FicWad

Willow sat all alone as the music in The Bronze blared on. Oz and his band had yet to take the stage so she sat alone. A sad smile was on her face as Faith and Oz were dancing. It was kinda a strange dance. Oz not really moving much but obviously digging the company he was with. And Faith going all out as she always does. The two made an interesting couple to say the least.
The red head's eyes wandered along the dance floor. It seemed that everyone was coupled besides her. Xander was doing his funky dance with Anya oblivious to the stares of onlookers. She actually looked like she was enjoying the attention. Spike and Buffy were not yet dancing. But they were really cozy in the corner. Cordelia and Angel were of course 'showing' everyone how to dance properly. Xander's other cousin, Wesley had shown up with the assistant librarian. They were sitting at a table together, quite engrossed in whatever conversation they were having. Even her Uncle Giles seemed to have a date. He was with the computer teacher.
Willow shook her head and sighed heavily. Why had she let Faith talk her into coming? There was only one reason that she would have wanted to come. And that was so that she could spend some time with Tara. But that was not to be. Tara had tried, or so she said, to be able to come. But her parents, Willow felt it was mostly her father, would not let her come.
And that was baffling to her. Even her parents who were kinda on the strict side let her go out at night. Granted, she always had to be home and in bed by ten, but still. At least she got to go out. Feeling there was something more to the story, Willow made a mental note to do some checking. Of course, as discreetly as she could.
Finally, Dingoes Ate My Baby took to the stage. Which meant that Oz had to leave Faith. And that meant that Faith had to find Willow. "Hey, girl!" Faith had the biggest smile on her face that Willow had ever seen. "Having just loads of fun I see."
Willow looked up at the dark haired girl. "That obvious that I'm bored out of my mind?" She tried to smile, but she just could not get the smile to come to her face.
"It's cool." Faith kept her gaze on the stage. "Oz is really something else. I wish I would have met him sooner. He may just be the one that tames me a little."
The red head raised an eyebrow. She remembered the summers that Faith and her brother had visited. Tame was the last word that she would ever use to describe the girl. And the guys that she had gone through. And that was back in the fifth grade. "Wow, he really must be something." Again, she tried to smile. The effort was just too much for her. "Listen, I know I promised to keep you company when Oz was playing, but I just can't handle being here. I'm the only one dateless. Not that that is unusual or anything, but I'm just not feeling comfortable. I think I'm gonna head out."
"Come on girl, you can party without being with someone." Faith looked at the clock. She had to stall for just a few more minutes. "And I'm here. What say the two of us tackle the dance floor? Let's raise some eyebrows."
Finally, Willow did manage to smile a little. "You wouldn't mind that people might talk?"
"Shoot! What the hell do I care what people think of me?" Faith shook her head. "How long have we known each other, girl? Since we were in diapers together. You, me, and Xander have been together forever. Granted my dumbass parents dragged me to Boston for the past ten years. But we still got all those summers of fun to remember. You being miserable is something I don't like seein. I say that we show these bozos how to really dance."
Willow sighed heavily. "I just can't. Not that I'd be embarrassed to be seen out there with you, I just can't. I mean, well, I really just can't. There's a reason, it's just really hard to explain 'cause I know that it will never happen in a million years but I still have to keep hope alive and that's why I just can't dance with you."
Faith raised her eyebrows. "Did any of that make sense?"
"It did to me." A shy voice made Willow turn around so fast that she almost tripped and fell. "Hi."
The red head's eyes went wide. She looked at Faith who simply shrugged in response. "You're here!" The smile that made its way on to her face nearly blinded Faith. "But how? I mean, oh so glad. Don't get me wrong. But I thought that you said that.." She shook her head. "I'm glad you could make it, Tara."
The shy blonde returned the smile. "Faith helped me out with my dad. It seems that her father owns the newspaper that Dad works for. He was somehow sent out on assignment. Only Donny was at home besides Mom. And I waited for him to sneak out as usual."
"Again, not that I'm not glad that you're here, but what about your mom?" Willow knew that Tara's mom was sick. As much as alone time with the other girl sounded like heaven, she did not want the woman to be alone.
"My cousin agreed to watch her." Tara's eyes made their way to the floor. "There was a price. I'm going to have to do her homework for the next two weeks."
"Is that all?" Willow smiled as the blonde's head shot back up. "I can help you with that. Remember me? All around brain going on. I have enough capacity for my homework and others, I assure you." She kept staring at the blonde. She just could not believe that she was standing in front of her. It was like her dreams were definitely coming true. "So, want to dance?" Willow blushed. She could not believe that she had been so bold as to ask her that.
"It would simply be my pleasure." Tara's cheeks also blushed a little. There were little looks from all around the crowd as the two began dancing. It was a slow dance. And the two held each other tightly. They slowly swayed to the music ignoring that there was anyone else in the room with them. Willow could not help but think that this was indeed like heaven, holding the blonde girl tightly in her arms.
***
Faith watched a moment before going over to Oz. Again, there was a break and they had put the slower music on. Per Faith's request. "So that's why you wanted the slow music."
Faith turned to see the look of realization on Oz's face. "Well, yeah! I mean those two were never going to get together on their own. Too many obstacles were in the way. Tara's family, Willow being too shy, and both of them not necessarily wanting to tell the whole world that they have a major jonesing for one another. They just needed a little extra push. So, I provided the push. The rest is up to those two to continue the connection."
Oz took Faith's hand in his own. "Care to dance?"
Faith smiled. There was a look in Oz's eyes. If she was not mistaken, it was the look of pride. "Yeah, love to." Oz started towards the dance floor. "But first," she leaned in and kissed him gently on the lips. "Been wanting to do that for the longest of times. And usually I'm not that good at restraining myself. But I think I want this to be more than just some fling. I think I want this to be my first serious relationship."
A rare smile made its way onto Oz's face. He had already had what he considered a couple serious relationships. After all, he just did not go giving his heart away to anyone. But Faith felt even different than any of those. "I understand." This time he leaned in for a little longer kiss. "Shall we dance before I have to go back on stage?"
Faith nodded. She for once in her life seemed speechless. And that said something about the guy that she was now dancing with. It said that he had in fact tamed her. A little, anyways.
***
Anya felt right in Xander's arms. There had never been a guy in her life before. And from what she understood, Xander had never really had a girlfriend before. She had heard the rumors about he and Willow. But nothing seemed to have come of that relationship. And she was glad.
"This feels so strange." Xander whispered into her ear. That made Anya pull away, a hurt look on her face. "I didn't mean it like that. I meant it like I've never felt this good. And I'm not used to feeling good. Which is strange."
Anya smiled. She understood completely how he felt. "I know how you feel." She looked deep into his eyes. "You're my first boyfriend."
Xander raised his eyebrows. "A beautiful girl like you has never had a boyfriend? I can understand a geek like me never having someone else, but you?"
"You've never had a girlfriend?" Xander nodded sadly. "But you seem so nice? And you are pleasing to look at. What's wrong with these girls? Don't they know a good thing when they see it?"
"Apparently not. I'm just glad that someone else besides Willow has noticed that I'm date material." He smiled to himself. He just wished that Willow could find someone and be happy herself. That would make things even more perfect in his life. He and his best friend could both be happy. "The two of us almost became an item. I was too stupid to realize how she felt about me at the time. I'm glad. Now I've got you."
Anya smiled. "Well, I'm glad too. I really like you Xander, and I hope that we can see each other more after the dance is over." Her eyes widened a little at the sight that she saw. "Although, by the looks of it, I don't think the two of you would have lasted that long."
Xander quickly followed her eyes. His jaw nearly hit the floor when he took in the sight. But he quickly recovered and smiled big to himself. "So, Willow does have someone after all." Willow and Tara were still dancing. The music had picked up, but they were still holding each other tight. Each had their heads on the other girl's shoulder. "They look really happy together." He shook his head. "I wonder if Will knew that she had a thing for the ladies and just didn't tell me." He turned back to Anya. "Not that it matters. As long as she's happy, who cares how she finds that happiness. And besides, it gives us something else in common." He smiled at Anya's look. "We both love the ladies."
***
Buffy was loving being in Spike's arms. He was so different than any of her other boyfriends. They had all been out to up their status at her old school. She was the daughter of Hank and Joyce Summers. Hank used to be a star at UCLA on the basketball team. He would have been pro if he had not blown out his Achilles tendon as a junior. And Joyce had been the head cheerleader. It made her want to hurl.
But Spike already had all the money he wanted. Or, his parents do. And being Angel's little brother was fame in and of its self, not that he wanted it. He was with her because he likes her for who she is. Not what he can get from her.
"Spike?" Buffy pulled back a little. "Is this all real? I mean, do you really like me? It just seems like a dream or something. I'm afraid that I'm going to wake up and it will all be gone."
Spike smiled down at her. "You think I'm doing this to cheese off Angel, don't you?" Buffy shrugged. "Or you think I'm doing this just to make people know that I don't give a damn about what they think of me." He shook his head and sighed. "I'm only going to say this once, Buffy Anne Summers. So listen up. I like you. A lot. I like the fact that you are your own person. You didn't back down when Angel was giving you a hard time. You chose friends based on the fact that they aren't going to judge you or give you a hard time for who you are. You left a group of people that you have to work hard to fit into. And I'm proud that you did. I think that we are more alike than you want to admit."
Buffy smiled. "Deep down, I knew all of that. I really did. It's just hard sometimes for me to believe that when I have something good in my life that it is real. Other boyfriends, well, not so much up front and honest. And let's just say that Dad became a real player with the ladies. If I didn't have to spend the occasional weekend with him, I wouldn't. You just seem to be too good to be true."
"Especially since I'm related to Angel." Buffy nodded. "That stupid idiot brother of mine is really a good example. I wish that people would quit assuming I'm just putting on an act. Or assuming that I'm like him. I'm nothing like the wanker."
Buffy smiled. "Sorry. Sorry that I had trouble believing in you myself. Trust me when I say that's not going to happen again. I'm really falling for you. And that is also scary."
"I know what you mean, luv." Spike leaned down for a kiss. It lasted for several minutes. It would have lasted longer but the two heard Angel's voice. And there was laughter coming from the other side of the dance floor. "Let's go put a stop to that idiot big brother of mine."
***
Jenny looked at Giles. His gaze was on a certain red head and a blonde. "You had no idea, did you?"
"Hmm?" Giles turned towards his date. Wow, him with a date. Miracles do happen. Especially since she is the one that ask the stuffy old brit out. "You mean my niece?" He smiled big. "Actually, I've been listening to them since school started up. Well, at least the past three mornings. They meet early every morning in the library. I could tell that there was something more than friendship between the two of them. But they seemed to be playing this nice little dance with one another. I had assumed that it would go on for a bit longer."
"Wow!" Jenny smiled big. "I never would have taken you for a romantic fool. And that's what it sounded like. You almost sound disappointed that the two didn't hold out on each other a little longer. You were enjoying watching them, weren't you?"
"Ahem, well." Giles' cheeks reddened a little. "I guess you can call me an old romantic, yes. And yes, I thought that the budding romance is very sweet. I just hope that they'll continue with their little romance."
Jenny eyed him a little. "What are you worried about? That the two of them will get together or that they won't?"
"I'm afraid that high schoolers may not be that accepting of an unconventional relationship." He shrugged. "Most will, I'm assure accept it. But you know that there will be those that will have to give them a hard time."
Jenny nodded sadly in agreement. "That's true." She pulled him a little closer. "What do you think the kids would say if the librarian started to date the computer teacher openly? Would they give us a hard time as well."
Giles' cheeks reddened a little more. "I would dare say that they would. Especially my niece and her friends. They do love to torment me." He smiled. "If only because they really do care."
Jenny laughed. "They aren't the only ones." The two leaned closer to one another. They were about to share their first kiss when there were shouts from the dance floor. "Damn!" The two adults took off for the noise.
***
Wesley stared at Winifred Burkle. He had never known a young woman that was quite as shy as she seemed to be. She had hardly said anything as they had a lovely dinner before they had come to the dance. But she kept smiling, so he assumed that she was having a good time. At least, he truly hoped that she was having a good time. He was.
"I'm sorry that I've been so quiet." Fred looked at her date. "I have to confess something."
"You do not have to share anything that you do not want to." Wesley smiled big at her. "I quite understand not wanting to share certain things. Besides, we've only just really met. This is our first date."
"Exactly." Wesley looked at her with a puzzled look on his face. "This is my first date. Ever."
"Oh." Wesley's eyes widened. "Oh!" He smiled as he quickly recovered. "Well, than. I must say that I am very honored to have had the privilege of being your escort for the evening. It has been a pleasure, I assure you."
"I haven't, you know, been too quiet." Fred had a worried look on her face.
"Nonsense." Wesley's smile grew a little. "You are a beautiful young woman. I could tell that you were shy when we first met." He swallowed hard before he continued. "It was one of the first things that attracted me to you. That, and your shy smile. It brings out the dimples in your cheeks."
Now Fred's face reddened even more. No one had ever complimented her the way that Wesley was. He was bing nicer to her than anyone else had ever been. "Thank you. I wish I could say that there was one thing that really attracted me to you. But I was so nervous that I had trouble thinking. But I know now what I find attractive about you. You are so nice. And kind. Thank you for what you said. Even if it is only somewhat true."
Wesley shook his head. "My dear girl. Have you any idea how beautiful you are? You are simply breathtaking. You have to know this, right?"
Fred shook her head. "No, I'm not. But thank you for saying so." She looked at him. She could tell that he wanted to try and convince her otherwise. "You are handsome, you know that, right?"
Now it was Wesley's turn to shake his head. "I know that I am average at best. That I put Faith to shame. She had to put up with an older brother that is the way that I am."
Fred looked into his eyes. "I think that you are perfect just the way that you are." Their nice moment was interrupted by shouts. "Guess we forgot the chaperoning thing." The two took off for where the noise was coming from.
***
The band had long ago quit playing. Oz was now standing next to Faith. Faith was standing next to Xander and Anya. The four were standing in front of Willow and Tara. They were trying to shield them from the oncoming insults coming from Angel and Cordelia. And that was a never ending stream.
"Why don't the two of you just shut the hell up!" Faith took a dangerous step towards Cordelia. Oz put a hand on her shoulder. She brushed it off, but stopped her forward momentum.
"What?" Angel tried to make eye contact with either Willow or Tara, but the two girls were well hidden. "The two dikes can't take a little prodding. If they didn't want to be open to ridicule, they should never have been dancing together. I mean, two girls is just sick!"
"You know it baby." Cordelia fake vomited. "Those two were losers before. Now they really deserve everything that they've got coming to them."
"They are two people." Xander now took the dangerous step towards Angel. "So what if they have a different lifestyle than the you two assholes. At least they don't go around harassing anyone. They leave everyone else alone. Why can't you two?"
"That's what I was wondering." Spike came and stood within inches of his big brother. "Why do you have to put down anyone that you think is different than you? Do you have some kind of inferiority complex going or what?"
Angel stepped even closer. They were now nearly touching. "I am better than everyone else. Including you. Including those two lesbos. And including that blonde slut that you've been going around with."
"Bastard!" Spike pulled back and decked Angel and hard. So hard that when Angel tried to stand, he could not because he was so woozy. "Stay down. Lay there like the dog you are. Leave those two alone. And watch what you say about Buffy. If you ever say anything like that again, I will really lose my temper." Spike smiled big. "And you know what it's like when I lose my temper."
Cordelia leaned down and tried to pull Angel up. "You going to let him talk to you like that? You can so wipe the floor with him. Now get to it!"
Spike shook his head. "Listen, girly. He knows that I will wipe the floor with him. Ask him how he got the scar on his shoulder. But do ask him to tell you how it really happened. I could tell you. Bloody idiot." Spike turned his back on his brother, dismissing him. He made his way through the people that had been in front of Willow and Tara. "You two all right?"
Both girls were visibly shaking. But they still held to one another very tightly. "I-I think so." Willow looked into Tara's blue eyes. "We'll be all right. We've got each other." She smiled big as the blonde returned her smile.
That's when the grownups showed up. Angel was already on his feet. There was blood dripping down from his nose. "What is going on here?" Giles looked from Angel to Spike. He had known the two to fight before. "What exactly happened?"
Spike shrugged. "Some people can't handle others being happy. I showed my big brother the error of his ways."
Giles looked from Angel to Spike and than to Willow and Tara who were still shaking. A smile made its way on his face. "Very well than. I suggest that we get on with the dance."
Spike raised an eyebrow. He had been sure that he was in for it. The grownups went their separate ways. He turned to Willow. "Your uncle is really cool."
"He's not the only one." Willow clutched Tara's hand in her own. She was grateful. Grateful that she and Tara could now be out in the open about their relationship. And that she knew that her friends would support her. No matter what.