************
It is always the same, Graham thought as he walked to yet another frat house. Go to party, see girl, and see girl you like leave for some one else she likes better. Is it even possible to have a relationship here, he wondered? And then, he wondered how am I supposed to go tell the girl I’m a demon hunter? Life isn’t getting any easier.

He saw the frat house up ahead and sighed. Then he decided not to go in. So he walked past it. The full moon made the night very bright. He walked through the commons. He was just about to head home when he saw a girl sitting on a bench reading a book. Then he recognized her as Buffy’s red head friend named after a tree or something.

“ ‘Demons and Witches: a complete history.’” He said as he walked up to her. “Interesting reading.” The girl smiled.

“You’re one of Riley’s friends right?” She asked. Graham smiled.

“Yeah I’m Graham.” He said.

“I’m Willow.” The girl said. Graham sat down beside her.

“So what are you doing out here?” He asked her. Willow looked up at the moon.

“The moon brings back memories.” She said sadly. Graham didn’t understand her but he caught that it was a touchy subject. So he decided to gear in another direction.

“Well then why aren’t you at the party?” He asked. Willow shrugged.

“I feel so alone at those things.” She said. Graham nodded.

“I know what you mean.” He said. Willow looked at him.

“Is that why you aren’t there?” She asked. Graham smiled.

“No, I saw a pretty girl who might need some rescuing.” He said. Willow blushed and smiled.

“Well I’m danger free really.” She said.

“You sure?” Graham asked mischievously. Willow laughed.

“I’ve seen much worse then you.” Willow said.

“Oh yeah, like what?” He challenged playfully. Willow smiled.

“Well my first boyfriend for instance.” She said. They both laughed.

“OK I can’t compete with that.” He said. “What about your current boyfriend?” He asked. The sad look came over Willow’s face again.

“I don’t have one.” She said quietly. She looked down. Graham lifted her face towards him.

“I can’t imagine why.” He said. They looked at each other. Then Willow turned away.

“Um…I-I have to go.” She said. She grabbed her book and stood up. Graham stood up and grabbed her arm.

“Willow I’m sorry.” He said. Willow looked at him and shook her head.

“It’s not you.” She said. Then she ran towards Stevenson Hall. Graham watched her go.
*****

“So,” Graham said. “What do you know about Willow?” He asked Riley. They were working out in the Initiative gym. Riley looked at him.

“I don’t know why?” He asked. Graham shrugged.

“Just wondering.” He said. Riley smiled.

“You like her don’t you?” He asked. Graham shook his head.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He said. Riley nodded.

“Yeah you like her.” Riley said. “But watch out man, she’s a witch so if you cross her, I’d hate to be you.”
*****

“So Buffy, what do you know about Riley’s friend Graham?” Willow asked. Buffy shrugged.

“I don’t know, he’s quiet and a little cute I guess why?” She asked.

“Well I was talking to him last night. He seems nice.” Willow said.

“Well he’s normal.” Buffy commented. Willow smiled.

“That isn’t always a good thing.” Willow pointed out. Buffy laughed.

“That’s for sure.” She agreed.
*****

Graham was waiting in line to get a coffee when he saw Buffy and Riley sit down together at a table. He walked over.

“Hey guys.” He said. Buffy and Riley smiled.

“Hey man.” Riley said. Graham looked at Buffy.

“Hey Buffy I have to ask you a question.” Graham said. Riley shook his head.

“Here it comes.” Riley said. Buffy was confused.

“Here what comes?” She asked.

“Graham has a crush on Willow.” Riley informed her. Buffy smiled.

“OK so what do you need to ask?” Buffy asked. Graham smiled.

“Well why is she so edgy about the subject of a boyfriend?” He asked. Buffy became very serious.

“Her last relationship didn’t end so well.” Buffy said. Graham looked at her.

“What do you mean?” Graham asked. Buffy sighed.

“Listen it’s not a really good subject to talk about OK?” She said. Riley and graham looked at her. “I’m sorry I just hate to see Willow get hurt.” Graham nodded.

“Her last relationship didn’t end so well.” Buffy said. Graham looked at her.

“What do you mean?” Graham asked. Buffy sighed.

“Listen it’s not a really good subject to talk about OK?” She said. Riley and graham looked at her. “I’m sorry I just hate to see Willow get hurt.” Graham nodded.

“So what does she like?” He asked.

“Um…She likes to read and she likes chocolate.” Buffy said. Graham nodded.

“Well I don’t know how much that’ll help me but here’s hoping.” He said getting up.

“Good luck.” Riley said. Buffy nodded.

“And if you hurt her I’ll just kill you.” She said. Graham looked at her. “But good luck.” She added smiling.

“Thanks.” Graham said.
******

“Anyway so I think that he might try to ask Will out.” Buffy finished telling Xander. He smiled.

“Well that’s cool. I don’t think she’s even looked at a guy since Oz left.” He said. Just then Spike walked in.

“Who hasn’t looked at a guy?” He asked. Buffy rolled her eyes.

“Willow.” She said.

“Why should Willow look at guys?” Spike asked.

“Because one of Riley’s friends is going to ask her out.” Xander said. Spike looked at him.

“What do you mean one of the commando boys is going to ask red out?” Spike asked. Buffy was confused.

“Wait Spike why do you care?” She asked. Xander smiled.

“I think our little Spiky may like Will.” Xander said smiling. Spike glared at him.

“I do not!” He said. “She’s just been nicer too me then the lot of you that’s all.” Buffy smiled.

“Sure Spike we believe you.” Buffy said. Spike looked at her.

“Hey.” He said. Xander smiled. He looked at Buffy.

“And we though he’d never get over Drusilla.” He said. Spike growled.

“Don’t start with me mate.” He said. Buffy and Xander got up.

“Yeah I mean I thought he’d just mope over her forever.” Buffy agreed. They opened the door.

“You two think you’re so funny.” Spike called. “If it wasn’t day…” Xander looked back at him.

“You’d what?” Xander asked. Then they walked out the door. Spike sat on the now unoccupied couch.

“I do not like her.” Spike grumbled.
*****

Graham knocked on the door to Willow and Buffy’s room. He waited and then Willow opened the door.

“Graham, hi!” She said smiling. Graham handed her a bouquet of daisies.

“These are for you.” He said. Willow smiled.

“Thank you, I love them.” She said. Then he handed her a bag of chocolate kisses.

“Buffy said you like chocolate.” He said. Willow took them.

“Thank you this was so sweet. Why did you do it?” She asked. Graham shrugged.

“Well I had the feeling that I did something wrong so I wanted to make it up to you.” He said. “And I wanted to know if you wanted to come to the Bronze with me tonight?” He asked. Willow smiled.

“I’d love too.” She said. She walked out and he took her hand. This time she didn’t run.
*****

Spike walked alone in the dark. It wasn’t fair, he thought. All-American mama’s boy gets to ask red out but he couldn’t. As he walked he realized that unfortunately Xander and Buffy were right. He did like Willow, a lot. He kicked a can and it flew out of site.

“I hate humans.” He grumbled. Then he heard a girl laughing. He turned and saw Willow and the commando boy walking hand in hand right towards him.

“Bloody hell.” He mumbled. Then Willow saw him.

“Hey Spike!” She said smiling. Spike nodded.

“Hello red,” He said. He nodded toward Graham, “Who’s your friend?” He asked. Willow smiled.

“This is Graham, Graham this is Spike.” Willow said. Graham nodded.

“Hello.” He said. Spike smiled.

“So your dating our lil’ Willow huh?” He asked. Willow looked at him.

“Well we went to the Bronze.” Graham said confused. Spike nodded.

“Well where I come from we call that a date.” Spike said. “I just wanted to make sure you know she has people around to hurt you if anything happens to her.” Willow glared at him.

“Spike!” She said. Spike looked at her innocently.

“What’d I say?” He asked. Willow looked at Graham.

“Excuse us.” She said. Graham nodded.

“No problem.” He said. Willow grabbed Spike’s arm and led him away from Graham.

“What do you think you’re doing?” She hissed. Spike looked at her.

“What? I am just trying to help.” Spike said. Willow glared at him.

“You are not helping! I like Graham and we are having a very nice time now please straighten up!” She said. Spike looked at her.

“Well I don’t like him at all! He’s one of those commando boys. You do realize he tried to kill me at one time? And take you hostage?” Spike asked. Willow sighed.

“Listen up until a few months ago I could’ve cared less if they tried to kill me. And as for trying to take me hostage, you do remember trying to bite me?” She asked. Spike looked at the ground.

“Yeah well that was different.” He said. Willow looked at him.

“How was it different?” She demanded. Spike looked at her baffled. She was the only girl who could put him on the spot and make him answer a question without holding a cross or stake to him.

“Well-we…we have a history. You met this bloke yesterday.” He said. Willow rolled her eyes.

“Well we are going back over there and you are going to be nice. Do you understand?” She said. Spike looked at her.

“Yes,” He said. “But I don’t like it.” He muttered. Willow looked back at him.

“I didn’t say to like it.” She said. She walked over to Graham and smiled.

“Sorry about that.” She said smiling. She looked at Spike.

“Oh yeah me too.” He said. Willow sighed. Then they all kind of stood awkwardly.

“Yeah well I guess we’ll go.” Willow said. She grabbed Graham’s hand and they walked away.

“Nice to meet you.” Spike called after them.
*****

Graham and Willow got to her door. She turned to him and he looked at her.

“I had a really nice time.” Willow said. Graham smiled.

“And your friend there was the highlight of everything.” Graham said. Willow sighed.

“Yeah well that’s Spike.” Willow said. Graham shook his head.

“How did he ever get a name like that.” Graham asked.

“It’s was something that stuck to him.” Willow said. Graham nodded.

“Well it’s nice to have people who care about you.” Graham said. Willow looked at him in confusion.

“Oh Spike doesn’t care about me.” Willow said. Graham laughed.

“OK well he looked pretty jealous tonight.” Graham noted. “But I had a nice time too.” He said. Willow looked up at him. They looked at each other for a moment.

“So goodnight then?” Willow asked.

“Not yet.” Graham said smiling. He kissed her softly. “Goodnight.” he said. Then he turned and walked down the hall. Willow sighed and opened the door. Buffy was in the room on her bed. She smiled.

“I know that look.” Buffy said. “That is an “I just had a great time with a guy I like” look isn’t it?” Buffy asked. Willow nodded.

“I had the best time.” Willow said. Buffy sat up.

“OK tell me everything.” Buffy said. Willow nodded then she remembered what Graham had said.

“Buffy is Spike jealous of Graham?” Willow asked. Buffy looked at her innocently.

“I don’t know anything.” She said. Willow looked at her. “Ok maybe I know something.” Buffy broke down and told her everything.
*****

Willow stormed into Giles’ the next morning. She saw Spike sitting on the couch reading a magazine. She stormed over.

“I am going to stake you myself.” She exclaimed. Spike continued to look at his magazine.

“And good morning to you too, Red.” He said calmly. Willow glared at him. If looks could kill Spike knew he would have been dust right then.

“Why exactly did you make that scene last night?” She asked. “You were being a jerk, a big undead jerk.” She said. Spike kept looking at his magazine avoiding her looks.

“So you told me.” He said.

“Are you going to explain?” She asked. Spike turned the page.

“No.” He said simply. Willow grabbed the magazine and threw it on the ground.

“That’s it!” She exclaimed. Then Giles came down the stairs.

“Is everything all right?” He asked. Willow took a cross out and held it to Spike.

“No, I’m going to kill Spike.” Willow said sensibly. Giles nodded.

“Carry on then. Just don’t get dust on the carpet.” Giles said and he walked back up the stairs.

“Giles, wait. Help me,” Spike called. But Giles ignored him.

“Talk Spike or else.” Willow said threateningly. Spike looked at her silently. So she held the cross closer.

“All right!” He said. “I was messing with the bloke-“ Willow held the cross to his face, “I mean Graham, because I was jealous.” He looked at Willow. She didn’t move. “Because I like you.” He said finally. Willow took the cross away in shock.

“Buffy was right.” She said quietly. Spike nodded.

“Yeah I know. I realized it when Xander told me he was asking you out.” He said. Willow sat down beside him.

“I don’t believe this.” She said. Spike sighed.

“Yeah well you and me both.” He said. Willow looked at him.

“So what exactly were you hoping to accomplish?” She asked. Spike shrugged.

“I dunno. I figured if I chased the guy off then…maybe I’d have a chance.” Spike said. Willow smiled.

“Some plan.” She commented.

“Yeah I know. It didn’t work as well as I thought it would.” He said. “But then I never was good at planning.” He and Willow looked at each other for a moment. Then he put his hand on her cheek.

“All I knew was I didn’t want to lose a chance with you.” He said. Willow looked at him. Then leaned over and kissed her softly. Willow kissed him back but then she realized how complicated everything had just gotten. She stood up suddenly and backed toward the door.

“I have to go.” She said quietly. Then she turned and ran out the door.

“Willow wait.” Spike called. But she was gone and he couldn’t exactly follow her into the sunlight. “Bloody hell.” He muttered.
*****

Willow ran through town and she ran right into Graham.

“Hey Willow.” He said. Willow looked at him silently. “Are you OK?” He asked. Willow smiled suddenly.

“Oh yeah I’m fine.” She said in a happy voice, a very fake happy voice. Graham noticed it.

“You sure?” He asked. Willow nodded.

“Yeah really. Listen I have to go see a friend right now but can we talk later?” She asked. Graham nodded.

“Yeah sure no problem.” He said. Willow smiled gratefully. Then she turned and headed straight for Xander’s house.
*****

“Xander are you here?” She called down the stairs. Xander walked over.

“Yeah Will what’s up?” He asked. Willow walked down the stairs.

“I have major trouble.” She said. Xander sat down on his bed and Willow sat next to him.

“What is it?” He asked. Willow sighed.

“OK but first you have to promise not to yell.” She said. Xander nodded.

“I won’t yell unless it’s really bad?” He offered. Willow nodded.

“That’s good enough. OK here is the Cliff Notes version, I like Graham and Spike and they both like me but I can’t date both and what am I going to do?” She said in one breath. Xander looked at her then he looked away.

“I will not yell, I will not yell.” He said. Willow cringed. He was going to yell.

“You like Spike!” He yelled. Willow looked at the ground and nodded.

“Maybe a little.” She said. Xander looked at her.

“A little? No Will a little isn’t even possible. You shouldn’t like him at all!” He exclaimed. Willow couldn’t look at him.

“But he can be very nice.” She protested. Xander shook his head and smiled slightly.

“Name one nice thing he’s ever done?” He asked. Willow looked at him dumbfounded.

“Well…um…he…ok I can’t think of anything right now but I’m sure there’s something.” She said. Xander sighed.

“You can’t think of anything because he hasn’t ever done anything nice. I have no problem with Graham but over my dead and drained body will you even think of going out with Spike.”

He said. Willow sighed.

“But you date Anya.” She pointed out. “And Buffy dated Angel.” Xander looked at her.

“OK Anya isn’t exactly a demon anymore and Angel had the whole soul thing going for him. Spike’s just pure evil.” He said. Willow gave him her resolve look.

“Well I don’t care. He is a part of this decision and that’s final. I just came to you for help not your opinion on Spike mister.” She said. Xander gave up.

“OK fine have it your way. I say Graham.” He said. Willow sighed.

“I knew you’d say that.” She said. She got up and headed for the stairs.

“Hey Will,” Xander called. She turned back to him. “Don’t tell Buffy.” He said. Willow nodded and left. Xander looked around his room. Then he saw a picture of him, Willow, Oz and Buffy from Halloween.

“And where the hell are you when we need you?” He asked the picture of Oz. Suddenly the door opened again. “Will, did you forget to tell me something, like you fell in love with spiders?” Xander called. He didn’t get an answer. He walked over to the stairs. Then he dropped the picture on the ground. “What do you know?” He said amazed.
*****

Willow walked toward Stevenson Hall. Well Xander was zero help, she thought. She sighed. Just when she thought her love life had gotten easier the Hellmouth threw something else at her to make the world twist seven different ways. Suddenly she felt a tap on her shoulder.

“Hey Willow,” Graham said. Willow smiled a small smile.

“Hi Graham.” She said. Graham caught her anxious tone of voice.

“Are you OK?” He asked. Willow shook her head.

“No not really.” She said. Graham nodded.

“Anything you want to talk about?” He asked. Willow shook her head again.

“No it’s a little too complicated for me even.” She said. Graham smiled.

“Those are usually the best problems.” He said. Willow smiled.

“Not this time.” She replied.

“Well I was just wondering if you might like to go to the Bronze again tonight? Buffy and Riley are supposed to be there. It might be fun.” He said. Willow smiled.

“I’d love too.” She said.

“OK so I’ll pick you up at eight?” He asked. Willow nodded.

“That would be awesome.” She said. Graham nodded.

“Then eight it is. Maybe we can cheer you up.” He said. “Oh I have to go to class but I’ll see you tonight.” He said. Willow nodded. Then he kissed her on the cheek. It surprised Willow a little bit but she didn’t mind at all.

“See you later.” She said. And Graham headed toward class. Willow sighed. She had a class to get to as well. Maybe if she didn’t think about her problem she could come up with an answer. That usually works all right, she thought as she headed toward her class, usually.

Spike looked around the house miserable. Why the bloody hell did you kiss her, he asked himself. He couldn’t find an answer. Suddenly Giles came down the stairs.

“Well glad to see you survived.” Giles said. Spike glared at him.

“What if she had staked me?” Spike asked incredulously. Giles shrugged. “Thanks for the help.” He growled. Giles sighed and looked at him.

“Spike I knew very well she wouldn’t have staked you now please.” He turned to look for a book. Spike sighed.

“Yeah well she might have.” He added. Giles looked at him.

“Well I knew once you decided to actually tell her you liked her instead of acting like a two year old she wouldn’t.” Giles said. Spike looked at him in shock.

“How did you know?” He asked. Giles smiled slightly.

“We all knew. All except for you and Willow of course.” He said. Spike sank deeper into he couch.

“Yeah well some help you lot were.” He grumbled. Giles sighed again.

“Spike if you like her just tell her. Don’t attack her potential boyfriends like a rabid dog. I swear one would think you were five instead of one hundred and twenty six.” He continued to look for his book as Spike stared at his back in shock.

*****

Willow looked for an outfit to wear to the Bronze. It had been a long time since she had a guy to dress up for. She liked it. She was still undecided on her whole issue though. Oh well, she thought, It’ll all work out. She picked her outfit and went to change.
*****

An hour later Willow heard a knock on the door. She answered it and saw Graham. He looked at her.

“You look great.” He said. Willow blushed slightly.

“Thanks.” She said. He took her hand.

“Let’s go.” He said. Willow smiled. She was going to enjoy herself tonight no matter what.
*****

Xander saw Spike walk into the Bronze. He sighed. This just gets better and better, he thought. Spike walked over to the table he was sitting at alone.

“So where’s Red?” He asked. Xander smiled. He looked at the door.

“I believe she just walked in.” Xander said. Spike turned around and saw Willow walk in with Graham. He also saw that they were holding hands.

“Bloody hell.” He whispered. Xander’s smiled just grew. This was going to be some night, he thought. Willow headed toward the table.

“Hey Xander.” She said. She looked at the empty stage. “So who is the band tonight?” She asked.

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.” He said. Willow shrugged and looked at Spike. Suddenly it got a little awkward.

“Hi Spike.” She said quietly. He turned away and tried not to look at her. Graham felt the sudden change in mood.

“Why don’t I get you a drink?” He asked. Willow smiled gratefully.

“I’d love an herbal ice tea.” She said. Graham smiled.

“No problem.” He said. Willow looked at Spike. He continued to avoid her glance.

“Spike please I really have to talk to you.” She said. Spike shook his head.

“There really isn’t anything to talk about. You are dating commando over there and that’s fine by me Red.” He said icily. Willow sighed.

“Please don’t be like that.” She said. Then she remembered Xander was there. She looked at him. “Can’t-don’t you have something to do?” She asked. Xander looked at her.

“Um yeah in about a minute or so.” He said. Willow looked at him confused.

“What?” She asked. Xander looked at the stage. Willow followed his stare. She saw Devon, the lead singer of the Dingoes walk on stage with the rest of the band. “So what’s the big deal?” She asked. Xander didn’t answer.

“Hi guys!” Devon shouted into the microphone. “Well the Dingoes are playing to night as you can see and I just thought you all might like to know we have a guest. Well he isn’t really a guess but hey work with me.” Xander stood behind Willow. Just then someone walked out on the stage. Willow couldn’t see who it was at first because there were a lot of people in the way. Then she saw the trademark red hair. His color of the week obviously. Oz looked straight at her. Willow passed out. Xander caught her and smiled.

“That.” He said simply.
*****

Willow blinked. She looked around and saw she was in the Bronze. Xander, Spike, Graham, and Oz were standing over her.

“Willow are you OK?” Graham asked. She sighed and stood up. She looked at Xander and slapped him.

“Ow! What was that for?” He asked holding his cheek. Willow glared at him.

“You know exactly what that was for. You knew he was here and you didn’t even tell me!” The she turned to Oz. “And you…you…well I am really mad at you but I can’t think of what to say right now so I won’t say anything, and I’ve all ready said to much.” She said getting red. Oz smiled slightly. He liked it when she went on like that and she knew it.

“Hey Will.” He said quietly. Willow melted. Suddenly she couldn’t remember why she was mad at him.

“Um…hi Oz.” She said. He looked up at the stage.

“We’ll talk in a while OK?” He asked. Willow nodded.

“Yeah go play.” She told him. He smiled and went back up on the stage. Willow couldn’t take her eyes off of him. Then she remembered the other guy she was there with. He was staring at her.

“OK I really missed something didn’t I?” He asked. Willow nodded. She couldn’t figure out what to say, surprisingly Spike stepped in.

“Yes see that guy up there,” He said pointing to Oz, “Well that her is her old pet and he just put us two steps behind in the race.” Spike informed him. Graham just looked at Willow. She sighed. She wasn’t going to ruin this, any of it. Then she had an idea.

“I have no idea what he is talking about. Want to dance?” She asked. Graham nodded and he lead her to the dance floor while Spike and Xander looked at her in amazement.

“OK what did I miss?” Xander asked. Spike smiled.

“Why I do believe Red is going to make dog boy jealous. Boy has she got fire.” He said smiling. Xander just looked at him and shook his head.

“Oh boy.” He said. Spike nodded.

“Oh boy indeed.” He added. They both watched Willow and Oz did as well. She danced slowly with Graham and sexily. They were all surprised at her behavior but Spike understood. She had been hurt, a lot. And now she was getting even. The song ended and they walked back to the table. Xander looked at her.

“So were you just pulling a Buffy out there or what?” Xander asked. Willow smiled deviously.

“No I was just dancing.” She said coyly.

“Sure you were.” Xander said. “That’s what Buffy was doing too.” He added quietly. She looked at Graham.

“I have to talk to Spike do you mind?” she asked. Graham shook his head.

“Not at all.” He said smiling. She smiled at him and kissed him lightly on the lips. Xander and Spike stared at her and Graham was a little surprised. Then she grabbed Spike’s hand and led him out the door. Graham looked at Xander.

“OK what did I miss?” He asked. Xander patted him on the back.

“It’s the mystery of women my friend.” He said sympathetically. Graham nodded.

“Obviously.” He said.
*****

Spike looked at Willow the entire way outside. She never ceased to amaze him but right now he was a little afraid of her. He had learned long ago that the Hellmouth hath no fury like a woman scorned.

“So what do we need to talk about?” He asked. She turned and looked at him. Then she slipped her hands around his neck and kissed him softly. Spike stepped back in surprise. “What was that for?” he asked.

“I had to remember what it felt like to kiss you.” She said. Spike gave her a dubious look.

“No you’re trying to make dog boy jealous is all.” He said. Willow gave him a fixed look.

“No I’m not. That was with Graham. I don’t care about them. Well I mean I love Oz…I loved him. But when he left it ripped something from me that I can never get back. We had a trust…and that’s gone. I like Graham. But when I saw you I realized you were the only one I wanted to be with in the entire place. I wasn’t trying to make Oz jealous. I was trying to make you jealous.” She finished and looked up at him. He looked at her in surprise.

“Me?” He said. She nodded slowly.

“Yeah you.” She said. She looked down at the ground. “But I guess I screwed up.” She said. She turned and looked up at the sky. Then she looked back at him. “So are you going to say anything?” She asked. He smiled and walked toward her. He slipped his hands around her waist and kissed her sensually. Willow kissed him right back. She ended the kiss slowly and looked into his blue eyes. He held her tightly. He looked down at her and kissed her softly again. Willow was lost in his eyes and his lips. To her nothing else mattered in the world.

“We have to go back in there.” He whispered. Willow nodded.

“I know…but…” She looked down. He lifted her face to his and their lips met again.

“I’ll be there with you.” He said. Willow smiled. He took her hand and they headed into the club. When they walked in she saw that the band had stopped playing and Oz was sitting with Xander and Graham. She took a deep breath and looked at Spike.

“Let me do this alone.” She said. He looked at her with concern.

“Are you sure?” He asked. She nodded bravely.

“Yeah I am.” She said. He kissed her hair.

“Good luck.” He said. Willow smiled. She turned toward him and walked bravely toward the table. Oz saw her and smiled slightly.

“Hey.” He said. She smiled.

“Hey.” She replied. Xander looked at them.

“Um…I think it is time for me to go and find that lady love of mine.” He said. He squeezed Will’s hand and disappeared into the crowd. Graham looked at them.

“Yeah I am going to follow his lead.” He said. Willow smiled gratefully. “I’ll call you tomorrow OK?” Willow nodded. He walked toward the door. Willow and Oz looked at each other for a few minutes. Then Willow spoke.

“So how are you?” She asked. Oz nodded.

“I’m good, you?” He asked. Willow nodded.

“Yeah the same here.” She said. They looked at each other again. Then he looked at her.

“I’m sorry.” He said. Willow looked at him in surprise. Then she shook her head.

“It wasn’t your fault.” She said.

“No it was. When Angel left Buffy I swore that I would never do anything like that no matter what and I did. I hurt you Willow and you were the only person I ever wanted to keep safe from everything.” He looked at her sadly. Willow was astonished at his confession.

“Oz it was…it wasn’t your fault.” She said again. Now she was crying. She had forgotten how much it had hurt when he left. Oz brushed her tears away with his hand.

“It’s OK Willow. I know.” He held her and Willow cried into his arms. She cried for a long time and Oz just held her. “I’m so sorry Will.” He said. Willow nodded.

“I understand.” She said. He kissed her softly on her forehead.

“I understand you have a new guy and all. I didn’t want to walk back into your life like that. But if we could start again…as friends…” He didn’t finish. Willow smiled sadly.

“I’d love too.” She said. Oz smiled.

“Now why don’t you go back to your date.” He said. Willow sighed.

“I think I’ve pretty much screwed that up.” She said. Oz just smiled and looked behind her. She turned around and saw Graham. She looked back at Oz and he just smiled and headed back up to the stage. Willow looked at Graham.

“Hey Will.” He said. Willow smiled.

“I have wasted your whole night.” She said. He shook his head.

“No it was fun. I kind of get what’s going on but your friend Xander said it would be better if I just left it at that.” He and Willow laughed.

“Yeah that is probably a good idea.” She said. He kissed her on the cheek.

“It was fun getting to know you though.” He said. Willow smiled.

“Same here.” She said. He looked at her one last time and this time left for good.

Willow sighed and looked around at the band and at everyone dancing.

“Well you’ve really done it this time Rosenburg.” She said scolding herself. “You will ever have a guy at this rate.”

“Now I wouldn’t say that.” An English voice drawled beside her. She turned and looked at Spike.

“No I think I’ve scared them all off.” She said smiling. Spike looked at her.

“Well I believe there may be a devilishly handsome guy waiting for a dance with you.” He said. Willow smiled again.

“Well if you see him can you tell him I’ll be right here.” She said. Spike took her hand and smiled.

“That’s very funny.” He said. She laughed.

“It was meant to be.” She replied. He led her to the dance floor and took her into his arms. She put her head on his shoulder and sighed. Then she looked at him. He leaned down and kissed her softly.

“You know I think I could really get used to this.” He said. Willow smiled and they just kept dancing.

The End
 

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