FF: Men Can be Monsters (1/2)

["slyfox_kitkat" <slyfox_kitkat@xxxxxxxxx>]

Men can be Monsters
By Kit Walker
Disclaimer: Joss Weadon is God of the Buffy-verse. I am merely a 
muse, a pawn in his ultimate plan. Thank you for letting me borrow 
them and using my imagination.
Pairing(s):Buffy/Willow and Tara/F
READ AND REVIEW!!!!

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She weakly lifted her head and stared at her captor. She could feel 
the blood dripping down her face. Her hands were bound behind her 
back. The beast stood before her, chuckling.

"She'll come for you," It sneered, "And when she does, I will finish 
her off!"

<<One Day Earlier>>

Buffy walked into her dorm room after classes. Her roommate, Willow, 
was still on her laptop researching the new demon that attacked 
them. Buffy secretly smiled at Willow.
`She is so wonderful,' she thought, `What would I ever do without my 
Wills.'

"Hey Wills, still up to finding that demon," Buffy asked.
"You know it. Got to find out what this demon is that attacked you."
"Anything yet?"
"Just the bare facts."
"Great, things we all ready know."
"Well, we have a name now."
"Oh goodie."
"Its called Den'och."
"Can we kill it?"
"Still looking."
"Okay, thanks Will."
"Hey, you ok?"
"Just bad slayer thoughts don't worry. I'll be fine, ok Willow."
"You were really shaken after the demon attack."
"It went after you first. That is what scared me. I thought I was 
going to lose you."
"Hey, still here."
"Willow, I feel that the only reason I have lasted so long is because 
of you, Giles, Xander, and my mom. But mainly because of you."
"What do you mean?"

Buffy sighed and thought, `Ok Summers, she is your best friend. 
She'll freak to know that you are IN love with her.'

"It's just that I totally care about you. You've been here for me 
since I first met you."
"Well, actually, I should be saying that to you. You sat next to 
me. You didn't care that I was a nerd."
"You aren't a nerd, you're my nerd.

Willow blushed and smiled.

"Well, you are my slayer. You have saved me numerous times. I can't 
even thank you enough."
"Wills, being my best friend, staying by my side, and helping to 
clean my battle wounds, is thanks enough."
Buffy walked over to Willow, hugging her gently. When Willow's hands 
gently touched Buffy's back, she winced in pain. Willow leaned back 
and looked at her friend with concern.

"Buff, are you ok?"
"Still a little sore."
"Well you'll be better by tomorrow."
"Yup. Gotta love super healing powers."

Buffy smiled at Willow and started to get up.

"We better go see Giles. Maybe he's having more luck," Buffy said.
"Yeah, I totally need a break from the dorm."
"Me too. Come on."

The two girls headed out of their dorm room and headed to Giles' 
house. Usually they would meet at the Magic Box, but it was closed 
today do to delivery and inventory being done. Xander and Spike were 
there in full research mode. Well actually, no, not Spike. The de-
fanged vampire was too busy drinking warmed pigs' blood and watching 
MTV's TRL.

"Hey Xand," Buffy said.
"Hey Buffster, Wills. How's my two best girls doing?"
"Just fine. I found out the demon's name," Willow said.
"Bout bloody time," Spike said, his eyes never leaving the TV screen.
"Yeah well it would have been faster, but the server went down last 
night. Plus I had to take care of the wound on Buffy's back," Willow 
said.
"Yes, well, what is it called," Giles spoke up.
"Den'och."
"Sounds Irish," Spike added.
"Yes well, we'll search for it in the books. Buffy, may I have a 
word with you," Giles asked.
"Sure, Giles."

Willow walked and sat next to Xander. She grabbed the closest book 
and started to flip through the pages. Buffy and Giles walked 
outside. He shut the door, so the others wouldn't here.

"How's your back," Giles asked.
"Still hurts. But I didn't want to say anything to Will."
"Yes, good call. She worries about you enough."
"I know. I hate doing that to her."
"Yes I know."
"It is healing, still semi fast, but not like usual. Giles you 
aren't doing anything are you?"
"No! I realized the last time that it was a mistake."
"Sorry."
"It's quite all right. Have you been under a lot of stress lately?"
"Yeah. There are a lot of things floating around my head and heart. 
I mean with Riley just jetting on me, finals, and slayage. I am 
close to breakage point."
"Well then, your body is trying to deal with all the stress and 
strain. That is why the healing process is slower. Once the stress 
is relieved, things should be easier."
"Well after we get this next demon, I am taking a vacation."
"Good idea. You all deserve a break."

She nodded and then they headed back inside. Buffy sat on the floor, 
near Willow. Occasionally she would glance up from her book and 
stare at her. `She is so beautiful,' she thought, `I wish I could 
tell her how I feel.' Soon the hours floated by and it was nearly 
dusk, and the group hadn't found anything else on the demon.

"Hey, G-man, we aren't getting nothing done," Xander grumbled.
"Yes, we'll call it a night then. We'll meet tomorrow at the shop. 
Buffy, no patrolling tonight, just rest up."
"Gotcha Giles. C'mon Wills."

Willow and Buffy left Giles' and were walking back towards campus. 
It was relatively quiet between the two, until Willow spoke up.

"Buffy?"
"Yeah Will?"
"Something's wrong with you, isn't it."
"Yes and no."
"Well which one is it?"
"I am just really stressed, you know. Even slayers need breaks."
"I know, but why did Giles need to speak to you?"
"It was about the cut on my back."
"What about it?"
"It is healing slower than normal."

Willow stopped and looked towards Buffy.

"What do you mean, `slower than normal,' Buffy?"
"It means I am overly stressed and my body is trying to deal. There 
is a lot going on right now in this head. Sometimes it even scares 
me."
"You can always come to me, you know that."
"I know Wills, but this isn't something I can easily bring up around 
you."
"Oh."

Willow just looked at Buffy. `I know she loves me, and I love her. 
Why do we both have do deny this,' Willow thought to herself.

"I'm sorry Wills. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings."
"No it's nothing like that. I was just thinking that's all."
"What about?"
"Just stuff. I really think we need to have a long talk."
"Yeah, we do."

The two girls walked over to a bench and sat down, facing the other.

"Ok," Willow sighed, "I know that we both are hiding something."

Buffy slowly nodded. Willow took Buffy's hand in hers.

"I know you watch me when I sleep. I know you always stare at me, 
when you don't think I will notice. But, I do the same things. I 
always look for you walking from classes. Whenever you nap, I'll sit 
and watch over you. When you practice, I'll watch you then too. You 
are my world, Buffy, you have been ever since you walked into my life 
and sat next to me."

Willow just stared deep into Buffy's blue eyes. A tear rolled down 
Buffy's face, and Willow's hand reached up to wipe it away.

"Why are you crying?"
"Because you said what I have been feeling inside."
"I know. We love each other, and it's more than platonic. You go 
out of your way just to make sure that I am all right."
"I love you so much Wills. I always get so afraid that I am going to 
lose you."
"I love you too."

The two girls hugged tightly, not wanting to let go. In this bond, 
they could feel the love between them, and it made them feel even 
better. Reluctantly, they broke apart. They just stared at each 
other, with nothing but love for each other.

"This is going to be a tough battle, you know that," Buffy said.
"I know, but as long as I have you, I can make it."
"Good, cause I need you."
"I need you too."

They hugged again. Buffy leaned away, just a tad, then brushed her 
lips against Willow's. The kiss was just for an instant, but the 
electricity was still felt when they broke apart.

"That was nice," Willow sighed.
"Yeah it was."

The two girls stood up, and Willow grasped Buffy's hand.

"Let's go home," Willow said, smiling.
"Yeah."
They started off back towards their dorm, hand in hand. Just as they 
were getting closer to their dorm, they were stopped by some vampires.

"Well, at least I get some practice," Buffy mumbled.

Willow went to safe distance away from the action to watch, while 
Buffy started to fight the vampires. They surrounded her, but only 
attacked her one at a time. The first one received a foot to the 
jaw. The next one got a boot to the midsection. And the third met 
the ground fairly fast. She reached for something in her back 
pocket and pulled out `Mr. Pointy,' her favorite stake. 

The first vampire jumped her, only to receive a stake to the heart. 
The next grabbed her arms and pinned them behind her back, while the 
other punched her across the face. She flipped her legs up, knocking 
the one punching her away.

"Damn, get the hell off of me," Buffy grunted, smacking the back of 
her head into the vampire behind. 

It let her go and she quickly flipped away. Willow knew that Buffy 
needed help, so she ran out and tackled the closest vampire. She 
pulled out a pencil and stabbed the vampire in the heart. It 
exploded in a cloud of dust. She looked up to see Buffy finish of 
the last vampire. She stood up and dusted off her clothes, then 
walked over to Buffy.

"You ok," Willow asked.
"Yeah, I am."

Willow smiled at Buffy, as Buffy smiled back. But Willow watched in 
horror as Den'och came behind Buffy and smacked her into a 
wall. `That is gonna hurt tomorrow,' Buffy thought. Then Willow 
felt a searing pain as she felt her body fly through the air.

"Willow," Buffy screamed, weakly.

Buffy staggered to her feet and jumped at the demon, only to be 
knocked down again. She watched in horror as the demon took Willow 
and vanished. All she heard was its voice.

"You have two days to find me, slayer, or your love will die!"

Buffy blacked out and later awoke in Giles' house.

"Who? Willow? Where," Buffy spoke, incoherently.
"Rest child, you are weak. Willow is gone," Giles said, "Spike found 
you and brought you back here."
"Two days or she dies," Buffy managed to get out.

Then she blacked out again. Giles laid a cold compress on her fore 
head and thanked Spike for saving her. Giles called up Joyce 
Summers, Buffy's mom, and told her what happened. Joyce, Xander, 
Anya, and Spike were all at Giles' when Buffy finally woke up.

"Willow," Buffy cried, as she tried to jump out of bed.
"Calm down," Joyce sweetly said to her daughter.
"Oh mom."

Buffy hugged her mom, crying. She had just lost the woman she loved 
more than anything in the world could offer. Joyce just soothed her 
daughter.

"We'll get Willow back. We found something out," Xander said.
"What," Buffy asked, through tears.
"Well," Giles started, "It is a semi sea monster. It needs to be 
near sea or ocean water. The only place for it to hide are the caves 
near the shore line."
"That could take days to search," Buffy cried.
"Not without a little magic," a sweet voice called from the other 
room.

A blond young woman walked into the room and walked over to Buffy, 
sitting next to her. She put her hand on Buffy's shoulder for 
reassurance.

"I'm Tara, Willow's friend. She would want me to help you find her."
"Thanks, Tara."

Buffy hugged Tara gently.

"I know she loves you," Tara whispered so only Buffy could 
here, "Thank you."

Buffy sat back and looked at the your woman in front of her.

"Can I have some time alone with Tara please," Buffy asked the people 
in the room.

They all nodded and left the room.

"How," Buffy asked.
"She told me. I know you love her too."
"Why did you say thank you?"
"Because you make her happy and that is all I want for her."
"Even though I put her life in danger all the time?"
"Yes. And besides, she is the one who puts herself into those 
situations by following you, and being there for you."
"I know, but I can't help but feel guilty, you know."
"That is normal. But we'll get her back, I promise you. I am not 
ready to lose one of the greatest friends I have ever met."
"Thanks Tara. Now I know why she speaks highly of you."

Tara smiled at Buffy and hugged her again. 

At the cave was another story. Willow was still knocked unconscious, 
as Den'och watched over her. His plans only included killing the 
slayer first, but this new twist could make the kill even better.

Back at Giles' Tara was trying to console Buffy, while the rest of 
the group did research.

"So what does this spell do," Buffy asked Tara.
"It will help us find Willow. Don't worry, I'll do the incantation, 
and then, if it works, follow it to the right cave."
"Well get what ever you need to. I am not about to lose her."
"I know."

Then Tara and Buffy got up and headed into the other room, where the 
rest of the crew was doing the research. She walked over to her 
mother and hugged her.

"Mom, thanks," Buffy said.
"I love you, kiddo, even if you are the slayer."
"Thanks mom."

Buffy sat down and grabbed a book on sea monsters. She began to read 
how fire would dehydrate it, which would weaken it. The only way to 
kill it is to behead it. 

"Guys," Buffy said, "I know how to kill it."
"How," Giles asked.
"It says here that fire will dehydrate the monster, weakening it, 
then behead it. It's the only way. So here is the plan. We'll 
create firebombs for me to take in. Once I am in, at the entrance of 
the cave, start as many fires it takes to keep us both in there. We 
don't want him to get a chance to power up."
"Good idea," Giles said.
"Thanks. We've got work to do. Tara, you know what you need to. 
Giles, I need a sword, and the rest of you, work on the firebombs."

Giles went to his room and brought back a sword for Buffy, while Tara 
had left to get what she needed for the spell. Xander and Joyce got 
the ingredients to make the firebombs. A few hours later, close to 
dusk, everyone reconvened back at Giles' house. Buffy sat in his 
back room to think. 

`Oh Willow,' she thought, `I promise to get you back. I love you. I 
need you in my life, cause if you aren't, I don't know why I am 
fighting.'

A knock came from the door.

"Come in," Buffy said.
"Its time," Tara said, as she opened the door.

Buffy nodded and stood up, grasping the sword by the hilt.

"Lets do this."

The two girls walked into the living room where everyone else was 
waiting. She looked over to Giles and just nodded.

"All right then," Giles said, "time to go."

Everyone left the house and piled into two cars, Joyce's and Giles'. 
Buffy and Tara went with her mom, while Xander, Anya and Spike went 
with Giles.

"Buffy," Joyce asked.
"Yeah?"
"I know this isn't the time, but I need to know. Are you in love 
with Willow?"
"Yes," Buffy sighed.
"Good. I know that the two of you will be very happy."
"Thanks mom."

Joyce smiled at her daughter. An hour later they made it to the 
shoreline. They all piled out of the cars and Buffy looked to Tara.

"Ok, Tara, this is now your show," Buffy said.

Tara nodded as she took out something of Willow's and started to 
chant an incantation. A few moments later a small white orb appeared 
and headed off in a direction. Everyone followed it. It stopped at 
a cave that was close to the water's edge. Buffy looked at everyone 
else.

"You know what to do. Here is to bringing Wills back," Buffy said.

She grabbed the bag of bombs and headed inside. The others were all 
ready starting to place debris near the entrance. They poured 
kerosene on all the logs and lit them. The flare up of the fire made 
them jump back just a little. Joyce, Tara, and Anya went to get more 
wood for the fire, to keep it going, while Giles and Xander kept an 
eye out on the fire and for Buffy. 

Willow weakly lifted her head and stared at her captor. She could 
feel the blood dripping down her face. Her hands were bound behind 
her back. The beast stood before her, chuckling.

"She'll come for you," It sneered, "And when she does, I will finish 
her off!"
"I doubt that," a familiar voice rang out.
"Buffy," Willow said weakly.
"The one and only. Now back off!"

Den'och moved away from Willow and Buffy ran by her side. She 
caressed Willow's face gently and undid the rope that bound her 
hands. 

"Don't worry, Wills, we'll get you outta here, I promise."
"Be careful."
"Trust me, Wills, I'm doin this for us."

Buffy stood up and took out one of the bombs, she lit it and threw it 
near Den'och's feet. The bomb exploded, making Den'och jump. It 
screamed in pain as she chucked another bomb at it. This one 
actually hit Den'och and it reared in pain. Buffy grabbed the sword 
and leapt towards the monster. She slashed at its chest, but he 
blocked the attack. It knocked the sword out of her hand. Buffy 
staggered back and tried to get her composure.

Buffy quickly rushed Den'och, slamming him into the wall. He knocks 
her away, but she charges at him again. She spears him against the 
wall again. She gripped her arms around him tightly, not letting go.

"Will," Buffy cried, "Get the sword!"

Willow crawled to the sword and grabbed it. She then slowly stood 
up. The demon's back was now facing Willow.

"Stab it Wills. I trust you."
"I..I can't. I'll hurt you."
"Trust me Will."

Buffy just looked to Willow, and smiled. Willow nodded and picked up 
the sword. She then plunged the sword into the demon's back. The 
demon howled in pain, and Willow fell to the ground. The demon 
rammed its back into the wall, pushing the sword further through its 
body and into Buffy's. She screamed in pain as the blade pierced her 
skin. The demon fell to its knees and then collapsed on its side. 
Willow frantically rushed over to Buffy.

"Buffy, oh goddess, what do I do? What do I do?"
"Hey," Buffy, spoke weakly, "pull the sword out."

Willow nodded and walked to the sword. She grabbed the hilt and 
pulled it out quickly. Buffy's body slumped to the sandy surface. 
Willow quickly went back to her lover's side.

"What now?"
"Cut of its head."

Willow, trying to hold back tears, walked to the demon and raised the 
sword above her head.

"This is for Buffy!"

Then in one quick slice, the demon's head was disengaged from the 
rest of the body. Willow dropped the sword and ran back to Buffy. 
Buffy lay unconscious and Willow cradled the fallen slayer in her 
arms.

"What have I done," Willow wept.

Her tears fell onto Buffy's face, as she held her lover's body close 
to her.

"Buffy? Willow," Giles yelled.
"Here, Giles," Willow cried, "Buffy needs help."

Giles found the two girls and picked up Buffy, carrying her out of 
the cave. Willow followed slowly. When she was out of the cave, 
Tara quickly went to her. Tara threw her arms around Willow and 
hugged her tightly, because she knew that was what she needed. Giles 
carried Buffy over to Joyce's car, and Willow and Tara followed.

"We'll meet you there," Giles said.
"Ok," Joyce replied.

Tara sat up front, while Willow sat in the back watching over Buffy. 
Tara looked back at her friends.

"It wasn't your fault, Willow. You know that. You did what you had 
to do, to save both yourself and Buffy," Tara said.
"But, I was the one who put the sword there in the first place."
"Because she most likely asked you too. Buffy knows the risks and 
dangers of being the slayer. But she also knows the risks of being 
in love. I know she loves you, and will always be there for you."
"How can you be so sure?"
"Intuition. Just rest now Willow, you'll be taken care of soon."

Joyce made it to the hospital in record time. Thank goodness there 
was no cops out to bust people. The three women helped carry Buffy 
into the emergency room. Doctors rushed to help her, while a nurse 
took care of Willow's injuries. Joyce stayed with Willow, knowing 
that this girl would need her. 

When the nurse was all done patching Willow up, she just hugged Joyce 
and didn't let go. Her tears were her conviction to her daughter, 
and she knew this was meant to be.
Joyce just held onto the weeping young woman, while Tara kept an eye 
on Buffy.

"I'm sorry Mrs. Summers."
"Its not your fault Willow. She knew what she was doing."
"She is going to be ok," Tara said, walking over to the women.
"Really," Willow asked.
"Yeah, they just moved her to the ICU, which is standard procedure. 
The doctor said that the blade just missed her heart."

Willow let out a heavy, and very relieved, sigh. Tara walked over to 
her and hugged her gently.

"I told you," Tara said, with a smile.
"Thanks."

Giles, Xander and Anya finally met up the three women. They all 
waited in the waiting room near ICU. Xander had stopped off at 
Willow's dorm room to get her a change of clothes. Now all there was 
left to do, was wait. Willow began to pace in front of the door that 
led to her love. Tara walked over to her and took her hand.

"Calm yourself, friend. She wouldn't want you in such a state," Tara 
said, calmly.
"Can I ask something?"
"Anything."
"When did you get so confident?"
"When I met you and your friends. Thank you for including me in your 
group."
"Oh. I was only doing what I felt was right. I know you care about 
me, but we are better friends. And I know you'll find someone."
"I know. I do care about you, but as a friend now. But Buffy, she 
loves you. All heart and soul."

Willow nodded to Tara and gently hugged her. Out of no where the 
doctor came.

"Mrs. Summers," the doctor asked.
"Yes," Joyce answered.
"She's waking up. You can go in now."
"All of us," Willow asked.
"Yes, but one at a time. We don't want to over exert her. She is 
still very frail."
"Ok. Thank you doctor," Joyce said, then she looked to Willow, 
and "You go first."

Willow nodded and headed into Buffy's room. She went to the side of 
the bed and took her lover's hand. Willow then kneeled by the bed 
and kissed Buffy's hand.

"Oh Buffy, please don't leave me," she whispered.
"I'm not going any where without you, Wills."
"I'm so sorry."
"Hey, don't be. You did well. You did what I told you to do. I am 
so proud of you Wills. I know it hurt you to hurt me, but it was the 
only way to finally get it down."
"I love you so much, Buffy, I was so afraid of losing you."
"I'm still here love. I am really sore, but at least I finally get 
to rest."
"And a chance to heal."
"You know, I'm not so sure that sword didn't pierce my heart."
"Why?"
"Cause I feel like cupid's arrow has struck me again."

Willow blushed at the remark. She leaned in and kissed Buffy on the 
forehead. She brushed the back of her hand against Buffy's face. 
Buffy closed her eyes and pushed gently into the hand.

"Your touch is so gentle," Buffy whispered.
"Only because I don't want to hurt you."
"You can't hurt me. I promise."

Buffy pulled Willow down and kissed her gently on the lips. The kiss 
lasted longer this time. Joyce had peered into the window to see 
this exchange of love between her daughter and Willow. She just 
smiled. She was happy because she knew that Buffy finally found 
someone to make her happy.

"How does she look," Giles asked Joyce.
"They look very happy."
"They," Xander asked.
"Yes, they," Joyce said, and pointed into the room.

Everyone saw all the love flowing from the room between the two young 
ladies. They all smiled, and knew it was about time.

"Well," Xander chuckled, "it's about damned time."
"You mean they are orgasm buddies," Anya asked.

Everyone just looked at Anya with weird expressions.

"Anya, that is something we do not say in public, ok dear," Xander 
said.
"Oh ok."

Willow finally came out of the room, all smiles.

"She wants to see you now, Mrs. Summers."

Joyce nodded and headed into the room.

"Hey baby, how are you feeling," Joyce asked her daughter.
"Better. I guess you saw huh?"
"Yes, and you have my full blessing. I know that I should be 
different about this, but you are happy, that is all I care about."
"Thanks mom. I'm gonna rest now. Take Willow home and let her rest 
up."
"Ok. I love you, kiddo."
"Love you too mom."

Buffy went back to sleep and Joyce went outside to the others.

"She is resting now," Joyce said, "And she ordered me to take you 
home Willow. You need rest, and a shower. You know Buffy."
"Ok, Mrs. Summers. Can we stop by the dorm first?"
"Sure. And I order the rest of you to rest up as well. Tara I can 
take you back to the dorms if you'd like."
"Thank you, Mrs. Summers," Tara answered.

Everyone dispersed to the vehicle they were riding in. Joyce dropped 
the two girls off at the dorms and promised to pick them up in a few 
hours to take them back to the hospital. Willow walked back to her 
room and did what she was ordered to do. After an hour nap and a 
shower, she called Tara up and asked her to come over. Tara was over 
in no time flat.

"You ok," Tara asked, as she walked through the door.
"Yeah, I just don't want to be alone."
"No, something is wrong, I can sense it."
"You are too good for your own good, you know that?"
"Yeah, I've been told that a couple of times."

Tara smiled at Willow and sat next to her.

"Its about being taken by that demon, isn't it?"
"It got me thinking."
"About?"
"Buffy. I felt her anguish for me. I felt her fear and pain."
"I think I know why."
"Why?"
"Because you two are soul mates."
"You think?"
"I know."
"I love her so much Tara."
"I know. She loves you just as much, you gotta trust me on this one."
"I do. I have always trusted you."
"Good. Come on, rest for a bit longer. I'll wake you when Mrs. 
Summers gets here ok?"
"Ok. Thanks Tara."
"Any time."

Willow curled up on Buffy's bed. Tara walked to Willow's bed and sat 
on it, watching her friend closely. She really did care about 
Willow, but she knew she would never Willow's heart, like Buffy did. 
She really accepted that fact too. She was just glad to have someone 
like Willow in her life. She also knew that Buffy cared about her as 
well.
She must have dozed off, because the next thing she remembered was 
Joyce knocking on the door and Willow waking her up.

"Sorry, I must have nodded off," Tara said.
"Its ok, we were all pretty tired," Willow responded back.

The two girls walked out to Joyce's car. They headed back to the 
hospital to find out that Buffy was moved again to the recovery area 
of the hospital. This really made Willow happy, knowing that her 
love was going to be just fine. They all headed upstairs to check on 
her. Giles was already there.

"Xander and Anya will join us later. The doctors say she is healing 
just fine. I guess her slayer powers are up to full speed," Giles 
chuckled.
"Well I hope you can explain that to the doctors," Tara said.
"We'll find figure that out when it comes to it," Willow said.
"Yeah."

A few days later Buffy was finally released from the hospital. The 
doctors were still puzzled by her quick recovery. And like she 
promised, she took a vacation. It was spring break time, so Willow 
and Buffy went on a little vacation by themselves. Joyce had rented 
a cottage up in the mountains, away from all the busyness of the 
hellmouth.

When they reached the cottage, Buffy made Willow put her bags down, 
and Buffy carried Willow into the little house.

"Buffy? What are you doing? You only do this to brides," Willow 
exclaimed.
"I know."

Buffy bent down on one knee.

"I know we've been through a lot these past years, but I have always 
loved you, and will continue to do so. It doesn't matter what people 
say or think. All that matters is that we have love for each other 
that is stronger than time itself. Marry me Willow Rosenburg? Make 
me the happiest woman on the earth."

Willow just watched as Buffy pulled out a ring from her pocket. It 
was shaped like a dolphin with a blue sapphire in the middle.

"Yes," Willow whispered.

Buffy took Willow's hand and slid the ring on her finger. She then 
stood up and kissed her deeply. The passion that was hidden was 
released with this kiss. They left their stuff in the living room 
and headed to the bedroom. They never released of their kiss. Hands 
were roaming every where. Buffy laid Willow atop of her, and they 
briefly stop kissing to quickly take off their clothes. Buffy just 
stared in awe at Willow.

"Buffy, are you ok?"
"My god you are beautiful."

Willow blushed and kissed Buffy again.

"Only because you make me beautiful."

The two lovers embraced, kissing deeply. The two lovers made 
passionate love to each other. When they had settled down, Buffy 
held onto Willow as she slept. She looked over to her love and 
smiled. `I am so happy,' she thought, `Not only do I have the love 
of my life next to me, but she is going to be my wife as well.' 
Buffy then snuggled into Willow and fell into a blissful sleep.

The next morning they slept until late that afternoon. Both really 
needed the rest, and didn't mind that they slept the day away.

"Hey," Buffy said, smiling.
"Hey, what time is it?"
"Almost 3 PM."
"Wow."
"We've had a rough couple of days."
"Yeah. How are you feeling?"
"Great, now that I am here with you."

Willow blushed at the remark and kissed Buffy gently.

"I don't know why it took us so long to finally say what we needed 
to," Willow said.
"I know. We were both afraid of the same thing, losing each other."
"That almost happened."
"That always happens. I mean that fact that we could lose the 
other. I love you Wills, and I don't want to put you into any more 
danger."
"Why not?"
"Because I love you too much."
"And you think I want to let the love of my life go and have all the 
fun, killing those nasty bad guys? No, I don't think so. You have 
me for the long haul, Ms. Summers, from the moon and back."
"That is all I ask for."

They kissed again and spent the rest of the day cuddling. They 
stayed there for another day and decided to head back to Sunnydale. 
Everyone was happy about the engagement, except Willow's parents. 
Ira and Sheila Rosenburg hated Buffy. They couldn't even get her 
name right. That was a fight Buffy wanted to forget. They had 
headed over to Willow's home, where all hell broke loose.

to be continued...