PART ONE

"Mmm.." Willow smiled as she relaxed into her boyfriend's arms, kissing his chest and pulling the covers up around them. "Gold stars. Lots of 'em."

Oz smiled gently, kissing the top of her head. "I don't think I've seen you this calm all day."

Willow let out a small laugh, snuggling into his shoulder. "You wore me out." They lay in a peaceful silence for a few moments, neither compelled to speak, or to move, besides the occasional caress. "This is nice." Willow finally said.

"Hmm?"

"This. You and me together. No demon or test to interuppt us." She placed her hand on his chest. "We haven't had much Oz and Willow time lately... been busy and stuff. Classes. World saveage." She looked up at him. "I've missed you."

Oz kissed her lips gently. "Mutualness." He leaned his head against hers, closing his eyes. She stared at him dreamily, stroking the side of his face. He looked so serene and peaceful and very Oz-like but more innocent. She reminded herself to watch him sleep more often.

"I love you." She murmered, brushing her nose against the cheek pressed to hers. His eyes snapped open and lit up for a moment, before he smiled tenderly and kissed her. Willow slid her arms around his neck, leaning into the kiss, but something was nagging her. A few moments later, she moved her lips off of his. "Oz?"

"Last time I checked."

She gave him a look that let him know she was serious. His expression became sober.

"You never say it." She looked shyly into his eyes, feeling a little guilty. She didn't have any right to complain. About anything. And usually his lack of vocal expression didn't bother her. But it did tonight.

"Say what?"

"Well, I mean... you have. Said it. And you say it in... other ways besides the actually saying *of* it." She babbled. "But... I like the way you say it. And even though I know you do..." She trailed off, glancing into his eyes again. "I guess I just want to hear it. I mean I'm totally okay with your whole 'actions speak louder' thing, I jus--" He cut her off by kissing her sweetly. When their lips parted, Oz gently stroked her hair away from her face.

"I love you, Will." He said softly. Willow's face dissolved into a soft, happy smile as she melted into his arms, pressing her lips to his. Suddenly renewed she rolled on top of him and began to place little kisses on his neck and face.

"Good." She murmered against his lips, looking down at him before pulling him in for another kiss. "Feel like showing me?"

**************************

Oz smiled softly as he awoke the next morning. It took him a moment to figure out where he was, but the fact that he had a redhead in his arms gave it away. Waking up warm, comfortable and confused beat waking up cold and confused on the floor post-wolfyness any day.

He pulled her closer, resting his head on her shoulder and kissing her neck softly. His arms were circled around her waist, her back to his chest, and she was still sleeping soundly. His eyes slid shut and he breathed her in for a moment, revelling in the peace and comfort he felt just having her close. Then he gently removed his arms from her body and sat up slowly, tugging on his boxers and trying not to disturb her. He headed for the bathroom.

A few moments later he emerged, running his hands through his hair and crawling back in bed. As he did this, he noticed something. A small, red mark on her back. He moved her gently, to get a better look. As realization hit him, his heart stopped momentarily.

A stratch. It was relatively small, and could easily be mistaken as something harmless. But it was red, and slightly swollen. His mind raced, his eyes quickly running over the rest of her visible flesh, checking for more sctraches. She was clean. With a trembling hand, he reached up to touch the mark. His stomach churned as he contemplated what it could very possibly mean.

For a few moments, Oz freaked. Silently and without moving a centimeter. He honestly thought he was going to vomit. < No, no, no. > His mind repeated. He glanced down at his girlfriend, still asleep and completely unaware of what had happened to her. What he'd done to her.

Somehow he managed to get his heart to slow down; Once he was sure he'd be able to speak in a steady voice, he gently nudged his girlfriend, his eyes still fixated on the red mark. She stirred, and then turned to face him, smiling sleepily and moving her hands to stroke his face. Her eyes blinked open, and she saw his expression. Her face fell into a mask of fear.

"What's wrong?"

---

continues
are you with me? do you want me to continue? please oh please let me know *G*
~Make your own fun