"So, what do you think?"  They had finished eating dinner and Willow had dragged Buffy into the kitchen, saying she wanted help getting dessert ready.  Really she had just wanted to talk to her friend.

 

    Buffy grinned, "He seems really nice. He's also an extreme hottie.  He is a little old though.  And what's up with the gloves?"  Buffy had noticed the black leather gloves that Robert Lyle had worn right up until they had started eating.

 

    "Oh, he lost his thumb in an accident several years ago. He's self-conscious about it."  Willow explained.  "And as for the whole age thing, I don't think you're someone to be lecturing on that topic."  She smiled slightly.

 

    Buffy pretended to pout. "Okay, so he's not as old as Angel.  But seriously, Wills, he's great.  I'm so happy for you."  Buffy pulled her friend in a quick hug.  "So, let's take out the dessert."

 

 

Two hours later

 

    Willow walked hand in hand with Robert.  She knew that they shouldn't be out so late, but it was a beautiful night, and when he had suggested the walk, she couldn't come up with an excuse to put him off.  She hadn't wanted to, actually.

 

    "Well, well, well.  What do we have here?  Two lovebirds out for a stroll."

 

    Willow groaned to herself as a figure stepped from the shadows in front of them.  He already was in vamp face.  Willow pegged him as a fledgling.  She reached into her pocket for a stake, wondering how the hell she was going to explain this to Robert.

 

    She turned to him, ready to tell him to run. Before she could get the words out, he reached to his suit jacket.  Before Willow knew what was happening, he had pulled out a stake, and thrown it with perfect aim.  The vampire crumbled into dust.

 

    Looking at Robert in shock, Willow didn't know what to say.  He turned to her, a concerned look on her face.

 

    "Look, Willow.  I can explain what just happened.  I know this will be hard to believe but...” He started to say.

 

    "Vampires are real."  Willow said, cutting him off.

 

    "You know?"  Mr. Lyle feigned surprise, hoping Willow would buy it.

 

    She did. "Yeah. I've known for years.  Sunnydale is a hellmouth.  Buffy is the...” Willow stopped herself.  She didn't know how much she should tell him.

 

    Mr. Lyle raised an eyebrow. "She's the slayer, isn't she?  Look, we should get inside.  Can we talk at your place?"

 

    Willow nodded. "Sure.  Do you mind if the others are there?  That way we can all talk together."

 

    "That sounds fine."