Disclaimer: I don't own BTVS or Firefly. They are from the genius that is Joss Whedon.

Authors Note: This will be a Buffy/Mal, but also the amazing River/Jayne in the background, and the regular couples fic. Also, Anya, Tara, Wash never died. Inara's outta the picture. Book's still dead just 'cause I don't wanna write him in. And this is set after Serenity and Season 7, although the whole Season 7 with the potentials never happened. Buffy will be 22 and Mal 29. Jayne 32 and River 20. Any other questions, ask. And also… review people!

Chapter 1: It's Just A Job

"Over here!"

Buffy closed her eyes shut and pinched the bridge of her nose before putting on a strained smile and turning around, looking over to where her sister and friends had already picked a table around the full club.

"Didn't think you'd make it tonight B."

Buffy shrugged noncommittally, before answering the brunette slayer, "Didn't know you'd be here F." Her gaze swept around the room, taking in any and all threats before returning to the people in front of her. "What are you doing here anyways Faith? Thought you'd gone to L.A. to be with your new boy-toy." She left her sentence at that, and the rest of the group felt the slight tension increase, as well as the grip Faith had on her beer.

Before Faith had a chance to retort though, Dawn broke in. "Buffy, did I tell you what happened at school yesterday? It was the funniest thing! Mr. Krogen, you remember him from parent/teacher night, right? Well he forgot his briefcase in the classroom and…" Dawn kept talking jovially, attempting to lighten the mood.

All the scoobies looked at the youngest Summers with confusion as to why she was cracking up on her stool.

"Uh, Nibblet, where was the joke?" Spike jabbed slightly as he slid up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. "That lot didn't make a bit'a sense to me." He said as he slightly nipped and nuzzled her neck.

"As much as I enjoy seeing Dawnster getting eaten by a blood-sucking idiot that's old enough to be her great-great-great grandfather, I've got a job interview in the morning." At this, Anya looked up from her glass, suddenly interested in the conversation and her hands slipped tactlessly under the table.

Spike sneered at Xander, lifting up Dawn and sitting her on his lap. "Better an experienced male, than a bloody imbecile who can't keep it in his pants."

Ignoring Spike, Anya was all eyes and ears for Xander. "Does this mean we get to go home and have lots of orgasms before you go and make lots of money?" Xander's eyes widened at his wife's antics and her hands, before mouthing goodnight and dragging a waving Anya away for the night.

"Like I said. No self-control. Pissant."

Dawn hit Spike lightly on his shoulder, scolding him quietly for his remark while everyone else shook their heads before turning back to the table. Buffy looked up slightly from her drink to take in the people around her with a small amount of bitterness. Willow and Tara, going on almost 5 years now. Dawn and Spike, it's just… eww. She's her sister, and he's… well, him! Faith, well, she had Angel now in L.A., she thought with a slight sigh. Downing the rest of her drink, she let out a loud enough "Duty calls", to get through to the goo-goo eyed people sitting around her. Standing up, she waved a goodbye over her shoulder and made her way out.

Buffy rubbed her face with frustration as she walked down the alley outside the club. It wasn't their fault she wasn't happy. It wasn't their fault they found someone that made them happy. But damn it all! Did they have to act all … coupley all the time? She shuddered inwardly at this thought and the images it brought up.

"You said you were okay with me and Angel."

Stopping, she tilted her head a bit to the right before answering. "Who said I wasn't?"

Faith walked around to stand in front of Buffy with her hands crossed across her chest. "You did. Just now. Again."

Buffy put her hands on her hips, scoffing quietly. "I lost count. Tell me, how many times is this that you've been wrong now?"

Faith took a step closer to her. "C'mon B! Just admit it! You can't stand it! Even your 'lil sis is getting some and you're left out in the cold. Everyone has their hero and you're not needed anymore."

Buffy closed her eyes for a few seconds before opening them again, her expression tight and controlled. "I'm tired Faith. And I've still got patrol tonight. So," She sidestepped her. "If you don't mind, I've got a job to do."

Faith turned to watch her walk away, not going after her. "That's what you forget B. It's just a JOB!"

Buffy didn't stop walking, but said quietly to herself, "But it's all I have."