---(28)
	The talk afterwards didn't flow as well as Willow was hoping.  Her mother continued to look at Ben with an almost disgusted look.
	"So, you've been around the world?"
	Willow looked over at her father as Ben answered his question with a smile, "Yes sir, I have been to quite a few places around the globe.  Yet there are still quite the few places I haven't brushed apon.  But within the next year I'm told I will be visiting most of them."
	Willow's mother looked over, "I'm sure you've met a large array of people, women, over this tour.."
	Ben cast Willow a quick look before returning to look at her mother.  He forced a smile, "Actually, because our time is short in most of the countries, I haven't had much time to socialize.  None of the band really.  It's always, perform then the back up band, which I'm part of, heads back to the hotel or airport while the actual band signs autographs."
	"Oh, I see."
	"So how did you get into the whole music industry?"
	Willow was thankful for her father's question, he was trying to steer his wife away from where she was heading with her questions.
	"Wow, um, well.  I guess I really just grew up with music.  I worked in a guitar shop for a bit before I actually was in a band.  And from that band I was offered the very hard to resist offer from the band, Savage Garden.  So, here I am.  Oh, and - oh one moment please," Ben looked at his pager [A.N-sorry, EVERYONE seems to have one now..why not] "Oh, could I be directed to your phone?  I need to take this call."
	Willow's father stood and directed him to the hall phone.
	Willow quickly turned to her mother, "What the hell are you doing!?"
	"Pardon me?"
	"Don't play dumb!  My gawd, why do you not like him?  I mean, you don't even know him yet.  But you've already pinned him the way you have."
	"Well I don't mean to.."
	Willow inhaled deeply and cradled her head in her hands, "Of course you don't.  Why don't you just bloody well ask him who he lost his virginity to!"
	"Willow!!"  Her mother burst with a gasp.
	"Well really mother!"
	Ben and Willow's father returned.  
	"Willow, could I see you for a minute please?"
	Willow looked to her mother then nodded and walked over, "What is it Ben?  Who was it?"
	"Ok, it has nothing to do with the phone call, but lets just use that as a quick excuse to talk.  Don't worry about your mother.  Don't worry about what she says.  Just ignore it.  Don't worry about it, I'm not.."  He kissed her cheek and ushered her back into the dining room.

	"I really don't why I'm asking, but I will any way.  Would it be fine if I stole your daughter away and took her with me to Asia for a bit while we are touring?"
	Willow's mother looked shocked, "Asia?"
	While on the other hand, her father shook his head approvingly, "I think Asia would be a wonderful experience for her."
	"Richard!  That's Asia, that's so far away!"  Willow's mother said looking her husband down.
	Willow, who seemed oblivious to her parents looked at Ben, "You want me to come on tour for awhile with you guys?"
	Ben smiled, "Yeah, I think I'd like to have you around.."
	Willow's father patted his wife's knee, "Courtney, the young man, needn't even ask us.  Willow's out on her own now.  The offer is completely up to her.  It's a tour of a popular band.  Nothing is going to happen to Willow, she's going to be watched under a magnify glass by many.  There's no need to worry at all."
	Willow's mother gave in slightly, "I suppose Asia would be an experience for her.."
	Ben piped up again, "It's not going to be that long anyway.  I think we only have three or four dates in Asia left and we get a bit of time off.  So it's not going to be like a month thing.."

	The rest of the night went by half-decent.  Though Willow still had the need to keep apologizing as the pair drove back to her place.
	Ben gave her one of his goofy smiles, "Don't worry about it Wills!  It's fine, and it's over.  I didn't mind it that much at all.  You had me so freaked out I tell you.  It wasn't as nearly bad as you worked it up to be."
	Willow shrugged, "I'm still sorry you had to sit through my mother.  So whoa, you really want me to come to Asia with you?"
	"Yeah, I'd like it.  I've been talking to the band too, so they won't be surprised.  And they love, or like the idea.  They're all fine with it.  The girls think it's great to have some more females."



	Ben tried to get comfortable on Willow's waterbed.  He looked at her clock, "Willow come on!  It's almost midnight!  We have to leave for our flight in the morning."
	"Exactly!"  She said going through another drawer.  "I want to have everything ready!"
	Ben groaned slightly annoyed, "Come on Willow!  Just get in bed.  You'll have at least an hour tomorrow morning to do this."
	"Ben, no.  I want to get this all done now damn it.  Go to sleep then if you're that tired.."
 	Shaking his head, he sat up against the head board, "You except me to sleep while you are making all this noise and it's that bright in here?  Are you crazy?"
	"Apparently so..  Give me a few more minutes.."
 	"That's what you said an hour ago!"  He finally got up and scooped her into his arms, "Come on.."
	"Ben!" She screeched.  "Put me down!"
	"Ok then.."  He placed her on the bed under some covers and got in next to her.  "We are going to get some shut eye.  So settle down.  You can do that tomorrow, I'll even help you.."  He kissed her as he turned out the light, "Go to sleep!"

	Ben awoke as something brushed past his face.  He sneezed as he sat up rubbing his nose.  Looking down he noticed Willow's cat curling up where Ben had just been laying.
	He looked at Willow's clock, 9:36.  They had better start readying themselves.
	"Willow.."  Ben called softly, shaking Willow's sleepy form.  "Willow love, come on babes.  You finally have time to get yourself ready..  Come on.."
	Willow blinked a few times and looked up at Ben for a few moments.  "Do I have to?  I'm so tired.."
	He smiled, "Well you could let me pack for you..  But I doubt you'd go for that much..  Just get yourself together and you can sleep on the flight there."
	Ridalin, Willow's cat, decided to take it apon itself and crawl into Ben's lap.  "Hey, can we bring the cat with us?"
	That woke Willow up a bit more, "You want to bring Rid with us?  Why?"
	"She's cute..  Do you really want to leave her for a week?"  Ben asked petting the cats head.
	"Ben!  Don't do that!  Now I want her with me.  Though I don't want to do that to everyone.  Dawn can take care of her."
	"Oh, to hell with the rest of the band.  Bring her along.  Do you have a carrying cage?"
	Willow nodded sitting up stretching her legs.  She then laid her head on Ben's legs looking at her drowsy cat.  "If I get in trouble I'm blaming you.  All you..  I suppose I should get the rest of my stuff together."
	"You don't need THAT much Wills.  What, 4 or 5 outfits is all you need.  You can just mix and match them over the days.  There will be washing machines there.."
	Willow just looked at Ben, "I'm a female.  I can't just bring 5 outfits.  Are you crazy!?  Here, you can grab Riddy's cage out on the balcony.  And I do believe there are some blueberry Eggos in the freezer, and there's juice in the fridge.  You help yourself to whatever you can find.  Actually, the more milk you can get rid of the better.  Give some to Riddy too, she'll drink it.."  Willow sat up again yawning.
	She leaned into Ben and inhaled his sent deeply, as he wrapped his arms around her.
	Ben finally broke away from Willow and stood up, "Ok, finish up here luv.  I'll get Rids together.."  He leaned down and gave her another kiss before leaving the room.
	
	Willow finally emerged from the room twenty minutes later.  "I'm done!  Go me!"
	Ben laughed slightly as he took another bite of a piece of toast he had in his hand.
	"That's all you're eating?  Toast?  That's not going to do anything for you!"  Willow said, hurrying into the kitchen.  She opened her fridge and rummaged around, "Want some eggs or something?  Pancakes?"
	"No, don't worry about it.  I've had a few slices of toast, stole some of your jelly.  I'm perfectly fine.  Save the motherly nutrition nagging for Asia.  The seven of us eat food from hotels and fast food joints."
	"I'm not nagging..  Where's Riddy?"
	"She's over there with her dish of milk.  I suppose we should call a taxi to get ourselves to the airport."
	Willow nodded already going for the phone, "Yeah.  I'll call Dawn and tell her to keep an eye out for the house and not to worry about the cat.  I'll call the airport to make sure we can get another ticket.  Then the cab will be called."
	"Ticket is already taken care of," Ben replied taking out an envelope with two tickets.
	"How'd you figure I'd even be coming with you?"
	Ben grinned, "I just knew.  Get yourself something good to eat now.  I'll get all our stuff in one area.  Get your cat together and then call the taxi and off we'll be.."
	Willow nodded as she called Dawn and headed into the kitchen for a quick breakfast.



	The voice on the other end of the telephone line asked how Ben was doing.
	"I'm pretty good myself Dazz.  You?"  Ben questioned, holding the cell to his ear.
	"Good, good, all is well.  How about our Willow?  You managed to smuggle her along?"
	Ben laughed, "Our Willow huh?  Since when?  She's here and fine," Looking down at Willow's curled up figure, he traced his fingers over her cheek, "She's dead right now, out like a light."
	Darren chuckled, "You really have to let her get more sleep Squiggy.  Whenever I get to see that girl of yours in the morning, she's half dead."
	"Oh shut up Dazz!  She was up most of the night packing a zillion suitcases up.  Women I tell you.."
	Static started to build up as the plane passed over England.  "Whoa, Squigs.  I suppose we should hang up soon.  The static is getting worse.  Just make sure you'll be here on time."
	"No problem, it will be fine."
	"That's good.  How long have you been on the flight?"
	"Uh, not sure.  But we've finally cleared the ocean, we're probably over England or so.  Which explains to static.  I'll see you guys later.  Send the band my love.  Bye.."
	Ben barely heard Darren's good bye as the line picked up more static before going dead.
	Ben sighed and clicked the phone off, resting his head back.

	Ben must have dozed off because a stewardess came by, tapping his shoulder saying he should buckle up now.
	He blinked a few times, waking himself up.  Looking over to his right side he watched Willow flip through a magazine absentmindedly.  After a few moments she felt the eyes on her and turned to Ben.
	Her lips curved into a smile.  "Morning..again..  Actually, what time is it?"
	"I'm not sure.  How long have you been up?"
	"Not sure, don't have a watch on.  Though I've been up long enough to go through two and a half magazines."
	Ben clicked his buckle and leaned back again.



	The airport lobby was quite busy for some unknown reason.  Willow clung on quite tightly to Ben as he made his way through the crowd.
	When they had finally collected all their luggage Willow looked to Ben, "So where are we going?"
	"To meet the guys."
	"And where are they?"
	"At the hotel...  Ah, I see where you're getting.  Ok, I better ring one of them up."



	Nicole and Karl greeted the pair as they got to the hotel.
	Nicole leaned over and gave Willow a hug, "I'm so glad you let Ben drag you out here!"
	Ben smiled and got out of the cab grabbing some bags.  Karl quickly went forward and took a few more of their bags.
	Karl nodded toward the carry along cage, "What's in that?"
	"Willow talked me into letting her bring along that cat of hers.."
	"Hey!" Willow said with a laugh, before she gave him a light punch, "I talked you into it huh?  Or was it the other way around?"
	"Ooh, a cat?  How cute.  What's its name?"  Nicole asked, poking her finger through the cage to stroke the cat.



	"Soundcheck!"
	Ben groaned along with a few others as they left the comfort of their room to head on stage.  Willow was dragged along.
	
	The stage was elaborate.  A city was the background.  A walkway curved around Karl's drumset.
	The guys all took their place as the few lucky fans in the crowd cheered.
	Willow walked up, trying to keep herself somewhat concealed, and sat on the darkened walkway to chat with Karl.
	"So what's on the list tonight?"  Willow asked leaning back on the walkway.
	Karl spun around on his seat to somewhat face Willow, "Whatever Darren decides.  He's doing a 'pop quiz' tonight!" Karl said with a laugh.  "I think he has some U2 on the agenda."
	"Ooh, U2!  That'll be cool!"

	As the song ended Karl placed his drumsticks down and grabbed a towel to wipe his face off.
	Willow leaned forward with a bottle of water.  "So this is it huh?"
	"This is what?"
	"This is how it goes?  You sleep till 10, eat, have time to yourselves to 5 o'clock and then from there until at least 11pm the concert owns you.  You go back to your hotel room, go to sleep and do it all over again."
	Karl nodded, "Yup, mainly.  If you hadn't realized it before, you're not going to have much time with Ben these few days."
	"Yeah, I figured as much when he asked me, but nevertheless I wanted to come along.  I suppose any time that I can get is fine with me."

	As the soundcheck ended the guys went to do some autographs.
	Willow was introduced to some of the stage crew and concert personal.
	Quietly, Willow and Ben sat in the change room as Darren and Nicole bickered over what cd was going to go on.
	"So what do you want to do?  I've got what, an hour or two?"  Ben said half asking himself and Darren.
	"Yeah, about two hours Squig."  Darren said, finally giving in and letting Nicole stick in her new Kyle Minogue cd.
	Willow shrugged, "What ever you'd like to do.  I don't care."
	Ben almost groaned, he noticed that Willow seemed to simply shrug and leave a decision up to him.  "Well then.  I suppose we can go out to dine."
	"Sounds good.  So, what, now?"
	"Yeah, now will do.  Catch you later Dazz, Nicole.  Bye."
	Willow gave a small wave, "Bye guys."


	
	Willow looked around the small restaurant, "It's cute almost.  I like it.."
	Ben smiled, "Yeah..  It's a restaurant though, cute?"
	Grinning, she nodded, "Yeah, cute!"

	A light conversation lingered over their dinner.
	The pair really didn't have that much to talk about.  Most of the stuff they could have already talked about was used up on the first day they were back together.
	Awkward silence often came about in bounds, each would stop talking and fiddle around with the food on their plates, eating small forkfuls until one of them finally thought something up to say.



	Willow walked into the dressing room and groaned grabbing her head.  "Ben, I told you not to let me drink!  Ohhh, hangover tomorrow.."
	"No, you told ME not to drink.."  Ben stated as he closed the door and nodded a hello to the other occupants of the room.
	"Well I implied that I shouldn't drink either you know.."  Willow sat in an empty chair and looked at the others, "Where's Darren and Lee?"
	"Uh, I think Lee and Dazz are chatting.."  Anna said thoughtfully looking away from the mirror she was seated in front of.
	Daniel nodded running his fingers through the powdered blush on the counter.  "Yeah, they needed to 'talk'.."  He commented with a chuckle.
	Nicole rummaged through a little plastic tub she had on her counter, "Would you like some Advil Wills?"
	As Willow nodded Ben glared her down, "You've already had two."
	"They aren't working Ben.  And if you expect me to go out there and watch your show, I'm going to have to be over this throbbing head ache."  Willow downed an Advil and a gulp of water.



	When a person came in to tell them to get themselves together and to the stage, Willow was gone.
	Anna piped up first, "Ben, let her just sleep.  Don't you dare wake her up.  So she's not going to be able to say this was her first show, there's always tomorrow."
	Ben nodded as he laid Willow down on the couch and placed one of Darren's long jackets over her.  He placed their hotel key down incase she woke soon.
	


[Well, this is the first of many gaps in my writing.  SG finishes their shows in Asia and what not and then attend the World Music Awards in Monte Carlo - Willow stays in Australia at Ben's place while this is happening]



	Willow answered Ben's phone as it rang, "Hello?"
	"Hey there Will!"
	"Oh, hi Ben!"
	"It's not too late is it?  I don't know what time it is.."
	"Naw, it's ok, I'm still awake."
	"So how have you been holding up with my place?"
	"I got bored and cleaned it for you.."
	"But it was already cleaned.."
	"Yes, well any ways, how was the award show?"
	"It was pretty cool. The crowd was just littered with celebrities. Lots of money, and glamour.  But in the end, I know we all had a blast."
	"I'm glad.  When's your flight back?"
	"Later today.  We'll be back late tonight. But you don't have to come for me or stay up.  Just stay home and sleep.  I'll be there as soon as I can."
	Willow smiled to herself. "All right then.  I'll see you then.."
	"Yeah, sleep well."
	Willow looked around and sighed, "I don't want to hang up."
	"No?" Ben asked with a grin.
	"No."
	"All right, go lie down in my bed. On my side, the left."
	She went into his room and lay down. "Ok.."
	"Just imagine me lying there with you, with my arms all around you.."[sorry guys, I was listening to AAM, and just humming along, and that just got typed out]
	A smile spread over her face. "Ok, I think I can do that.."
	"Breathe deep."
	"Thank you."  Willow said, stifling a yawn back.
	"Good night, luv."
	They each hung up and Willow fell asleep minutes later, imagining Ben beside her.

	Willow yawned contently and opened her eyes.  The sun poured in from the large window which was on the far side of the room.
	She rolled over and looked at Ben who was now back home, he was laying peacefully beside her sleeping.  Smiling, she sat up and stretched, trying her best not to rouse him from his slumber.
	Slipping her feet over the edge of the bed she stood and stretched again.
	It was merely seven in the morning, yet Willow was fully rested and wide-awake.  Walking over to the large window, she pulled the curtain back a bit more.  She put her one hand on the glass and looked out at the surrounding area.
	Ben yawned and squinted against the bright sunbeams that were shining in his eyes.  Holding his hand up, he yielded the sun for a few seconds so his eyes could adjust a bit.  He looked over at Willow, who was looking out the window, he smiled. 
	Occasionally she would get on her tiptoes to look at a passerby under her, or at a morning bird that flew by.  She rubbed an itch on her left calf, with her right foot.  She then quickly fixed the semi-long nightshirt that was at least 4 inches shy of her knees.
	"Good morning luv.."
	Willow jumped slightly and looked over her shoulder, "It is isn't it?"  She took another look out the window before turning around, "You've a lovely view.  I love your flat too.."
	He smiled, "You're losing your accent luv.  You've been around me too long.."
	"Am I really?"  She laughed, "Whoa, I'm gaining -the- best accent in the world!  And it's not fake!  So how was your flight last night?"  Willow asked as she crawled into bed next to him.
	"It was ok.." He replied quickly draping an arm over her waste.
	Willow leaned up and gave him a small kiss, "I missed you.."
	Ben nodded as he yawned again, "Would you mind closing the window?"
	"Sure," She went back to the window pulled the curtains shut.
	Ben lay back down again and his eyes relaxed.  He yawned again and blinked a few times.
	Willow, who was now sitting at his side, brushed her hand over his arm, "You're still tired aren't you?"
	Ben peaked one eye open, "Horribly.."
	"Oh, I'm sorry for waking you!"
	He yawned and rolled over to face her, "Mm, no it wasn't you.."
	Willow curled up with him, "So how much fun was Monte Carlo?  Meet anyone really cool?"
	Ben smiled tiredly, "It was just a whole bunch of fun, lots of parties!  Oh gawd yeah, I met tons of people.  I met my idles.." Ben pretended to get emotional, "I met the BackStreet Boys.."
	Willow burst into a fit of giggles, "Oh, you are just so damn lucky!  They are just the hottest," Willow made a gagging noise, "Seriously though?"
	"Yeah..  Really briefly though.  Walking towards the bar, run into these group of guys, mumble a hello, get a quartet of 'hellos', look up curiously, frown and try not to roll my eyes when I notice who it actually is, they all smile and say Hey, we're the BackStreet Boys.  And you are?, like I DIDN'T know who the hell they were I tell them, I'm Ben Carey, one asks, Are you in a band?, I tell him, Yes, Savage Garden, they say, Oh cool!, like they actually cared I just nodded and headed for the bar for a drink."
	"Sounds like you just had oodles of fun.."
	"Oh tons!  But it would have been a lot more fun with you there.."  He gave her a small kiss and then leaned his head back.
	Willow smiled and lay with him as he drifted off again.

	Ben awoke a bit later and looked around the empty bedroom.  He threw on a tee shirt and headed to his living room.
	Willow was curled up in one of the chairs reading the morning newspaper.
	Ben walked up behind her and kissed her head, "Morning.."
	She looked up and smiled, "Morning Ben..  There's some breakfast for you in the microwave, I hope it's still warm!"
	"I didn't know you could cook."
	"Oh, I can't.  It's just scrambled eggs and bacon.  Oh, and can't forget the toast!  Oh, Ben?  Have you seen Ridlin around?  Like when you came in?  I saw her last night before I went to bed.."
	"Yeah, she was sleeping on the couch when I came in."
	"That damn cat.  I can't find her!"
	"Well, she's around here somewhere.  Don't worry about it."
	"Well I'm going to.  I love that damn little cat."
	"We'll find her.  Don't worry about it!  She just fell asleep in some little corner.."
	Willow finally nodded and got herself comfortable in the chair again, "I hope you're right!"
	The doorbell rang.  Willow looked up briefly then looked back toward her newspaper and continued to read.
	Ben looked over to Willow as he walked over, "Are you expecting anyone?"
	She shook her head, "Nope.."
	Ben called toward the door, "Come on in!"
	"Oh, that's good Ben, just invite whoever the hell that is in.  Smart one!"
	A female opened the door and peeked in.  A smile came to her face as she spotted Ben.  "Benny!"  She ran over and they greeted each other with a hug.
	Willow looked over to the offending woman.  She was far too pretty for Willow's comfort.  Willow sat up and straightened herself.
	When the pair finally pulled away from each other Ben smiled, "Gawd, it seems like it's been ages Cindy!"
	'Cindy', Willow's face drained of all its color.  'Oh lord it's her!'
	Ben finally turned to Willow smiling, "Cindy, this is the all famous Willow.  Willow one of my best friends, Cindy.."
	Willow stood up and went to shake her hand.  She stopped and looked down at herself, she was currently sporting a silk navy blue housecoat.  "Um, don't mind the robe..  Nice to meet you!"
	Cindy smiled, "Ah, this is the famous Willow huh?  I've heard so much about you!  That's all Ben ever talks about.  Oh gawd, I can just imagine the stories you heard about me from him."
	Willow tried her best to smile, "I've actually heard more from the other guys.."
	"Yeah, how's my Karl doing?  And the others?"
	"They're doing great Cin..  You should have warned us you were coming, I would have cleaned up.."
	"I did call Ben.  I got your machine though..  Left a message."
	"Oh, ok, that makes sense.  I rarely check the machine."
	"Well, if you'd excuse me for a few.  I think I'll get dressed.."  Willow said as she quickly went off back to the bedroom.
	When she reached the bedroom she sat on the bed, "Oh, god this sucks!  Of course she'd come today.  Gawd, why didn't they tell me she was so pretty?"
	She looked through her clothes, "What am I going to wear?!"  Willow stopped herself.  "Oh gawd, I'm dressing to impress her, and win Ben over.  Oh my gawd, that's so shallow!"
	She finally pushed herself aside and dressed in overalls and one of her little anime shirts that Dan had got her.  Pulling her hair up into a loose, sloppy bun, she headed back to the living room.
	"Hey luv!  Cindy found, or I should say, Ridlin found Cindy," Ben replied, standing up as she entered.  As he walked past he gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, "Entertain Cindy while I dress.."
	Willow smiled politely and sat at the other end of the couch from Cindy, who held Ridlin in her lap.  'Great I'm alone with her.  I don't want to talk to her.  Sheesh, even my cat likes her..'  Willow thought silently.
	Cindy broke the silence, "It's really great to meet you Willow, really.  Ben, he's really, really close to me.  I mean, like a brother.  And he speaks the world of you.  He is so crazy about you.  Whenever I talk to him, it's all I hear about - you.  And I'm really glad he's found someone who can make him that happy.  It almost makes me sick," Cindy commented with a laugh, "It's like Shut up!  I'm lonely!  And I reallyreally hope we can be friends.  You know, I want to be there for him for as long as possible.."
	Willow finally relaxed and gave her a sincere smile.  Cindy now almost posed no threat at all to Willow.  "I hope we can be friends too.  You know, I want to know all the dirt about Ben.."
	"Hey!  There is no dirt to know!"  Ben called from behind the bedroom door.
	Willow and Cindy laughed.


[I suppose the fems - Willow and Cindy - have like bonding stuff.  Willow no longer 'hates' Cindy they become kinda friends.  Talk about Ben...  Blah, blah, blah...]


[The guys continue touring...  Um, when were they?  In like Germany and stuff...  Willow is with them...  In the next few paragraphs they're (W&B) at a hotel]


	Willow and Ben sat on the couch watching Jerry Springer[trashy late night talk show].  As the commercials came on, Willow turned to Ben, "Have you ever thought about that Ben?  Would you like a threesome?"
	Ben looked at her briefly than looked back toward the tv screen.
	Willow laughed, "Ben!?  Come on, you ever thought about it?"
	Looking down at his feet, Ben cast Willow a quick look, "I'm male Willow.."
	"Well, is that yes or no?"
	He looked up at her again, "I'm not going to answer.  All I'm going to say is that I'm male.."
	"So that's yes, huh?"
	Ben looked at the screen trying to suppress a smile, "I'm not going to answer that question."
	"So that is a yes then.." Willow said looking at the tv screen then up to Ben.
	He was currently smiling, biting his bottom lip.
	Willow laughed and got on her knees while facing him, "Oh my gawd!  You so want one, don't you!?"
	Ben finally fully looked at her then nodded, "Yeah, like every other male in this world.  That idea just totally appeals to all men Will..  It's like a dream, every guy just totally wants to be in the middle of one.."
	Giving Ben a shove, she screeched, "Oh that's so gross I didn't need to know that!  Ben, eww!"
	Ben laughed a half protest, "You asked!"
	"Yeah, but still, I didn't want an answer!  That's just something I did not need to know.."
	Ben just shook his head, he'd never fully understand women.
	They both sat down silently again to watch the tv as Springer came back on.
	A few minutes later Willow turned to Ben again, "So who do you want one with?"
	Ben choked on the air, "What?!"
	"You heard me!"
	"I don't want to talk about this luv.."
	Willow forced a smile, "Well, you're going to..  Who do you want one with?  Have you ever looked at someone and said, 'Wow, that's someone I'd like in a threesome!', or something like that?"
	"You aren't going to drop this are you?  If it does anything, I would like to have you as one of the people.."
	Willow glared at him, "No, that doesn't help any..  So you seriously would like to be involved in one?"
	"Well, not seriously, it's all just curiosity..  All guys want to know what it's like.."
	She simply sighed and shook her head softly.  She then leaned over and gave him a kiss.  "Here, get me the phone..."
	"What?"
	"Give me the phone.  And you better do it quick before I change my mind."
	"What the hell are you talking about?!"
	"Ben, you've got ten seconds to give me that phone before I forget about it."
	He leaned over and grabbed the phone.  As he went to hand it to her, he looked at her again, "This is not a funny joke Wills."
	"I know it's not funny Ben.  You currently are down to like 3 seconds, give me the phone."
	He blankly handed the phone over to her.
	She sighed and punched in the numbers and brought the phone up to her ear.
	Ben sat there blankly just looking at her with his jaw slacking.
	"Hello..Yeah, Willow here..Hey, um, are you interested in a threesome?..No, I'm serious..Yeah, me and Ben are talking about it..Yeah, he's interested in one.."
	"Oh, my gawd you're really doing this!  Give me that!"  Ben grabbed the phone off her, "Willow!"
	"What!?  You wanted one, I'm getting one set up!"  She said as she went to grab the phone off him.
	He moved it out of her way, "Wh - wh - what are you on!?  Who to hell are you talking to!?!"
	Willow sighed loudly shaking her head, "Why don't you ask.."
	Ben just looked at her dumbly and then put the phone to his ear, "H - hello?"
	"Uh, hey, um, Ben.."
	Ben looked back to her disgusted, "Oh my gawd, Daniel!?"
	She nodded, "Yeah, we were kind of missing the three in threesome.  So I called a..third up.."
	"But oh my gawd it's Dan!  It's - it's a guy!"
	"Yeah.."
	"But it's Dan!  Oh gawd, my gawd!"  He looked as if he was gagging on something.
	"Yes Ben, it's Dan.  He makes three, us and him..  It's the third being a guy isn't it?  Here, would you rather me call up, say, Nicole?"
	"Willow!!  Oh gawd," Ben tossed the phone down on the couch and placed his head in his hands,  "Mental image coming on.."
	"Mental image?  Of who?  Us and Dan or - ?"
	"Willow shut up!  Oh gawd I can see it!"  Ben said pushing his palms against his squeezed shuteyes.  "Oh gawd, mental image.  Oh I hate you Willow.."
	Willow sat there looking at him and just burst into laughter.  "So you don't want one?" She asked innocently.
	"No Willow!  No!"
	She grinned, "Good it worked then."  She picked up the phone, "Dan?"
  	Daniel cleared his throat, "Um, yeah?"
	"Bye!"  Willow clicked the phone off and placed it on the table.  She looked back over to Ben, he currently had his hands covering his face and he was shaking his head.  She crawled over into his lap and pulled his hands away from his face.  "Shh," she said softly and placed a light kiss on his lips.  She then grinned and kissed his cheek.
	"Willow, I so hate you.."  He said shaking his head as he wrapped his arms around her.
	"I just want you to know that as long as I am around you are not going to be involved in any threesome at all.  I'm very greedy and I don't like to share.."
	He continued to shake his head, "I am so grossed out right now.  I'm not going to be able to sleep tonight."
	Willow gave him a devilish grin, "And that's a bad thing?"
	Ben pretended to be taken aback as he gasped, "Willow!  I never.."

	Willow awoke with a start and looked up to see Ben sitting up beside her.  She pulled the covers up to her neck to cover herself, "Bad dream?"
	"I don't know if you'd consider it bad to say, but yeah.  What about you?"
	"Bad dream, yeah..  What was yours about?"
	Ben smiled slightly, "That damn mental image you gave me.  Yours?"
	"I was being eaten alive..by Darren..  And if all that wasn't scary and vivid enough, you were standing there telling him if he ate all of me he'd get his $164, and it was exactly $164.  Oh, and Darren was a," Willow laughed, "He was a vampire too.."
	Ben laughed and laid back next to her, "Ah, don't worry about it.  I doubt he'd go cannibal for only $160.  He'd demand higher..and plus, he's not a vampire..  And a bigger plus, if I wanted you eaten, I'd do it myself.." And with that he bit her neck.
	The door opened a bit, "Hey.."
	"Close the door!  Close the door!" Both Willow and Ben yelled in union.
	"Whoa, ok guys.."  Daniel said the door closing again.
	Ben shook his head as he slipped into a pair of jeans that had been on the floor.
	Willow wrapped her night coat around herself and sat back on the bed.
	Ben pulled the door open and scowled at Daniel, "Knock before you enter!  Even if it was just me, still knock before you enter."
	Daniel looked between the pair and then offered a smile, "Sorry?"
	

[More shows...blah...  The next part picks up after Daniel leaves the tour to go home.  Darren claims he's home sick, you know what I'm talking about..  Darren, knowing of Willow's psychology knowledge, sends her to Oz to try to 'talk' with Dan, to see exactly what was up]



	Willow quietly walked over to Daniel's room.  She peaked in to see him lying there silently on his bed.
	"Hey Dan," She said quietly as she walked in.
	Dan looked at her briefly, mumbled a quick hello then turned away again.
	Willow walked over to him and sat on the bed beside him, "What's the matter?"
	"Nothing"
	"Oh come on!  It's not every day some famous guy gets mad enough to leave for home in the middle of a world tour.  What's wrong?"
	"Nothing!  God Willow!  Don't try any of your psyche stuff on me.  I didn't ask for your help, nor do I want it."
	"It's Darren isn't it?"
	Daniel looked over at her angrily, then sighed and looked down, "It's always Darren Willow."
	Willow shook her head then leaned over to hug him, "Don't worry about it Dan.."
	"Who told you about me?"
	"..Darren.."
	Daniel tried to laugh, "God, of course it would be him worried about me."
	"Well, everyone is worried about you.  It was just Darren to convince me to come."
	"What did he tell you?"
	"You missed your family, your house, your dog.  You know..everything in general."
	"Yeah, he would use that lame ass excuse.  He either doesn't get it or he's just BSing everyone."
	"Well, what's wrong?"
	"Darren!  I already told you!  It's all him.  He doesn't appreciate me."
	"Sure he does,"
	"Will don't!  No he doesn't.  No one seems to anymore, even the fans.."
	"Daniel!  You know that's true.  Tones of people appreciate you!"  Willow sighed and looked down, "God, I appreciate you more than you can believe.  I always have.  And especially now that I know you, you have even more from me."
	He gave her a small smile and sat up to hug her, "Thanks Willow.."
	She let him hug her, she buried her face in the nape of his neck.  She wanted to cry this wasn't right.  He felt safe, warm and comfortable - right.  She had to remind herself how safe Den's embrace felt.  She sniffles softly.  Why did she let Darren talk her into this?  Why didn't she let Ben come along?
	Daniel pulled away, "Willow!  What's wrong?"
	Willow shook her head quickly and fought back tears, "Nothing.  I should be going - leaving.  Bye.."
	"Willow!  Oh please, don't leave!  I need - want the company.  Especially now, I love having you around."
	"Dan, I can't.  I have to go."
	Daniel stood, "Why?"
	She sniffled and wiped away the few tears, "Because.  Ben was right.  - - - I love you.."
	Daniel choked on the air, "Wh-what?"
	She was now sobbing, "I can't do this Dan!  I didn't want to be here in the first place.."
	Daniel was still in a state of shook, "How long has the been going on?  What about Ben?"
	"Daniel, I know!  It's been going on forever," She sobbed some more, "I don't want to be here."
	Daniel carefully walked over to her to go to comfort her.
	"Don't!" Willow burst, "That's the last thing you should be doing!"
	"Willow, shh, shh!"  He wrapped his arms around her, ignoring her protests.
	She sobbed into his chest, "I'm sorry..so sorry.."
	"No Willow.  Shh, don't worry.  We're both responsible adults here.  We both have some one.  You have Ben and I have my girl friend.  It's nothing..  Ok, I lie, it is something.  I'm flattered, I really am.."
	Willow continued to cry into his chest, "I'm sorry.  I shouldn't have said anything." 
	"No.  It's better it came out this way.  I can just imagine a few other worse scenarios that could have happened.  Don't be sorry!"  He walked her over to the side of his bed to sit her down with him.
	Willow started to settle herself, she sat there sniffling.  Daniel sat there stroking her hair.  Trying to settle and soothe her as if she was a child.  She dabbed her eyes and straightened her posture beside Daniel.
	Willow cast her eyes downward once more, "I'm sorry Daniel.  I shouldn't have told you."
	"Willow.." Daniel said softly.  She looked up to him.  Daniel leaned over and kissed her softly.  This kiss seemed to be prolonged.
	When he broke away, he wiped a few of her tears away, "Please don't apologize.  It's all fine."
	Willow finally nodded and rested her head on his shoulder.

	Willow awoke some time later.  Just as she sat up the phone rang.  Since it was beside her, it startled the crap out of her.  She looked around again.  She didn't like this feeling - alone and lost.  Again the phone rang.
	"Willow!  Could you please get that?"
	Willow stopped and looked around, "Daniel?  Where are you?"  She remembered telling him, letting it slip.  She hadn't wanted him to know.
	"Yeah, I'm kind of in the shower.  Could you get it?"
	Willow reluctantly answered the phone, "Hello?"
	"Uh, hello.."  The person, female, on the other line sounded confused, "Is, uh, Daniel there?"
	Willow paused, it was his girlfriend wasn't it?  "Um, yeah, hold on for a second."  Willow hurried out of the bedroom and to the closed door, "Daniel.  Phone.."
	"Could you take a message?"
	"No, it's..it's your girlfriend."  Willow didn't feel right.  She had told Daniel she loved him, when she couldn't even tell her own boyfriend that.  And then she let him hug and comfort here and she liked it!  She felt wrong!  And now, it was bright and early in the morning and here's Willow, some girl his girlfriend doesn't know, telling her to hold on a sec so she could get her boyfriend out of the shower for her.
	"Will, please!  I'll be out in a bit."
	Willow cleared her throat and took her hand off the receiver, "Hi again.  Um, Dan's kind of tied up at the moment.  Could I take a message for you?"
	The woman on the other line was silent for a few seconds, "Tied up?  Did you tell him who it was?" she asked calmly.
	"Yes, he's not able to get to the phone right now.  Give him 10 or so minutes and he'll be able to get back to you.  He does know who it is, yes."
	"Hm, he's that busy.  Tell him I'll be over in a few and I hope he isn't busy."
	The phone went dead.  "Oh gawd, she thinks I'm like his slut or something."  Willow sat with her back against the doorframe, and started to cry.
	Daniel opened the door some minutes later, "Willow!  What's wrong?" he crouched down to her.
	"I want to go home.  I should have never come here in the first place.  I've told you I bloody well love you, I spend the damn night with you.  And now your girlfriend thinks you're sleeping around behind her back with me.  Oh, by the way, she's coming over.."  Just as she managed to utter those words there was a knock at the door.  "Oh gawd she got here fast.."
	"Here Willow, you sit down and I'll get the door."
	"In a towel!?  You idiot.  That'll just add to it!"
	"Will, would you rather me go get dressed and you tell her that I'm dressing?  Don't worry.  I'll explain it to her, it's fine."
	Willow went back into the bedroom as Dan went for the door.
	Daniel opened the door and looked at Ben, "Oh, I'm glad you got here so soon."
	"What's up with Willow?  Where is she?"
	"No, she's a bit upset.  She's in my bedroom."
	'Ok, she's in his room, and he's in a towel..'  "Uh, ok.."
	Daniel went to close the door when his girlfriend burst through, "Ok, where is she Daniel?  Where's your little whore!?"
	Both men turned toward the outraged brunette.
	She stopped when she saw Ben, "Oh, hello.."  She looked back to Daniel, "A towel?  That's all you're in?  How long has he been here?"  She questioned, looking at Ben.
	"I just got here."
	"Yeah, I doubted Daniel would share any of his little whores with anyone."
	Ben looked at Daniel confused.
	"Michelle.  Please, one minute.  Listen to me."
	"No Daniel!  Who is she!?"
	"It's Willow."
	Ben looked back at Daniel, "Excuse me?!"
	Daniel sighed, "Ben, go over to my room.  She's in my room."
	Both Ben and Michelle looked at him, "Pardon me?!" both blurted in union.
	Daniel sighed, "Willow!  Get down here and help straighten things out!"
	Willow opened the door reluctantly, What do you wan..  Ben!  What are you doing here?"
	"Dan called last night and said you weren't doing that great.  So I'm here to make sure you're ok.."
	"That's here huh?  Gawd, I guess I can see why, you pick them young Dan.."
	Willow sighed and fought tears again.  She hated being so emotional.
	"Michelle, she's 21.."
	"Ben, could you please get Willow out of here so I can talk to Michelle."
	"No Dan, I want to talk to her!"
	"Michelle, this isn't what you think..  Much different really.  Michelle, please.  Ben, go up and take her into my room."
	Ben watched Daniel for a moment before going over to Willow, closing the door behind him.
	Willow sat down with her arms around herself.
	Ben advanced on her, "Willow, what's wrong?"
	She closed her eyes, willing it to all go away.  "It's nothing Ben..  I don't know what Dan called you.."
	"Uh, ok?  What about Michelle?  What's wrong with her?"
	"I answered the phone earlier.  And Dan couldn't get the phone, he was busy.  And she just got the whole wrong idea."
	"Why is he only sporting a towel?"
	"That's why he was busy, he was in the shower."
	Ben finally walked over and sat beside her.  "Are you sure every thing is fine?  Daniel wouldn't have called for no reason.."
	She nodded, "Yeah, I'm fine.."
	As he went to put his arm around her, she recoiled slightly.  Ben went to comment on that fact when Daniel walked in, "Can I be excused?  I need to get dressed.  It's really hard to hold one's ground while clutching a towel."
	The pair nodded and walked toward where Michelle was sitting.
	She looked up at Willow almost tear stricken, "Who are you?"
	"I - I'm.."
	Ben put an arm around her, "Michelle, don't worry.  Willow is, well, my girlfriend."
	Michelle looked at Willow doubtful and Willow kind of shrugged Ben's arm off.
	Willow made brief eye contact with Michelle before casting her eyes downward.
	"I'm serious Michelle.  Willow's with me.  There's nothing going on between them.  They're just friends."  Ben had finally managed to convince himself that, friends that's all they were, that's all they are and that's all they will ever be - friends.
	Willow nodded quickly and then quietly said, "I'm sorry.."
	Daniel came down then.  "Michelle, did you hear her out?"
	"No, I heard Ben out.  She didn't have much to say at all."
	Willow quickly looked up to Daniel, "I want to leave.."
	Michelle shook her head, "Of course she wants to bail on us, not you though Dan.  She's bailing because of me and even Ben.  If we hadn't have came over, you both would still be up in bed."
	"We didn't sleep together." Willow defended quickly.  It was true - half-true at least.
	"Here," Ben offered, taking hold of Willow's arm, "I'll take us out of here.  You two need to talk."
	As Ben helped Willow to the door, she gave Daniel a look then stopped, "Ben, wait, I need to talk to Daniel.."
	Ben paused, looking at Willow then to Daniel, "O - ok.."
	Daniel took Willow out into the hallway, "What is it?"
	Willow sighed, "You can't tell her, either of them.  I don't care how 'mature' we are.  Don't tell them I told you how much I love you..they can't know right now."
	Daniel nodded, "Yeah, I know.  I'll see you later I'm sure."
	Daniel hugged Willow before returning to where Ben and Michele were.  "Bye Ben."
	Ben nodded at Dan and walked out with Willow.

	Ben finally broke the silence, "Whoa.  That was something else.  Michelle was in quite the mood."
	Willow nodded, not wanting to get into it with Ben right then.
	"So what do you want to do now then?"
	She wanted to say go home, but there were a million other things floating through her head as well.  Go home, get rid of Michelle and spend more time with Daniel, spend more time with you, curl into a ball and cry myself dry, just to be held..by someone..  Willow sighed as she realized whom she had in mind.
	Ben quickly brought her back to earth.  "Will, Wills?  Do you want to grab a drink?"
	"Huh?  Oh, um, ok.."
	
	Willow sat quietly sipping a strawberry cooler.  Ben sat beside her talking and laughing loudly with another man at the bar.  Willow sighed looking into her drink.
	As the man excused himself, Ben turned back to the silent Willow.  "What's keeping you so quiet luv?"
	Willow simply shrugged and took another sip of her drink.
	"You were born in Canada right?"
	Willow looked up briefly then nodded.
	He grinned, "You shouldn't have been able to buy that drink the huh?"
	She looked up at him blankly, "You bought it."
	"I'm just joking around.  What's wrong?"
	"Nothing.  Where's Ridalin?"
	"Nikki is taking care of her.  She's in good hands."
	"That's good."  Willow said nodding.  She stood up abruptly, with glass in hand and walked over to the jute box.  After looking through the selection, she slipped a coin in and pressed E52, a Beatles song - Across the Universe.
	"This is a cool song."  Ben commented as he walked over to Willow.
	"Yeah, I like it..  My father used to play the Beatles all the time while I was growing up."
	Ben ran his hand over her cheek before leaning over to kiss her softly.
	Willow smiled inwardly and sank into his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart.
 


[Ok, ANOTHER big gap here...  Way more touring...  Daniel and Willow become very awkward together because of their feelings.  They don't tell anyone.  Yada yada.  Remember that whole thing 'Dan pushed a fan down', 'Darren said he's having woman problems'.  This is where the next bit kinda springs off from]


	Daniel groaned and shot Ben another glare, "Damn it Ben.  This isn't hard."
	Ben growled lowly and resisted the urge to throw something at Daniel.  "Yeah, this is perfectly easy.  I just don't know what the hell your problem is.  I'm playing this to perfection, but all you've been doing is bitching me out about this or that.  Finding and making up any possible fault you can think up!"
	Anna who had been sitting reading while listening to the pair practice, finally put her book away and stood while shaking her head.  The pair had been bickering back and forth for over an hour now.  And as much as she hated picking sides, it had been Daniel who had started on Ben.  She walked from the room barely giving the guys a wave, they didn't notice her absence.
	"Ok, lets just do it from the top again.."  Daniel rotated his neck a few times and then began.
	Ben finally thought they were making progress.  Three minutes of continuos play, but out of no where Daniel tossed down his guitar pick down and yanked out his cord.  "Forget it!  The practice is off for the day!  Pack up and get out of here."
	"You know what Dan?"  Ben yelled, quite angry at Daniel's attitude towards him.
	"I don't care what you think right now Ben.  Just shut up, pack up and get out!  Gawd, I don't even know why I hired you in the first place!  You're crap, you've got no talent.  I had a little damn hope you'd improve!  I guess I was wrong.  And, may I add, you've got the worst taste in music ever!"
	"Oh fuck you Daniel!  I can't believe you even had the nerve to say that!  Me?!  I'm the one with no talent?  Gawd, I beg to differ.  Whose the one we hide behind the programmable keyboard!?  Huh?  You are useless to this band!  You've just faded into the background!  No one even realizes you to be an equal half anymore!"
	Daniel went to yell back but Ben was telling him what he always feared, the possibility that no one realized he was the other 50% of Savage Garden.  That no one respected him, that he was given no credit that no one realized he helped pour his own heart into these songs with Darren.  "Shut up Ben.." He said while shaking his head slowly.
	"No, just because you're having woman problems, doesn't mean you have to take it out on everyone else.."
	Daniel flung around to face Ben, "Shut up!"
	"I'm serious Daniel!  You and Michelle are having some damn problems and you take out all your anger on everyone else instead of dealing with your real problem," Ben snapped his guitar case close, "It's nobody's problem that you can't keep a girlfriend."
	Daniel looked at Ben in utter disgust while shaking his head, "Oh up yours Ben," Daniel watched Ben step toward the door when he said slowly, "At least my girlfriend tells me she loves me..  Has Willow told you that yet?"
	Ben barely turned around or slowed down, but the comment stung, "Don't even Daniel.."
	"She hasn't yet has she?" Daniel asked mockingly with a heartless grin, "Oh, how I feel so sorry for you Ben.  I mean, I think it would utterly kill me to know my own girlfriend has admitted her undying lustful love for another man..yet still manages to stay with me..leaving me oh so high, and oh so dry.."
	Ben stumbled to a stop and turned around, "Pardon me!?"
	Daniel grinned savagely, "Nothing.."
	"Don't you dare, what the hell did you just say?"
	"You heard me.."
	Ben took a few steps toward Daniel, "You back stabbing liar." He spat.
	"Oh I don't think so Ben.."
	"You liar.."
	"Nope, 'fraid not.  Remember when she came to my place?  I called you that night?  She told me then..it all just spilled out..and I must confess, seeing her in such a fragile state like that..I had to comfort her.." Daniel said in a fake sensitivity.
	Ben simply glared at Daniel breathing heavily.
	Daniel shook his head with a bitter grin, "She hasn't even began to utter those three words to you yet has she?"
	Ben snapped and lunged at Daniel.
	Ben was able to sock Daniel once before someone came running in.  And who better it to be than Willow herself.
	"Ben!  What in the hell are you doing!?"  She yelled, running to the crouched Daniel, who held his head in a state of shock from the blow.
	"You little tramp!  Gawd, I knew it from the beginning.."
	"Tramp!?  Pardon me?"
	"Daniel just told me about that night Willow..  Thanks for informing me.  I think I can understand now why Michelle had been so mad.."  Ben shook his hand by his side as he realized the pain in it.
	Willow pretty much stopped breathing as she looked up from Daniel and at the wall.
	"Yeah..  You know what Willow?  Thanks.."
	"Ben!  I didn't mean to sleep with him!"
	"You what!?  You slept together too.  Oh fuck.." Ben cursed, in utter disbelief.
	Willow squeezed her eyes closed, "Of course you didn't tell him that.  What do you know Ben?"
	"I really don't know.  I know one thing.  But apparently I've been left out in the dark on quite a few other things here."
	Willow was on the verge of tears, "Daniel what did you tell him?"
	Daniel cleared his throat, yet said nothing.
	"I can't believe you Willow.  Why are you with me if you love him?  What the hell do you think I am?"
	"Ben, no please.." Willow stammered as she continued to fight tears back.
	"No Willow, you shut up for a second.  Not only have you told him you loved him, while you've never told me how you truly feel about me.  All I've gotten from you is you're 'confused', I think I know why now.  And on top of that, you've slept with him.  And if all that isn't big enough as is, you tried to hide it from me.."
	"I didn't sleep with him the way you think I did.."
	"Willow, do you think that really matters right now?  I mean, really.."
	"Ben, please, you have to listen to me.."  Willow said now fighting back sobs.
	"No, I don't think so.  I want you gone tomorrow.  I'll talk to some people.  I'll have a ticket ready for you..  I don't want this anymore Willow.."  Ben said, his own voice horse, "I can't do this now.  I can't..  I'm helping pull off a concert every single night, I can't have this..  I don't want to see you anymore, I can't do this to myself..  I don't..I can't right now.."  Ben looked up almost with a faint smile, "I loved you..  As much as I hate to do this, good bye Willow.."  Ben quickly turned and left the room.
	Willow collapsed to the ground in a heap of loud sobs.



	The whole band was in utter disbelief as they heard the news from Ben.  Though everyone seemed to know about the bizarre break up, no one seemed to know why it happened.
	Ben had locked himself away from the world.  He wouldn't answer or open the door, the phone was knocked off the hook, he simply refused to talk to anyone, he closed the world out.
	Willow on the other hand didn't know who to go to for help.  Usually Daniel was her choice to sit and talk with, but she couldn't do that now.  Even the thought of Nicole helping wasn't appealing to her.  She finally made her way to Darren's room.
	Darren called her in as she knocked on the door.
	"Oh, Willow.  Hey there.  How are you?"
	Her eyes, already damp, cast downward.  "What do you think Darren?  I mean really.."  She said groaning.  Willow curled up on one of the beds in his room.
	"So what happened Willow?"
	She shook her head, "I don't want to get into it..  Not now Darren."
	"I know Willow, but still, you're going to have to face it sooner or later."
	"No, not with you.  You don't know what happened and who it involves."
	"Well, I know as much that it involves Daniel.  He's got quite the beau shiner there."
	"Well, see!  You already know too much.."
	"It was Ben that knocked him though right?"
	"Yeah.."
	Darren nodded sitting back watching her, "Willow, I know you are a licensed psychiatrist and all.  But you can't heal yourself.  No matter how good you are.."
	Willow sighed and looked up to Darren, "I don't know what happened," she started as tears began to fall, "I mean, one minute I'm walking down the hall alone and the next Ben calls us off and tells me to go home - alone."
	Darren got up and walked over to Willow's side, "Sh, Willow.  Come on sweetheart.  Just let it all out.  Just tell me everything, you'll feel better.  You can cry all you want but you need to tell someone."
	Willow nodded a bit, sitting up on the bed.  "I love Daniel as well.  I told him that.  I told him not to tell a soul, especially Ben.  Well, time went on.  Everything was fine.  Something happened between Ben and Dan.  Dan tells Ben all," Willow paused, wiping her eyes, "Ben then tells me to leave.  That he loved me, but he can't be with me and I must leave.." she broke into dry sobs there as Darren tried to comfort her.

	Willow awoke a bit later and wiped her eyes again.
	Darren, who was sitting up beside her, had dozed off himself.
	As a knock sounded the door, Darren was jolted awake.  Darren called the knocker in.
	The knocker paused and looked at Willow, "Oh, Willow, hi.."
	She looked down and away and mumbled a hello.
	Darren and the knocker spoke briefly.
	"I'm sorry.."  Willow said softly, sitting up.
	He shook his head, "No, don't be.  I don't know what came over me.  I might well apologize too."  He looked to Darren, "Can I steal her away for a bit?"
	"Sure.  Bye guys."

	Willow sat down on a chair and watched him pace nervously.
	"I'm sorry Willow.  I am..  I feel horrible.  I just blew up.  I didn't think before I decided on speaking."
	Willow watched as his pacing slackened, "It's ok.."
	He finally paused, "No it's not!  I promised you I wouldn't tell.  And as soon as Ben got to me, I used that against him."  Daniel finally sat down.
	Willow stood up.  "It had to come out sooner of later Daniel.  Better now then later."  She walked over to the window and watched people pass by.  She turned back to Daniel, "What's wrong with you and Michelle?  Does she know?"
	"No, she doesn't.  It's the whole fact that I'm not always around.."
	The pair talked a bit longer before Willow excused herself.



	Neon blue lights, flashing, laughing, and the all too familiar sent of alcohol.
	Willow gave in and turned into the club.
	The music loud and lights bright, soon clouded over Willow's current problem.  She walked over to the bar and ordered a drink.
	A half-hour into her stay, she had managed to forget it all to a certain extent.  She turned slowly, glass in hand.  Scanning the people, a smile formed on her lips.  Everyone was so happy and carefree.
	Bringing the rim of her fourth drink to her lips, she paused.  The glass still lifted up to her lips just sat there as Willow was merely frozen in her tracks.
	Karl, she spotted him way down at the other end of the bar.  Sitting there calmly, alone.  Drinking alone, she didn't know Karl that wall, but she knew he wouldn't go out drinking by himself.
	Willow quickly scanned the club, seeking out that all too familiar bleach blond hair.  As she looked back to Karl, he caught her eye and smiled while beckoning her over.
	Slowly walking over to him, she continued searching for Ben.
	"Hey Willow!  What brings you here?"
	Depression, drinking away my problems, the need to forget and block.  She could think up a thousand valid reasons but simply said, "The same reason you're here."  Willow glanced around again, "Uh, Karl, is Ben here with you?"
	Karl nodded, Willow paled, "Yeah, we went out drinking.  Though he left about ten minutes ago.  You just missed him."
	Willow let out a breath of relief, it was too early for her to deal with Ben.
	Karl patted the stool next to him, "Sit, relax, and get drunk with me - or don't."
	Willow sat, "I plan on drinking away everything tonight.  Drinking until I can barely remember who I am."
	Karl chuckled, "Well, that ruins my plans of getting plastered."

	The time went by quickly.  As it got later the crowd grew, the lights brightened, and the noise increased.  Then again, maybe it was just Willow.
	She achieved her night's goal, she was sitting there laughing carefree.  Ben wasn't even a loud above her head.
	Karl finally got a glance of a clock, it was late, they best be heading back now.  Karl helped the bubbly Willow up, she leaned against him disoriented.



	The hotel was quiet as the pair made it back, "Do you think they'll be mad that we were out so late drinking?" Willow questioned as the elevator stopped at their floor.
	Karl shrugged as he walked to his door, "Uh, Willow?  Where are you staying tonight?"
	Willow looked at Karl and then broke into tears.
	Karl cursed, "No, Willow!  Sh, come on sweetheart.  It's ok.  Don't cry!  Please!"
	Willow just stood there and continued crying, "I don't have him anymore!  It's over..  He dumped me.."
	Karl tried to calm her.
	A door across the hall opened slowly and a slumberous Daniel emerged rubbing his eyes against the light, "What are you doing out here?  I'm trying to sleep!  Karl, jeez, you need not make.." Daniel finally recognized the female, "Willow, what's wrong?"
	Karl pulled Daniel over and told him why she was crying and the point that the two had been out drinking for a better part of the night.
	Daniel nodded.  He looked back to Karl, "Where is she staying?"
	Karl shrugged, "That's what got her started.  I thought about that and asked, not really realizing that I asked, she promptly burst into tears."
	Daniel looked at Willow.  She was sitting against the wall, crying softly into her hands.  "Where is she going to stay though?


[Well, a few people told me I should get Will and Dan together...couldn't do that...  Soo, Ben and Will do make up...  it takes a bit...Dan and Ben do a lot of talking...but Ben still doesn't like Dan much...yada yada yada...the touring goes on...  LOTS of it...  The North American tour begins and Willow continues to tour with them...  And hey, I couldn't resist doing the next part ;) ]


	Willow burst into laughter, "Yeah right?!"
	Ben placed his hands on his hips, "Yeah!  Seriously!  What's so damn funny about it!?"
	Willow tried to bite her lip to prevent the laughing but a grin just beamed from her face, "I'm sorry but.."  She laughed again, "That's just sad!"
	He looked over her, "Sad?  Well, why thank you Willow!"
	"Well come on, admit it Ben!  It's a bit funny at least isn't it?"
	"No, it's cool!"
	"It's 'cool'?!"
	"Yes it is!  Geeze, give me the thing then!"  Ben said as he pulled the laptop over to him.
	Willow grinned at him again, "I'm sorry!  It's just that.."
	Ben cut her off by giving her 'the hand', "Shh, jus - just be quiet!  No, shhh, no, don't!"  He said as Willow tried to slip in a few words.
	Willow took his hand into her hands.  She placed a few light kisses on his fingertips before resting her head on his shoulder, "I don't know Ben.  I find it funny.  A fan-fiction, a fanfic ALL about you..  It's funny!  I can see someone doing one on Dan or Dazzles, but not you..  Like, I mean, you know I don't mean any offence!" She laughed, "But it's you."  She chuckled again and shook her head softly.
	Ben arranged her so he could kiss her head.  "Thank you for making me feel loved and wanted Wills.." Ben said in a voice dripping with sarcasm.
	She laughed, "Aw, everyone wants you!"  She lightened her tone more, "You know you're loved.."
	Ben smiled, "I know, and so are you," He said giving her hand a small squeeze while he continued reading the story.
	"Oh well, you've got fans..  So, what's it about?"
	"I don't know.  I haven't read all what's here yet, though I have come to the point where I know I get a chick!"
	"You get a chick?"
	Ben gave her a cheeky grin, "Yup!  And she's just great!"
	Willow raised her eyebrows at him, "Oh?"
	"Yes, I think you may have some competition here luv!"
	"Oh, competition!?  How wonderful," She said dryly.  "Does she, I'm presuming the author is not 'he', know that you have a girlfriend already?"
	Ben nodded, reading on in the story.
	"And yet she still made you single in the story?"
	Ben laughed, "Yup!  What fun is it to write about a taken man.  At least she just ignores you.  You should read how some girls get rid of Colby so they can write about Dazz and themselves."
	"So I should be flattered that I was belatedly ignored than?"
	"You do whatever you want..  But keep it down, I want to read this damn thing..  Hell, it's long!"

	Willow opened the door to her and Ben's hotel room an hour later and walked in with Karl in tow.
	Ben looked up from the laptop and mumbled a quick hello.
	Willow laughed, "You're still reading that blasted thing?!"
	"Yup, I've taken a few breaks here and there though.."  He mumbled a few more lines to himself, "I'm on the last chapter - I think.."  He highlighted a few words and then fully turned his attention to his girlfriend and bestfriend.  "And here, I'll take another break!"
	"So, what are you reading?"  Karl asked.
	"Oh, my fanfic about me!"
	"Oh yeah.  Darren mentioned that to us.."
	Ben stopped and studied the pair, "So where were you two?"
	Willow looked over to Karl before answering, "Well, we went out for a dr - - coffee!  A drink of coffee!"
	Ben stood up nodding his head, "Oh, a coffee huh?  There's a place around?"
	Karl nodded for Willow, "Oh yeah!  This -great- place down in the lobby.."
	"Mm, oh..  I see.."  Ben then pulled Willow in for a kiss.
	He pulled away all too soon for Willow's liking.
	He tilted his head side ways, "Well that's just odd!  I could have sworn I tasted alcohol!" Ben replied in a mock surprise.
	Karl chuckled and looked down.
	Willow turned to Karl and decided to play along with Ben, "Oh my gawd Karl!  Do you think they..they, spiked our mocha!"
	"I don't know Will, maybe it was just yours.."
	"Hmm, maybe you're right..  But still!"
	"I don't know..  C'mere Ben," Karl said motioning Ben towards himself.
	Ben took a step forward.
	Karl then opened his mouth wide, "Here, take a taste!  Can you taste it!?"
	It was just then that the door opened and Dan and Darren walked it.  Both stopped and looked at the present situation.
	Karl and Willow just started laughing, Daniel soon joined in.
	Ben shook his head looking down.
	Darren smirked, "Dare I even ASK?!"
	"Well, we could," Dan said with a smile, "But I don't think we may like the answer..  Oh, but hell, who are we to care.  What are you doing?"
	"Um, breath..testers..  Yeah, that's it.."  Ben said scratching his head.
	"Here,"  Willow offered, "I'm not supposed to be drinking that much anymore according to Ben.  And well, me and Karl went out for a brewskie!  And then we came back.  Ben asked what we were doing.  We said out a coffee.  He didn't buy it.  And here we kind of are.."
	"Oh, yeah.."  Darren ran his palm over his head, "I miss my hair!  No, no I don't.  I'm still lost without it."
	"I'm sorry.."  Willow mumbled looking down and away from Darren.
	"Uh, no.  We aren't bringing this up again.  It was a mistake, a stupid one yes, but still - a mistake."



[Just a comment there...remember when Darren chopped his hair down even more??? Like, shaving it?  I 'was' going to have it as Willow's fault...  She gets bubble gum in his hair (don't ask) and he has to pretty much shave his head...  More touring...blah blah blah...the next concert is the one in Toronto, Ontario..cuz hey, that's the one I went to]


	Willow stood off in the wing in Ben's arms.  The noise was almost deafening.
	He leaned down and nibbled on her ear.
	Just as Willow managed to brush her lips over Ben's, most of the band came up.  Willow sighed and started to pull away.
	Ben, not giving a care who saw the pair, pulled her back up to him and kissed her.
	Darren cuffed the back of Ben's head, "Come on!  No one wants to see that!" he said with a laugh.
	Willow shook her head with a laugh and walked over to Nicole.
	"You guys sicken me!" Karl said finally when Willow was out of earshot.

	Ben watched the last bit of Billie Myers set with Darren.  As Billie ran off stage waving she hugged the guys.  "They're ready for the garden!"
	Darren nodded and walked back with Billie, calling to people to make sure everyone and everything was in order.
	Ben squinted from the side wing again, he looked at the various fans screaming their hearts out and the band wasn't even out there yet.
	"Whoa, huh?"
	Ben turned and smiled at Willow.  He pulled her into his arms.  "Yeah, the tour is like half over and we are still getting this reaction from the crowds.  It's amazing!"
	Willow looked out into the crowd, "You know, if we hadn't have met up, I would have been out there somewhere right now.."
	Ben laughed, "Yeah, that's right.  Hey that fan of mine is going to this show right?"
	Willow turned away from the crowd and looked into the back, "Yeah, I think she said Toronto.  Ask Dazzles, he'd know."
	Ben nodded, "Yeah, I think it is this show she'll be at.  Because she mentioned she'd be looking for me!"
	Willow laughed, "How cute!  Your own little stalker!"
	Ben grinned and hugged her again, "I know!  I never had one of those before!  So are you going into the crowd tonight?"
	Willow looked out again, "Oh, I don't know, maybe..  But I kind of like standing here in the back to watch.  I make a bunch of stupid faces at you and you make them back.  Since everyone can only see you, they get a laugh out of it.."
	"Oh, I see..  One minute..Jack!"  Ben turned and yelled into the back.
	A man from the stage crew came out of the dark, "Yeah?"
	"Can you get Willow here some kind of pass or something so she can go into the crowd?"
	"Uh, yeah.  I think I can find one.."

	Ben fastened Willow's pin on her shirt as the concert was merely a minute away.  He leaned down to her ear so he could talk to her, "Remember, when I Want You starts, come back stage again."
	She nodded and gave him a kiss.
	Ben was handed his guitar.  "Hey, who the hell washed my pants?  Ugh, I think they shrunk them or something..hell.."  Ben started to grumble as he bent down and tugged at the leg of his pants.
	Willow shook her head and said she'd see Ben later.  She went over and gave Darren his good luck hug.  Then went to Daniel, "Good luck, remember you're in Canada, you're last Canadian date.  Woe the crowd!  And stay on your feet!"
	Daniel grinned and pecked her cheek, "Yeah, yeah, I will!"

	The concert began as Willow emerged from the back.
	She was immediately stopped by a security guard, "What are you doing here?"
	Willow sighed, every time this happened, "I'm with the band.  Ben to be specific.  Here's my little pin.."
	The guard finally nodded and let her into the crowd.
	She quickly pushed her way through the crowd to get in front of Ben.  She was there for two full songs until Ben finally noticed her and smiled.
	The few girls beside her started screeching that Ben smiled at them.  Willow just laughed.
	After 15 minutes of standing near a girl who was screaming hysterically to Darren, she had to move.
	She waited until she made eye contact with Ben again to tell him she was moving.  She motioned to the other end of the theater, 'moving' she mouthed.  Ben threw on a pout, then smiled and nodded as he continued the guitar rift in Santa Monica.
	Willow tried to center herself, but the strong hold of females standing there 'gazing' at Darren, made it impossible.  She soon gave up and went for Daniel.
	'Lord it is loud!' Willow thought silently as she looked around.  The amphitheater didn't even look full to begin with, maybe half but the screaming was horribly loud.  Though there was a few people who actually sang along to the songs.  The fans always really seemed to vary in age.  Willow smiled as one of her favorite parts of the concert came, Ben and Daniel's little guitar duel.  She cheered them along with a laugh.  The rest of the concert went by nicely.
	All of a sudden she heard I Want You starting.  She listened to a small bit of it, then made her way through the crowd again, over to the side.  "Jack!"
	He turned and smiled then raised his voice, "Willow!  You want to get back stage?"
	"Yeah.  Promised Ben!"
	He nodded with a smile and let her by.
	Willow sat down in a chair to rest her feet until Ben and the rest finished with I Want You.  A woman handed her a towel and water bottle for Ben.
	The song ended and the band came back.  Ben met Willow with a hug.
	She squeezed him back, "Mm, you smell..great!"
	Ben rolled his eyes, "You try doing what I do and remain smelling good!"
	Willow handed him his towel.  After burying his face in his towel for a bit, he reached for his water.
	Ben tugged on a lock of her hair, "I still can't believe you dyed your hair!"
	Willow laughed, "Like you're one to talk flame head!"
	"You complained when it was blue too.."
	"No..  I just poked jokes..  I thought blue was pretty cool!  Though red is kind of sexy.."  Willow purred out with a sly grin.	
	Ben laughed, "Yeah, that's what I was going for.  Come here!"  When Willow moved closer, Ben pulled her up into a kiss.
	"Oh!  Ouch!"  Willow said suddenly, pulling away from Ben a bit.
	"What?"
	"Your guitar and all it's little pokey things!"
	Ben had a rush of worrisome sweep over his face, "Is my guitar ok?!"
	"I'm so glad it means that much more to you than me."
	"Oh, I'm sorry.."  Ben kissed her again when Karl grabbed his arm.
	"Break it up you two!  Ben you'll tire yourself out.  C'mon!"  Karl yanked him again.  "We have to go out again!"
	Ben broke away from Willow as Karl continued to drag him along.
	"Go back into the crowd!"
	Willow nodded and with a wave walked off.  As she walked she head Ben complaining to Karl, 'Damn you Karl!  Let me go!' And then Karl's laugh.
	Willow returned to the crowd as This Side of Me began.
	The concert finally came to an end.  Willow hung back after Ben made quick eye contact with her.  She looked to the door she had used, it was beyond blocked.
	Willow walked up to the front and called up to the closest guard.
	He bent down as he got to the side of the stage, "Yes?"
	"Can you tell Ben, the red head, that his girlfriend, Willow, would like him to come out in a few..  Look, here's my pass.."
	The guard nodded and walked back.
	Willow stood there for 15 minutes until Ben quickly made his way to Willow.  A few fans, girls, who had hung back quickly scratched out and made their way to the stage.  Willow was finally let up as the guard talked to Ben briefly.
	A few of the girls snapped pictures of the pair.  As they headed backstage, someone yelled out Willow's name.
	Willow stopped and turned back briefly to wave.

	Daniel walked past Darren's room later that night and peered into his open room.
	"Who was that?" he asked as he watched Darren hang the phone up.
	Darren jumped and looked at Daniel, "Uh, no one!"
	Daniel laughed, he leaned against the doorframe and folded his arms, "Oh come on!  Who was it?  Colby?"
	"No."
	Dan grinned, "A fan?"
	"Uh, no..  Just a friend.."
	Daniel laughed, "Just a friend?!  Oh, get off it.  Who was it?"
	Darren looked around for a way out, "It was no one!"
	"Who was no one?"
	Both turned to see Willow, who had Ben in tow.
	"That's what I'm trying to figure out!" Dan commented.
	"Ok, well any ways.  Dazzles, Dan, how is Bill doing?"  Darren quickly cleared his throat and fidgeted with his ring while Willow continued, "I haven't seen Bill in ages.  I chummed with him a bit back with that whole Bush thing."
	Darren finally looked over to her, "Who?  I didn't know you knew Bill.."
	"Bush!  You don't know who they are!?"
	Darren shrugged, "I probably do.."
	"Well, they are known as a Nirvana knock off, and I know you know who they are.  Pretty boy Gavin, pin up boy?"
	Darren just shrugged again, "Well, whatever.  I don't care.  I'm going to sleep for a bit.  We leave tomorrow you guys.  Get some sleep, Ben, Willow, I'm looking at you two!"
	Ben grinned, "We sleep..a bit..sometimes.."
	Willow punched his, "We sleep!  Don't go saying that.  We're more civilized than that.  You guys are horrible!"  Willow kissed Ben's cheek, "Later!"
	He frowned, "Where are you going?"
	"Either to sleep.  Or see what Nikki and Anna are up to..  You go out with the guys.  Have fun!"

	Willow woke up as Ben tried to quietly come in.  She groaned and pulled the covers over her head, "Close the door!  Turn the light off!" She mumbled.
	Ben flicked the light off and walked over to the bed.  He sat on the side of it.
	"Oh Ben!  Yuck!  You reek of alcohol.  Bathe, brush your teeth!  Eww, you smell.  It's gross.."  Willow managed to whine out from under the covers.
	"Ok, sorry.  I'll be back."
	Ben returned not even 15 minutes later, and Willow was fast asleep again.


[More hotels, and more touring goes on here...Willow and Ben have a bunch of stupid little fights but always make up the next day...blah blah blah...Willow continues to tour with them..  They are in their last few shows and wrapping the world tour up..  Update - Willow nor Ben still haven't gotten around to telling the other they 'love them' though they do...]


	Ben looked up as Willow entered their hotel room.  She flashed him a smile and closed the door.
	"Where were you?"  He asked showing no emotion.
	"Huh?"
	He sighed and repeated his question.
	She laughed briefly, "I was out, obviously."
	He looked at her, "Yeah, and with WHO?"
	She stopped what she was doing and looked over to him, "What do you mean 'who'?"
	He shook his head and walked over to the window, "Yeah, 'who' were you out with?"  He questioned looking out the window.
	She blinked, "You're joking right!?"
	"No, I'm very much serious!  Who were you out with!?"  Ben said through clenched teeth, trying his best not to raise his voice at her.  He leaned against the window looking at her.
	She stood up and glared at him, "You need to know who don't you?  Daniel.  We went out for a drink!"
	He shook his head and mumbled something Willow couldn't quite understand.
	She stalked over to him, "Pardon me?"
	He sighed and sat down, "Nothing, don't worry about it.."
	"I can't believe you have the nerve to even suggest that!  I mean.."  She held back a scream, "You two are like best friends!  Why and the hell would I even bother even attempting.  Why WOULD I even attempt!  I have you.."
	"I wouldn't be so sure.."  Ben mumbled quietly.
	Tears of anger sprang to her eyes, "I-I..I can't believe you would..could say that!  Fine!"  She stormed out of the room, "Screw you." was the last thing Ben heard before Willow slammed the door.

	Willow sobbed loudly as Nicole sat beside her trying to get what was wrong out of her.
	"Willow..come on, what's wrong?"  Nicole asked trying to calm to girl down.
	Willow tried her hardest to settle herself down, "Nothing." she got out in a mumbled sob.
	Nicole laughed, "Yeah sure Wills..what's REALLY wrong?"
	"That bastard, that is my so-called 'boyfriend'."  Willow said sitting up drying her eyes.
	Nicole gasped, "You're joking!  Ben?  He's your big problem?"
	Willow nodded, stood up and started pacing.
	The fact that Ben had upset Willow this much utterly shocked Nicole, "My..my..my..  What did he do?"
	"Got all worked up over nothing at all."
	Nicole stopped, she knew Ben wouldn't spaz out over just anything.  He always had a valid reason.  "Well, what got his so mad?"
	Willow sniffed, "I don't know.  I came in a bit ago.  I walk into our room and he spazs."
	"Well where were you?  Did he know you were going out?"  Nicole started questioning her.
	"I went out for a drink.  Dan needed to talk."
	It finally became crystal clear.  It was quite apparent why Ben was upset, "Oh..  Well it makes perfect sense.  Obviously he would be upset."
	"What!?  Are you backing him up?!  Whose side are you on anyway?"  Willow yelled getting mad at Nicole.
	"No, sweetheart.  I don't mean it like that!  I simply mean, it's understandable why he would be mad.  You know how Dan got with Darren a bit back right?  Well Ben is mainly like that with Daniel because Dan is the closest guy he can be compared to.  And since you and Dan have been friendly lately, it's getting to him.  He's scared he's going to lose you..again.."
	"Ok, I guess it is a bit understandable.  But still!  He should trust me and Dan enough to know nothing is going to happen.  Lord, he's such an idiot!"  Willow tried to stop pacing.



[Ok, ALOT goes on here...the tour is like done and stuff and they band returns to Oz, along with Willow.  Ben and Willow get into yet another fight, and Willow angrily leaves for home...  Only to be *gasp* kidnapped by this guy, who we find out to be one of Willow's ex's who didn't like the fact he was dumped for Ben...(I needed sumthing 'stupid' in here)  Ben finds out and freaks, especially because the pair parted on such bad terms and he's freaked he's never going to be able to actually express his true feelings for here - I was thinking of involving an engagement ring.  There's police and what not on the case...this guy Max is in charge or whatever..  The WHOLE band go over to Toronto while this ordeal is going on because hey, they all like Willow...  Ummm...the kidnapper whom I've called 'X' leaves a message or something stupid and Ben gets it and that's where I pick up]



	Ben ran into the run down building.  'Damn it, where is she?' He cursed to himself.  He looked around, the place was so big.  It could have been a school a few years back he thought briefly as he ran past a few empty rooms.
	Two large swinging doors stood in front of him, about 50 feet in front of him.  Ben could just make out the sign that hung above the door, 'Mass Room'.  A catholic school Ben thought silently.

	Daniel cursed loudly to himself and looked over at the officer who stood in front of him, "Where the hell is Ben!?"
	Max, the officer, tried to calm Daniel down, "Listen Sir, we are trying to find out where 'X' has taken the girl.  As soon as we find that out, we'll know where your friend is.  We think that Ben was told where the two would be and that's where he is."
	Daniel tried to control himself.  He couldn't take it, two of his best friends were in a horrible life threatening position right now and it seriously pissed Daniel off that he couldn't help out in any way.  "You think?!  How in god's name is that going to help us in and fucking way!"  He let out a shuddering breath of frustration as he threw himself into a chair.  Anna-Maria tried to settle him but he just shrugged her away.  She sat back with the rest of the band silently.
	"Listen, we're doing the best we can.  You don't seem to understand how hard this is right now..  We WILL find them.  Don't worry about that."

	Willow stood there trembling in front of the pews.  The sound of the man that she knew as X rang in her ears, through the sound piece he had put in her ear as he positioned her in the room.
	The hand gun, that Willow held lightly in her hand, glittered as it was touched by a few rays of light that shone in between the pieces of wood that were hammered up to cover the windows.  Her eyes shot up to the top half of the room.  She made eye contact with the hooded man that stood up there shadowed with a high powered gun in hand.  Her eyes pleaded to him to let her go.
	"You remember our plan, right luv?" X's voice hissed through the piece in Willow's ear.  She hated how he called her 'luv', that's what Ben always called her.  She looked up at the man again and nodded her head.
	She shivered, she was cold, tired, and hungry.  It was a lethal mix.  Her teeth chattered together.  She blinked away a few tears, 'This was never ment to happen..' She told herself silently.
	"Remember, if you don't do it, he dies.  I'll shoot him down myself.."  The voice hissed into her ears again.
	Willow looked up again.  Her eyes cast downward and rested on a bible that sat dusty off to her side.  She sighed disgusted, "There is no god.  If there was I'd be safe by now.  If there was I wouldn't be here right now.."  She uttered the words, as the large doors at the back of the room swung open.

	"Yes!"  Max cried out suddenly.
	Everyone looked up at him.  Darren was the first to jump up, "What!?"
	"Ok guys.  Come on!"  He yelled to the police who were working on this case.  He turned his attention back to the band, "We got a trace on them.  X took the girl to St. Mary's, a run down catholic school.  You guys can come if you'd like.  But hurry up now, we're leaving." And with that Max grabbed his jacket and ran out of the station.

	Ben ran into the mass room and scanned it quickly.  His eyes rested on Willow's solemn figure that stood amongst the empty eeryness that the room gave off.  Ben choked on the air that was lodged in his throat.
	Willow's eyes locked with his.  They weren't the brilliant green Ben remembered them to be.  They seemed almost duller, almost sad.
	Willow's throat was dry.  Between the tears she was choking back and the fact she hadn't had any liquid in her that day, really didn't help.  Instead of telling him to get out she shook her head and pleaded to him through her eyes to leave.
	Ben stood and scanned the room.  'This is too easy,' he though silently to himself, 'Where is that bastard..'  Ben slowly advanced on Willow, scanning over her to see if she was harmed in any way.  It was when he caught sight of the gun she held loosely in her hand that the fact that he himself was unarmed hit him.
	"He's here now isn't he?  The fun is just beginning luv.."  X hissed through the piece in Willow's ear.
	Ben slowly walked toward her until he was barely ten feet away from her.  He still couldn't see 'X' as he looked around nervously.
	As X looked over the railing from above he saw Ben.  He smiled to himself, "A perfect shot.."  He said quietly, but not quietly enough that Willow couldn't hear him.
	She sobbed and quickly cast her eyes to X then back to Ben.  She shook her head, "Leave..go, now..please.."  She said in a hoarse whisper.
	Ben shook his head, "No Will, I can't just leave you..  You know that.."
	She continued to shake her head, "Please, you have to, just leave.."  More and more tears ran down her cheeks.
	"The gun dear..the gun.."  The voice said through the earpiece.
	Willow, shaking horribly, raised the gun slowly.
	Ben shook, "Willow, luv, put the gun down.  Come on.."
	She shook her head and raised the gun higher and pressed it against her temple.  She pleaded with him some more, "Ben, please go.  Now, please!"
	"Put the gun down Willow.."  Ben said again taking a step toward her.
	"I can't," she cried, "Ben, leave now.."  She was crying heavily now.
	"You know I won't leave Willow.  Not unless you're safe.  Put the gun down."  He said again pleading with all he could manage.
	She sobbed, "I can't..  Please Ben, if you love me.."
	Ben cut her off, "Don't use that.  Lord, please don't use that!  You know I love you.."
	She tried to control her tears, "Leave now!"  She cried out, "Just go!"
	Willow heard X talking to her again, "It's time Willow.  It's time."
	She gulped for more air as her hand shook more fiercely.  She looked into Ben's loving eyes, "I love you.." She mouthed to him not being able to speak.
	"No Willow, please don't talk like that.  Put the gun down."  Ben pleaded with her as his voice cracked.  He knew he was going to cry soon.
	She continued to cry, "I've always loved you Ben..  Since that first day I talked to you," She laughed a little through her never-ending tears, "You were so cute," She sniffled, "And so shy.  I knew you liked me from the way you first looked at me.  I knew you were utterly perfect for me.."  She tried to blink away the tears.
	Ben's bottom lip quivered, "Willow, please.  You can't do this.  Not to yourself - not to me.."
	"I love you Ben.."
	"I love you too Willow, but please.."  Ben took a few more steps toward her.  He held out his hand, "Willow, please.."
	X spoke again, "Now Willow!  If you don't do it now, I'll kill him.  I'll shoot him down, you know I will."
	Willow took another deep breath of air as she closed her eyes.  She looked back at Ben.  She shook her head looking at him through glassy eyes, "I'm sorry, but I love you." She told him one last time, before she put the extra weight on the gun's trigger.
	Ben cried out and rushed forward.
	As the sound of the bullet making contact with her temple was heard, everything from that second on was in slow motion for Ben.
	The gun fell silently from Willow's lifeless hand slowly falling toward the ground, it's silver outer now tinted red.  As Willow's body slowly started to slump towards the ground, X's body fell over the railing as a silent bullet penetrated his chest.  It made a sickly thud as it hit the ground.  Willow fell softly into Ben's outstretched arms as he fell to the ground on his knees.  The gun clattered loudly onto the tiled floor.
	Ben was in so much shock he didn't hear the 30 some odd officers rush into the mass hall.  Ben cradled Willow's limp body in his arms and prayed to god, anything, to save her.
	For a mere second Ben thought his prayers were answered.  Willow's eyes briefly flickered opened, "I love you," she managed to whisper through lips that were now desert dry.
	"I love you too."  He said as he kissed her again and rocked her in his arms.  "Everything is going to be ok.  We'll get you to a hospital luv.  Everything will be alright Willow.."
	A hand clamped onto Ben's shoulder, "Ben.."  Daniel said through his own tears, "It's too late.."
	"No!" Ben sobbed through tears.  "It can't be too late dammit!  She's going to be fine..  Dan, she has to be.."
	"I'm sorry.."  Daniel said again, wiping a few of his own tears away, "She's gone, Ben.  She's dead.  The wound is too much, she died pretty much instantly.."
	Ben slumped over her body and cried for her.  Daniel stepped back to the rest of the band who stood there silently.  Either they were quietly crying themselves or they were blinking away tears.
	The paramedics softly pried Ben away from Willow's body.  After placing her on a stretcher they placed a white sheet over her.  As Ben watched though tear racked eyes, he saw the top half of the sheet almost instantly turn crimson red.
	He wiped away a tear that sat on his cheek.  As he pulled his hand away from his face, he noticed the tear wasn't a tear, but a drop of blood, a drop of her blood.  He silently continued to cry to himself as he rocked himself back and forth, whimpering to himself while kneeling on the floor.
	Ben felt a light arm wrap around him and hug him lightly, "I'm sorry Ben.."


	Willow was buried in Australia.  Her parents had let Ben convince them into doing so.
	It was a quaint little cemetery not far from Ben's house.  He visited her grave often, bringing flowers to brighten the area up in any way possible.  He'd sit there for hours on end with his guitar quietly strumming out a tune.


	Ben sat silently on his back porch and read an article that had been published about Willow in the Toronto Sun.  He scanned it briefly, the man he had known only as X, had been an ex-boyfriend of Willow's named Brian.  Apparently after Willow had broken up with Brian he had went almost insane.  And for the last 2 some odd years had been stalking her every move.  Ben's eyes glassed over as he read the part that stated if Willow had of waited a mere few seconds, the police would have been there and she would of had no reason to pull the trigger.
	Ben tossed the newspaper off to his side, not able to read any more.  He stood abruptly and looked towards the sky.  "It is getting dark.." He said aloud in a soft, sad voice.  As he walked into his house the song that softly came from the radio was heard.  Bono's soothing voice spilled into the silent air as he sang 'With or Without You'.


[And that my friends is all there is...  Ben gets over Will meets up with his current girlfriend Stacey and they live happily ever after (or, are they still going out?) *grin* Once again, I apologize for not finishing the story...  I got bored with it, I never had time, and when I tried to write I always went blank..  Sorry, I know how much of a pain in the ass it is when a person leaves you hanging high and dry with a fanfic, sure you can 'imagine' how it ends, but it just isn't the same...]