destructo-girl.com

"One Thing Leads to Another "

Author: Pamela
Contact: destructo-girl@cox.net
Notes: This hasn't been beta read... please ignore any mistakes.

Buffy frowned as she walked to the kitchen, wondering who was 'we'. She had made it clear that Dawn wasn't to have friends over when she wasn't there, but it could just be one of the gang had come over.

As she and Riley came into the room, they found Dawn sitting at the kitchen table with Spike, both holding cups of hot cocoa. As Riley's eyes widened in shock, Buffy smiled.

"Don't ask me how, but we managed to find Peppermint Stick in August," Buffy replied, opening up a cabinet and retrieving some bowls. "Did you want some, Spike?"

As Buffy told Dawn about the movie, the two males continued to stare at one another, Riley's face a mixture of resentment, anger and confusion, while Spike's was one of amusement. and just a touch of jealousy. After all, he'd been the one to stick by Buffy through all that had happened, helping fight evil and protect Dawn while Riley had run off like Spike's pansy-ass sire, yet the boy was the one going to the movies with the Slayer, probably spending his nights between her thighs.

Well, maybe not. Spike thought about how Buffy had been sleeping with Riley's friend, which he obviously wasn't aware of, and grinned widely.

Dawn suggested they eat in the living room so that they could watch 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire' and Spike went with her while Buffy put the ice cream away. Riley took the opportunity to talk privately with Buffy.

Riley sighed, "I mean, why is Spike here, hanging out and being friends with you."

"Oh, that. Well, since you left, Spike's changed. He helped out with Glory and protected Dawn and even my mother when she was still alive. He proved to be worthy of trust and we got to be friends."

"Buffy, he's fooling you! God, he's. You probably won't believe me, but Spike is in love with you."

Buffy bit her bottom lip before giving him a small smile, "Actually, I do know that. He told me back in February, but I made it clear that I did not feel the same way."

"And he just took 'no' for an answer?" Riley asked incredulously. That didn't sound like the Spike he knew.

"Well, no. He got together with Drusilla, knocked me out and chained me up," Buffy replied, before noticing the look on Riley's face and decided it would be better if she left out the part where Spike threatened to let Dru kill her if she didn't admit that she had feelings for him. "He did it so that he could show me how much he loved me. I know it was twisted and sick but, well, it's *Spike*! Anyway, he was going to kill Drusilla for me."

"I'm not going to even pretend to understand that or the fact that you allow him into your home, alone with your sister, after all that he's done."

"He's changed, Riley. I don't expect you to just see it right away, because I had months to witness him doing good deeds, but I do expect you to trust my judgment."

Riley took a deep breath. He didn't trust Spike for a millisecond, but Buffy did and she really did have final say. He could forbid her from seeing Spike, but Buffy wasn't one to accept being forbidden from doing anything. It would definitely put him on her bad side. And considering the fact that they had only just had their second date since his return, he should keep his mouth shut. for the time being.

Nodding slowly, Riley said, "If that's what you want. But don't expect *me* to be friends with him."

Buffy smiled and rolled her eyes, taking her bowl of ice cream and heading out to the living room. Mentally preparing himself for an evening with Spike, Riley grabbed his bowl as well and followed.

"Okay, I'm all ready, I'm going to bed," Dawn announced, coming into the living room and walking over to the couch to kiss Spike's cheek. "Thanks for coming over."

"You do know that I am completely aware of the fact that you invited me over to torment Soldier Boy, right?"

"Spike, I'm sorry! I really do love hanging out with you, you know that, it's just."

"Riley is bloody wrong for your sister and he can't stand me being around, but Buffy's not about to let him tell her who she can and can't be friends with so you're hoping to cause trouble?"

"Great plan!" he grinned, "Don't worry, I'm not offended. Quite flattered, as a matter of fact. And glad to be of service. I'll be hurt if you don't plan on repeating this evening many times."

"Well, it's for a good cause," he shrugged. "Now you'd better get to bed before your sister gets home."

Spike nodded, "I'd actually like to have a talk with her. Do a little manipulating of my own."

"Cool!" Dawn replied, pleased to have another ally in her plight. "See you later, Spike!"

"G'night Niblet," he called after her as the girl happily climbed up the stairs.

By the time Buffy returned home a few moments later, Spike was all ready to play his part in the plot.

"Did everything go okay dropping Riley off? Did you have to walk him to his door and check all the closets and under the beds for monsters?" he asked sarcastically.

"Sorry, Pet, it's just that I can't stand watching you glued to his side when we both very well know that you prefer his friend."

"I don't prefer Graham!" Buffy retorted, earning a knowing look from Spike before admitting, "Okay, I don't know who I prefer, but it really doesn't matter."

"Why not? You never promised to sit around and wait for Riley to return. He left, you found someone else, so why are you acting like it was nothing and not allowing yourself happiness?"

"I think you know how I feel about Riley. Bloody prick doesn't deserve *you*. And even if he did, you shouldn't end a relationship with the guy you want to be with because you don't want to hurt someone else! What about you getting hurt? Or what about this Graham bloke? You mean to tell me that it doesn't hurt him to see you dating his best friend again?"

Buffy sighed and shook her head, "You don't understand. Spike. Even if I was to tell Riley what happened and not be with him, I could never be with Graham. The guilt would just sour the whole relationship."

"Buffy, I know you won't believe me, but I am telling you now - in the long run, you're not going to make Riley happy. You won't be happy yourself, always wishing you could be with his friend, wondering what life would be like if you had ended up with Graham. Do you really think Riley will have this perfect life you seem to think he deserves if you're miserable? It won't work, Luv."

"I think Riley could make me happy. It's just hard right now. We're working through stuff. But in the end, I think we'll be an even better couple."

Spike sighed and shook his head before standing up, "Well, I have things to do. Gotta make a trip to Willy's."

"Just promise me that you'll think about what I said?" he asked, looking her in the eye.

"Good," Spike replied, walking to the front door and opening it, "Oh, will you be spending tomorrow evening with Riley again?"

As Spike left her standing alone at the door, Buffy frowned. The last thing she needed was Spike deciding to be Scheming Guy again.

"I was just thinking that Graham here needs to get himself a girl," Tom grinned.

A group of guys had gathered in Graham's apartment for a night of poker. Unfortunately for Graham, it was quickly turning into an analysis of his love life. or his lack of one.

"Actually, Graham was hanging out with Buffy, pretty often from what I can tell. But you guys haven't really spent time together since I got back, have you?" Riley asked Graham.

"No, we haven't really had a chance," Graham answered. In fact, they hadn't even seen each other since Riley's return a week and a half earlier. It was inevitable that they would have to come face to face sooner or later. and it would no doubt be awkward as Hell.

"With a girl like that, you'd better be careful. Guys gotta be all over her," Tom said, turning to Matt, "I ran into them at a restaurant the other night. she's definitely easy on the eyes."

"Do you mind not talking about my girlfriend like that?" Riley grinned, and then sighed, "Actually, this is a problem. She's got this new boss that's sort of been hitting on her."

"Buffy would never go for that. She's very independent. she wouldn't agree to any male posturing, would she, Graham?"

Graham was about to agree, because Riley was absolutely right. But then he got a wicked idea. It was wrong, Riley was his friend, but if he had to sit by and watch his best friend be happy with the girl *he* was in love with, wasn't he entitled to a little fun?

Buffy walked into the small room in the back of the diner and sat down in one of the chairs. She looked up as Larry, Mr. Markerson's nephew that had taken over as manager of the diner two weeks earlier, closed the door and sat down in his chair on the other side of the desk. She eyed him suspiciously, wondering what he was up to. He'd always given her the creeps, and since she had repeatedly spurned his advances, she was curious to see what this was all about.

"Buffy, I called you back here because we have a situation with scheduling. I know that my uncle had given you the five to one shift, Monday through Friday, as your regular schedule."

"Well, with my management, I am changing some things. I want this place to run more efficiently. My uncle is a good man, but he doesn't have a head for business like I do. One of the changes I am implementing is that nobody has a regular shift anymore, and we will all have to take turns working different shifts. That means that everyone will have to work weekends, mornings, days, nights and graveyard. Including you."

Larry shrugged, "I'm sorry, Buffy. Not to sound insensitive, but my concern is this diner, not your personal life."

"I have too many people working certain shifts. Rather than cutting hours, I am redistributing. Would you rather less shifts or shorter ones?"

Buffy sighed and shook her head, knowing that she needed all the money she could get.

At long last, the clock on the wall read one o'clock. Buffy finished wiping down the table with a rag and headed to the kitchen. She had spent the past few hours mulling over her situation. She hated the thought of being gone in the evening and leaving Dawn alone, but quitting was out of the question. Until she got a new job, she would have to make it work.

Resolving to search the want ads as soon as she got home, Buffy took off her apron and grabbed her purse before punching out on the time clock and walking back out into the dining room.

Larry smiled at her, "I'll see you tomorrow, Buffy. The schedule for next week should be done, so make sure you pick a copy of it up."

"Right," Buffy replied, annoyed, and then surprised when she saw Riley enter the diner.

Buffy's eyebrow was quirked, until she caught the look on Larry's face. Smiling warmly at Riley, she replied, "Good, I missed you."

Riley's arm slid around her waist as he kissed the top of her head and the two of them headed out the door.

Once out of Larry's earshot, Buffy said, "I know you just came because I told you my boss was hitting on me."

"He's decided to make us all work different shifts. That means I'll have to work on the weekends and at night and everything. I'm going to have to leave Dawn alone at all hours."

"I'd like to go have a 'talk' with him," Riley added, shooting a look in the direction of the diner's door only a few yards away.

"You can't. I am unable to recall why just now, but I know that you can't," she replied with a half smile, "I just have to start looking for a new job."

"Yes, good idea. Maybe you can get an office job. Dawn will be back in school in less than two weeks, and then if you are working until five, she'll only be alone for two hours or so."

"That's true. Have I mentioned how much I hate looking for a job? Especially interviews. They're nerve-wracking."

"I know, but just think about once you get a new job and you won't have to deal with Larry anymore," Riley pointed out as he put his arm around her again and walked her the rest of the way to her car.

Dawn's play was that night and Buffy had invited Riley to be her date. Dawn had begrudgingly kept her mouth shut. and with Lisa's help, come up with a little surprise for Buffy.

As the girl he adored more than anything started her car and drove off with a wave, Riley sighed happily. He hadn't yet felt it was time to kiss her again yet, but he still knew that they would work through everything and be a full-blown couple once again. And he felt like the luckiest guy in the world.

Dawn peered out the curtains that Lisa had slightly parted and saw that Graham was indeed standing just inside the doors at the back of the auditorium.

"I know," Dawn replied, "But I hadn't really taken into account the whole Buffy wanting to kill me factor."

"Maybe I should just go buy a Wonderbra and get a job at Hooters. Granted, it's not a big respect-garnering job, but I could make good money off of horny guys," Buffy grinned.

"No, having you earn your living being ogled by men is not my dream come true," he answered.

"Seriously? Well, I won't lie. I wouldn't be thrilled. It would probably bother me, but I'll back you up with whatever you want to do."

"Really," he nodded. "Well, maybe not if you decided to go work in one of those legal brothels in Nevada. I can handle guys looking at you, but not touching. That would exceed my limits as the understanding and supportive boyfriend."

She smiled, "Works for me. And if it helps, I have no plans to go anywhere near any brothels. Or even strip clubs."

The two of them looked up and saw Graham standing next to the end of the row of chairs they were seated in.

"Hi," he said, then added, "Judging by the look on your face, I am guessing Dawn didn't tell you she called me last night and asked me to come see her play, did she?"

Buffy shook her head, "No, she didn't. Oh, but it's cool. I'm glad you could make it."

"Yeah, me too," Riley agreed, gesturing to the empty seat at the end of the row, which happened to be on the other side of Buffy, "Why don't you sit there?"

Graham sat beside Buffy awkwardly, inwardly wishing that he'd just lied and told Dawn he had to work or something. He never should have let guilt get him into this situation. Now he would have to watch Buffy with Riley all night.

Graham couldn't help but return the smile as he remembered the other reason Dawn had been able to convince him to come. Even if he had to see her with Riley, he'd really missed Buffy.

"Yeah, you know, I kind of feel bad, like I am monopolizing Buffy's time. You guys hung out before I got back and now you never see each other," Riley said.

Buffy and Graham both averted their eyes, feeling a rush of embarrassment at the truth behind their lack of contact lately.

"I just didn't want to intrude. You two have a lot of catching up to do," Graham answered quietly.

"Okay," Graham nodded, unsure of how he felt about that. Riley was his best friend and Buffy. well, he wasn't sure what she was to him, but he definitely enjoyed spending time with her. He just didn't want to have to endure watching them kissing or groping.

Before the awkward conversation could continue, the lights dimmed, signaling the beginning of the play. Grateful for the escape, Buffy sat back and focused her attention on the stage, trying to forget the fact that she was seated between her boyfriend and secret former lover.

"What?" Dawn asked, noticing the stares she was receiving from the other three people at her table as she poured ketchup all over her nachos.

Buffy just smiled and shrugged at he and Graham, "Dawn likes to eat on the wild side."

"And I am starving. I was so nervous about the play, I could hardly eat a thing all day."

"I wasn't surprised; I knew you were great when I helped you practice for the audition," Graham said.

"You helped her run lines?" Riley asked, surprised. He hadn't realized Graham had been quite so involved with Buffy's life.

"Graham and I are very good friends," Dawn grinned, hoping it would bother Riley to know that his best friend was closer to his girlfriend's sister than he was. Not that she got the impression Riley was dying to be her best bud, but if he was close to Dawn he would score more points with Buffy. "Speaking of, you know, next week is my birthday and Buffy says I have can have people over. Graham, you will come, won't you?"

"Uh," he looked at Buffy to see if she seemed to not want him around, but didn't find anything on her to make him feel unwanted. Nodding, he replied, "I'd love to."

"Hey Dawn, do I get to come to your party too?" Riley asked, jokingly. He figured since he was Buffy's boyfriend that it went without saying.

"I was kidding!" Dawn defended, an innocent look on her face, "Riley knew that, right?"

"I'm sorry if you thought I was serious, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings," the brunette replied, giving him a sugary sweet smile.

Dawn considered making a pointed comment about how sensitive he was before he left Buffy, taking everything personally and all that, but Buffy wouldn't buy the 'I didn't mean it' act again. Still, she'd managed to have quite a bit of success that night and Graham would be coming over for her birthday, so she would have more chances to meddle soon.

After their meals were finished, they all sat around the table in the restaurant making conversation as they digested, but Dawn and Buffy were soon yawning, ready to go home and go to bed. Riley excused himself to go use the restroom, followed by Dawn, leaving Buffy and Graham alone at the table in awkward silence.

She nodded, "Riley told me how you explained about my mother before he came to see me when he got back. I really appreciated it. It was nice to not have to tell him myself."

"Oh," Graham replied, suddenly feeling like maybe warning Riley hadn't been a loss for himself after all. "It wasn't even a decision for me, really. I just knew it was the thing to do."

Not really wanting to go there, but knowing he had to, Graham broached another subject. "Uh, about. the past few months. You know, the stuff we did."

"Yeah?" Buffy asked, wondering what he would say next. That they ought to tell Riley and be completely honest. That they should never tell Riley and protect him. That he realized he loves her and wants to be with her. She wasn't sure *what* she wanted him to say, though.

"I figure it's probably best if we keep it to ourselves. It would only hurt Riley to know what happened and it's not like he *needs* to know, right? We aren't going to do it again."

Buffy shook her head, "No, we won't. I know we said we wouldn't before and we still did, but now Riley is back and we're together."

"Right. It wasn't wrong before, but it would be wrong now. The best thing to do is just leave the past in the past. Riley will never find out. You and I are the only ones who know and if we don't tell him, who can?"

"Riley has no clue that they had something going on?" Lisa asked as she and Dawn flipped through magazines in Dawn's room.

"Not as far as I can tell. I guess Graham and Buffy both want to keep it to themselves. They haven't said a word to me. Of course, they don't know that I know."

"I still think it would be so cool if the guys got in a fight over Buffy. So romantic!" Lisa smiled.

"I can't believe I have to tag along with them on their date tonight," Dawn sighed. "Buffy used to *hate* it when my mom tried to make her take me with them and now she is inviting me herself?"

Lisa shrugged, "Maybe Riley had the idea. He probably figured it would make him look better to Buffy."

"Maybe." she sighed again, "I just have to keep reminding myself that this is for the greater good. As much as I detest the idea of having to spend an evening watching Buffy with Riley when I know she is better off with Graham, she needs me to make getting back together with Riley impossible."

Dawn's mind worked furiously as Riley and Buffy made light conversation beside her in the semi-full movie theater. She was all about plotting to ruin the date but hadn't come up with any ideas so far. She did have to pat herself on the back for choosing a girlie movie to subject Riley to. Too bad Spike wasn't around; the two of them could share a big laugh about the military man actually paying to see 'The Princess Diaries'. Of course, Buffy ate that right up, adoring Riley even more for not even complaining when Dawn announced that was the movie she wanted them to watch. But still, Riley had to endure a fate worse than a chick flick, which definitely made this little date less than perfect.

When a couple sat in front of them, Dawn got an idea. The man sitting in front of her partially obstructed her view of the screen, so she decided it was the perfect opportunity to get Buffy to switch seats with her. which would put Dawn in between Buffy and Riley.

"Buffy, can we trade seats?" Dawn quietly asked her sister, "I can't see over this guy's head."

"Dawn, you're the same height as me. If you can't see, I won't be able to either," Buffy pointed out.

"Okay," Dawn sighed, begrudgingly trading seats with Riley, annoyed that her attempt at screwing things up had only gotten him more points with Buffy.

As Dawn pouted in the backseat of Riley's car - which wasn't nearly as cool as Graham's, in her opinion - she reflected on her lack of success that evening. All she had managed to do was make Riley see a movie that he would never in a million years choose to watch, one that he really didn't seem to mind watching. He had even said nice things about it. So basically, she had failed. Lisa would be so disappointed.

In the front seat, she observed Riley reach over and clasp Buffy's hand, sharing a tender smile with the elder Summers girl. She wrinkled her nose as she imagined their cheesy goodbye. and then it hit her that she had one more chance to muck things up. An idea quickly came to her and she clutched her stomach, moaning loudly.

Buffy turned around in her seat to look at her, concern etched on her face. "What's wrong?"

"It's probably from all the candy and popcorn. I told you that stuff was bad for you."

Riley was soon pulling into the driveway and opening her door for her. It was then that it hit her that Riley really was a pretty good guy. He loved her sister and *usually* treated her well. She felt a pang of guilt for plotting against him; after all, Buffy could do a lot worse. But then she reminded herself that as nice as Riley was, Graham was better for her sister and Buffy deserved the best. She loved her sister more than anything and if she had to screw over a nice guy, so be it.

Climbing out from the backseat, Dawn made sure to clutch her stomach and look like the might vomit at any second. She hurried to the front door with Buffy and Riley at her heels. After Buffy unlocked the door, Dawn rushed in, only to find her sister wasn't following.

Reluctantly, Dawn nodded and Buffy closed the door. She'd been so close! Trying to think of something else she could do, the teen peered out one of the windows beside the door, spying on Riley and Buffy.

"I'm sorry, I know tonight has been less than stellar," Buffy smiled apologetically.

"What are you talking about? I got to spend the evening with you. Even a trip to the dentist will qualify as a great way to spend my time if you're with me."

"Not even," he grinned. "The movie was. not something I would ever choose myself, but I actually liked it. As much as a manly man like myself can enjoy a film about a princess, anyway."

Buffy chuckled, "Don't think I don't appreciate what a good sport you were. It means a lot to me that you let Dawn come with us and didn't complain once, about anything."

"Why would I? I like Dawn and I missed her a lot. Not nearly as much as her big sister, of course."

Buffy grinned and took a step closer, somewhat unconsciously giving Riley her permission to make his move. He opted to accept her invitation and closed the distance between them, moving his head down so that their lips would meet.

The two quickly stepped back, turning their attention to the teen. "Buffy, are you coming? I feel really bad."

"Yeah, go upstairs and I'll bring you something to drink, okay? I think we have ginger ale," Buffy replied, then looked at Riley, "Want to come in?"

Dramatically, Dawn trudged up the stairs, still clutching her stomach as though she was in great agony. Once she was alone in her room, she allowed herself a small victory dance before slipping on her pajamas and climbing into bed so Buffy wouldn't suspect anything. The night was far from a total disappointment!

"I can't believe you are leaving Lisa and I alone tonight," Dawn frowned at her sister's reflection in the bathroom mirror as Buffy curled her hair.

"Yeah, but we could do something bad without you here to supervise and get into trouble."

Buffy smiled at her, "No you won't. I trust you and I know you wouldn't want to disappoint me."

Running a brush through her curls, Buffy looked at her sister, "Do you not want me to go out with Riley tonight?"

The younger girl looked up and met her sister's eyes. She knew that she could very easily tell Buffy she wanted her to stay home and maybe she would. But she also knew she couldn't. Buffy didn't deserve to feel guilty about leaving her and that's exactly what she would be doing.

"Nah, I just like to give you a hard time. You know, make you worry all night about what we're up to," Dawn said with a small smile.

Buffy turned around and grinned at her, "Won't happen. Like I said, I trust you. Now, if you will excuse me, I need to go get dressed."

As her sister left her alone in the bathroom, Dawn sighed. Riley had gotten sneaky this time. He had found out that Lisa was spending the night and used it to his advantage, asking Buffy to go out to some super fancy restaurant with him so he knew it would be just the two of them. It would have served him right if Buffy had brought both girls along!

"They're going to kiss," Dawn complained to Lisa as the two of them sat in front of the TV, half-watching MTV while Buffy finished getting ready for her date upstairs.

She nodded, "I told you, they almost did the other night and the only reason they didn't was that I interrupted. Riley's taking her to some fancy restaurant tonight, very romantic, I know they're going to kiss."

"Well, it's not a good thing, but it's definitely not sealing the deal. On a scale of bad, with ten being marriage, kissing is like a one and a half."

"Remember, we have to be nice to him. Nobody can know that you have any objections to him dating Buffy," Lisa reminded her friend.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Dawn agreed grudgingly before opening the door and plastering a half-hearted fake smile on her face, "Hi Riley."

"Hi Dawn, Lisa," he replied with a warm smile on his face. He was all decked out in a nice suit and carrying a bouquet of red roses. "How are you two doing?"

"Yeah, she takes forever," Dawn groused, then screamed at the top of her lungs, "BUFFY!"

Riley looked taken aback as Lisa shot her friend a dirty look. While she wasn't being openly hostile towards Riley, he would have to be an idiot not to notice that she wasn't being very friendly. And a glance at Riley's face proved that he definitely wasn't an idiot.

"Thanks," he responded, "Buffy's very special to me, and I want to show her that."

"Aww," Lisa sighed, feeling like she could melt in a puddle. It was like a scene out of one of her romance novels.

Dawn had to restrain herself from rolling her eyes. Leave it to Lisa to completely forget their goal.

"Okay, I'm ready," Buffy announced as she rushed down the stairs while digging through her purse to make sure she had her keys.

As soon as she came into Riley's line of sight, she took his breath away. As far as he was concerned, Buffy was the most gorgeous woman on Earth, from her hair styled in a French twist with loose tendrils framing her face to her black strappy sandals on her feet. She was wearing a simple black spaghetti strap dress that fell to just above her knees and managed to show enough skin to have him salivating, yet still covered enough to make him wonder what he was missing - despite the fact that he had been in a position to know *exactly* what he was missing on more than one occasion.

"You look so beautiful," he said honestly as she climbed down the last few steps.

A wide smile spread on her face as she blushed slightly, "Thank you. You look very handsome."

"Thanks, Lisa. Dawn helped," replied Buffy, twirling around for her sister to see the final results.

"I did good," Dawn smiled. As much as she hated this, Buffy really seemed to be looking forward to her date with Riley and she really deserved to have a good night.

Remembering the roses in his hand, Riley held them up, "Uh, I got these for you."

Buffy handed her the roses, "Thanks. Okay, you two, you know the rules, so behave yourselves. If you need anything, you can call Mrs. Pearson or me. I wrote down the restaurant's phone number and put it on the refrigerator."

After giving her sister a peck on the cheek, she took Riley's arm. "Have fun, you two."

"You guys too," said Dawn, with all the enthusiasm she could muster, which wasn't much.

As soon as the door closed behind Buffy and Riley, she sighed and followed her friend into the kitchen, "You were *so* not helpful."

Lisa bit her bottom lip as she found a vase and put some water in it, "I know, it's just. Riley's so nice and he adores your sister and he's pretty easy on the eyes. I'm just not sure that breaking them up is such a good idea."

"It *is*," Dawn insisted, "Yeah, Riley's great, but so is Graham and *Graham* is the one that Buffy should be with. He suits her better."

"How can you be so sure? Buffy's an adult and it's *her* life. Don't you think she knows what is best for herself?"

"No! Lisa, trust me, Buffy tends to make screwy decisions when it comes to love. There are a lot of reasons why she is dating Riley and it's not because she's in love with him."

"But they went out for, like, a year. That was before Graham, so it wasn't because she felt guilty."

"Things change! Buffy was busy worrying about my mom and I, and Riley got all upset because she wasn't obsessed with him so he bailed on her. Remember that, Lisa? He left Buffy. Graham has been here for Buffy through a lot of stuff that Riley missed," Dawn sighed, "I know I am not being entirely fair. I can't really credit Graham for not leaving because it's a different situation. And I know I can't completely blame Riley for not being here for Buffy when Graham was. But the fact of the matter is Riley has done some stuff that, to me, proves he's not the one for Buffy. He's not strong enough to be what she needs and I think Graham is. She's my sister and I know her. Graham is the one for her. You have to believe me."

Lisa set the vase on the counter, "Come on, it looks like we need to start coming up with ideas."

"Do you think they'll kiss tonight?" Dawn asked as they walked back in the living room.

"Judging by the way they were looking at each other? I think we'd better stay up until Buffy gets home. Otherwise they may end up in bed together."

He had taken her to a hotel in Santa Barbara that was reputed to have one of the finest restaurants in all of the U.S. It also had a great view of the beach and had a *very* romantic atmosphere. Riley was even considering returning with Buffy to stay in the hotel for a romantic weekend sometime in the future, but he figured it was much too soon to even broach the subject at this point.

"You're not kidding about the stress! I swear, one of these days I am going to decapitate Larry with a butter knife," Buffy groaned.

"Damn, I never should have said that. The point of tonight was to make you *forget* your troubles for a while."

"Just close your eyes and think about the fact that you and I are in a great restaurant with good food and no responsibilities for the evening."

"Good," he grinned. "After we eat, I was thinking maybe we could have a walk on the beach?"

"I like that idea," she told him, honestly excited, "God, Riley, do you realize that I have never had a night like this? I always dreamed of a super romantic date, but it just never happened."

"Well, that's a shame. But then again, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't glad to be the one on the date with you. We'll have to work on doing all the stuff you wanted to do but never did," he said, before realizing the implications of his statement. "Um, well, I didn't mean�"

Buffy laughed, "Don't worry, Riley, I know what you meant. And it's very sweet."

"Yup. And you started making with the naughty talk then, too. Why, Mr. Finn, you are *constantly* referring to sex around me?" she teased.

They enjoyed a comfortable silence and Buffy tried to shake the feeling that this wasn't quite right. This was *Riley*, who she cared so much about and had wanted a second chance with so badly. She loved Riley, when she had chased after his helicopter, she had been sure of it, and she still had feelings for him.

So why did she keep thinking about Graham? Why did it matter that she loved him too when Riley was the one who wanted to be with her?

After they finished their meals and enjoyed a cup of coffee as they talked and digested, the twosome made their way out to the beach. Sitting down on a bench, Buffy pulled off her sandals as Riley removed his shoes and socks.

Buffy shook her head, "I'm sure she's fine. If not, she would have called. I must learn to trust her."

"No, but it's the first time you left her with a friend. It wasn't *that* long ago that I was her age. It's a lot easier to get into trouble when you're with a friend."

"Sure," she agreed, taking his hand as they walked closer to the shore. "It's such a beautiful night. It couldn't be more perfect."

"You'll get no argument from me. I want to pinch myself, make sure I'm not really stuck in the middle of a jungle having a really great dream. I have to tell you, waking up to find out that I haven't bathed in days and have nothing but bugs to eat would be more than a little disappointing."

"Well, not *bugs*, but a lot of the stuff I had to eat didn't taste much better."

"I don't care, as long as it's not bugs. I don't know if I could kiss you, knowing there had been bugs in your mouth."

Deciding to take a chance, Riley paused, smiling at her flirtatiously, "Does that mean you want to kiss me?"

He slowly dipped his head down until their lips made contact. Buffy's mouth opened and bid entrance to Riley's tongue. Her hands moved to his upper back, clinging to him tightly while he gently stroked her lower back.

Content to just be together without saying anything, they continued their walk down the beach. She found herself filled with unease yet again. She'd had high hopes for their first kiss after getting back together. Not that it was a bad kiss - Riley had always been a great kisser. She had just thought perhaps once they had kissed, things would get easier. She wouldn't have feelings for Graham, or at least her feelings for Riley would be reinforced and she would be more confident about their relationship.

"Okay, well, I'll see you tomorrow night. Don't forget, the party starts a seven," Buffy told him.

"Actually, no. The way Lisa and Dawn have their faces pressed against the glass like those little Garfield dolls people hang in their back window makes me think it might be uncomfortable."

Riley laughed when he saw that the two teens were indeed staring at them through the large bay window in the living room. "What is up with that?"

"I have no idea," Buffy shrugged, also amused, "Maybe they get a vicarious thrill? I have to be honest, if I have the choice between my sister spying on us or dating herself, I'm going with her being a big weirdo. It's easier."

She returned the kiss, gently massaging the nape of his neck before the two broke apart breathlessly. After another kiss, she grabbed her purse and opened the door.

As she walked up to the front door, Riley waited in his car in front of the house to make sure she got in. Opening the door, she turned and gave him a small wave before he drove away.

"Is kissing a very big deal when you are, say, twenty, and have a few boyfriends under your belt?" Dawn attempted to casually ask Spike as they sat in the living room. Buffy was busy in the kitchen finishing up with the snacks, leaving the two of them alone until the rest of the guests arrived.

"Yeah," she sighed. "Lisa and I saw them last night in Riley's car when he brought her home."

"Not exactly 'went at it.' More like a goodnight kiss. But when Buffy came in she was all giddy so I have a feeling that wasn't the only kiss."

"Don't worry, Niblet, Buffy's not quite shackled to the living Ken doll quite yet. She kissed me once, you know."

Spike was slightly offended. "I'll have you know that I am a bloody great catch!"

"I know," he nodded, "Point is, just because Buffy's snogging the bloke doesn't mean you have to lose hope. And you invited this Graham fellow here tonight too, right?"

Just then, the doorbell rang and Dawn jumped up, eager to see which of her guests had arrived, praying it was the man in question. Then he and Buffy could have some time alone together.

Opening the door, she was disappointed to find Xander and Anya on the other side of the threshold. "Oh, hi guys."

"Hello Dawn! Happy birthday! You're fifteen now, which is actually nothing special. When you are sixteen, you can drive a car, but it's not until you are eighteen that you can do fun things, like vote and legally have sex," Anya nattered. 'However, Xander has informed me that many times, young people have sex *before* it's legal."

"Oh, but that is wrong," Anya pointed out, trying to appease her boyfriend. "Buffy most certainly would like you to wait, although from what I understand, she had sex with Angel when she was only seventeen and that was illegal so if you choose to do so, what can she really say?"

"So your dad sent Dawn a card?" Willow asked as she helped Buffy fix some snacks for the party that was getting started in the living room. Some of Dawn's friends from school had arrived and pop music was now blaring. "I mean, I guess it's not weird of him to send her something since it's her birthday, but considering the fact that he hasn't even acknowledged your mom's death�"

"He doesn't know yet. I've left a ton of messages at his office, saying it's imperative he calls me, but they either don't give him the messages or he doesn't call. Maybe I should quit trying to be sensitive and just leave a message that his ex-wife is dead," Buffy sighed. "I'm just happy he remembered Dawn's birthday. Or maybe his secretary-slash-midlife-crisis did."

Buffy shrugged, "I'm sure that she wishes he would be her father and come be here to help us in some way besides sending his child support check every month. And he doesn't even do that, his accountant does. She didn't really say anything when she saw the card in the mail� she knows what's going on."

"Well it sucks, for both of you. I know he's your dad and no matter what he does, you love him, but I would really like to put a nasty spell on him," Willow griped.

Her friend smiled, "Thank you. Now, we'd better get this stuff out there. I don't think Spike will be able to handle the Backstreet Boys for too long before he goes on a killing spree, chip be damned."

Giggling, Willow grabbed a couple platters and followed Buffy out of the kitchen.

Graham walked with his best friend up to the front door of the Summers' home, filled with dread and excitement as the same time. He was seeing Buffy. Good, yes, because he very much liked Buffy and enjoyed spending time with her, but he had to be around her and adore her but act like she was nothing more than his best friend's girlfriend that he got along with very well. And he had to see her with Riley, who had not shut up about how happy he was with their date the previous night. He'd even told Graham about how they had kissed, thus giving him endless images that made him feel extremely jealous. Which then made him feel extremely guilty. Riley was a great guy who deserved happiness. Buffy was a great girl who deserved the same. She deserved Riley, a guy with a solid background, a great family, the perfect all-American guy� unlike him.

Fortunately, Dawn was the one who opened the door. If he'd had to witness Buffy and Riley kiss each other hello, he might have just turned tail and run.

Dawn found that when he came bearing gifts, it was a lot easier to be genuinely happy to see him. "Thank you!"

She stepped aside to bid the men entrance, taking their gifts as they walked through the door.

"Wow, quite a party," Riley found was the nicest thing he could say as he heard what he assumed Dawn thought was good music.

"Graham, Riley� you wouldn't believe how great it is to see two other men who were alive when '1984' came out," Xander said as he approached them in the foyer and Dawn scurried off with her gifts.

Riley grinned and patted his back, "Sure, just let me say hi to Buffy first. Where is she?"

As Riley walked away and unbidden images of him greeting Buffy entered Graham's mind, he decided he needed a drink, "I don't suppose we could get our hands on some beer?"

"Hey there," Riley greeted Buffy warmly as he came upon her picking up several empty plates and bowls that had been set out on the dining room table for partygoers to snack upon.

The two of them carried the dishes into the kitchen and set them on the counter before Riley wrapped his arms around Buffy and gave her a tender kiss.

"Finally, I've been dying to do that," he grinned, "I figured it wasn't a good idea in front of all Dawn's friends."

"You're probably right. For one thing, she would have killed us, and another, I really don't want to give them ideas."

"Oh come on, wouldn't a make-out party with a bunch of fifteen-year-olds be fun?"

Hearing Buffy laugh, Graham turned his head in time to see her kissing Riley through the window in the kitchen door. Turning away from the painful sight, he tried to focus on Xander rambling as they stood on the porch with Spike, drinking and avoiding the rest of the party.

"This is pathetic," Spike announced. "We need to get back in there and take over, put on some Sex Pistols and have a *real* party! Come on, we can kick their asses! Okay, not Buffy and Riley's, but they won't care!"

Spike frowned, then glared at Graham, "Thanks so *bloody* much. I can't even beat the hell out of some brats!"

"Here you are," Buffy said, opening the kitchen door and smiling at them, "Hiding?"

Anya peered at them over her shoulder, "Were you having 'guy talk'? Did you discuss sex? Xander, did you tell them about some of the positions we tried, or the time we played 'Master and Slave Girl'?"

Buffy turned and gave the girl a disgusted look, "Anya, why don't you go get them to turn off the music and sit down?"

"What did you need, Luv?" Spike asked, half-hoping she'd decided to kill the teens and wanted their help.

"It's time to open presents. Think you guys can come in and join the rest of us, or is that just too frightening a fate?"

"I suppose we can brave it," Xander grinned, walking past her into the house, followed by Spike.

As Graham trailed behind them, she gave him a bright smile. "I'm so glad you made it. It was very important to Dawn. And to me too."

"I wouldn't have missed it for anything," he replied honestly, feeling his heart flutter against his will. Try as he might, he just couldn't stop her mere presence from affecting him.

Buffy stopped wiping down tables and walked over to the counter where JoAnne was standing with the phone in her hand.

Buffy frowned, wondering whom it could be. Nobody ever called her at work. Everyone she knew was either at school or work. "Hello?"

"Hello Miss Summers, my name is Dean Mathis, I am head of security over here at Dillard's department store in the Sunnydale Pavillion shopping mall. I am calling you because we have a situation with your sister, Dawn. I understand that you are her legal guardian?"

"Well, I am afraid that we caught her in possession of some of our merchandise. We're going to need you to come down here as soon as possible."

"Well, that's nice, but your shift doesn't end for three more hours," he retorted.

Buffy sighed, "Look, I have an emergency with my sister. I'm sorry, but I *have* to go."

"That's unacceptable. I want you to stay here and complete your shift. If you refuse, I'm going to have to fire you."

She rubbed her eyes, trying to figure out what she should do. She hated this job, but she needed it. Both she and Dawn had this nasty habit where they liked to eat and have electricity and all that. Plus, she had car payments. But on the other hand, she *had* to get down to the store. Who knew what they might do with Dawn.

By the time she reached the mall, Buffy was seething with anger. She couldn't believe her sister would do something like this! Not only was she stealing, but also it was only her second week back at school. She had no business being anywhere besides Sunnydale High, as Buffy had given her explicit instructions that morning that she was to go straight to school and straight home. This was even worse than the previous spring when she had been ditching. Now she was ditching *and* stealing.

After finding a parking space in the garage, Buffy climbed out and nervously walked over to the mall entrance. She was nervous as hell. There were a million fears and questions going through her head� and this was pretty embarrassing.

So lost in her thoughts, Buffy completely didn't see Graham until she smacked into him and almost fell on her butt.

"Buffy, oh God, I'm sorry!" he exclaimed, grabbing her waist to help steady her.

Noticing that she was still in her uniform from the diner, Graham frowned, "What's up?"

She flung her hands up in the air, "I got a call when I was at work from the security at Dillard's. You won't believe what Dawn has done now."

"She's stealing now. She's also ditching school and disobeying orders. And now I have to go and face these people and just pray that they won't press charges because that is the *last* thing we need right now."

"What? No you aren't. You're the best you can, which really isn't all that bad. You've got a stable home for Dawn, you make sure she doesn't want for anything, you've got a job-"

"I was fired� quit... whatever. The gist is that I am unemployed," she smiled sadly. "Larry wasn't going to let me leave and I *had* to go."

"Well, I'm still sorry. You know that if there is anything I can do, you just have to tell me, right?"

"Yeah, thank you. Unfortunately, I don't know what anybody can do right now. I'd better get going and meet our fate," Buffy said.

"Okay," Graham nodded, "Hey, how about I come over later? You can call me when you get home. Something tells me that you will probably need to have someone to talk to over a cup of coffee."

"Thanks, I need it," Buffy replied, before reluctantly continuing to make her way to Dillard's.

"We have decided not to press any charges," Dean Mathis told the two sisters seated on the other side of the desk from him after talking to them both for a few moments, "None of the girls have any previous offences and in your case, Dawn, we know that you have had a lot of disruption in your life as of late. We understand how hard that can be. In the interest of fairness, we are willing to let this slide this time. However, we ask that you not return to our store. Do you understand?"

Buffy nodded her head quickly, greatly relieved, "Thank you so much, Sir. I apologize for this whole situation. Dawn does too, don't you?"

"Just please stay out of trouble from now on. You have a very concerned sister here who really cares what happens to you," the man told her.

The two girls exited the office and found themselves confronted be one Christine Walters, mother of Melanie, one of Dawn's accomplices.

"You're hardly more than a child yourself, raising a teenager! And obviously doing a bad job of it. Clearly Dawn was the one who dragged Kansas and my Melanie into this! They never would have been *truant*, much less thieves!"

"Hey! Don't you dare talk to her like that," Dawn argued, surprising both Buffy and the older woman. "This is *so* not Buffy's fault. I did something really stupid today; I admit it. But I am in no way responsible for Kansas and Melanie's actions. Get with it, Mrs. Walker. Your little angel's already been caught stealing at how many stores? Do you really think it's a coincidence that she keeps getting 'falsely accused'? And we all know she ditches as much as she can. Even in eighth grade, she would go off with the junior and senior guys in the high school! Plus, let's not forget the little plagiarism incident last year in Mr. Rodham's class."

"No I'm not. You know I'm not, but you like to live in denial where Melanie isn't a little rotten brat that does whatever she wants whenever she wants. Well she does and while I am not perfect, I'm not going to let you blame me for this one and I'm *definitely* not going to let you blame my sister!"

As Mrs. Walters and Melanie stood there with stunned looks on their faces - and Kansas smirked - Dawn grabbed Buffy's hand and tugged her out of the store.

"She pisses me off! Melanie's the one who came up with this stupid idea. I know she didn't force me, but I absolutely didn't force her and I'm not putting up with Mrs. Walters being mean to you," Dawn ranted, then paused and looked up at her sister hopefully. "Does this mean I'm not grounded?"

"Oh, you're still in a world of trouble, but I *am* proud of you for standing up for us."

Dawn groaned as they walked out into the parking garage. At least Buffy didn't hate her.

"I have to punish her," Buffy said quietly, before giving Graham a questioning look. "Right?"

"I know," she sighed, "It's just hard. I feel like a hypocrite. How can I honestly tell her that stealing and ditching school is wrong when I have done them myself? Granted, I just stole lipstick and not two hundred dollars worth of clothes, and most of the time when I ditched school, it was apocalypse stuff, but still� do you know what I mean?"

"I do; I see where you are coming from. But the fact of the matter is, you know that stealing and ditching is wrong, don't you?"

"Well, that's your job. You're supposed to help guide Dawn - teach her morals and the difference between right and wrong and all that. Obviously, she had a clue before now that when you send her to school, she is supposed to go, and when you go to the store, paying for merchandise isn't optional, but we all do things that we know are wrong and when we do them we are punished to teach us a lesson."

"I know, I feel like a jerk, though. Nobody ever found out about the lipstick and I was hardly punished for the ditching. My mom grounded me a couple times, but compared to how many times I *did* it�"

"Buffy, do you think your mother was perfect? Do you think she *never* did anything wrong? You can't sit there and try to be 'fair' by only punishing Dawn for things if you were punished for them or never did. This is for her own good - remember that. I know it's a lot easier for me to sit here and tell you what you should do, but I know I am right about this."

"I wish that there was something I could do to make things easier," he told her honestly.

"But seriously, I want to help. Promise to let me know if there is anything I can do for you?"

Buffy bit her lip, "I like to do things on my own, but it has come to my attention that I do try to do everything on my own and it's not always a good thing, so I promise."

"Everyone needs help once in a while, it's okay," he smiled, reaching across over and squeezing her shoulder without thinking about it.

She placed her hand over his and returned the smile, "Thank you for being here for me. I don't know how I could have gotten through the past few months without you."

"I like being here for you," Graham said honestly. He tried to remain cool, but on the inside he felt a bit thrilled at the though that *he* was the one there for Buffy instead of Riley. Granted, Riley was at work, but Buffy hadn't even mentioned her boyfriend. He was probably grasping, but it still made him feel really good.

Which in turn made him feel really guilty. What kind of best friend was he, happy that Buffy had him around instead of Riley?

"Oh, come on Buffy! I didn't complain about no TV for a week, I didn't complain about being grounded for *three* weeks, but I really don't want to do this!" Dawn whined, following her older sister around the house.

Buffy stopped and gave her a firm look, "You *can't* complain, because it's your punishment. You ditched, you stole, it was wrong and you deserve to lose TV privileges and be grounded. And you have to write the letter."

"Oh, you mean it's not a fun punishment? Well, I must have gone wrong somewhere," Buffy retorted sarcastically.

Dawn cocked her head to the side and frowned. "Make me clean the bathrooms. Make me wash your car for a year. Anything but this! I'll even make you breakfast in bed every day for a month!"

"Oh, that's a great idea. I can just imagine the mess *I* will have to clean up every day."

The doorbell rang and the blonde smiled and rushed to open it, her sister at her heels.

"Hey," Riley returned the smile, stepping inside the house and planting a kiss on her lips, missing Dawn rolling her eyes. "Hi Dawn."

"Hi," she replied, before she turned her attention back to her sister. "This is cruel and unusual punishment, you know!"

Buffy and Riley exchanged smiles as the teen stomped up the stairs. Buffy shut the front door and grabbed Riley's hand, tugging him to the couch in the living room.

"Oh, she's just upset because I am making her write a letter of apology to the manager of the store she stole from."

"Thank you," she smiled, leaning over and giving him a deeper kiss. "So, the popcorn's in the microwave, what movie did you bring?"

"Mmm, this is very nice," commented Buffy as she and Riley relaxed on the couch, cuddling together.

"Yeah?" she asked, growing a little nervous that he might be implying that he wanted to take their relationship to the next level - sex. It was probably silly, considering all the times they had made love before, but it was something she was very worried about. Just kissing him wasn't the same as before. She always thought about Graham. So how could she sleep with Riley if she really wanted his best friend?

'Yeah. I actually wanted to give you a pleasant, relaxing evening. I know that things aren't very easy for you right now and I guess I worry about you."

"I know I don't *have* to, but I'm your boyfriend and I care about you," Riley told her, purposely not mentioning the l-word. He'd decided to give them some time before he said that again, especially considering what a problem it had been the last time. Riley didn't want Buffy to feel pressured to reply in kind and he was afraid to be the one to say it and *not* get the same in response again.

She shrugged, "I know that one of our big problems before was my difficulties accepting support and not letting you be there for me. I just don't want you to think I am doing it again. You were-"

"At work," he said, "Don't worry, I understand. I'm not going to lie and say I didn't wish I could have been the one here with you, but it would be completely selfish and immature of me to be mad that Graham was. You needed someone and I am happy you had him. I know that the way I was before. I might not have been able to accept it. But that was my problem and I recognized that and have tried to change that about myself."

Buffy felt a pang of guilt; she had this wonderful boyfriend and all she could do was yearn for another man. There was something seriously wrong with her. Resolving to just try harder, she kissed him again.

Sharing an amused look with her boyfriend, Buffy looked at her sister, "Did you need something?"

"Hey Dawn, maybe since you can't go out, we could rent movies that all three of us can watch a few times a week," Riley offered.

Buffy sighed, "Yes, I did, Dawn. I didn't know it was supposed to be a secret. Besides, Riley was bound to be curious why I am no longer employed."

"Whatever! I know that you blame me because now you can't go to school and hang out with your friends and your *boyfriend* because you have to take care of me and now you lost your stupid job *because*of*me*!" The teen shouted before running up the stairs.

"I'm sorry," Buffy apologized to Riley, "Don't take it personal, she's just in a bad mood."

"Goodbye," Buffy called, watching him walk to his car before shutting the door and leaning against it. With a deep breath, she walked up the stairs and knocked softly on her sister's door.

Accepting the mediocre invitation, Buffy opened the door and stepped inside, finding her sister lying on her stomach on the bed. Gingerly, she sat down on the edge of the bed and ran her fingers through Dawn's silky long hair.

"I'm sorry I embarrassed you by telling Riley. I honestly didn't mean to divulge any secrets. You knew I told Graham."

Dawn nodded, knowing she couldn't tell her sister that she didn't mind Graham knowing because he was almost a brother to her but didn't feel that way about Riley. "I was embarrassed, but it's not your fault. I'm the one who did something so stupid."

The younger girl paused for a moment, trying to figure out how she felt before explaining it to her sister. "I don't know if you blame me, but it is because of me that you can't have fun."

Dawn laughed, "Oh please! I have heard you complain a million times about what a burden I am. And that was before Mom died and you had to take care of me all the time."

"I know. You are, on occasion, a huge pain in the ass and you know it. But then there are times like when I was fourteen and had the flu and had to miss my first high school dance, so you sat with me in my room that night and watched 'Pump Up the Volume' and brought me Sprite. Or the time when you were three and you fell down and hurt your knee and wouldn't stop crying until *I* kissed it. Or when I couldn't find Mr. Gordo and you gave me your favorite doll to sleep with. Willow will never get to have times like that and she's really missing out."

"Those things didn't really happen," Dawn pointed out, tears welling in her eyes.

Buffy put her hand over her heart. "Yes they do. They are real here and that's what matters."

Dawn sat up and hugged her sister. "I'm sorry I yelled at you and I'm sorry you got fired because of me."

Buffy shrugged, "It was a stupid job. I can do better and now I have extra incentive to go find something else."

The older girl nodded, "I think you owe him an apology the next time you see him."

"Sure!" She grinned, jumping off the bed and heading out of the room before pausing and turning to look at her sister. "Buffy?"

"It was worth a shot," Dawn replied, leaving her sister alone as she went downstairs.

Feeling better knowing that at least she had resolved one of her many problems, Buffy trailed behind. For the first time in a while, she felt like she could handle this. She may be unemployed and have an incredibly screwed up romantic life, but she was going to make it.

"Hey Matt, do you have any connections to get someone a job?" Riley asked his friend and co-worker.

"I can think of one job she's be really great at. Zane and I patronize a very fine establishment every Saturday night, we could ask if they are hiring next time we go," Tom joked.

"Seriously, though, I don't know anybody. I'll ask around, though," Matt promised.

"Thanks man," Riley said, going back to his paperwork until Graham came in and sat down at the desk opposite him. "Morning."

"Not much," his friend responded, then added, "Oh, Buffy told me about how you talked with her yesterday after the whole incident with Dawn."

Graham froze, suddenly afraid of what Riley might say. After all, he wasn't sure he would have liked his friend performing what could be boyfriend duties with *his* girlfriend.

"I just wanted to say thanks. It's nice to know that you're there to look out for my girl when I can't."

"I know, and I'm very glad for it. Buffy's life isn't easy and she needs all the friends she can get. It's good that she can count you as one of them."

Feeling even guiltier, not only for sleeping with Buffy, but for the jealous thoughts he had been having ever since Riley's return, Graham sat down at his desk and attempted to immerse himself with work.

Buffy looked up and was surprised to find a familiar face peering down at her. She quickly placed him as Brian, the man her mother had gone on a date with the night before she had died. He'd come to Joyce's funeral, just to offer his condolences, and Buffy had found him to be very nice. She would have liked it if her mother had continued to date him.

"Hi Brian," she smiled, standing up from her seat at the table in the restaurant.

"She's great. She just started high school a few weeks ago so now she feels she is very old and mature."

Gesturing to the paper on the table, Brian asked, "Are you applying for a job here?"

"Yeah, I'm the breadwinner now and I didn't get to finish school so� I'm good at waitressing."

"Well, we have job openings pretty regularly and I know a colleague of mine is looking for a new secretary. I'm not sure how much more money you would make than here, after tips, but you would have paid vacation, sick days, medical benefits and 401K, the whole deal. And you wouldn't have to spend your days running around and carrying trays of food around. Do you think you might be interested?"

"Yeah," Buffy replied, "But I've never been a secretary. I have no experience besides waitressing."

"Sure, but not extensively or anything. I had to take some computer classes in school so I can type and do some other basic things."

"That's all you need," he grinned, "Of course, you will have to have a professional appearance and be clean cut but I can already tell you have that covered. You'll have to come in for an interview, but I am sure Alicia will hire you. I'll talk to her, set up a time, and give you a call, okay?"

"It's nothing," he assured her. It felt good to be able to help out Joyce's girls. They may have only had one date, but he had known she was special.

After making a few more arrangements, the two said goodbye and Buffy finished filling out the application and submitted it - just in case. With an extra bounce in her step, she headed home.

"Man, I have so much homework tonight," Lisa complained as she and Dawn walked out the front doors of the newly rebuilt Sunnydale High after the final bell. "How about you?"

Dawn shrugged, "Not too much. And it's not like I have anything else to do anyway. I've got another week and a half locked up in my house; I'm only allowed to leave for school and an occasional trip to the grocery store. It's really pathetic, but I am learning to love the grocery store."

"Yeah, yeah, I was bad. I'm sorry and I deserve this which is why I am not whining *too* much."

"Oh, there's my mom, come on," Lisa said, grabbing Dawn's arm and dragging her to the waiting car.

Dawn grinned, "Thanks for the ride, Mrs. Pearson. My sister wasn't sure what she was going to do until you offered to carpool."

"Oh, it works out great for me! I get to sleep in now. I just hope she enjoys her new job. You should do something nice for her, make her dinner or something. The first day is always stressful so she would really appreciate that."

"Hmm� that's an idea," Dawn said, contemplating that idea. Brownie points were always a good thing. Ooh, she could make brownies! She'd gotten the idea to make them with jellybeans inside them a few days earlier� maybe she would have an experiment that afternoon.

"Oh yeah, did you have to go with her and Riley for dinner the other night?" Lisa asked.

"Yes," Dawn groaned, "I thought they were going to have to be surgically detached, they kissed so much! I swear they are worse than before."

"And that has nothing to do with the fact that this time you want her with Graham?"

"No, trust me, it's worse!" Dawn insisted, "You know, you are such a traitor. Before, you were all 'Oh, Buffy should be with Graham, let's get her with Graham!' and now you've all but abandoned that."

"No I haven't. It's just that Riley is so sweet. It's hard to want to sabotage his relationship with Buffy and break his heart."