The bard looked up from her scroll with a wistful sigh. "Do you miss them, Xena?"

The warrior nodded and met Gabrielle’s gaze with thoughtful blue eyes. "Surprising just how much."

The bard set aside the quill and parchment and moved closer to Xena’s side. "It was an amazing journey, wasn't it?"

A quiet smile crossed the warrior’s face. "Yes. It was." She sheathed her sword as the bard approached and focused her attention on the strawberry-blonde. "How is your scroll coming along?"

Gabrielle shook her head uncertainly. "There's so much that I want to say. I don't really know where to begin."

"Do you know what makes you a great bard?" Xena asked, taking Gabrielle's hand in hers. The bard shrugged in reply. "Your stories always come from your heart, Gabrielle. Remember that and the words will come to you."

"I'm afraid my heart doesn't understand how limited our supply of parchment is." Gabrielle said with a wry smile.

"Don't worry about that." Xena said decisively. "Every village in Greece has parchment for sale. And if you fill all of that, there are other lands that we can travel to."

Gabrielle searched the warrior's blue eyes for any hint of amusement but found only sincerity. "I know that you think I talk too much…but really Xena, do you seriously think I could fill all of the parchment in Greece?" She teased, slipping into the familiar banter that they had hidden their feelings beneath in the past.

"I do." The warrior said thoughtfully, meeting the bard’s gaze. "You have the biggest heart I’ve ever known, Gabrielle."

The bard gave a soft smile and put her arms around Xena's waist as she snuggled into the warrior’s side. Xena sighed contentedly and buried her face in soft strawberry-blonde hair, rubbing soothing circles on the bard's back. Gabrielle shifted to look into tender blue eyes. "I love you, Xena."

The warrior echoed the words in a breathless voice as her lover’s hands sought the clasps of her breastplate. With skill that comes from years of practice, the bard easily stripped away the hard outer shell to reach the softness of the woman beneath.

***********************

The slayer and hacker left the cemetery and walked toward the Rosenberg home, arm in arm. Both girls were quiet, lost in thought until Buffy finally broke the silence. "There's something I've been meaning to ask you…." She cast a sideways glance at the redhead.

"Okay…shoot." Willow said slowly, wondering at the serious tone in the slayer’s voice.

Buffy drew in a deep breath and looked up at the redhead with a flirtatious smile. "I was kinda wondering if you would wanna go to Prom with me?"

"Really?" Willow asked, bringing them to an abrupt halt on the sidewalk, looking at her girlfriend with wide green eyes.

"Yes, really." Buffy chuckled. "Why are you so surprised?"

"Like a…a real date?" Willow asked skittishly.

"Yes, a real date." The blonde confirmed, suddenly doubting the wisdom of her offer. "But if you don't want to…it's okay."

"But I do want. I really want." The hacker rushed to explain. "I'm just surprised that you would want to."

"What?" Buffy asked, raising an eyebrow at her girlfriend. "Why?"

The hacker started walking again, staring down at the sidewalk as she searched for the words. "After everything that happened while we were away, suddenly being back home…I guess I-I didn't know what to expect." Willow said sheepishly, daring to steal just a tiny glance at the blonde.

Now it was Buffy’s turn to pause. She slowed to a stop and stared off into the night as if searching for the answer to some unknown question before turning her gaze back to the redhead who paced nervously in front of her. "Do you regret what happened in Greece?" Buffy finally asked quietly.

The hacker stopped in her tracks and turned to face her girlfriend. "Me?" Willow asked wide-eyed. "Noooo. No way, Buffy."

"You think I regret it?" The slayer asked, searching the hacker’s face. Willow shrugged her reply and focused her attention on a nearby patch of grass. "That’s it?" Buffy asked, finally really seeing the insecure redhead in front of her. "Uh uh." The slayer shook her head decidedly and reached out to capture the hacker’s hand with one of her own. "Come here." Buffy coaxed the redhead closer and lifted her chin to look into uncertain green eyes. "Hey…nothing has changed. I love you, Willow."

"I love you too, Buffy." The hacker replied softly, basking in the love in the hazel eyes in front of her. The slayer held her close and kissed away any lingering fears.

When they parted, Buffy smiled at the dreamy expression on the redhead’s face. "Now…I'm going to ask you a question and I expect a better answer this time."

Willow put a finger to Buffy's lips. "Wait. Me first." The redhead paused to take a deep breath, then launched into full babble-mode. "Being the most beautiful girl in school and all, I'm sure you've had a dozen offers and this is kinda late notice, but I was wondering if you would consider going to the Prom with me?" Buffy chuckled. "Wait. I'm not done." Willow said with a playful grin. "You don’t have to answer right away. Just, while you're considering my offer…keep in mind that I love you."

Buffy laughed through the rest of the redhead's speech. "You finished?" She asked with a wide smile.

"Uh huh."

"Yes."

"Yes?"

Buffy nodded. "You. Me. The Prom." Willow’s face lit up with a goofy grin. "Just one condition…" The blonde quickly added.

"Condition?" The hacker’s expression changed to one of concern. "What condition?"

"You have to wear the tux." Buffy pointed decisively at her girlfriend. "Because I already bought my dress and I look totally fabulous in it."

The redhead swallowed hard. "Tux?" The hacker squeaked.

Buffy laughed. "Kidding…I was just kidding, Will."

As the color returned to the hacker’s face, so did a sly smile. "You know…if one of us had to wear a tux, it would definitely be you, Buff."

"What? Why?"

"Because…" The redhead beamed. "You’re way more butch than I am."

The blonde chuckled. "You think so, do you?"

"Uh huh." Willow nodded. "What with the leather and the slaying a-and…" The rest of her words were forgotten when Buffy captured her lips in a long kiss. The hacker melted into her girlfriend’s embrace and both girls lost all sense of place and time.

The feeling of Willow pulling away brought Buffy back to her senses. As the slayer opened her eyes, she saw the reason for the abrupt end to the kissage – an ugly vamp in serious need of some dental care was holding the hacker hostage.

The slayer pulled her stake and lunged toward them but missed her mark when a powerful kick sent her crashing to the ground with a groan and her stake skidding across the sidewalk. Only then did Buffy realize that there were two vampires. Willow screamed and struggled against her attacker. The slayer tried to get to her feet only to be brought down again by another kick from the vamp.

Seeing the vampire pin Buffy to the ground, the hacker decided that it was up to her to do something. She remembered some advice Xena had given to Gabrielle – when you’re in a bind, do what you do best – and so in true Willow style, she began to babble. "Hey you." The vampire paused in his descent toward Buffy’s throat and looked up. "Yeah, you…you don’t want to do that." The redhead shook her head ominously.

"Why? She looks like a tasty morsel to me."

"She…she has…blood poisoning." Willow said authoritatively.

The vamp looked momentarily confused as Buffy struggled beneath him. "Blood poisoning can’t hurt me." He grinned.

"Yeah well, what about that…stake?" The hacker asked just as the slayer plunged it into his unsuspecting heart.

Buffy was on her feet even before the vamp dematerialized. The vampire holding Willow offered an angry growl at the turn of events. "You’re gonna pay for that, Slayer."

Buffy tossed her stake aside and simply shrugged. "Well, come on then. Make me pay." Shoving Willow aside, he moved toward Buffy. As soon as the redhead was out of his grasp, the slayer landed a powerful roundhouse kick that sent the vamp sprawling into the street.

"Buffy!"

In one fluid motion, the slayer caught the stake that Willow tossed and turned to put the weapon in the vamp’s path as he barreled toward her. "Thanks, Sweetie." She said as the last bad guy came to a dusty end on the wooden point.

Relieved, Willow rushed into Buffy’s arms and nearly knocked the slayer off her feet. The blonde groaned in pain and nearly collapsed on the sidewalk. "Oh, Buffy…" Willow pulled away. "You’re hurt."

The slayer took a shallow breath and held her aching side. "I’m okay." She offered weakly.

"No. Buffy, you’re bleeding." Panic washed over the hacker’s features.

"It’s no big. Really…let’s just go before we get any more company." Willow nodded her agreement and remained quiet as they walked the few blocks back to her house.

****************************

The slayer perched on the counter beside the bathroom sink as Willow opened the first aid kit. The color drained from the hacker’s face as she surveyed Buffy’s left side, still obscured by her blood-soaked T-shirt.

"Hey, are you okay?" Buffy asked softly, seeing the stormy expression on her girlfriend’s face.

"Me? You’re the one who’s hurt. You could have been killed and it’s all my fault…"

"It’s not your fault, Will. And it’s just a scratch." Buffy assured her, coaxing Willow closer. "I should have been paying attention…" The hacker started to protest, but Buffy put a finger to her lips. "We both got a little carried away, but we will be more careful from now on. And don’t forget that you’re the hero of the day."

"No."

"Yes. And for your reward…you get to undress me and have your way with me." Buffy offered her a playful smile. Willow simply blushed in response and focused again on the wound.

"Can you…take your shirt off?" The hacker asked a bit sheepishly.

Buffy tried to lift the shirt over her head, but stopped when the pain shot through her side. "I really think I’m gonna need your help with this." She said, grinning in spite of the pain. Willow moved closer, standing between Buffy’s knees, and gently tugged at the T-shirt. After dropping the shirt on the counter, she turned back to Buffy and her eyes came to rest on the pale blue satin bra. Willow’s breath caught in her throat and she nervously averted her gaze and tried to focus on the slayer’s wounded side. Buffy’s smile widened as the blush rose on her girlfriend’s cheeks.

When the hacker touched the gash with an antiseptic wipe, the slayer groaned a bit. "Sorry." Willow apologized. "I’ll try to be more gentle." She carefully cleaned the blood from Buffy’s side and found the source – a three-inch gash across the slayer’s ribcage. "Maybe you should see a doctor, Buff."

"Nah." Buffy looked down at her side as Willow finished cleaning the wound and reached for a gauze bandage. "It looks like the bleeding has already stopped. Besides, what do I need a doctor for when I already have such a talented and adorable nurse?" Willow shook her head in protest, but continued bandaging the cut and Buffy continued. "With my slayer healing and your TLC, I’ll be better in no time."

"All done." Willow announced as she applied the last piece of tape along the edge of the gauze and stepped back to look at her work.

"Thanks." Buffy said, climbing down from the counter. The hacker turned her attention away from her half-naked girlfriend and proceeded to wash her hands. Buffy waited for Willow to finish, but when the redhead finished washing, she didn’t turn around and instead busied herself with putting away the first aid kit. The blonde stepped forward, putting her arms around the hacker’s waist and whispered in her ear, "Don’t you think it’s time to take me to bed?"

Willow jumped at the contact, let out a small squeak and dropped the first aid kit on the counter, its contents spilling across the surface. "You…you really do need your sleep so that…you can heal." The hacker said weakly as she scrambled to retrieve the scattered bandages and ointments.

Buffy pushed the first aid kit aside and covered Willow’s hand with her own and coaxed the redhead to turn around. "What I need is a kiss from you so that I can heal."

Willow shook her head. "My kiss isn’t magic, Buffy."

"Well, I think it is. So, let’s just see." The slayer leaned in and captured the redhead’s lips. At first reluctant, Willow soon followed her girlfriend’s lead and pressed closer as Buffy deepened the kiss.

"I feel better already." Buffy declared breathlessly when they finally parted, both in need of oxygen. Willow chuckled at her girlfriend and pulled her out of the bathroom and into the bedroom.

"Good…then you should be able to put on your pajamas, right?" The hacker asked, pulling them out of Buffy’s bag and placing them on the bed.

"I don’t know." The blonde replied. "I might need your help."

"I’m sure you can handle it, Buffy." Willow said with a nervous laugh. "I’ll just take my things and change in the bathroom."

"Party pooper." Buffy called after her.

When Willow returned from the bathroom, Buffy was still topless and struggling with her pajama bottoms. Seeing her girlfriend’s state of undress, the hacker stopped in her tracks in the doorway and started to turn around.

"Will, I think I’m gonna need your help with the top…"

"Oh. O-okay. Sure, Buffy." The hacker approached and picked up the shirt and shyly helped her girlfriend finish dressing in her pajamas. When Willow’s hands brushed against her stomach, Buffy’s breath caught in her throat. The hacker pulled away. "Sorry. I-I didn’t mean to hurt you."

The slayer reached out to stop the retreating redhead and tried to meet her gaze. "Will. You didn’t hurt me."

"But…"

"Not pain." Buffy clarified, pulling Willow close and bringing one of the hacker’s hands to rest over her heart.

Feeling the erratic beat of Buffy’s heart mimicking her own fluttering pulse, Willow smiled a small, relieved smile. "Oh." The slayer closed the distance between them and tenderly kissed her girlfriend. Willow wrapped her arms around Buffy and returned the kiss. "You really should…get some sleep." The hacker managed to say when the kiss ended.

"Right." Buffy agreed, resting her forehead against Willow’s. "Sleep is good."

"Do you need something for the pain?" The hacker asked as Buffy climbed into bed.

"Nah. Feels much better as long as your arms are around me."

"Well, I’ll be right here." Willow promised, climbing into her side of the bed. "If you need anything, just wake me up. Okay?"

Buffy nodded and moved into the redhead’s waiting arms. Willow wrapped her slayer in a gentle, protective embrace and Buffy smiled a contented smile. "I love you, Will."

"I love you too, Buffy."

****************************

The warrior woke before dawn, instinctively reaching out for the bard but the bedroll beside her was empty. With a quick glance around, she found the strawberry blonde sitting nearby with her scroll before her. "You’re up mighty early." Xena noted, smiling at the bard who usually had to be dragged from her bedroll an hour or more after the warrior got up.

Gabrielle looked up from her scroll to smile at the warrior. "Inspiration…it strikes at the oddest times, Xena."

"Are you making any progress?"

"Actually, I think I’m finished." The bard said, affectionately running a hand over the parchment.

"Finished?" The warrior quirked an eyebrow. "How long have you been writing?"

"Most of the night." The bard yawned.

"Why don’t you come back to bed?" Xena offered, patting the bedroll beside her.

"Oh, I’m okay. I know you how you like to get an early start and I’m up so…we can go whenever you’re ready."

"Actually, I was thinking. We don’t really have to be anywhere today. Why don’t we just stay here and relax for a day or two? It’s a nice spot, right by the lake. All the fish we can eat. And we have enough supplies for another day or two. Besides, there’s no rush."

The bard stared at her. "Are you feeling okay, Xena?"

"I feel fine." The warrior replied. "I just think we should take the time to enjoy life more often. Now…stop looking at me like I have two heads and come back to bed, will ya?"

****************************

Buffy woke early and crawled out of bed, leaving Willow to sleep. After getting dressed and leaving a quick note on the nightstand, the slayer headed out of the house and down the street. When she returned a half-hour later, the hacker was still asleep.

A blissful smile lit the blonde's face as she climbed into bed next to the sleeping redhead and kissed her. "Good morning, cutie."

Willow opened smiling green eyes. "Mmmm...good morning." She said, leaning in for another kiss, but never quite making it. "Hey, why is it that you're dressed and I'm still in my pajamas?"

"Cause I went out and got you a surprise." Buffy said excitedly, retrieving a sack from the nightstand.

"But you’re hurt, Buff. You should be recuperating."

"Nope. I’m as good as new." The slayer declared. Seeing the skeptical look in the green eyes before her, she lifted the edge of her shirt to offer the proof. "I told you that your kiss was magic." Willow smiled and touched the fading scar where the fresh wound had been just a few hours before. "Now…back to your surprise." Buffy said, handing the sack to Willow.

"A surprise? For me? That's sooo sweet." The redhead mused, eagerly opening the sack. "Donuts. With the chocolate and the sprinkles."

"And that's not all." Buffy said, reaching for another bag and dumping it on the bed between them. "Junk food."

Willow surveyed the pile with childlike wonder. "Chocolatey goodness? M&Ms and Reese's and all of my favorites. Oh, how I've missed you." The redhead cooed.

"One more thing." Buffy said, reaching behind her.

"More? What else could there be?" Willow asked in amazement before the blonde presented the final surprise. "Mochas!" The redhead exclaimed when she saw the familiar cup.

"I thought you might like that." Buffy said with a knowing smile.

"Have I mentioned lately that I kinda love you?" Willow asked, aiming an adoring smile at her girlfriend.

Buffy chuckled. "Maybe, but I never get tired of hearing it."

The redhead sat the drink on her nightstand and aimed a come-hither look at her girlfriend. "I know what this is all about."

"What?" Buffy asked innocently.

"You stocked up on supplies so that you can keep me in bed all day, didn't you?" Buffy laughed as Willow pulled her close.

"You really think I'd do a thing like that?"

"Yes. As a matter of fact, I do." The hacker replied before stealing a kiss. "Mmmm…cherry lip gloss."

"For your kissing pleasure." Buffy said, closing her eyes and offering her lips up for the taking. Willow tackled the slayer enthusiastically and took her mouth captive. When the redhead finally released her, Buffy declared a bit breathlessly, "I think I have a Reese's emergency."

"You want a Reese's?" Willow asked, confusion furrowing her brow.

Buffy wore a lopsided grin. "No. I think I'm laying on one."

"Oh. Sorry. Let me help." Willow said, running her hand under the blonde's back in search of the offending candy bar. "Am I close?"

"I think lower."

"Closer?" Willow asked, sliding her hand under Buffy's butt.

"To what?" Buffy asked with a suggestive laugh. The redhead embarked on a thorough search of the area. "I don't think it's down there." The blonde informed her a moment later.

"Wait, I think I found something." Willow declared, giving Buffy's rear a firm squeeze. The blonde's jaw dropped in shock and the hacker laughed wickedly.

"Okay, this little treasure hunt is over." The slayer declared, flipping Willow onto her back and playfully pinning her to the bed.

"But…I think I just found the treasure…"

Looking down into laughing green eyes, Buffy couldn’t stop herself from chuckling at the adorable redhead. Willow took the opportunity to press herself closer and steal a kiss. When the phone rang minutes later, all playfulness had subsided and both slayer and hacker were lost in a passionate embrace. "Ignore it and they'll go away." Buffy advised.

"But...it could be Giles." Willow pointed out as Buffy trailed kisses along the side of her neck.

"All right." The slayer groaned and collapsed onto her back with a pouting sigh as the hacker reached for the phone on the nightstand.

"Uh, H-hello."

"Is everything all right, Willow?" Giles asked the breathless redhead.

"Oh, yeah, Giles, I just…had to run to the phone." Buffy laughed at the lie and Willow tried to cover the phone so the watcher wouldn't hear.

Giles opted not to question her any further. "I need to speak with Buffy. Is she there?"

"Uh huh. I'll get her for you." Willow said. She lowered the phone with her hand over the mouthpiece and gestured to Buffy.

"Hello."

"Buffy, I did a bit of research last night and I was hoping we could have a meeting."

"Now?"

"Well…yes. I know that you and Willow are still recuperating, but I assure you, it won't take long."

"That's nice…but we can't exactly come to the school to have a meeting when we're supposed to be out sick." Buffy pointed out.

"Quite right." The watcher agreed. "I will come by Willow's house if that's all right."

"Sure. What time?"

"10:00?"

"Right. See you then." Buffy confirmed.

Willow put the phone back on the hook. "Giles is coming over?"

"He'll be here in an hour." Buffy pouted. "I guess we should go downstairs and wait."

"We'll drink our mochas and eat donuts and watch TV until he gets here. And after he leaves, we won't answer the phone or the door for anyone." Willow promised.

"I'm gonna hold you to that." Buffy said, grumbling as she reluctantly crawled out of bed.

A knock at the door announced the watcher's arrival and Willow got up from the sofa to let him in.

"Good morning, Willow."

"Hi, Giles. Come in."

"I wanted to return this." He said, handing her the laptop as he entered. "It was necessary to read your email. That's how I learned about the spell and was able to bring you home."

"Believe me, I'm glad you did." Willow said. "Thanks for bringing it back to me."

"So…what did you want to talk to us about?" Buffy asked, anxious to get done with the business and back to the fun.

"Ah, yes. Well, after our chat yesterday, I was thinking about what you told me about this Bacchus and something about him seemed familiar. I did a bit of research and turned up something rather interesting."

"Yes?" Buffy prodded.

"There was mention of him in the Codex. Of course, when I had translated those passages two years ago, I assumed that they referred to an earlier slayer because of the time frame involved."

"What are you getting at, Giles?"

"This did not happen by chance." The watcher said, leveling his gaze at the slayer and hacker.

"But Kronos sent Xena and Gabrielle here and then the spell I cast…it sent us there. It was an accident." Willow said.

"It was predestined." Giles corrected, opening the Codex to the relevant page. "Perhaps Kronos played a role. Perhaps that's why he sent them to this time and place. We may never know precisely how, but I assure you it was no accident. Everything that is written in the Codex comes to pass."

"What exactly does it say?" Willow asked curiously, peering over the watcher’s shoulder.

"The passage in question, when translated, states that the slayer will encounter a great warrior. That would be Xena, I presume." Giles said, looking up from the book.

Buffy nodded. "Yeah. That's a pretty safe bet."

"Together they will fight the lesser demons." Giles recounted.

"The Bacchae."

"This part is a bit vague. Both warrior and slayer will face Bacchus, but neither will defeat him. Love will be his downfall." The watcher looked up at Buffy. "Perhaps you can shed some more light on exactly how you killed him."

"I stabbed him in the chest with a bone." Buffy said.

"Didn't Xena say that she tried to kill him first?" Willow asked.

"She did. She stabbed him with a bone right through the heart, but it didn't faze him. He said only a Bacchae could kill him. Then I did the same thing and poof. I figured it was a slayer thing." Buffy said with a shrug.

"Not according to the Codex." Giles pointed out, rereading the last line. "Love will be his downfall."

"I'm telling you Giles, I killed him." Buffy insisted. Willow leaned in to whisper in the slayer's ear and Buffy's eyes widened. "Right. Of course...that makes sense." She said meeting the hacker's gaze.

Giles watched the exchange that ended with the two girls making goo-goo eyes at each other. When neither one spoke up, the frustrated watcher took the initiative. "Would one of you care to enlighten me as to what in bloody hell is going on?"

"Are you sure you wanna know?" The slayer asked in a lilting voice.

"I wouldn't have asked you otherwise." Giles retorted, perturbed at being out of the loop.

Buffy looked at Willow and the redhead began, "Bacchus said that only a Bacchae could kill him."

"Which normally would never happen since they worship the guy." Buffy interjected.

"But I got bit and was turned into a Bacchae." The watcher's eyes widened at Willow's statement.

"And I was holding her hand when I stabbed him with the bone thingy." Buffy said matter-of-factly.

When the flow of information stopped, the watcher prompted, "And?"

"That's it." Buffy said.

"But the Codex indicates that…"

"Love will be his downfall." Buffy filled in, meeting his gaze.

After a moment’s pause, realization dawned in the watcher’s eyes and he looked away. He began to fidget with his glasses and it was clear that he finally understood. "Yes, well…" The watcher said, wanting nothing more than to escape.

"You wanted to know." Buffy shrugged at his obvious discomfort. "So, now you know."

"Well…I think that's enough information for now." He said uncomfortably. "There is one other thing that I should mention, however. The Codex referred to this as your first encounter with the warrior."

"First?" Buffy leveled the question at the watcher.

"Does that mean that we'll be seeing them again?" Willow asked excitedly.

"From the wording of the passage, I'd say it’s certain that your paths will cross again." Buffy gave Willow's hand a squeeze and their eyes met as they shared a smile. "Oh, and I discovered this in my research and thought you might find it interesting." Giles added, handing Buffy the other book that he'd been holding.

The slayer looked at it unimpressed before handing the book to Willow. "What is it?"

"It is a very rare copy of a collection of ancient writings. It's not the complete set, but it does include the English translation. The scrolls are about your friend Xena. They were written by someone called the bard of Poteidaia."

"Gabrielle!" Willow and Buffy answered in unison.

"I thought perhaps you'd like to take a look."

"Thank you so much, Giles." Willow gushed, running her hand over the gold lettering on the cover of the leather-bound volume. "This is amazing."

"Yes, well, I suppose I should be getting back to the library." The watcher said, moving toward the door.

"I’ll walk you out." Buffy offered, rising to follow him. When they reached the door, the slayer asked, "How did everything go with Faith?"

"The council picked her up last night." Giles replied. "I called to check in this morning and they confirmed that they had arrived in England without any problems."

"What happens now?"

"I suspect that they will work to rehabilitate and retrain her and if all goes well within a year or two, she will be returned to duty."

"Well, that's good, right?" Buffy asked, looking at the watcher for confirmation.

"Right." Giles agreed. After an awkward pause, he added, "So, I'll be seeing the two of you tomorrow?"

"Bright and early." Buffy said. "And Giles…thanks. For bringing us home and for finding the scrolls and for everything."

"Just glad to have you back." The watcher replied, a bit uncomfortable.

"It’s good to be back. It’s true what they say…there’s no place like home, even if it is on a Hellmouth." The slayer said with a half-laugh.

When the watcher had gone, Willow looked up from the book with an awestruck expression. "Can you believe that we have some of Gabrielle's scrolls?"

"What about all of that stuff about the Codex?" Buffy pointed out.

"Oh, I know. It's amazing to think that all of this was meant to happen. You were destined to meet Xena and go to Ancient Greece."

"Not just me, Will. We were destined to meet Xena and go to Ancient Greece." Buffy said, pulling Willow toward the sofa. "Without you, I never could have beaten Bacchus. Just because you love me."

"Or because you love me." Willow countered, lying down on the sofa beside her girlfriend.

"I think maybe it was a little of both." Buffy chuckled.

"Thanks for not slaying me, you know, while I was a Bacchae." The redhead said.

"You have no idea how scared I was." Buffy traced the line of Willow's face and smiled at her tenderly. "Before that, I think the worst thing I ever faced was going up against the Master." She took a deep breath before continuing. "When I looked at you and saw a demon instead of my Willow…I can't even describe what I felt when I thought I'd lost you. My brain went on permanent vacation. I don't know how I managed to function at all. Just instinct I guess."

"When you killed Bacchus, it was like I woke up. And the last thing I knew before that was being in the cemetery before Gabrielle bit me. I don't really remember anything in between."

"That's probably a good thing."

The redhead's face took on a sullen expression. "Maybe, but…I could have hurt you, Buffy."

Buffy shook her head. "When I found you in Bacchus' lair, you could have attacked me if you wanted to. And you would have won too because I couldn't have killed you. But part of my Willow was still in there somewhere, behind the freaky yellow eyes and the fangs, and you just stood there looking at me. Then, you let me take your hand, we walked over to Bacchus and we killed him." Buffy lifted Willow's chin to meet her gaze. "I think it was the happiest moment of my life when I looked at you and saw these pretty green eyes again."

The hacker didn't know what to say. A tear of relief or happiness rolled down her cheek unnoticed as she searched Buffy's eyes, admiring each fleck of gold in the hazel depths. "You have the most amazing eyes, Buffy." Willow vocalized the thought without even realizing it.

The blonde smiled shyly. "I'm…glad you like them."

"They get darker when you're sad…and sparkle when you're happy. And when you laugh, they dance. I always know how you're feeling just by looking into your eyes."

"What do you see right now?" Buffy asked softly.

The mixture of intensity and tenderness in the slayer's eyes made it hard for Willow to form words, but the answer was simple. "How much you love me."

Buffy answered with a vulnerable smile and they moved into each other's arms, holding on tight while they waited for the world to stop spinning. Sinking into the warmth and softness, Willow sighed into Buffy's hair and pulled the slayer closer. One small kiss sent two hearts racing and the redhead pulled away and rose from the sofa. A question flashed in Buffy's eyes, but quickly faded when Willow held out her hand.

Neither spoke as the hacker led the way up the stairs and into her bedroom. Crippled by resurgent shyness, they stood hand in hand in the middle of the room, both wondering at their first-time fears when this would actually be their second time together.

Buffy finally broke the silence. "We…we don't have to…."

The slayer's sudden bout of shyness brought a small smile to Willow's lips. Shy Buffy was a rarity and the hacker found her utterly disarming. Unable to resist, Willow leaned in to kiss the slayer's lips. The kiss ended all too soon for Buffy's liking and she wrapped her arms around the redhead's waist and pulled her close. "I love you, you know."

Willow smiled and snuggled closer, whispering against Buffy's neck. "I know. I love you, too, Buffy." A shiver ran down the slayer's spine and she buried her face in the hacker's hair with a soft sigh.

"Mmmm…do you have any idea how great you smell?" Buffy asked.

The redhead giggled softly and nuzzled the slayer's throat, brushing her lips across the sensitive skin. "So soft."

The blonde tensed at the contact and chuckled lightly. "Willow Rosenberg…I believe you're trying to seduce me."

"Uh huh." Willow eagerly admitted. Buffy laughed appreciatively. "How am I doing?" The redhead asked, placing a lingering kiss on silky skin.

The slayer shuddered. "Definitely an A+, Will."

Willow blushed. "Now who's trying to seduce who?"

"What do you mean?" Buffy asked innocently, turning her attention to the kissable flesh behind the redhead's ear.

"Ahhh…I…um, mean…you know how I…like good grades." Willow finally managed to get out.

Buffy moved to smile at the hacker and captured her lips in a slow, sweet kiss. When they had made love by the lake, it was with a blinding need to be close and the urgency of the moment allowed little time for the simple pleasures. This time they moved at a lingering pace, immersed in intimate discovery with every touch. Their kisses were slow and tender with lengthy pauses between that each spent undressing the other.

When their clothing was cast aside, they took turns with eyes, hands and mouths, slowly discovering all that they had missed in their haste days before. A blush rose on the slayer's cheeks as Willow trailed her hands over every inch of exposed skin. With a small smile on her lips, the redhead followed her hands with intent green eyes, memorizing each place that she touched. When Willow moved closer, committed to making a third trip across the slayer's flesh, this time with her lips as guide, Buffy's knees threatened to give out. She wondered how, without the benefit of slayer strength, the redhead was still standing

"Will…" Her voice was pleading. "Can we maybe…." Buffy cast a desperate glance at the bed and the redhead got the message. She pulled the slayer to the bed and continued her exploration, only grudgingly giving up her turn when they were both breathless and Buffy could take no more.

Buffy focused her attention on Willow. The redhead bit her lower lip as her girlfriend's gaze traveled over her chest. She was wholly unprepared when gentle fingers and soft lips soon followed, leaving her shaking with desire. The hacker’s mind, typically teeming with life, was like a barren wasteland at the moment. One thought echoed in her otherwise empty head: Can pleasure cause permanent brain damage?

***********************

The afternoon passed unnoticed by the slayer and hacker. It was nearing 4:00 p.m. when they first looked at the clock on the nightstand. Both of them were in desperate need of food and drink so Willow made her way down the stairs for supplies. She returned a minute later with bottled water, peanut butter, bread and the book of scrolls. Buffy took the offered book, but never opened it. She was mesmerized by the view as a certain naked redhead concentrated on assembling the peanut butter sandwiches.

After a little food and a lot of water, they discarded the rest and cuddled up together again. "You don't ever have to go home, do you?" Willow asked, snuggling into the slayer's side with a contented smile. "Cause I would miss you too much." Buffy smiled in return, until a thought invaded her mind...college. Suddenly sad, the smile quickly turned into a frown. Tension rippled through the slayer's body and the redhead looked up at her questioningly. "What's wrong? Did I...did I say something wrong?"

"No. Of course not." Buffy rushed to reassure her. "I was just thinking about college. I mean, assuming we live through graduation, you'll be leaving for college and...I'll miss you - a lot. It just kind of hit me. You know...I'm never getting out of here. I kept thinking if I stopped the Mayor or… But I was kidding myself. I mean, there is always going to be something. I'm a Sunnydale girl, no other choice."

Willow shifted onto her back and retrieved an envelope from the nightstand drawer before turning back to face a pouting Buffy. "Must be tough. I mean, here I am, I can do anything I want. I can go to any college in the country, four or five in Europe if I want."

"Please tell me you're going somewhere with this." The slayer said defeatedly.

"No." Willow said with a playful grin as she handed the envelope to Buffy. "I'm not going anywhere."

Hazel eyes lit up as the slayer made out the familiar university seal. "UC Sunnydale?"

"I will be matriculating with the Class of 2003." Willow said with a decisive nod.

"Are you serious?"

"Say...isn't that where you're going?" The redhead asked with a playful smile.

"I can't believe it! Are you serious? Ah, wait, what am I saying? You can't."

"What do you mean, I can't?"

"I won't let you." Buffy said.

"Of the two people here, which is the boss of me?"

"There are better schools."

"Sunnydale's not bad. A-and I can design my own curriculum."

"Okay, well, there are safer schools. There are safer prisons. I can't let you stay because of me." Buffy insisted.

"Actually, this isn't about you. Although I'm fond, don't get me wrong, of you. The other night, you know, being captured and all, facing off with Faith. Things just, kind of, got clear. I mean, you've been fighting evil here for three years, and I've helped some, and now we're supposed to decide what we want to do with our lives. And I just realized that that's what I want to do - fight evil, help people. I mean, I-I think it's worth doing. And I don't think you do it because you have to. It's a good fight, Buffy, and I want in."

"I kind of love you." Hazel eyes sparkled.

"Then, shouldn’t you be kissing me right about now?" The redhead teased.

Buffy tackled her then and rained kisses all over Willow’s face, until another thought occurred to her and she paused. "Roomies?" She asked in a hopeful voice.

"I might be able to arrange it." The hacker noted. "A few minutes with the university’s mainframe… That is, if you think you can stand to live with me."

"Heaven is a hard thing to cope with, but I think I can manage." The slayer declared, pulling Willow close and planting an enthusiastic kiss on the hacker's smiling lips.

Another hour passed before Buffy and Willow again relaxed in each other's arms. "I could stay like this forever," The redhead said breathlessly, "but...I really could use a shower."

"Now?" Buffy pouted. The hacker nodded, grinning at her pouting girlfriend. "Oh...alright, but I'll miss you." The blonde conceded. She plucked the book of scrolls from the nightstand, resigned to waiting.

"Join me?" Willow asked, a sly smile playing at the corners of her mouth.

"Really? Can I?" Buffy asked wide-eyed.

"Uh huh." The redhead giggled as the blush crept up her cheeks.

"You mean it?"

"Come on...before I change my mind." Willow prodded, suddenly feeling her courage slipping.

"Wouldn't want that." Buffy said, abandoning the book and bounding out of the bed, pulling Willow up along with her and kissing the redhead feverishly.

The hacker broke the kiss, breathing heavily. "Okay...shower now? While I can still stand up?" She pleaded.

"Yes, ma’am." Buffy smiled, happily pulling Willow toward the bathroom.

The book of scrolls discarded on the bed in the slayer’s haste had fallen open, revealing the final page of a story that the bard had named The Good, The Bad & The Fangy…

~ The End ~

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