"What is it?" Buffy asked, yawning.
Willow didn't answer. She pushed her way inside.
"Why don't you come in?" Buffy said sarcastically.
Willow sat on the bed and smiled. "Thanks, I will."
"What happened? Did you write him?"
"I didn't have to. He had a note waiting for me."
"Uh oh....from that look on your face I'd say you met shadowman. Did you tell him you know who he is?"
Willow shook her head. "I couldn't. Your plan may be working. Look, he gave me a hickey. My first."
"That is good, I guess. It means he wants others to know you have a lover. Possessiveness in a vampire could be a good thing. But, why didn't you tell him?"
"I just couldn't. It never seemed the right time."
"Willow! You need to tell him or get him to admit it. You can't keep playing his game by his rules. It's not fair to either of you."
"I know. I just don't want to lose him. I can't lose him." Willow looked away, "I think I love him."
Buffy snorted. "Willow. You don't know him. You've had sex. That's it. You can not base love on that. I understand attraction....lust...things like that. Even intense like due to the fact that he has helped you move on with your life. But not love."
"I think I'm old enough to know what I'm feeling." Willow said.
"Do you even know what you're feeling? I mean, think about it. This mysterious stranger wants you. He proceeds to romance you and pleasure you beyond the realms of anything you could imagine. But, he still refuses to share his name. That is passion Wills. Not love. You are smart enough to know that."
"I...I think I could love him....if he'd let me." Willow whispered. "I want to love him. He has made me feel special. He makes me feel things that Oz never did. My stomach gets fluttery...my breath catches....I can't stop thinking about him, either of him. Pathetic huh? I can't even enjoy nameless sex with a sexy vampire without wanting more."
Buffy sighed and put her arm around her friend's shoulders. "Not pathetic. Just human. You want to crash here tonight?"
"Please?"
"Get in. Just don't pull all the covers."
"Buffy?"
"Yeah?"
"Thanks."
"No problem. I owe you anyway."
"You're a great friend."
"You too."
Buffy turned off the light and soon both girls
were sleeping.