Title: Revelations
Author: Ankhet
Email: snm2761@cub.uca.edu
Disclaimer: I don't own Xander, Willow, or Oz, that distinguished honor belongs to Joss.

"I love you."

I said it. Two years of feeling this way, and it all comes bubbling out in three words. I love her. I guess I always have; I just never really thought about it until she almost left me.

I felt her hand spasm slightly, and I knew she was waking up. I could see her eyes flutter; she has the most beautiful eyes. My Willow. She was getting ready to speak, taking in the air necessary to say the words. And I was already begging.

< Please, Will. Just say my name, and I'm yours, > I begged. < I'll leave Cordy; you can get rid of Oz. Just say my name.... >

Her mouth opened as she moaned slightly and shifted uncomfortably.

< Please.... >

"Oz?" she muttered. My Willow, my best friend, the only one I love, the one I need, and she says his name. I nearly lost it. The tears were almost there, but I couldn't cry. I needed to be strong so she'd be strong.

"Oz?" she asked louder.

"I'm here," came the reply from behind me. I turned and saw him in the door way. It was then I realized that she was really gone. My Willow was his Willow now. That was what Buffy had meant. I'd lost her, and I need her so much now.

I stood up and let Oz take my place at her side, like a changing of the guard. I was ready to leave, and I was almost to the door when I felt the urge. I wanted to tell her. I opened my mouth to say the three words I longed to say. But they wouldn't come out. I stood at the door, my mouth hanging, just watching Oz and Willow. Then I said the first thing that came to mind.

"I'll go get a doctor."

< Fin >