Chapter 5

Buffy sat with her hands clasped together tightly and not saying a word. She had confronted one of the cohorts who had done this terrible thing to Willow. She could not believe it when Harmony had made the assumption, but the assumption proved to be true. She had raced down the hall, pulled Xander Harris into a storage closet, and then began her tirade. "Xander there are people who think that you were in on doing this to Willow! Please tell me that it isn't so because you would break her heart and I know that you wouldn't want to do that."

Xander looked at the slayer's pleading eyes and opened his mouth to speak. "There were three of us in on it because this is a straight-laced town and I won't have my best friend thinking that she is like that. I will do whatever is necessary to help her out of this way of thinking. Buff, c'mon, you know that she is only doing this because of her guy problems! I'm doing this because I love Willow and want to help her and that is the only reason!"

Buffy jumped to her feet and grabbed Xander by the shirt collar. "You tell me who else is involved in this right now Xander Harris!" She shrieked at the top of her lungs with a wild look in her eyes. "How dare you say that you love her and claim to be her best friend! Look how you've hurt her you bastard!" Having said that, she punched him with the force of the slayer, as Giles burst through the closet door.

After Giles had pried Buffy off Xander, she quickly left the building and waited for Willow to get to her house. The tears that she cried during her alone time were many and heartfelt because her heart was broken for her friend. Not only because of how she was treated at school that day, but more so because the girl had just lost the best friend that she'd ever had. Xander had been there for Willow since their childhood and now that was ruined. The sacrifice that Willow made to be true to herself was huge and Buffy feared as to how Willow would handle it. "Damn you Xander!" Buffy shouted and kicked the wall hard, which prompted her mother to come running.

After she had explained away the brief outburst to Joyce and cleaned herself up, Willow and Britney's voices could be heard downstairs. Buffy had hoped that Willow would be alone when she broke the news to her and thought that Britney may be just dropping her off. "Thanks Mrs. Summers," Britney was saying as Buffy came into the kitchen.

"I was getting everyone something cool to drink," Joyce explained to her daughter. "It's unusually hot out there today." Joyce smiled sweetly at the youngsters and headed off to the kitchen.

"I got your message to stop here," Willow looked at Buffy questioningly. She sported a worn out look on her face but there was a slight twinkle in her eye. Britney had ditched her afternoon classes to spend some time with Willow and that touched the redhead a great deal. Nobody had ever done that for her before, it was always her doing the rearranging for their convenience. "Britney took me to the beach and we relaxed for awhile. We got ice cream and talked," Willow added with a small smile creasing her features. "I think that helped me a lot and I should have listened to you this morning. I just worried because I've never missed half a day of school unless I've been really sick…"

"Willow sweetie," Britney's soft voice broke the babble fest that was just getting started. "I think that your friend wants to talk with you." She smiled and gave her girlfriend a quick peck on the lips before Joyce made it back to the living room. "Would you like me to go in the kitchen with your mother so that you can talk privately?" Britney asked Buffy in the same soft voice.

"No," Willow interjected before Buffy could reply. "I want you to stay here if that's all right. I don't want you to feel as if there are things that you can't be with me for."

Buffy had wanted to discuss this with Willow privately but knew that she couldn't go against Willow's wishes. "Whatever you feel comfortable with is fine with me Will." Buffy replied but Britney could tell that Buffy had a different idea. She knew that the blonde was very protective of Willow and hoped that it was just on a friendship level. "It's a rather delicate subject but it's fine if you rather that she stay." Buffy added with a sad look on her face.

"I'd rather that she stay because she's my girlfriend and I'm fine with her knowing everything that goes on in my personal life." Willow said candidly and put her arm around Britney. She feared that what Buffy wanted to tell her was bad and knew that she would need all the support she could get.

Buffy straightened herself and tried to find the right words to tell Willow the shocking news. She wished that there were some other way of conveying this to her friend that wouldn't tare her apart on the inside but knew there wasn't. She thought of what Xander had told her and wondered if there was a way that she could use his words to cushion the blow. She then decided that the full truth was best but maybe his words were true, if only in his mind. "I found out one of the people who started this crap that went on today. It's my fault Willow because I confided your secret to someone. I thought that it would be easier on you if you had another support unit in school and badly miscalculated the situation. I know that it was wrong of me to tell anyone of your sexual preference and I do take responsibility for that." Buffy hoped that she had covered that base properly at least, as she prepared to give the big blow. "Will, I thought that he would help you but he turned on you because he's got this insane idea that you are only into women because of your run with guys, or lack there of."

Buffy's face showed relief as she finished speaking but then she realized that she had to spit it out more clearly. "It's Xander Will," she said as softly as she could and then her heart broke all over again. The image of Willow's facial expression, which looked lifeless and beaten down, would remain with Buffy for years to come. "There were others involved but he wouldn't name names. He claims that he's doing this in your best interest." Buffy began to speak more quickly to indicate the nervousness that she was feeling, as the tears fell down Willow's face.

Britney immediately pulled Willow into her arms and began wiping the tears from her face. She knew enough about Willow to know that Xander was like family to her rather than just a friend. The two had shared many personal trials together and Willow would not handle this one well at all. "I'm so sorry Willow," Britney spoke softly and placed a kiss on her girlfriend's lips. "I'm here for you and will do whatever you need me to do to get you through this."

As Willow's body trembled and the tears flooded down her face, Joyce quickly entered the room with cold drinks. She took charge, got Willow to drink the tea, and then got her a cool cloth to wipe her face. "Willow, talk this over with him and if he truly does care for you as a friend, he will stop this madness." Joyce comforted Willow with a hug as she spoke. "I want you to know that I support you in whatever decisions that you make. People are people Willow and allowed to love whomever they wish." Joyce said and disappeared back into the kitchen.

"She's right," Willow said and stood up. "I have to get control of myself and talk this out with Xander tomorrow." She hugged Buffy, who still had a troubled look on her face. "This is killing me inside Buffy but I'm hopeful that we can work it all out in the end. I have to be because he's special to me since we were in grade school." Willow finished speaking and Buffy returned the hug silently. Then Willow and Britney quietly left the Summers home.

"Are you going to need some time alone Willow?" Britney asked as she helped Willow into the truck. "I understand completely if that's the case."

"My parents are out of town per usual and I really don't want to be alone if you don't mind." Willow said and blushed slightly.

"Of course I don't mind." Britney said, leaned over, kissed Willow lovingly, and then pulled out of the drive.

- - - - -

Later that night, Britney went out to get she and Willow a bite to eat. Before picking up the food however, she pulled into her aunt Maggie's. "Hey," she said with a bright smile. "Did you get any leads on the other slayer?"

"From the data that you were able to procure before you left abruptly, no." Maggie said sharply. "I understand that your social life is important Britney but your work must take precedence over everything. It is imperative that I find this slayer. You signed up for a career in the military and I had to pull some strings to get you in this position. I hope that you understand the meaning of my words." Maggie said sternly but with a loving look on her face for her niece.

"Of course I do aunt Maggie." Britney said, her smile never faltering. "I have some more information that came in via email a short time ago. Faith Lehane is the girl's name and she has been seen near Sunnydale in the last couple of days. So I will keep my eyes open and see what turns up."

"Very well then," Maggie said and handed Britney a sealed package. "Read this material over when you get some free time as well and keep me posted on the slayer."

"Sure thing," Britney said and left the apartment quickly. She wanted to do a more then adequate job for the military but wanted to be there for Willow as well. Though she wanted to advance in the military, she had other career plans in mind for her later life. She however, did have plans to stick it out with Willow for decades so had to juggle her priorities carefully. She knew also that she would not do anything to mess up her military record, thus a fine line had to be walked.

As she picked up the food and drove towards Willows, a figure that looked like the other slayer was visible in her headlights. She did not want to deal with this tonight but knew the consequences if she didn't. "Excuse me, do you need a ride?" Britney asked with a fake smile on her face.

"That depends on where you're takin' me," the woman said and gave a flirtatious wink.

- - - -

Willow sat in her living room waiting for Britney to return with their food. She was a little longer then she should have been, thus Willow's mind was filling with all sorts of scenarios. She thought that maybe the truck stalled, or Britney had simply been sidetracked. She knew that being sidetracked wasn't Britney's normal behavior and then thought the worst. This day had been the worst that she had ever had but Britney being got by one of the creatures of the night would top it off in the worst way possible.

As Willow replayed the day's events in her mind and wondered where her girlfriend was, the door opening softly got her attention. Her face lit up when she saw Britney standing there looking at her. "I thought that something had happened to you because you didn't call and I know that I shouldn't need to know what you do every second but…"

A sensuous kiss from her girlfriend stopped Willow in mid babble. "I'm sorry that I'm late Willow." Britney said and pulled the girl into her arms. "I'm all right though," she added and kissed her several more times. "Work got my attention for a few minutes but I'm all yours for the rest of the night."

"That's a nice thought," Willow said and began to return the kisses. "I think that we should stop and eat this food before we get to side tracked."

Britney kissed the girl a few more times in a more aggressive manner then Willow had grown accustomed to from the woman. "You have a microwave," Britney said with a sheepish grin and continued her assault on Willow's mouth and neck. "I could do this all night Willow," Britney added in a low tone of voice, as she began to caress Willow's stomach. "I just want to show you that when I'm not with you, you're the object of my mental images. I want to show you that I'm there for you in every sense of the word Willow because sometimes, showing gives one a better sense of assurance." Britney further added, then began a trail of kisses down Willow's entire body.

As the orgasmic ride subsided, the two women held each other firmly. It was if they were signifying the lifeline bond between them and never wanted it to be broken. 'Britney I am so glad that you are here for me and I love you." Willow said softly, as thoughts of Xander's betrayal tried to poke their way into her mind, thus ruining her tranquil mood.

"I love you too Willow," the woman replied softly and released her hold on the redhead. "Don't let the day's trash get you down right now Willow. This is a special moment between you and I and there is no room for any of them in it." Britney kissed the girl a few more times and stood up. "There is room however, for your growling tummy so let's get washed up and eat."

- - -

That next afternoon, Buffy sat in a local coffee shop waiting for Willow and Xander. The two had agreed to talk and she was to be the mediator. This was a job that she didn't accept readily but knew that it was best for the two friends to have a reasonable person at the table. The problem was, she didn't feel very reasonable at the moment. She looked up from staring into her flavored coffee and saw Harmony Kendall standing before her. "Are you all right?" The girl asked tentatively.

"Look, I know that you didn't spread Willow's secret around the school and start this mess. What I don't know is that you weren't involved in some way." Buffy snapped in a frustrated tone. She was feeling guilty of her own involvement in the entire mess and knew that she was lashing out at the wrong person.

"No it wasn't me but I do know who it is because Cordy told me." Harmony addressed the slayer with an indignant tone of voice. She didn't have to be here giving this information out, thus demanded a little respect for her efforts.

"I'm sorry," Buffy mumbled and took a bite of her creamy pie. "Look, I was the one who told Xander about Willow in hopes that he could help her with the kids at school. It backfired on me and I'm in a pretty fowl mood because of that."

"I'm sorry," Harmony offered in a half-sincere tone of voice. "Anyway, Core got the keys so that Xander and this college oriented person could get in and set up the sign."

Buffy's eyes went wide and she jumped to her feet. "That bitch was setting Willow up for a fucking joke of some sort!" Her rage showed clearly in her eyes as she started for the door. "That will be the last time that Britney Walsh gets to make a move like that one anyone!"

Harmony hesitantly grabbed hold of the enraged slayer's arm to stop her quick movement. "No Buffy, I'm not sure if they are in college or work there but it's not her. Core didn't know the guy's name." As the blonde finished explaining, Willow and Britney walked in the door, followed by Xander who came in the back. "I guess that I should take a hike," Harmony said and started for the door.

"Wait," Buffy said and put her hand on the cheerleader's arm to stop her from leaving. "I think that I may need a reasonable person and you're it. I will explain later Willow."

"There is nothing to reason over," Xander barked and gave Britney a death glare. "She's tainting Willow's mind with this lezzy mojo and I want it stopped!" He spun around towards Buffy, who tried to remain neutral.

"Xander, I am gay and that's the bottom line!" Willow shouted angrily, though a deep hurt was seen in her eyes. "Britney is my girlfriend and did none of what you are suggesting."

"Will, in the end, it was gonna be me and you and we both know it! Tell her that I'm the one that you love and we can get this over with!" Xander tried desperately to pull his friend out of this lesbian drama quickly.

"No Xander," Willow said softly, as the tears fought their way to the surface. "I had a childhood crush on you and you never reciprocated it. I care deeply for you but have since abandoned the idea of there being an us in favor of who I truly am. I am a lesbian Xander and I beg you to accept me for who I am rather than what you think I am."

As Xander trounced towards Willow, Britney and Buffy stood up simultaneously. "You bitch," he muttered under his breath at Britney. "I'm not your ordinary guy who likes to watch two women get it on! I'm a guy who doesn't want this same-sex stuff in my neighborhood when it comes to my friend. I've taken steps to erase you from Willow's life by taking this stand because I'm her best friend and she will realize that I am looking out for her best interest!" Xander shouted, as Buffy caught him by the arm.

"Xander, if you can't accept me for who I am, then we're no longer friends." Willow managed to get the words out of her mouth, as she began to tremble. "I never thought that you would treat me like this over who I pick to date. You are acting totally non-Xander like but until you realize that this is me, I can't associate with you."

Willow's last-ditch effort to make Xander see the true reality failed and he spun towards Britney, w ho was hugging Willow tightly. "You bitch, you will not get away with this!" He shrieked but couldn't get out of Buffy's grasp.

"She's right," Harmony said and stood up from the table. "You're not acting like the geeky Xander Harris that I know and loathe, but rather a new and definitely not improved Xander. Stick to your guns Willow," the cheerleader said and gave the redhead a smile, which garnered a shocked look on Willow's face.

"I do not wish to ever speak to you again! You have crushed Willow and you don't even care!" Buffy shouted and shoved the young man into the table.

"Will, you pick right now, that bitch or me!" Xander seethed with rage in his eyes. "Let me help you Will, we can get through this!"

"I pick her," Willow said softly, buried her face in Britney's shoulder and began to sob heavily.

A/N thanks for the reviews, keep them coming. I know this is out of character for Xander but in the real world of coming out, one doesn't always get to keep all of their friends.