Poetics of Nature & Stuff

"You're weird," Willow said, poking Buffy playfully on the shoulder. "How can you not like Shakespeare?"

Buffy rolled her eyes, a small smile on her face. "Are you seriously asking me that?"

"Yup." She grinned.

"Wow, okay. Uh. Well, to start... Shakespeare is duller than that time Giles ranted about that demon-y guy for an hour straight. Also, his words are too fancy. They give me a headache. Who really needs all those doths and thous?"

Willow looked at her, blankly. "Demon-y guy?"

"That Damon guy?"

"Oh! Daemonicus. That wasn't dull, Buff."

Buffy shook her head. "Nevermind."

"No! No, Buffy. Tell me." When Buffy didn't respond, Willow grabbed her by the arm and squeezed lightly. "Please?"

"That's about all I have, Will. Shakespeare just isn't my thing."

"Oh." She seemed almost upset by Buffy's confession.

"Not that it's not cool that you like Shakespeare," Buffy added quickly. "Thou is well come to enjoy whatever one may desire. In fact, if you want we can go right now and dress up for the era. Giles might have something suitable in his closet…"

Willow sighed and lay back on the grass. "Make fun if you want. I don't care. I'm all with the not caring as I lie on this extremely comfortable, slightly damp grass."

"But the Giles thing! You were supposed to… It was funny!"

"The only thing we'd find in Giles' closet is those sweater vests and tweed."

"That's true." Buffy watched her. For a moment she did nothing but watch Willow, her head tilted gently to the side. Then, she lunged forward and tackled her friend, pushing her further into the grass. Her arms went around Willow and Willow squeaked.

"Buffy!"

"Surprise hug," Buffy explained a few moments later.

"Why do I get a hug, Buff?"

"Because you're weird," Buffy said, "And you're my best friend. And I love you and your Shakespeare fangirling and that you actually enjoy Giles' rants about demons and… other things."

"Other things?"

"Yeah. You know. Stuff."

"Stuff," Willow said. "Yes, I know stuff. Stuff is good."

"Is good indeed," Buffy agreed.

Willow snuggled closer for another hug.

Fin.