TITLE: Lady in Red
AUTHOR: Ragna (writinggoddess@aol.com)
RATING: FRT
CLASSIFICATION: Xander/Willow. Re-writing of "Lovers Walk": the double breakups were amicable, and Xander and Willow stayed together.
SPOILERS: None.
DISTRIBUTION: Sure, just keep my name on it and let me know.
DISCLAIMER: If you don't recognize it, chances are it's my own creation. If you do, Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Kazui Sandollar, FOX and the WB own it or them. I'm just holding Spike, Xander and Oz hostage. You may see them by appointment only. The song is "Lady In Red" and is performed by Chris Deburgh.
FEEDBACK: Sorry I'm not home right now I'm walking in the spiderwebs so leave a message and I'll call you back...in other words, I want it. Don't care if it's onlist or not.

***

As Buffy sat there looking at the CD Spike left her, Xander and Willow smiled as an older 80's slow song came on.

"You know," Xander said as her recognized the beginning strands of the song, "that's a good song for us to dance to, considering you're wearing a red dress."

Willow giggled slightly and nodded. "By all means. Just don't step on my feet."

Xander wrapped his arms around her waist, slowly pulling her closer. "I'm glad I can dance with you," he said softly as she placed her head on his chest.

"Me too. I mean, when Oz and Cordy found us..."

He shuddered a bit at the thought. "I'm just glad we handled it like mature adults. It could have been worse."

She nodded a little and smiled. "But, we're together. And I'm glad."

Xander started to hum the song a bit as they swayed together. "You look gorgeous in red, you know."

"Really?"

"Actually, you look gorgeous in just about anything."

Willow smiled but stayed close to him. "So do you."

"Willow...are you sure you're okay with everything? I mean, all the decisions?"

She pulled back a bit, showing him her smile. "Yes, I am. Is that what you want to hear? Because it's the truth."

"What happened to the shy Willow I knew before?" Xander asked laughingly, staring at her.

"She grew up and got a boyfriend," she said.

They stayed silent through the verse, and just swayed. Xander saw their exes looking at them with their respective dates.

"Why do I get the feeling we're being watched?" Willow asked.

"Because we are." Xander looked at her face. "Do you care?"

"Not really," she said, putting her head back on his chest.

"Xander? Remember when I was in the coma?" He involuntarily gripped her tighter, and she relaxed a little. "Remember what you told me?"

Xander nodded slowly. "Yes. Why?"

"I heard it all."

He looked down at her in shock, as she turned her face up to him. Slowly, he bent down to kiss her. A sweet kiss, one that made them remember why they chose each other.

It intensified, and they got swept up in the passion, missing the last verse of the song as they continued swaying, lips locked together, both ignoring the fact they had to breathe.

Buffy looked at the dance floor, fingering the CD again. Sighing, she stood up, knowing that Willow would be safe here, with Xander. She had to patrol, something which she realized reluctantly.

The two continued to kiss, oblivious to those around them. When they finally broke apart, it was only then that they realized Buffy had left.

"Should we tell her we saw her and Spike dancing?" Willow asked.

Xander shook his head. "No. Let's dance some more...I have the feeling they've got some more stuff to deal with. We can ask her about it later."

Willow nodded. "I like the more dancing idea," she said, leaning in for another kiss.