Title: Cornfields, Coffee and Conciliation
Author: Bastard Snow
Rating: PG-13

Disclaimer: I don't own any of this stuff.

Author's Note: Okay, my muse is leading me in many different directions these days. This is a follow up to my story "Three Coffee's and a Destiny To Go." Thanks to Drake for Beta'ing.

Author's Note 2: I do not watch Smallville, so all my characterizations rely on the 3 episodes I've seen (from the first season) and Drake. This does not take place in or after any particular season so far as I know. And fair warning, Clark and Lana are a couple, and Lana knows his secret. I think that's all you need to know.

"You're kidding, right?" Xander asked. He was sitting on bed across from his long-time best friend, in the hotel room they were sharing with Buffy.

"No," Willow said. "I'm being completely serious."

"You mean he just picked him up, threw him into a big crowd, and now he's in the hospital?"

"That's what happened," Willow said. "Apparently some of the people in the crowd were holding some things, and he got stabbed in the side, and had to be taken off in an ambulance."

"Wow," Xander said, as he turned back to the television. "The things that happen in the world of professional wrestling when you miss one week."

"Hey guys, new assignment," Buffy said as she walked into the room.

Willow and Xander groaned.

"Where now?" Xander asked as he flopped backwards on the bed. "Somewhere that's more exciting sounding than Smallville, Kansas, right?"

"Uh, actually, no," Buffy said. "We're going to Smallville."

"What?" Willow asked. "I thought Robin was taking that one."

"He was," Buffy said. "He did, actually."

"And?" Xander asked, leaning up on his elbows.

"And, he got injured."

"Injured?" Willow asked. "Is he okay?"

"Yeah," Buffy said. "Or, he will be, once his leg is no longer broken. And a couple of his ribs. And his nose." She paused. "And his concussion goes away..."

"What?" Xander asked, sitting back up completely. "Did that girl beat the crap out of him or something?"

"No," Buffy said, sitting down next to Xander.

"So what did?" asked Willow.

"Giles didn't say, only that it wasn't this girl, uh... Lana. Apparently Wood wasn't exactly with it when he got in contact. Anyway, we're flying out there tomorrow morning. Faith is flying in, too."

"Really?" Xander asked. "Flying? G-man must be worried, spending all that money."

"Yeah. He said he's closer to figuring out how to get a hold of the Council money, but nothing yet," said Buffy. "I don't know why he's sending Faith, though. I mean, Kennedy usua—oh. Sorry."

"It's okay," Willow said. "It wasn't right between us. I'm better having realized that."

Xander smiled over at her, switched beds and wrapped the redhead in a big friendly hug, which the young woman happily returned.

"You do seem happier, overall," Buffy said.

"I am," Willow said. "But, I'm glad I was with her... she... kinda got me through stuff."

"For which we are grateful," Xander said, flopping down on Willow's bed now.

"Nuh uh, mister," Willow said. "It's my turn to single-bed it."

"Yeah, but come on. I get to say I slept with a hot lesbian," Xander said. "How is that not fun?"

Xander then raised his arms to block the pillows that were flung – by Buffy – and swung – by Willow – at him.

"Geez," Xander muttered, grabbing the pillows and retreating back to the other bed. "At least I called you hot this time. Did you guys ever regret offering to share one room between the three of us?"

"No," Buffy said. "It saves some money, and plus, we all get to spend more time together, which was a big part of the draw of this thing anyway."

"Yeah," Willow said. "Why, did you?"

"No," said Xander. "I was a little worried at first, you know... but hey, what sane guy is gonna pass up the chance to sleep with a couple of hotties every night?"

"What time is our flight?" Willow asked, rolling her eyes.

Buffy told them. They both groaned.