Willow's meal was almost ready. She had forgone the pork chops since, well, Jewish-ish...? Damn, they couldn't make that any more confusing? But she had got a great spread with marinaded vegetables, conchiglie with homemade sauce, pan-fried trout, salad, and fresh baked bread. She was so nervous and jumpy. Why? Because she was finally committed to opening her heart to Buffy. This meal was it. She would summon up all her nerve, ply her with food and alcohol (and herself for that matter) and tell her. And to make it perfectly clear she had gotten some candles out and dimmed the lights, using the best cloth napkins and everything. The fish was bubbling away in it's oil when the sound of Buffy entering the apartment caused her to jump. She had just turned the fish, so it would be a few more minutes before it was ready. Willow took a deep breath and went to greet her destiny.

"Buffy. Welcome home."

"Uh... Thanks, Wills... What's with the festive decor? And the fancy cooking," Buffy took in a deep breath. "Smells good."

"Oh, I really wanted to do something to thank you for all that you've done for me since I crashed on your doorstep, teary eyed with suitcases and melted tv. I hope you like fish." Nervousness premeated Willow's bloodstream. Some sort of chemical imbalance thing. Oh, she definitely wouldn't be able to make it to the end of dinner like she had planned. She'd either explode or let this one slide through her fingers.

"Actually, it's more than that," Willow said, sure her face was turning red, which must be so alluring. "You've been so great to me... not just the past few days, but always."

Buffy smiled. "Aww... that's sweet, Will." She sniffed the air. "Are we having blackened trout?"

"And, well, I've been thinking for a while now," yeah, three days, but really there's no need to elaborate on that, "that I really like you, and that we go so well together." A concerned look crossed Buffy's brow, and Willow was mortified. Was it all going to belly-up so soon? Best to push on quickly. "And these last few days with you here has made me realize-"

"Do you smell something?"

"Please, Buffy. This is important and I have to say it. These last few days have been great. They made me remember what I was missing when I was away from you in Brazil. I realize now that-"

"Will, I think something's burning-"

"Just let me finish," shouted Willow, as she grasphed the much stronger woman by the arm. "Buffy I-"

Buffy's eyes went wide. "Oh my God! The kitchen's on fire!" She broke Willow's grip and dashed off to the smouldering room. Moments (and one misguided attempt at putting the fire out) later, Buffy emerged from the blazing inferno. "Quick! Call 9-1-1. Umm... Does 9-1-1 work in this country?" No, it does not. "What the hell is the number for the fire department in this friggin' country?" she screamed waving the phone dangerously through the air and running around the apartment in a state of hysteria.

Willow sighed and dialed 1-1-5. This was going to be a long night.