DISCLAIMER: I do not own the BtVS characters, those are Joss Whedon's & Co. I do not own RENT or its characters; those belong to the late Jonathan Larson. The places in New York are actual places. The University of New Orleans and buildings mentioned on campus are real places. You should really consider coming to UNO for college. if you are interested (end plug). The plot of the story is mine, it's not original, but it's mine nonetheless.

When she woke up, she was in a hospital room. According to the doctors, they found her laying on the floor outside of the hospital. They said they thought she had been mugged because she had no identification. That some stranger was kind enough to bring her here, but didn't stick around. She wanted to laugh. She couldn't believe Riley would just leave her at the hospital like that. Didn't he love her? Didn't he care if she would be okay? Apparently not. A couple days after the incident, Riley left for a weekend business trip in California. She finally admitted to herself that he probably was cheating on her. Probably had been for months. Buffy needed to get in touch with William. She needed to see him, hear him, touch him; really, she needed his comforting presence.

They agreed to meet at their Starbucks on 8th Street, half way between their apartments. She knew that none of Riley's friends frequented this coffee shop. It was their secret meeting place.

She saw William come into the shop and walk straight to her. His words seemed to be caught in his throat as she watched his eyes sweep over her face.

"What happened to you," he whispered as he sat down next to her. He gently traced the bruises on her face with his fingers.

"That's kind of why I called you to meet with me." Buffy said in a barely audible whisper. "I needed someone to talk to."

She spent the next hour telling William everything she hadn't told him before about her life with Riley. She told him what happened that week and how she knew he was cheating on her. As she spoke, she stared at the throbbing vein on his right temple. She knew he wanted to say something, but waited until she finished.

"Come with me." He stood up and held his hand out for her.

She stared at his hand. This was not the reaction she was expecting from him. He didn't say anything as she finally took his hand. She stood, quietly, by his side as he hailed a taxi and told the driver where to go. It wasn't until they arrived at their destination that she found her voice.

"William, no. I can't."

"What do you mean you can't," he said as he paid the driver. He pulled her out of the cab and up the steps of the New York Police Department.

"I just…I don't know. I just know that I can't."

"Listen, Buffy. You need to do this. I know for a fact that you are a strong person. I don't know why you would let yourself stay a victim for so long."

"You don't think I ask myself the same thing every day?" She wiped at the tears falling down her face. "I can't explain it, but it isn't simple."

"Of course it is." He continued to walk her into the station.

Five hours and many tears later, the reports on Riley were filed. The officer recommended that Buffy stay with a friend until everything was settled. William offered to let her stay with him. She accepted because she knew that when Riley got home the next day, there would be hell to pay. William went with her to her home to get some of her things. She filled three boxes with everything that had meaning to her and two suitcases held all of her old clothes that Riley hated for her to wear. Talking to the police had her fearing for her life. To finally admit what was going on made it all the more real and dangerous for her. She left her wedding ring on top of the dresser. It felt like a weight had been lifted.