Author: Tiina

Spoilers: TBO

Rating: PG

Song: Right to be Wrong, by Joss Stone

Right to be Wrong

I had a plan. Ranger would be proud. It's been two weeks since the Slayers' incident. My sister and her family had moved out of my apartment two days ago. I'd been staying with Sally, each of us helping the other deal with the aftermath. Joe should be at work now, so I could pick up my things and leave my key without having to confront him. That's my plan.

I've got a right to be wrong

My mistakes will make me strong

I'm stepping out into the great unknown

I'm feeling wings though I've never flown

I've got a mind of my own

I'm flesh and blood to the bone

I'm not made of stone

Got a right to be wrong

So just leave me alone

I had just finished packing up my clothes when I heard him come in the front door. I sighed, so much for my plan. I already knew what he had to say, and I was tired of hearing it. I picked up the box and headed downstairs to face the music.

He was waiting for me in the livingroom. "Cupcake. You weren't even going to say goodbye?"

"No. I was trying to avoid an argument." I shifted the box on my hip, uncomfortable.

He sighed, and ran a hand through his hair. "Why does there always have to be an argument?"

"I told you once, I wanted you to support my career choice. I don't think that's ever going to happen."

He looked me in the eye. "It won't. Of course, you could always give up your career. Nothing to fight about then."

I've got a right to be wrong

I've been held down too long

I've got to break free

So I can finally breathe

I've got a right to be wrong

Got to sing my own song

I might be singing out of key

But it sure feels good to me

Got a right to be wrong

So just leave me alone

"I could, but I don't want to. I happen to like my job. I don't see any reason I should give it up."

He took a deep breath. "Your 'job' is going to get you killed one day. You're not a fucking superhero, Stephanie. You need to grow up and face reality."

His voice was steadily rising as he spoke, until he was almost shouting at the end. We'd had this same argument a dozen times at least. This time I didn't get angry. It didn't really matter to me what he thought anymore. I'm considering this progress.

"And we're back to the inevitable argument. I can't do this anymore Joe. I can't be who you want me to be. You can't be happy with who I am. It's over."

You're entitled to your opinion

But it's really my decision

I can't turn back I'm on a mission

If you care don't you dare blur my vision

Let me be all that I can be

Don't smother me with negativity

Whatever's out there waiting for me

I'm going to face it willingly

I walked closer, then leaned forward to kiss him gently. "Be happy, Joe."

I headed out the door and into my future. I didn't need to look back.