fanficandreacont

"More than a friend, like what, a best friend?" He was obviously confused.

She seemed shy all of the sudden. "Well, you could say that. But I guess a better word for it is, girlfriend..."

"Girlfriend, right. There is nothing wrong with having a girlfriend. Most girls have those these days..." And it just hits him. He turns to look at Willow, a bit of surprise showing. "Girlfriend? Like, Girlfriend girlfriend?"

"Yes." She looked to her hands, still upset. "Now you see why I am upset."

He did see, now he understood and he felt even worse. He turned to face her and saw her tears. Her pain touched him. She was hurting so much because of words that were said to her, and he understood that. He brought a hand to her chin, turning it to face him, his eyes meeting hers. He brought a hand to her cheek, wiping away the tears that fell.

He finally understood why these tear fell. He could see so much love in her eyes. And he seemed to look at her for the longest time before speaking. "You are such a compassionate person. I see that in your eyes. She knows that. If I see it, she has too." She blushed as he spoke, and he continued to stare into her arms. He reached down to take her hands. Her emotions overtook him and he felt himself being drawn to her. It was an odd feeling. He felt the need to take her into his arms and hold her and comfort her. And before he knew it, he was wrapping his arms around her. She even let him.

"Don't worry, things will work out." He stroked her hair. Surprised by his own actions, but not able to draw himself away. She even stopped crying, just sobbed a time or two. She was relaxing against him. It felt good...it felt right. He leaned back and pushed her away just a touch to look into her eyes again. She opened her mouth to speak, but she just looked at him. He reached to touch her cheek and leaned forward. She hesitated for a second and so did he. But he leaned forward once more. He could not help himself. And he let his lips touch hers. It was a lingering simple kiss, and she even returned the action. He stroked her cheek and leaned back. As her eyes open, she brought a hand to her lips. She really could not believe what had just happened, and neither could he, but nothing was said. He smiled slightly and backed away. He turned to look down the street.

Before he stood, he looked to Willow. "Go to her. Don't let things go unsaid." She nodded in understanding, and he was also speaking to himself. She smiled...sort of...and got up to leave. Leaving to find Tara. And he sat there on the curb, watching her leave.

He had gone out to forget Buffy and he had for a bit, but now, she was back in his mind.

"Oh bloody hell."

the end