Previously

Although Tara knew that it would be the most prudent course of action, she couldn't help but feel that she had lost something very dear to her.

"Do you want to leave now?" she asked.

"Not really, unless you're uncomfortable?"

"Oh… no. Please stay, for a little while longer. It's Saturday, and we don't have class."

"Okay. I think I'll get a little more sleep. Night Tara," Willow said as she snuggled down under the covers.

"Night Willow," Tara replied softly.

When she was sure that Willow had fallen asleep, she let the tears she had held inside fall.

***

Sunday Night:

Buffy finally came back to the dorm room, her bag in hand. She opened the door and saw Willow in bed. She put the bag down and closed the door. She walked over quietly, when she reached the bed; she gazed down upon her sleeping friend, noticing how peaceful she looked.

"I'm going to show you," she whispered, before bending down and placing a kiss on Willow's cheek.

Willow turned making Buffy move back slightly, she was about to go to her side of the room when she noticed something.

"What the hell?" she said out loud.

"Mmm… Buffy?" Willow said groggily.

Buffy bent closer, she had to be sure.

"Do you *mind* explaining that?" she asked.

"What?" Willow replied, as she rubbed her eyes.

Buffy went to the dresser and grabbed the vanity mirror and brought it over towards Willow, practically shoving it in her face.

"That!"

Willow took the mirror and looked.

"What 'that'?"

"'That that!" she said, pointing to Willow's neck.

"Oh… umm that."

"Yes… 'oh that'."

Willow's saw it; it was plain as day, a purple mark no bigger than a half-dollar.

'Tara,' she thought.

"Well?" Buffy prodded.

"It's a hickey," she replied softly, feeling the warmth in her cheeks. She looked down to her blanket and began pulling at imaginary lint.

"I'm sorry, could you repeat that a little louder?" Buffy said sarcastically. Knowing full well she had heard exactly what the other girl had said.

"No."

"Did you say what I think you said?"

"Yes."

Buffy moved away and began pacing.

"How long did you wait before you did it?" she asked accusingly.

Willow looked up and stared at her friend.

'It looks like Buffy, sounds like Buffy. But why would she act this way?' Willow thought to herself as Buffy continued to pace the length of their room. "Buffy, what's going on?"

"How could you?"

"How could I what?"

"How could you let Tara…" Buffy stopped, the blood draining from her face. She had no intention of ever bringing up Willow's relationship with the other girl, all the time waiting for Willow to let her know.

"What about Tara?" Willow demanded, throwing the blankets off her body.

"Nothing…"

"Wait a minute," Willow told Buffy as she got out of bed. "What aren't you telling me?" she said standing in front of Buffy.

Buffy decided that she should look everywhere but in Willow's direction.

"Hey! I'm right here, talk to me," Willow told Buffy.

Buffy reached out and grabbed the locket Tara had given Willow.

"Do you love her?" she asked quietly.

Willow placed her hand over Buffy's…

END