Summer of Love
by Red
CHAPTER 2
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The Bronze was hopping, as was normal for a Friday night. However, despite the dancing, romancing and general merriment, Buffy just could not relax enough to have the sliver of a good time. Now, her brain not only tortured her with visions of Angel, but of Willow, as well.
No matter how hard she tried, she could not rid herself of Willow images. Not that Willow images were a bad thing. Quite the contrary, they were a big bucket of so the good thing, which was a bad thing, because Willow was her best friend. Her very best friend, with eyes like emeralds, skin smooth as porcelain, lips that had to be sweeter than any fruit of the vine.
The Slayer sighed. So much for ridding the mind, she thought. Why did this have to happen now? It was bad enough she had lost Angel. She couldn't lose Willow, too. Her heart couldn't take it.
Willow glanced across the room at her friend. Buffy still wore a sad face. The redhead wasn't surprised. She had witnessed firsthand, the love between the vampire and the slayer. It was painful to see them part. It was painful to see Buffy so sad. It broke her heart. She had to pull her out of this funk, before it swallowed her. And she would, too, no matter what it took.
" Honey, Buffy's really having a tough time, " Willow said, turning back to Oz. " I should be with her. "
He nodded, then placed a soft kiss on her lips.
" Take care of her, " he replied, with a gentle smile. " You know where I'll be if you need anything. "
She returned the smile, then hurried over to the blonde.
" Hey, " she quipped, sitting down next to her.
" Hey. " Buffy's tone dripped of forced cheer.
" Wanna bail? We can go get sugared up. I'll even have caffeine. That's always fun. "
Buffy couldn't help but chuckle. Willow was adorable.
" What about Oz? "
" I'm all yours tonight. I told him that we needed some quality chyc time. "
" Will, I don't want to ruin your evening. "
" K, I can see that I am going to have to be forceful Willow here. " Standing up, she grabbed her bag, then looked at Buffy. " Alright, young lady, you are coming with me, right now, let's go. "
Buffy's brow shot up. Wow, resolve face and beyond. When did she pick up that tone? Buffy liked. Sliding off of her stool, she picked her jacket up and followed Willow.
*****
" So, Will, " Buffy began, as they walked through the park. " What's with the new, power voice? I mean, that was like, borderline angry mom. "
" Well, you'd better get used to it, " Willow stated. " Because that's the way it is, from now on, until you are out of this funk. "
" Appreciate the thought, Will, but what if I can't come out of it? "
Willow stopped, mid sip of her latte, and looked her in the eye.
" You are going to come out of it, trust me. I am prepared to do whatever it takes. You are going to have a good summer, got it? "
The power tone lives. Buffy had to smile, as a mischievous thought popped into her head.
" Really? And what if I don't? What are you going to do, punish me? "
Willow felt a slight blush creep over her, but remained calm. Maybe the blonde had something.
" As a matter of fact, " Willow purred, facing Buffy. " I am. "
Buffy stopped in her tracks. She was kidding, right? Of course, duh, Buffy.
" Ha the ha, Will. "
" No ha here, Buffy. I am quite serious. I have no intention of letting you mope the summer away and if I have to treat you like misbehaving child to prevent that from happening, I will. "
Buffy just stared at her. For some reason, the thought of Willow punishing her, sent a jolt of electricity throughout her entire body. She swallowed hard. She liked it.
What am I doing? Threatening to punish my best friend? Hmm, no, bad Willow! This is for her own good. I'm just trying to help her move on with her life. I'm doing the best friend thing, nothing more.
" Ok. " Buffy finally spoke. " I get it. I'm going to have a good summer. " I'll have a fantastic one, if you follow through on that promise. " Uh, you want to, stay at my place tonight? Mom's going to be with Aunt Arlene for who knows how long. She says a few days, it turns into a week. Now that she knows I'm the Slayer, she feels better being away longer. You know, knowing that I can take care of myself. "
" Yeah, that would be, fun. " Even more fun, if you would be a bad little slayer, so I could-bad Willow! " We can watch teen angst movies and eat popcorn and, oh, that cool show is on tonight at midnight. You know the one, with the teenagers that fight monsters. "
" That show is so ridiculous. The writers should spend a week here, then they might have a clue. Really, come on, an ex demon dating the 'Joe Regular' of the gang? How unreal is that? "
*****
" Buffy? "
Buffy looked up and found Willow glaring down at her. The redhead was not wearing a happy face.
" Uh, yes, Will? "
" Weren't you supposed to go to that movie you wanted to see this
afternoon? The one you've been talking about for weeks. "
" Oh, I decided not to. I just didn't feel like getting out today. "
Willow's brow shot up. " Buffy, you are supposed to be having a good summer. How is not getting out accomplishing that? "
" Well, I just- "
" I don't want excuses. " She moved to the sofa and sat down. " What I want, is you, over my knee, right now. "
Thanking God for her slayer speed, Buffy lept from her chair to her friend's lap.