Research
…and it can't be a Bavarian slime demon because they have 3 horns not five," Hermione continued.
"It doesn't look like you need my help with the research," said Xander. "But I have a great talent for doughnut getting."
Xander tried to make a joke of it but he couldn't help feeling hurt that Hermione was ignoring him completely.
"Don't go," said Hermione absently. "I'm glad you're trying. Harry and Ron don't even pretend to do research."
Trying? Thought Xander.
He opened a book at random and the picture looked surprisingly familiar.
"Is this it?" he asked.
Hermione peered over his shoulder. "A Hungarian slime demon! Of course! I should have thought of that!" She smiled at Xander. "Good job."
She had a nice smile…
"Anytime," he said. "Though I really do have amazing doughnut finding skills. We could go get some."
"Shouldn't we tell Buffy about the demon?"
"It can wait," said Xander. "We get lots of demons here in Sunnyhell but doughnuts are a rare and beautiful thing."
Hermione laughed and followed him out of the magic box.
"Mmm," said Hermione. "These are delicious."
She had a little bit of powdered sugar on her nose.
"You have powdered sugar on your nose," said Xander stupidly.
The last time a girl had something sweet on her nose… the last time a pretty, smart witch had something sweet on her nose… History repeated its self as Xander kissed it off. Then he kissed her again, a little lower down.
Hermione pulled away. "We should probably get back to research," she said.
"Yeah," Xander agreed, his face burning.
"Soon," Hermione finished. "Very, very soon."