Buffy and Dawn had continued their arguing for another five minutes or so until a ringing noise broke through their steadily rising voices.

"Ooh, it's mine. Hello."

Spike watched as Dawn retreated to the kitchen. He glanced over at Buffy and caught her staring at him, both nervous they looked away. Words that had flown somewhat easier before were now stalled since Dawn had arrived.

"Hey Buffy that was Katie she wants to catch a movie. That cool with you?"

"Sure just make sure her mom gives you a ride home."

"Already covered, come on you can give me a ride."

Dawn turned and gave Spike a quick hug and a promise to call later, and ran out the door. She grabbed the keys her sister was holding, she loved starting the car.

"So."

"So."

They both smiled and Buffy headed over to the counter to pick up the drawings.

"I'll give you a call about the patrols."

"Cool, then we can set up a time to start this."

She waved the drawings in the air and smiled.

"Are you sure luv, about this and everything?"

"I'm the slayer, Spike. I'm always sure."

Both laughing at her attempt at humor, they made their way to the door. Hearing the jeep horn blast just as the door opened. Spike was careful to avoid the sunlight and held the door wide enough for her to slip through.

"It was great to see you Buffy."

"Yeah, and I love your place. I'll call you."

Spike watched her head down to the stairs and when she was out of sight he closed the door and leaned against it. His eyes closed and he stood there still slightly stunned by all that had happened.

Tara made her way back up to the main floor of the library. The last hour had produced nothing but tears and she was ready to go home. Crossing towards the main entrance she didn't notice someone was calling her name until they were right on her.

"Tara! Tara! Wait up."

"Willow. Hi."

"I was hoping to see you."

"Oh, yeah."

The silence was awkward. Tara was glad to see Willow, but the pain had come rushing back as soon as she had heard her voice. Willow had violated her mind and heart with what she had done, and it still hurt.

"So how's it been going?"

She shifted her books to her right, creating a little space between them, something that did not go unnoticed by Willow.

"Real good. I have some great classes and really interesting professors."

"Well that's great. I do too. Work, work, work. But you know. Gotta find some time to play."

Tara looked at her former lover and read the longing in her eyes, but there was something else there, desperation. Something was going on with her. She wasn't usually so perky or so clueless. She was sure her eyes were red and swollen from crying and she hadn't mentioned it. Part of her longed for Willow but another part was wary and frightened by what a future with Willow would entail.

"Yeah, but right now I got a lot on my plate, with school, and then Spike."

Willow visibly flinched when she spoke his name.

"Right, Spike. Are you still living with him then?"

"Well."

"I mean he's just a friend right? Oh, but he's a soulless vampire I mean what kind of friend could he really make. I mean he's only tried to kill us a dozen times and so you just make nice and move right in with him. And not even consider how anyone else would feel. I mean are you sleeping with him is that the attraction."

A sharp slap drew Willow from her tirade and her dark eyes melted away into green as she looked up at Tara clutching her stinging cheek.

"That's enough. Spike is my friend. Nothing more, nothing less."

She turned and started to walk away, but her anger prevailed.

"And even if we were. It's none of your business. Not any more."

With that she turned and walked away.