Indigo Spirit - LoL glad you enjoyed it. I've been trying to keep things a little slower, because I have a habit of speeding things up in my stories. I'll keep a better eye on that :-)
Joanne - I'm glad you decided to check out my story, even if you don't know about RENT. (which, by the way...you should check out. Best musical ever.) :-D
Ilse M Jupnur - Thanks again for reading!
Average Everyday Sane Psycho - It might be a little while in the future before I let the secret get out. Like I said to Indigo, I want to take things a little slower than I usually do. But it definitely will be interesting :-D

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"So, what do you think?" Mark asked Willow. They had decided to take advantage of the slightly warmer weather and take a walk a little later that night.

"You're friends are great. Reminds me a bit of my friends, actually. Not in the whole reminding me of them, but in the way you guys interact. More like a family." Willow rambled, making Mark smile. "Sorry. I ramble."

"No, it's cute." he said, making her look away embarrassed. "Faith and Collins seem to get along good." he mentioned.

"Yeah, that doesn't surprise me. You told me Collins was an anarchist."

"Yeah, he is a bit of one." Mark laughed a little, glancing over to her as they walked.

"Let's just say Faith isn't one to follow social norms."

"I kinda got that from her stories. Did she really wrestle an aligator completely naked"
he asked.

"You're gonna have to take her word on that one. That was before she moved to Sunnydale. But it wouldn't surprise me." they laughed together and fell into a comfortable silence.

Lots of things were going through Mark's mind. They had only known each other for a few days and already Mark felt himself falling for her, hestitantly, of course, but it was still there. As much as he hated to admit it, Maureen scarred him, but he was determined to get past it.

"So, film anything good today?" Willow broke the silence.

"A few things. But I still don't have a focus for another documentary."

"You'll find something." she said, giving him a reassuring smile, which he returned doubtfully. It's been a year since 'Today 4 U' was finished. He had hoped that something else would present itself, but so far, nothing. "It's hard though. To find something new in the same environment. Almost impossible."

"E-flat, diminished ninth." he heard Willow whisper with a smile.

"What?"

"E-flat, diminished ninth." she repeated, and Mark looked at her confused when she didn't elaborate. She laughed.

"My ex-boyfriend's life ambition was to be able to play e-flat, diminished ninth on his guitar. 'A man's chord' he called it. Also that it was impossible. You talked about doing something impossible, and it reminded me of that."

"Boyfriend?" Mark inquired.

"I didn't always date girls, Mark. My first relationship was with a guy named Oz."

"As in the great and powerful?"

"As in Daniel Osbourne. Oz. We dated for about two years."

"And what happened with that? Did you find Tara?" she gave him a look.

"Not every girl leaves their boyfriends for a girl, you know. I met Tara a few months after he left." she said. Mark wasn't embarrassed. He didn't meant it like it sounded.

"Well?" he asked again.

"He left. He was having some problems he needed to work out and he went to find himself. Last I heard he was in Tibet studying with monks. I don't even know if he knows about Sunnydale. I would assume not, since I haven't heard from him yet. I'm rambling again, aren't I?" she smiled. Mark laughed. "Ok, so what about you? I've told you all about my relationships and I've only heard about Maureen."

"It's sorta only been Maureen." Mark admitted, "I know it's hard to believe, but I was kind of a geek in high school." they laughed. "Always behind my camera. It's hard to meet girls when all you do is witness the life of your classmates instead of being a part of it." he said somberly.

"I hear ya. Xander and I were definitely the geeks of Sunnydale High. Until Buffy showed up and brought me out of my shell. Even though I was still a geek, I cared less about it."

Mark gave her a smile, and dared to take her hand into his. When she didn't pull away he interlaced his fingers with hers.

"Kindred spirits."

They walked again in silence, neither having anything pressing to say. They ended up back at the Life, but were reluctant to go in just yet.

"So, you coming back tomorrow?"

"Actually, no. I'm taking a few of the students to Central Park. A chance to get away from classes."

"That sounds fun." Willow looked hesitant before she spoke.

"Y..you could come. If you wanted. We're spending the whole day out there."

Mark smiled. "Sure. I'll be there."

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I know, I know! It's short, but I had to break through some writers block to get this scene out. I hope you all enjoy, and please review!