__Missing You__
By Adrian
Willow sighed as she watched the dancers. The whole
thing with Oz had been a bust. So had everything with
Tara. That's why she had gone back to the Bronze.
She just wanted to escape from her life. The band
finished their set and left the stage. A song with a
pulsing beat came on. Willow got up and went onto the
dance floor, hoping to loose herself for a little
while.
I step off the train
I'm walking down your street again and past your door
But you don't live there any more
It's years since you've been there
But now you've disappeared somewhere like outer space
You've found some better place
And I miss you - like the deserts miss the rain
And I miss you - like the deserts miss the rain
A pair of hands went on her thighs and she felt a body
against her back. She squished the desire to pull
away and instead leaned into the body and put her
hands on top of the mysterious dancer's. As the song
continued, she leaned deeper into the embrace.
Could you be dead?
You always were two steps ahead of everyone
We'd walk behind while you would run
I look up at your house
And I can almost hear you shout down to me
Where I always used to be
And I miss you - like the deserts miss the rain
And I miss you - like the deserts miss the rain
Wesley was surprised at her reaction. He had expected
her to pull away immediately. He wondered what would
make her react this way. But he pushed the thoughts
away and let himself be lost in the moment. He hadn't
realized until he had gone back to England how much he
had really loved Willow and not Cordelia. He knew it
was the same scenario as most of the movies that were
out there, but it was true. He had missed her smile,
the way she sometimes forgot what she was saying and
started rambling, the way she paid attention to you,
how she had accepted him when most of the group had
not. He hoped she didn't mind what he was doing. He
pulled her tighter against him.
Back on the train
I ask why did I come again?
Can I confess I've been hanging around your old
address?
The years have proved to offer nothing since you moved
You're long gone
But I can't move on
And I miss you - like the deserts miss the rain
And I miss you - like the deserts miss the rain
And I miss you
Willow was enjoying the dance. She felt safe and
loved, but she didn't know why. She turned to see her
dancing partner. His face was mostly hidden by
shadow, but there was something familiar about it that
she couldn't quite identify. He was probably a good
head taller than her, if not more. But it didn't
bother her like it might have normally. He sort of
reminded her of Wesley for some odd reason, but was
totally different at the same time. Tie main
differences being he didn't have glasses and what he
was wearing. She had actually liked Wesley and was
sad when he had left. She wondered how he was doing.
She shook the thought away and let herself be in the
moment. His silk shirt and leather pants were soft to
her touch as she ran her hands over his chest and
thighs.
I step off the train
I'm walking down your street again and past your door
But you don't live there any more
It's years since you've been there
But now you've disappeared somewhere like outer space
You've found some better place
Wesley was surprised that she didn't seem to recognize
him. He decided that it might be better that way.
Then he wouldn't have to worry about making a fool of
himself. He could finish this dance and then leave.
His first reason for coming back was to try to win her
affections. But then that seemed almost impossible,
so he decided for the next best thing. He was just
coming to make sure that she was okay, which he could
see she was. Maybe he would go with his original plan
after all. He looked down at her. Something in her
her eyes made him pause for a second. She looked so
lonely. Like her world had come crashing down around
her. Against his better judgement, he decided to stay
longer in Sunnydale and see if he could help her
somehow.
And I miss you - like the deserts miss the rain
And I miss you - like the deserts miss the rain
And I miss you
And I miss you - like the deserts miss the rain
And I miss you - like the deserts miss the rain
The deserts miss the rain - like the deserts miss the rain
The deserts miss the rain - like the deserts miss the rain
As the song ended, he gently took her arms from around
him and took her hands in his. "Until next time," he
said. He kissed her forehead, released her hands and
disappeared in the crowd.
Willow stood in a daze, mesmerized by his voice. It
was harsh, like someone who's seen too much battle to
retain any innocence, but soft, like somehow he had in
spite of what had happened. And the way he had held
her - like she was spun glass, but at the same time a
lot stronger than that. She liked that.
"What's gotten into you?" Willow turned to where her
friends were standing.
"Oh, nothing," she replied, smiling secretly to
herself and hoping she would see her mysterious
partner again.
Willow sat at the group's usual table. Buffy, Riley,
Xander, and Anya were out dancing. She scanned the
crowd for her mystery man, hoping she would see him
again. He had made her forget how alone she was for a
little while. He had also made her feel something that
neither Oz or Tara had ever made her feel. She
couldn't explain what it was, but she liked it -- a
lot. She thought that her feelings for him were
because she was on rebound from finally admitting to
herself that she and Oz were over and that she really
wasn't into doing it with another girl. The fact that
Tara wasn't totally over her ex hadn't help either. A
man passed the table and grabbed her hand. He pulled
her out of the chair and towards the dance floor as a
new song came on over the speakers. Just as Willow
was about to pull away, even though she couldn't see
his face, something about the way he held himself made
her stop. She knew it was her guy. She smiled and
willingly followed him to the floor. He pulled her
into a tight embrace and she hugged him back just as
tightly as they began to move to the music.
So many words for the broken heart
It's hard to see in a crimson love
So hard to breathe
Walk with me, and maybe
Nights of light so soon become
Wild and free I could feel the sun
Your every wish will be done
They tell me
Willow leaned into him, just letting her emotions take
control for a moment. She felt so safe and
comfortable. And she didn't feel as lonely. She
wondered if her "mystery guy" could tell her how to
deal with what she was going through. It sounded
stupid, even to herself, but he looked like someone
who would know.
Show me the meaning of being lonely
Is this the feeling I need to walk with
Tell me why I can't be there where you are
There's something missing in my heart
Wesley had almost laughed at her abrupt change of
attitude. At first she was the same shy Willow, then
it seemed as if she had recognized him somehow. No,
that couldn't be it. She probably just wanted to
dance and didn't care who she did it with. <I guess
I'm not that memorable,> he thought. <Well, it
doesn't matter. But it did seem like she remembered
me. There's still hope.> He smiled down at her and
she responded with a smile of her own.
Life goes on as it never ends
Eyes of stone observe the trends
They never say forever gaze if only
Guilty roads to an endless love
There's no control
Are you with me now
Your every wish will be done
They tell me
Willow saw him smile and smiled back up at him. Even
though she couldn't see him that well, and the fact
that he seemed so familiar it was starting to weird
her out, she thought he was pretty good looking. She
wondered if she would be able to get to know him and
if he really could ease her loneliness. She didn't
like feeling so alone. It seemed like lately the only
time that she didn't feel totally alone was when she
was with him.
Show me the meaning of being lonely
Is this the feeling I need to walk with
Tell me why I can't be there where you are
There's something missing in my heart
There's nowhere to run
I have no place to go
Surrender my heart - body and soul
How can it be you're asking me to feel the things you
never show
Wesley decided then and there to become Willow's
knight in shining armor of sorts. To help her get
back on her feet from whatever disaster had befallen
her. As the chorus repeated a last time and the song
ended, he swept her into a strong embrace and then
turned to go.
Before he could get very far, Willow grabbed his arm,
stopping him in his tracks. When he turned to look at
her, she asked pleadingly, "Can I at least have a
name?"
Wesley hadn't planned for that. He wasn't ready for
them to know who he was. But something in her voice
and the way her eyes pleaded with him made him
reconsider. "Wes," he replied. "Wes Pryce." Then he
was gone again, leaving her feeling more alone than
before he had come.
The group sat quietly at the table. Willow was
thinking about her mystery man. <He does have a
name,> she chided herself. She ran it over again in
her mind for the thousandth time that day. There was
something about his voice that sent chills down her
spine. Buffy was moping over Riley breaking up with
her the night before. She was thinking about how
unfair life was as she watched Anya and Xander dancing
out on the floor and at Willow sitting next to her
thinking about something that seemed to make her very
happy. She decided to do something.
"So, Will, spill," she said.
"What?" Willow snapped out of her reverie.
"Who's this guy you were dancing with last night?"
"Oh, just a friend. He's really nice."
"And?"
"And what?"
"Dish. What's going on between you two?"
"Nothing's going on." She blushed. "Well, not yet
anyway. He's really sweet, he's cute, he's got the
most gorgeous blue eyes, and he's got the coolest
voice."
"Does he have a name?"
"Wes."
"I think I saw him after you danced with him. He
looked familiar. Did he go to school with us?"
"No. I really doubt it if he did."
"Oh, look. There he is. I think I'll go say hi. Be
a good friend and all."
Before Willow could reply, Buffy was up and over and
stopped him in his path. Willow watched as Buffy led
him to the dance floor and they began dancing to the
new song that had come on. Willow's heart began to
break as she watched the two of them dance closely and
almost erotically. She got up to leave.
Haven't we met
You're some kind of beautiful stranger
You could be good for me
I've had a taste for the danger
Wesley watched Buffy and Willow talking and his heart
melted as he saw Willow smile and blush. He heard the
song end and began walking across part of the dance
floor to where Willow was. He saw Buffy get up but
didn't pay much attention to her. She reached him and
blocked his path. He tried to get away from her, but
couldn't. She led him unwilling to the dance floor
and began dancing. She was dancing too close for his
comfort. It was almost like she was trying to make a
claim on him by flaunting herself. It wasn't going to
work. He looked up and saw Willow get up to go. It
took him a few minutes, but he was finally able to get
away from her. He pushed through the crowd to get to
Willow before she left. He grabbed her hand just as
she was about to step over the threshold. She turned
to him and he could see the unshed tears in her eyes.
"Please," he whispered.
He lead her back to the dance floor. He held her
close as they began dancing. He put his forehead
against hers.
If I'm smart then I'll run away
But I'm not so I guess I'll stay
Heaven forbid
I'll take my chance on a beautiful stranger
Willow had been hurt by what Buffy had done. But she
wasn't going to make excuses this time for her
behavior. Buffy's life was paradise right now
compared to her own.
"What's wrong?" he whispered.
"It's Buffy," she replied. "She's never happy with
what she's got."
"Why worry about her?"
Before she could answer, Buffy pulled him away. "I
don't think we were done yet," she said.
I looked into your eyes
And my world came tumbling down
You're the devil in disguise
That's why I'm singing this song
Willow started to become angry. Angry at Buffy for
stealing her chance to have a good time that night.
Angry at her for taking her man, even though he wasn't
really "hers." And she was angry at Wes for letting
Buffy have her way. As she watched them dance, she
became more hurt.
To know you is to love you
You're everywhere I go
And everybody knows
To love you is to be a part of you
I've paid for you with tears
And swallowed all my pride
She had had enough. She pushed between Buffy and Wes.
"I think it's my turn now," she said. Buffy gave her
an evil glare.
Wesley didn't miss a beat as Willow started dancing.
He smiled and put his arms around her and pulled her
close. She put her arms on top of his and smiled back
at him. They seemed to fit together perfectly. <A
little too perfectly,> Buffy thought as she backed
away a bit to find a new line of attack. She wasn't
going to let Willow win if she could help it.
Da-da-da-dum da-dum da-dum
da da da-da dum Beautiful stranger
Da-da-da-dum da-dum da-dum
da da da-da dum Beautiful stranger
"How are you?" he asked.
"Better now that I'm with you," she replied.
"Same here."
"Why?"
If I'm smart then I'll run away
But I'm not so I guess I'll stay
Heaven forbid
I'll take my chance on a beautiful stranger
"Why what?"
"Why did you let her?"
"I didn't 'let' her do anything."
I looked into your face
My heart was dancing all over the place
I'd like to change my point of view
If I could just forget about you
She looked at him accusingly. "How could you?" She
pulled away from him and smacked him. "I can't
believe you used me to get to her. I guess I should
have expected it. Every guy wants to be with her."
Wesley had put his hand to his cheek. "Pet --"
To know you is to love you
You're everywhere I go
And everybody knows
To love you is to be a part of you
I've paid for you with tears
And swallowed all my pride
"Don't talk to me. I don't want to talk to you or see
you again." She turned and stalked out.
Buffy moved into his personal space, happy that Willow
had done what she wanted for her. She put one hand on
his cheek and the other one around his waist and
started to dance, making him move unwillingly with
her. "I'm sorry to have caused this," she said, not
really sorry at all.
I looked into your eyes
And my world came tumbling down
You're the devil in disguise
That's why I'm singing this song
"No, you're not," he replied, his eyes hardening. His
anger was burning inside him towards her. He took
control of it and tried to use it to his advantage.
"You wanted to do this all along. You can't stand
being alone and hurting from someone else hurting you,
unintentionally or not. You don't like that you don't
have the control of Willow that you used to have. You
also don't like that you can't control others'
feelings for you."
To know you is to love you
You're everywhere I go
And everybody knows
To love you is to be a part of you
I've paid for you with tears
And swallowed all my pride
I've paid for you with tears
And swallowed all my pride
"How dare you!"
"How dare I what? Give you a dose of your own
medicine? Tell you what your problem is because your
friends are too nice too? Fall in love with the girl
who calls herself your best friend, even though you
walk all over her as much as possible, instead of you?
I'll dare to do that. And I'll also dare to win her
back, no matter what it takes."
Da-da-da-dum da-dum da-dum
da da da-da dum Beautiful stranger
Da-da-da-dum da-dum da-dum
da da da-da dum Beautiful stranger
He turned and walked out, leaving Buffy staring and
gaping after him. How dare they stand up to her like
that? She was the *Slayer*. She should be given
respect no matter what. She should be the one in
charge, not some drifter, or whoever he was. Then
something inside her broke and she crumpled to the
dance floor crying.
Willow ran back to the dorm room in tears. It seemed
like her world was crashing down. She felt like she
had been rejected totally from her friends and the one
guy who seemed to care deeply somehow for her, even
though they had just met. She didn't even turn any
lights on, she just threw herself on her bed and cried
herself to sleep.
Somewhere there's speaking
It's already coming in
Oh and it's rising at the back of your mind
You never could get it
Unless you were fed it
Now you're here and you don't know why
After Wesley left the Bronze, he didn't go back to
where he was staying. He walked aimlessly around
town. He was trying to work out the tangle that had
become of his plans. He had to admit that he had been
pretty single-minded about what he wanted to do. His
plan was to come up, woo Willow, and if she responded
positively, then he would tell her who he was and
they'd go from there. If she didn't, he would leave
and that would be the end of it. He hadn't thought
about what Buffy would do, even after what Angel had
told him. He had figured that since Angel didn't
figure into it, things would be okay. Now he had to
figure out how to appease Willow, and probably start
all over with her, but to also keep Buffy off the
trail. He sighed. He had no idea what to do.
But under skinned knees and the skid marks
Past the places where you used to learn
You howl and listen
Listen and wait for the
Echo of an angel who won't return
When Willow woke up the next morning, she was relieved
to see that Buffy wasn't there. She didn't want to
deal with her right now. She got up and opened the
curtains to her windows. She saw that the light was
flashing on their answering machine and went over and
pushed the button. A familiar voice came through the
speaker.
"Hey, Will, it's me. I've been thinking what we were
saying the other day. I'm sorry if I made you upset.
I've loved -- and still do -- you more than anything,
even my music. I just want you to be happy, whether
that's with me or not. I feel like we've left some
things hanging and I want things to be clear between
us, so I know where we stand and so you're free to
love whoever -- me, Tara, or even somebody else. So,
um, call me. I'll be at my parents' for a few days,
then I'll be over at Devon's. Bye."
Willow smiled as the machine clicked off and she
pushed the erase button. Maybe he needed some
closure, but she didn't think she did. Her
relationship with him was over, and that was that.
And so was her relationship with Tara. While they
would remain friends and partners in all things
witchy, a relationship just wasn't in the cards for
them. But there was someone new and Willow had
thought he made her happy. But then she had seen him
with Buffy and they had looked so perfect together.
She didn't know why she had fooled herself into
thinking that he had liked her when it was clear that
it was Buffy that he was really after. The tears
started to fall unbidden. Something had seemed so
right about this guy, even more so than Oz or Tara,
like she had found a part of her being that she didn't
even know was missing. And now that he was gone,
probably forever, it felt like there was an enormous
void in her being that would never be filled again.
She didn't think that she could even fall for someone
this fast or this hard, but she had and she would do
anything to get him back.
He's everything you want
He's everything you need
He's everything inside of you
That you wish you could be
He says all the right things
At exactly the right time
But he means nothing to you
And you don't know why
Wesley had walked around town all night. After a
couple hours, and a few dusted vampires, worth of
thinking, he wasn't any closer to a solution than when
he had started. Why had he even come, really? The
answer seemed so easy -- and so childish. He was
going to come and confess his love to Willow. He
couldn't even bring himself to tell her who he really
was. To her he was just a guy named Wes Pryce who
happened to be a good dancer. How could he expect her
to take him back in any way for that. Then there was
last night. He had thought that one quick dance would
appease Buffy, then he could dance with Willow. Well,
that had been a disaster.
He found himself over on the campus of UC Sunnydale.
He looked up to see if he could orient himself to
where he was exactly on the campus and he saw Willow
through one of the windows. She appeared to be
crying. His heart broke at the sight of her grief and
wanted to comfort her, but knew he couldn't -- not
here, not now.
You're waiting for someone
To put you together
You're waiting for someone to push you away
There's always another wound to discover
There's always something more you'd wish he'd say
Willow wiped her eyes and sniffed. She was going to
get through this somehow, some way. She got dressed
and grabbed her books. And she was going to start by
getting through today's classes.
He's everything you want
He's everything you need
He's everything inside of you
That you wish you could be
He says all the right things
At exactly the right time
But he means nothing to you
And you don't know why
After Willow disappeared from the window, Wesley had
found his way to the Expresso Pump. He got himself a
cup of coffee and sat at one of the back booths. As
he sipped the rich blend, he decided that no matter
what his present situation was, he was going to go on
as planned and this would just be one more obstacle
for them to overcome. If they were meant to be
together, then nothing would keep them apart.
But you'll just sit tight
And watch it unwind
It's only what you're asking for
And you'll be just fine
With all of your time
It's only what you're asking for
Willow had gone to the Bronze every night that week,
hoping to see Wes there. Or hoping that he saw her,
whichever came first. But she had had no luck. Well,
with him anyway. She had been successful in dodging
Buffy all week. She didn't feel up to talking to her
yet. A bunch of other guys, mostly ones she had seen
around campus asked her to dance, but she politely
turned them down. She wanted to make sure she knew
where she stood with Wes before she led anyone else
on. She had even asked the bartenders, the bouncers,
and even the people she knew were regulars if they had
seen him, just in case. Everything had come back as a
negative. She was starting to become discouraged that
he really didn't want her. A mindless song with a
fast beat was blaring over the speakers. Willow got
up and went onto the dance floor and began moving with
the beat. She needed to get out of this funk somehow.
Maybe dancing would help.
Out of the island
Into the highway
Past the places where you might have turned
You never did notice
But you still hide away
Your anger at angels who won't return
Wesley had been at the Bronze every night that week.
He had seen Willow there each night and had kept a
watchful, if passive, eye on her. He wanted to see
what she would do. He had seen a number of
good-looking young men approach her, speak with her
for a minute or two and then leave -- looking
dejected. He would also watch her make her "rounds"
as he would call them. She would do them when she
first arrived, after an hour, then an hour after that,
then she would leave. Tonight was different, though.
He could sense it when she had first come in. When he
saw her get up to dance, which was something she
hadn't done all week, he felt as if he was being given
a cue. He got up and slowly made his way over to her.
He's everything you want
He's everything you need
He's everything inside of you
That you wish you could be
He says all the right things
At exactly the right time
But he means nothing to you
And you don't know why
Willow could feel a presence hovering at the edge of
the dance floor. It was probably one of the college
guys trying to work up the nerve, she told herself.
She continued her dancing, careless of those who were
watching as the song ended. As the last note faded
and she stopped to take a breath while the next song
started, a hand was placed on her shoulder.
I am everything you want
I am everything you need
I am everything inside of you
That you wish you could be
I say all the right things
At exactly the right time
But I mean nothing to you
And I don't know why
He watched her from the edge of the dance floor. She
was so beautiful -- both inside and out -- that he
couldn't believe it. He was mesmerized by her. As
the song ended and another one began, he approached
her and put his hand on her shoulder.
Wesley turned Willow to face him. Her face broke into
a smile that to him rivaled the sun. He offered her
his hand and she took it. He pulled her to him and
held her close. He began to do a salsa to the music,
surprised at how easily she picked up the steps and
was able to keep up with him.
They say around the way you ask for me
There's even talk about you wanting me
I must admit that's what I want to hear
But that's just talk until you take me there
Willow was definitely surprised to see Wes and
wondered how long he had been there. But as he began
to move to the music, any urgency to that particular
question disappeared.
"Heard you've been asking for me," Wesley said.
"I wanted to talk to you," Willow said.
"About what?"
"About us."
"What about us?"
If it's true
Don't leave me alone out here
Wondering if you're ever going to take me there
Tell me what you're feeling 'cause I need to know
Girl you gotta let me know which way to go
'Cause I need to know
I need to know
Tell me baby girl 'cause I need to know
I need to know
I need to know
Tell me baby girl 'cause I need to know
"Well, I kind of was hoping --" She blushed and
dropped her eyes.
"You were hoping what?"
"Could we still be friends?"
"I never stopped, Willow."
"How did you know my name?"
"I asked around before the first time I danced with
you. I had seen you before and I thought to myself,
'I wonder who that beautiful young woman is. I
probably don't have a chance with her because she's
got guys lined up around the block waiting to get the
chance to go out with her.' Then I heard that you had
just gotten out of a relationship and I thought to
myself, 'That's why she seems so sad. Maybe I should
get her flowers or something'." Willow giggled.
"Then I decided it would probably be safest to ask you
to dance first."
"But what about Buffy?"
"What about her?"
"Didn't you want --"
My every thought is of this being true
It's getting harder not to think of you
Girl I'm exactly where I want to be
The only thing I need's you here with me
"I never wanted Buffy. Unless you count that I wanted
her to get away from me so I could be with you. I
only wanted you then and I only want you now."
"You're being serious, right?"
"Definitely. Would you be upset with me if I said
that I had fallen totally in love with you the moment
we met?"
"No. Not at all."
"Do you think I could maybe have a look into your
heart one day?"
If it's true
Don't leave me alone out here
Wondering if you're ever going to take me there
Tell me what you're feeling 'cause I need to know
Girl you gotta let me know which way to go
'Cause I need to know
I need to know
Tell me baby girl 'cause I need to know
I need to know
I need to know
Tell me baby girl 'cause I need to know
Willow did one of the few bold things she had ever
done in her life. She put her hands on the sides of
his head and guided him to her mouth. She kissed him
softly but passionately, hoping he could see her heart
well enough.
Buffy scanned the crowd as she walked into the Bronze.
She saw Willow sitting alone at their table and Anya
and Xander dancing. Another familiar figure stood by
the bar and she made her way over to him.
Wesley watched Buffy come in warily, not sure what to
expect from her. He saw her take in her surroundings
and then begin to make her way over to him. He didn't
want a confrontation, but it seemed like he was going
to get one. He forced himself to stay relaxed as she
approached.
"Is there something you wanted?" he asked.
"Just another chance at a dance. And I won't take no
for an answer."
"Okay. But after this next song, okay? There's
something I need to do first."
"Now."
"Fine." He followed her out to the dance floor,
hoping to get this over with as soon as possible.
I need love, love
Oh to ease my mind
And I need to find time
For someone to call mine
Buffy invaded Wesley's personal space as the song
started and began dancing erotically, trying to entice
him to forget whatever else it was that he was going
to do and to forget whoever might have a hold on his
heart. She couldn't understand why her dancing didn't
seem to have an effect on him. Well, then she would
just have to try harder.
My mamma said you can't hurry love
No you just have to wait
She said love don't come easy
It's a game of give and take
You can't hurry love
No you just have to wait
Just trust that in good time
No matter how long it takes
Wesley kept the dance as slow and simple as he could.
He hoped his body language would tell her that he
didn't want a relationship with her. No matter what
he did, it seemed like she just tried harder. He
didn't understand women who's conception of love was
totally physical and only felt loved when they were in
a physical relationship. He felt like she was
suffocating him. He looked over to where Willow was
sitting and saw her staring at them. He beckoned to
her with his eyes, hoping she would come rescue him.
How many heart aches must I stand
Before I find a love to let me live again
Right now the only thing that keeps me hanging on
When I feel my strength, oh it's almost gone
I remember mamma said
Willow had seen Buffy come in and had hoped she would
stay away from her and Wes, if he was here. She
didn't want to deal with her yet. When she saw the
two of them heading to the dance floor, she was hurt.
She thought that he didn't want Buffy, but there they
were dancing again. She watched them dance and
noticed the difference in how they dance -- Buffy was
throwing herself at him and Wes was trying to keep her
at arm's length. Willow felt a glimmer of hope. She
saw Wes look at her and it seemed like he was asking
her to rescue him. She could definitely do that. She
went over to where they were dancing and waited for
the right chance.
You can't hurry love
No you just have to wait
She said love don't come easy
It's a game of give and take
How long must I wait
How much more must I take
Before love only lasts
Will cause my heart, heart to break
Wesley broke it off with Buffy suddenly and pulled
Willow into his embrace and began dancing. "Thank
you," he whispered. "She doesn't seem to know how to
leave well enough alone."
Willow put a finger to his lips, knowing that they
probably wouldn't have long before Buffy came back.
She wanted to enjoy this moment for as long as
possible. She melted into Wes' embrace and felt his
arms tighten around her. She smiled, knowing that
this was where she was supposed to be.
No I can't bear to live my life alone
I've grown impatient for a love to call my own
When I feel that I, I can't go on
When these precious words keep me hanging on
Buffy was upset at what had just happened. This was
supposed to be her dance with him, not Willow's. She
tried to butt back in, but was it was like trying to
push through a brick wall. She finally stomped off,
pausing at the door to mutter under her breath, "This
isn't over yet." Then she was gone.
I remember mamma said
You can't hurry love
No you just have to wait
She said love don't come easy
It's a game of give and take
You can't hurry love
No you just have to wait
Just trust that in good time
That I have
No matter how long it takes
Wesley kept his arms tightly around Willow as Buffy
tried to push her way in. When she finally left, he
breathed a sigh of relief. "We're safe for now," he
commented quietly to Willow. "But I don't think she
was too happy about this."
"Well, that's her problem," Willow replied. "She's
the one that started it. You and I weren't doing
anything to her."
"We may still have to fight for us. You prepared to
do that?"
"I'll do anything if it means staying with you and in
your love."
"Then believe that I'll also do the same."
He bent down and captured her mouth with his in a
passionate kiss. She met him with equal passion. He
couldn't believe that this was happening. She really
did love him. He felt like he could do anything --
conquer the world even. But that, and anything else
the world had to offer or through at them, could wait.
He only wanted to be with Willow right now.
Wesley thanked the Powers That Be for the 100th time
in the past five minutes that the Bronze was doing a
type of Spanish/Latin America party that night.
Patrons couldn't get in unless they were dressed as
the Spanish did in days gone by. He thought it had
been pretty clever to dress up as Zorro. It would
definitely slow Buffy down in figuring out who he was,
especially since there had to be at least 15 other
guys dressed up as the same thing.
He approached the table where Willow, Buffy, Xander,
and Anya were sitting. He tapped her lightly on the
shoulder. "May I have this dance, senorita?" he asked
with the best Spanish accent he could muster and
offered her his hand. It was not lost on him how big
the rest of the group's eyes got at his offer.
"Why, certainly, senor," Willow replied, taking his
hand and letting herself be led to the dance floor.
Tonight we dance
I lay my life in you hands
We take the floor
Nothing is forbidden anymore
Wesley pulled her close and began to dance to the
music. He could not believe how easily she fit into
his arms and how they molded perfectly together. He
knew then that he was totally and utterly in love with
Willow and that he would do anything she asked of him.
Don't let the world in outside
Don't let a moment go by
Nothing can stop us tonight
Willow settled into Wesley's arms as if it was the
most natural place in the world for her to go.
Whenever she was with him, it seemed like the rest of
the world faded away and time slowed down and it was
just the two of them in their own little world. She
gently reached up and caressed his cheek with the back
of her hand. He closed his eyes and leaned into it
and then looked at her with love-filled eyes.
"I know who you are," she whispered.
"I'm glad someone does," he whispered back. "I was
beginning to think that everyone thought I was
something I'm not."
"Well, I know who you are, and I love you, Wes Pryce."
Her mouth quirked when she said his name, as though
she liked the way it sounded, but knew it wasn't the
name he usually went by. Then she lifted up his face
mask.
Bailamos let the rhythm take you over
Bailamos te quiero amor mio
Bailamos wanna live this night forever
Bailamos te quiero amor mio te quiero
His heart leapt when she said that she loved him. "I
love you too, Willow."
She kissed his cheek and nestled into his arms. "What
does the Spanish mean?"
He whispered in her ear as if it were a secret only
the two of them shared, "Bailamos means we dance. Te
quiero means I want you. And amor mio means my love."
Tonight I'm yours
We can make it happen
I'm so sure
Now I'm letting go
"I knew I loved you for a while, but I wasn't totally
sure. Especially after Oz and Tara. But now I'm
definitely sure. Just try to be careful -- I don't
know how I'll react if you break-up with me." Willow
looked up at him with a teasing smile.
There is something
I think you should know
I won't be leaving your side
We're gonna dance through the night
I wanna reach for the stars
"I've loved you since the moment I first laid eyes on
you. But I didn't think I was worthy of being loved
by you. Now that I know I am, you would have to
remove my heart from my body and I couldn't stop
loving you. I'll love you until the day I die."
Bailamos let the rhythm take you over
Bailamos te quiero amor mio
Bailamos wanna live this night forever
Bailamos te quiero amor mio te quiero
Willow couldn't believe what she was hearing. She had
heard other promises like this before, but this time
she knew that they were true. It looked like he was
going to say something else, but she silenced him with
a finger to his lips. He responded by kissing her
finger, then claiming her mouth in a passionate kiss.
Tonight we dance
Like no tomorrow
If you will stay with me
Te quiero mi amor
"Who's that?" Xander asked Buffy.
"Some guy she met about two weeks ago named Wes or
something like that," she replied.
"Well, it seems like she's happy," Anya remarked.
"So, good for her."
"Not if I can help it," Buffy muttered under her
breath, still determined to get Wes for her own if it
was the last thing she did.
Willow hadn't been able to make it to the Bronze for a
week after she and Wes had danced to "Bailamos". Try
as she could, she couldn't seem to get on top of her
homework. And she had heard a bunch of people in
their dorm talking about "Buffy's new guy". From the
description, it had sounded too much like Wes for it
to not be him. It stung her to think that he really
was going behind her back, or had even dumped her and
didn't have the courage to tell her.
Wednesday night, Willow was finally able to go to the
Bronze. She wanted to find out once and for all what
was going on between Wes and Buffy. As she walked in,
she saw him up against the bar and started towards
him.
He met her half-way and kissed her hand. "We have to
talk," he said and she nodded. He led her towards the
dance floor.
"Why here?" she asked.
"Well, you can't get more private than this here,
unless we left. And I didn't think you'd want to do
that yet."
A new song came on. Wesley pulled Willow to him, but
kept enough distance between them so they could talk
comfortably.
"You go first," he said.
I like the way
You wanted me every night
For so long baby
And I like the way you needed me
Every time things got rocky
I was believing in you
Was I mistaken
Do you say do you say what you mean
I want our love to last forever
"Well, I've been hearing stuff," she said. "People in
my dorm were talking and it sounded like you and Buffy
were going out. I thought you didn't like her like
that."
Wesley kissed her forehead. "I never liked her like
that and I still don't. I think she's just jealous
that we seem to have a better relationship than she's
ever had. Seems like she's been spreading rumors."
Well I'd rather you be mean
Than love and lie
I'd rather hear the truth
Than have to say good-bye
I'd rather take a blow
At least then I would know
But baby don't you break my heart slow
"So you two aren't --?"
"Nope. Buffy and I haven't and won't."
"Good. Did you want to say something?"
I like the way
You hold me every night
For so long baby
I like the way you say my name
In the middle of the night while you are sleeping
I was believing in you
Was I mistaken
Do you mean what do you mean what you say
You say our love could last forever
"What have you been doing since I last saw you?" he
asked.
"A Mt. Rushmore sized pile of schoolwork. Why?" she
replied.
"Because I heard you were seeing someone else and that
it was getting serious."
"Not unless you have a twin or something like that
that you haven't been telling me about. Who told you
that?"
"I don't think you're going to be very surprised --
Buffy."
Well I'd rather you be mean
Than love and lie
I'd rather hear the truth
Than have to say good-bye
I'd rather take a blow
At least then I would know
But baby don't you break my heart slow
"Oh. look. There she is." Wesley turned to see Buffy
approach their table and put her purse and drink down.
"Let's go confront her."
Wesley took one of her hands in his as she led him
over to the table. When they reached it, he put his
arms around her, kissed the top of her head and put
his chin there. Willow put her hands on top of his
and leaned into his embrace.
"Hey, guys," she said taking a sip of her drink.
"What's up?"
"We've been hearing things," Willow said.
"And?"
"We want you to leave us alone from now on."
"Okay."
"That's it?"
"Yeah. Besides, I found a guy. And I just *know*
that this time it's going to work." She looked
towards the door. "Oh, here he comes now."
At that moment, Giles came up behind Buffy and put his
hands on her shoulders and kissed her temple. Willow
and Wesley were both shocked -- Willow at who it was
and Wesley at what he was wearing. Giles was wearing
blue jeans, a black t-shirt, and a hoop earring.
"I'm sorry, you guys, I really am," Buffy said. "I
guess I had been denying it for so long that after
Riley it was a little too strong to deny. I won't
bother you two like that again."
"Hello, Willow and --" Giles said.
"Wes," Wesley replied offering a hand.
"Do I know you from somewhere?" he asked shaking the
offered hand.
"It's possible, especially for those who have more
original careers."
It suddenly dawned on Giles and he gripped Wesley's
hand tighter. "Wesley! How are you?"
"Wesley?" both girls repeated. Willow twisted in his
embrace to see him.
"Yes, that's me." He looked a little embarrassed.
"As in prick Watcher?" Buffy asked.
"Yes."
"Why didn't you tell me?" Willow asked.
"I was going to, then things happened, and I didn't
get a chance."
"Is that the only secret you've been keeping from me?"
"Unless there's a secret that I don't even know about,
yes."
"Okay. Then I forgive you." She kissed him on the
cheek.
"Don't you just love happy endings?" Buffy asked.
"I don't think it's totally done yet, love," Giles
responded.
Willow was at the Bronze the following evening. She
waited expectantly for Wesley. He had told her the
night before that he had something he wanted to tell
her the next night. She watched Xander and Anya and
Buffy and Giles dancing, thinking how cute the couples
were. A pair of arms encircled her waist and pulled
her against the back of her chair. Willow let out a
surprised "eep!" and then she realized who it was.
"Hey, you," she said.
"Hey yourself," he replied. He pulled her out of her
seat and towards the dance floor. When they got
there, a new song was starting and he pulled her
close.
Every time our eyes meet
This feeling inside me
Is almost more than I can take
Baby when you touch me
I can feel how much you love me
And it just blows me away
I've never been this close to anyone or anything
I can hear your thoughts
I can see your dreams
"I love you so much," he said, burrowing his head in
her shoulder.
"I love you too," she whispered in his ear holding him
tight.
I don't know how you do what you do
I'm so in love with you, it just keeps getting better
I wanna spend the rest of my life with you by my side
Forever and ever
Every little thing that you do
Baby I'm amazed by you
Willow enjoyed being in Wesley's embrace and just
feeling. She liked how warm he felt. And how his
embrace wasn't crushing, but comfortable and
protective. She liked how he smelled -- a mixture of
his shaving cream, shampoo and soap, and something
else that she couldn't identify, but was totally
Wesley. She also enjoyed this love that she was
feeling. She had never felt so complete before.
The smell of your skin
The taste of your kiss
The way you whisper in the dark
Your hair all around me, baby you surround me
You touch every place in my heart
Oh, it feels like the first time every time
I wanna spend the rest of my life
Wesley was surprised that he hadn't drowned in the
emotions he was feeling. They almost overwhelmed him.
Willow seemed to complete him in a way he didn't
think possible. He loved her so much, that to be away
from her was like being away from a part of himself.
She seemed to fit perfectly in his embrace. And he
loved the way her shampoo and soap smelled -- to him,
it was what heaven smelled like. He didn't want this
moment to end.
I don't know how you do what you do
I'm so in love with you, it just keeps getting better
I wanna spend the rest of my life with you by my side
Forever and ever
Every little thing that you do
Baby I'm amazed by you
Wesley pulled back a bit, and titled Willow's chin up.
He leaned down and kissed her gently and
passionately. She responded in kind. The kiss
conveyed all their love, hope, and desires for the
other. Wesley regretfully broke the kiss and let
Willow off the dance floor and back to their table,
where the rest of the group was waiting.
Every little thing that you do
I'm so in love with you
It just keeps getting better and better
I wanna spend the rest of my life with you by my side
Forever and ever
Every little thing that you do
Oh, every little thing that you do
Baby I'm amazed by you
Giles handed Wesley a little box and Willow wondered
what was inside. Wesley sank to one knee and opened
the box. "Willow," he said. "I don't expect an
answer now, and I won't be hurt by whatever answer
your heart leads you to give. But this question begs
me to ask you it. Will you marry me?" He offered up
the box with the ring and waited expectantly.
Willow was too shocked to speak for a moment. Not
because of the ring, but because this moment was more
perfect than she had ever imagined. "Yes!" she
squeaked. "Yes!" she replied a little more normally.
Wesley practically jumped to his feet as the rest of
the group cheered and clapped. He placed the ring on
her finger and pulled her into a tight embrace,
kissing her soundly. They could feel and hear the
rest of the group congratulating them and slapping
them on the back, but this moment was focused only on
each other.
* * *