through channels knowing his girlfriend was going to be awhile.

Buffy leaned over Willow's back as she was adding soap to the machine. "I'll finish up here. Head upstairs and I'll expect you naked, in the shower, waiting for me, when I get up there." She ran her hand down the hacker's bare back before squeezing her right cheek.

Between the words and the moist breath on her neck, the redhead reacted with a full body shiver and an instant hot flush. She can't be proposing what I hope she's proposing. With Xander sitting in our living room. And, and Joyce and Giles here too. She closed and latched the dishwasher door before turning to face her tormenter. She looked wide eyed at her lover, aroused yet a little afraid.

After a quick check to make sure Xander was concentrating on the tube, Buffy cupped her girlfriend's chin and planted a heated kiss on her lips. "New can be exciting," she reminded before giving her best confident face.

Willow finally closed her eyes and seemed to come to a decision. "Finish quickly or I just might have to start without you." Turning on her heel, she was gone; heading towards their bedroom. With that last phrase, the blonde's mind skittered to scenarios that would take much longer than the short time they had to quench their thirsts.

"Xander, you need anything before I head upstairs?"

"If you're playing wench, I'll take another beer."

Buffy grabbed a bottle from the fridge and flipped off the top with her thumb. Slayer strength and stupid party tricks. Have to remember not to do that in front of Giles. Improper use of my calling, no doubt. "Here you are. More's in the fridge should you desire to indulge."

"Thanks, Buffster. You make a mighty fine beer wench"

"You are so lucky I'm in a good mood." And have a wet redhead waiting for me…

Xander barely registered the comment, already reabsorbed flipping between a baseball game and a Xena marathon.

Willow heard the bathroom door open, but ignored her partner as the blonde stripped out of the shorts and bikini, instead concentrating on lathering her hair. Before another minute could pass, the shower door opened allowing the Slayer entrance into the steamy enclosure.

"Mmmmm, hot and wet, just like I like you." Buffy molded herself to her girlfriend's back, slipping her arms around her waist and kissing a soapy neck and shoulders. "We don't have a ton of time to play, but you have been driving me nuts all afternoon. I need to have you." Her hands moved up and down the body she was hugging, stopping to fondle a breast or squeeze a thigh before changing position and touching somewhere else.

Willow leaned back, never able to get enough of the hands caressing her. "So have me, I'm not about to argue, 'cause that would be stupid and everyone knows I'm not stupid. Oooo, yesss, right there."

Buffy was keeping Willow vertical with an arm about her waist. Her right hand was busy between the hacker's legs. She stroked the length of the cleft for long moments before settling on making small circles over Willow's engorged clit.

The direct stimulation caused the redhead's hips to take on a life of their own rotating in a traditional rhythm. "Oh, Buffy… I'm so close." The words escaped her lips in a breathy sigh.

The water cascaded over the two flushed bodies, the tingling of the droplets adding to the pair's over sensitized skin. Buffy kept up her tempo against Willow's clitoris driving her partner to orgasm. Willow came with an almost silent gasp, gripping the arm around her waist. Turning in the arms that held her, Willow attacked the lips in front of her; nipping at them before plundering the mouth with her tongue.

"Mmmm… thank you. That was just what I needed."

"You are most welcome," the blonde responded guiding Willow backward under the spray and rinsing the shampoo from her hair. "I needed that too. So badly. God, I couldn't even make it through one day without you when you're near."

Willow just stood under the spray relishing the feel of her partner's fingers scratching over her scalp. Realizing they didn't have their normal unlimited time for their coupling, Willow moved to take Buffy back into her arms planning to kiss her senseless. One kiss then down to business.

The Slayer surrendered herself to the insistent oral ministrations of her lover, enjoying the onslaught as Willow controlled the kiss. When breathing finally became necessary, Buffy untangled herself from Willow until just her hands rested on the redhead's shoulders. "This has been nice, but if you're done in here, go get dressed and let me wash my hair so we can get back to our guests."

Willow's face fell. "Don't you want me to make love to you?"

Buffy smoothed some hair away from Willow's face. "Now that's just crazy talk." She leaned in for a kiss. "I always crave your touch." Another peck. "But we have guests and once you start, you don't like to finish. We really don't have time. Come on, go get dressed and let me finish up."

Willow slipped her fingers through Buffy's labia and showed the results. "Are you gonna be okay for the rest of the evening, hmm?"

Buffy leaned in and sucked the two digits into her mouth. When she was done cleaning her excitement from the fingers, she kissed Willow, sharing her flavor. "I'll be fine once you stop teasing me. Until later anyway when I expect to collect on your debt. Now, please, go check on the others before Xander comes up here and we feed his fantasies for a year. Please?"

Like I can deny her when she begs? "Later? Oooo, I like later. I'm gonna pay you back with interest."

The mouthwatering aroma of grilling meat, fish and vegetables wafted across the rear deck. The wonderful smells came from an enormous stainless steel gas grill. In front of said grill with a pair of long-handled tongs in hand, stood Xander, complete with apron that read 'kiss the cook'. Surprisingly, all the women present had done just that.

Xander was filling Willow in on the happenings on the latest job site as she sat on a bar stool commandeered from the kitchen island. Willow was enjoying the sun, her glass of wine and Xander's animated speech. He's finally found his niche. She glanced around the deck to make sure everyone was having a good time, her eyes lingering on Buffy just a tad longer than anyone else.

Joyce and Cordelia were in a quiet conversation stretched out on two of the reclining loungers. Giles and Buffy sat on opposite sides of the picnic table chatting about something probably slayer related. Like Willow, Buffy's gaze settled on her lover more often than not during breaks in her conversation.

When Xander announced ten minutes to meal-time, Cordelia joined Buffy in bringing the remainder of the dinner items out onto the deck. Places where set and another bottle of wine opened. In short order, Xander arrived with a heaping plate of meat and fish while Willow added a platter of grilled vegetables to their feast.

Joyce and Giles sat across from each other at the far end of the table. Xander and Cordelia joined Joyce while Buffy plopped down next to her Watcher and Willow took up residence on the end. Platters were passed, the conversation lively as events from the afternoon were recalled and embellished.

"Look, all I'm saying is you got lucky," Buffy reiterated for the third time, pointing her fork at Cordelia. "If I had been actually paying attention, you would have never dropped me."

"Fine, it was luck," Cordelia countered. "I just hope you don't go into those hazes on patrol. What were you finding so interesting anyway?"

As Buffy opened her mouth to reply, Willow kicked her under the table to reminder her winning this argument was going to come out as a loss in the long run.

"I'm sure it was just something down the end of the beach drew her attention for a moment. Right, Buff?" Willow supplied.

"Yeah, right, end of the beach," the blonde agreed, hating to loose any argument with Cordelia.

Joyce steered the discussion to the food and beverage selections, hoping to defuse the situation. The banter returned to a more sedate level with Xander and Giles having a debate over grilling techniques. Uninterested in the current topic of conversation, Buffy, Willow and Cordelia started gossiping about the latest sales at the Galleria.

Comfortable with the light chatting, both Buffy and Willow relaxed their guard, forgetting they had an audience.

The first time it happened Joyce wasn't sure she was seeing properly. But the third time Willow helped herself from her daughter's plate, she filed the action away for later investigation.

A cascade of small golden sparkles bloomed outward before slowly making their descent earthbound. The gold blast was followed by multiple red bursts before a blue canopy filled the night's sky. Muted rumblings could be heard in the distance preceding each explosion.

Giles had lugged a pair of low slung beach chairs from the house for Joyce and himself. Xander and Cordy shared a corner of the blanket in front of them. Willow planted herself on one side of the blanket and sat with her knees drawn up to her chest, arms holding her shins, her cheek resting on her knees. I can't even look at her. If I look at her, I'll just crawl into her lap.

To Joyce it seemed Willow spent more time staring into the darkness than watching the firework display overhead. Her daughter didn't seem to be faring much better. Buffy had staked out a section of blanket as far from Willow as she could get and still be part of the group.

The Slayer was having a difficult time sitting still. She had started off on her stomach, legs bent, feet kicking idly. Another hour. These damn fireworks can't last more than an hour, can they? That had last for less than five minutes before she flipped herself onto her back, legs stretched out, elbows resting on the sand. It'll be time for bed when they're over, right? It's been a long day. Everyone will be tired. Going off to bed wont seem forced. Soon, that position changed into her sitting indian-style, picking at random fuzz-balls stuck on the blanket. Get it together, Summers. Crawling into her lap just isn't possible, suck it up.

A light breeze picked up off the water. Willow shivered as the cooler air brushed over her bare arms and legs. Buffy didn't so much notice the temperature as an unending need to be doing something, anything to get her mind off the redhead she couldn't hold.

"Buffy," Joyce called. "I only grabbed one extra blanket. Maybe you wouldn't mind sharing with Willow?"

"Thanks mom, and we can be all with the sharing." Buffy accepted the throw her mother held out. As she crossed towards Willow, she draped one end over her shoulders and sat beside her friend, holding the other end out. Willow grabbed her end and brought it around her shoulders. They sat side by side, as two friends would, and enjoyed the show. Better.

It did not go unnoticed that Willow's eyes never left the sky during the remainder of the fireworks, or that Buffy sat calmly at her side, her restlessness seemingly dispelled.

"Always nice to see things going 'boom' that we haven't caused," Xander quipped. "I would say the 4^th has been a smashing success. Here's to our lovely hostesses with the most-est-es." He helped his girlfriend to her feet.

The rest of the group also stood and began collecting the blankets and chairs for the walk back up to the house.

"It would take less than nothing to get entirely too used to this place. Willow, you sure know your beach-front property." Cordelia looped her arm through Xander's.

"Thank you both and you're welcome to indulge in rampant beach-bumming anytime," Willow offered.

Xander and Cordy were making good headway back to the house before the rest of the group turned to follow.

"Hey Will?" Buffy asked halting her forward progress. "Wanna join me for a stroll before we call it a night?"

"Sure, Buff."

"Giles, Mom, we'll be back in a bit. A night without patrol and I seem to have energy to spare. We're gonna take a walk."

Giles relieved Buffy of the blanket she was carrying. "Did you train this morning before we arrived?"

"Yup. Six miles on the beach and then your routine."

"Then I suppose I need to come up with something more taxing. Maybe we should move some equipment out here, to allow you to work out properly," Giles suggested.

Buffy just nodded her agreement figuring neither her mother nor her Watcher needed to know that excess energy wasn't typically an issue if she could participate in her normal aerobics with Willow.

"In case we decide to turn in before you get back, we'll see you girls in the morning," Joyce informed them.

The pair walked until the lights from the house were barely visible before linking hands. They continued to follow the curve of the coastline enjoying each other's company away from the eyes of their friends and family.

"So, how do you think today went," Buffy finally asked her lover.

"I almost blew it as soon as they arrived. I came so close to hugging you when you, your mom and Giles were on the upper deck. I just saw you at the railing and simply moved to wrap myself around you. It was such an automatic response. If your mom hadn't turned towards me when she did, her next sight would have been me kissing your neck. Other than that and Cordelia laying you out flat, I guess we didn't do too badly."

"I was about to crawl out of my skin before mom suggested we share that blanket during the fireworks display. Would I mind sharing?" Buffy turned them around and began the trek back to the house. "But did anyone notice anything and will they call us on it if they did?"

"I think we're pretty safe. Xander and Cordy were too busy with themselves to pay too much attention to us. Giles would rather stick hot pokers in his eyes before getting involved with any of our personal lives. That leaves your mom. She's been blissfully ignorant gal in the past, has she been any more attuned since she found out?"

Buffy just grunted noncommittally. "She notices the bruises. The quantity of homemade cookies does seem to be related to the severity of my injuries. And she no longer even asks about the damage that is my post-slaying wardrobe. It's been a lot easier getting her to cough up the cash to buy replacements. Plus she did actually point out a newbie to me on the drive home one night. So, maybe a clue has been caught."

The walking and talking had brought them back in front of the house. Most of the house was dark, but a small table lamp could be seen through the sliders.

"I'm not ready to go in yet. Sit with me?" Willow plopped down in the sand facing the water and pulled Buffy snugly between her legs. She held the Slayer tight against her body, the blonde melting readily into her embrace. "I don't think I'll ever get tired of holding you."

"Good, 'cause I can't imagine ever getting tired of being held. Ah, man. We sound like a lesbian Hallmark card."

The conversation petered out leaving the pair watching the waves caress the shore with an easy rhythm. Not even Buffy's Slayer Sense alerted them to the two pairs of eyes that watched them from the deck.

"Rupert? Do all young people sit like that these days? Have I missed some major societal shift?"

"Well… um… That is to say…"

"Is whatever's going on between Willow and my daughter related to the slaying?"

"I… um…"

Joyce continued through his stammering unfettered. "Did you notice them watching each other all afternoon? And on the beach tonight; Buffy couldn't sit still and Willow looked like she lost her last friend – until they sat together. And now. Look at them Rupert. If Buffy hadn't always dated boys, I would swear they are a couple."

"Would it really be so horrible if that's true?" He turned to face her, honestly wanting to know her response; trying to gauge how much damage control he was going to be forced to do.

"They are together then?"

"Joyce, I have no absolute knowledge of that fact; either to confirm it or refute it. But I have suspected that their relationship has changed since Willow returned to Sunnydale."

"Why? What would make you think such a thing?"

He took a deep breath not relishing the thought of going into Slayer Sexuality in general or Buffy's in specific. "Mostly Buffy's fighting style." Giles turned back towards the water, leaning against the railing. "She no longer plays with them, the newly risen, especially. She used to toy with them. Spar with them both verbally as well as physically before dispatching them. Since Willow's return, she stakes them at the first opportunity. She has practiced more diligently, getting considerably stronger and faster. I can not place the last broken bone she suffered, something that was a near weekly occurrence last semester."

"Okay. I can see the positives if this is true." Joyce took a seat at the picnic table rubbing her temples. "But is this a Slayer thing? Are all Slayers gay? And if so, why did it wait until now to come out? Shouldn't she have been dating women right along?"

"Historically, many, dare I say most, have been bi-sexual. Although referenced, that aspect of Slayers' personalities has been actively discouraged for the last, oh, millennia, give or take a century. Just as familial ties were frowned upon, long-term, monogamous relationships with either gender were halted. The credo 'The Slayer must work alone' was the Watcher Council's highest commandment. A few headstrong Slayers, like Buffy, bucked the Council's edicts and had long term partnerships – some with men, others with women. It dumbfounds me to this day that the Council refuses to recognize the contribution those life mates made in regards to a Slayer's success. Do you have any idea what the average life span of a Slayer is, once called?"

Joyce just shook her head.

"Two years, eight months."

"Oh, my God!"

"The shortest lived, lasted eighteen minutes. She was a fourteen year old Turkish girl called as a nest of vampires were decimating her village in the 1400s. The longest lasting Slayer in recorded history was Evangelina D'Alluzzio from Rome in the mid 1700s. She was called at thirteen, and by some twist of fate, her Watcher was also her aunt. Her family was active demon fighters, she never had to lie about her calling. She took a husband at seventeen, married in the Church. She also had a female lover from the time she was fifteen. She was finally killed a few months before her twenty-fifth birthday.

"There have been a couple dozen or so Slayers who have survived between five to ten years. All of them went against Council orders and had long-term partners. If Buffy has chosen to become romantically involved with Willow, I will not discourage it. It may be the tie she requires to keep her wanting to fight. Because, although it pains me to say this, when Buffy loses that desire to be the toughest, most lethal thing in existence, then we're enjoying her company on borrowed time."

They sat silently for a while before Joyce spoke again. "She could do worse than Willow, couldn't she?"

"She introduced me to that security guard she was dating last year. I would say she has done much worse."

"Rupert! You made a joke!"

Giles did the British thing and blushed. "Seriously now, Joyce, can you handle a daughter in a same sex relationship?"

"If it was anyone other than Willow, I'd probably have a much harder time with it. But after the vampires and demons, I can deal, when they decide to tell us there's something to have to deal with. In the meantime if it helps keep her safe, who am I to get in the way of that?"

"What are you getting in the way of, mom?" Buffy asked as she and Willow strolled up the steps onto the deck.

"Oh, Buffy, Willow. We didn't hear you approaching," Giles replied, hoping they hadn't been overheard.

"It's that stealthy Slayer walk," Willow helpfully supplied.

"So why didn't they hear you?" Buffy questioned while giving the redhead a gentile nudge with her hip.

"Guilt by association." Willow stuck her tongue out at the Slayer.

"Guilt, huh?" Buffy gave her a fond look. "Mom, Giles, we're going to bed. See you in the morning." The blonde stepped back allowing Willow to pass in front of her, then turned to follow, guiding the redhead with a hand in the small of her back.

The pair disappeared further into the house. When footsteps could be heard on the back stairs. Joyce turned back to Giles. "Think they'll ever tell us or are we going to have to catch them in a lip lock first?"

"Ah… well… I would hope…"

"Rupert, don't hurt yourself," Joyce chuckled. "I'm heading to bed, too."

Willow exited the bathroom to find Buffy sprawled across their bed, naked as a newborn. "Like living dangerously, Slayer? Anyone could walk up those stairs."

"Don't think it's an issue. Don't care if it is. I need you, Will. Please dump the robe and get over here."

Willow let the robe fall from her shoulders and crawled onto the bed next to her lover. "I seem to remember a debt I owe. With interest, if memory serves me." She started at Buffy's navel and kissed her way north until she was covering the blonde and could reach her lips. "So, how do you desire payment to be made?"

For an answer, the Slayer grabbed Willow's cheeks to control a searing kiss. Minutes passed as she plundered the redhead's mouth. "I don't think I can handle slow and teasing tonight, Will." She looked away, not able to meet her lover's eyes. I need all you can give me, please understand.

Understanding both Buffy's embarrassment and her desire; wanting to add to one and make her forget the other, Willow reached and gave a nipple a hard tweak causing Buffy to focus on her again. "No teasing, Slayer." Willow controlled the next kiss; Buffy reeled from the oral onslaught. I've only seen her like this once before; after she chased that scaly demon for an hour only to have him decapitate himself on that cable. Snaking her hand between their bodies, Willow reached between the lips of the blonde's vulva, delighting at the wetness she discovered. Not needing to worry about lubrication, she entered Buffy with three fingers and set a hard, fast pace. On each down stroke, she rubbed her thumb over the hyper sensitive clit.

Breaking for air, Buffy latched onto Willow, careful not to squeeze too hard. She buried her face into the redhead's neck and whimpered each time she was filled. "Oh, God, yes. Willow, more." So good. So good. So good.

"More?" Willow tested Buffy's ability to take a forth finger by gently spreading the three gripped within her lover's body.

"Please, more, please…"

Not finding a reason not to give Buffy exactly what she was asking for, Willow added her pinky on her next penetration.

"Ahhh… yes."

Three more thrusts and Buffy climaxed, holding Willow's fingers deep inside herself. As Buffy's vagina spasmed around her digits, Willow began to massage her lover's g-spot while her thumb concentrated on her clit. Buffy's breathing had no chance to return to normal before a second orgasm ripped through her.

The redhead controlled Buffy's mouth again as she removed her fingers from their warm home. Again, not giving her any time to recover, Willow ended the kiss. "Interest," she whispered before disappearing between the blonde's thighs.

Without preamble, Willow wrapped her lips around Buffy's distended clitoris and sucked. Considering she couldn't levitate much more than a pencil with magic, watching her lover practically float above their bed was awe-inspiring.

How Buffy found the were-with-all to scream her release into a pillow, would become one of the great mysteries of their relationship.

Willow crawled back up to the head of the bed and spooned behind her spent lover, holding her as her breathing finally returned to some semblance of normal. Willow gently stroked the damp hair away from Buffy's face. "No teasing, Buff. Whatever you need. And isn't interest fun?"

The End

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