An: Thank you for reviewing! I love all the feedback I've been getting. Now onto the story...
"So," Buffy began, "as good as this feels, you do realize that I went from completely hating your guts to tolerating you in the span of 24 hours?"
"You passionately make out with all the guys you tolerate?" Parker teased, "I thought you said you were a 'reformed bad girl'."
"Oh be quiet," Buffy said, "I really don't want to go back in there."
"You got to face reality sometime."
"Will you go back in there with me?" Buffy pleaded, "I don't think I can manage on my own."
"Your mom, will kill me."
"Oh yeah, that's right. I forgot..." Buffy trailed off.
"How about this, you go back in there and tell you mom, you have to go back home and check on Dawn. Ask her to update you if anything changes, and I will drive you home."
"You know," Buffy said while placing a chaste kiss on Parkers lips, "You really think everything through."
"I am still taking you out though, and now more then ever you need a distraction."
"On second thought," Buffy said while thinking things over, "I don't want to leave mom alone."
"Ask her how she's feeling, and if she wants you to stay, then you should stay."
"Alright," Buffy said standing up and letting go of Parker's hand, "I'll be right back."
"I'll be here, waiting for you."
"Okay."
After checking in on her mom who assured her that she was fine, and that she should go check in on Dawn, Buffy went outside, and saw Parker still sitting on the bench.
"Hey," Buffy said startling Parker.
"Sorry, I'm a little jumpy," Parker explained, "Ready?"
"Yeah, I'm all set," Buffy said.
Parker held out his hand and Buffy took it, happily.
"So," Parker began breaking the comfortable silence, "I was thinking that we should take Dawn to dinner… I mean I was going to take you out anyway, so what's…"
"Parker," Buffy interrupted, "That sounds like a great idea. She's going to have to get use to you at some point, if we keep up with whatever it is we are doing."
"I don't know about you, but I forgot how much I genuinely like you," Parker said.
"You know, I was thinking the same thing," Buffy said in agreement.
"I never forgot how much I love you though," Parker said quietly.
"Me too," Buffy said softly, "And as hard as I tried to forget, I never could. It was like everyday it got a little easier, the pain hurt a little less, my heart didn't feel so broken."
"I'm sorry for leaving you so broken… I am going to have to spend everyday making it up to you."
"Just being here, and actually talking to me like this is a start," Buffy said, "It's not going to be easy. It's going to be really hard. But, I think for some reason… No, it just feels different this time."
"Yeah, it does," Parker said smiling.
The ride back to 1630 Revello Drive was faster then anticipated, and Buffy was just happy to soak in the silence. Once she and Parker reached the porch, she grabbed his hand, and together they walked into the house.
"Mom!" Dawn cried, upon seeing Buffy and Parker, "Hey, I remember you! You were in my mom's bed!"
Buffy turned bright red, and Parker just laughed.
"You must be Dawn, I met you the other morning. My name is Parker."
"Hi Parker, that's a nice name," Dawn began, "Hey, that's my daddy's name too."
"Oh, hey guys!" Willow interrupted as she was coming down stairs.
Buffy sighed and silently thanked Willow who saved her from responding to Dawn.
"So," Buffy said, "What have you guys been up to?"
"Oh, it was really fun. Willow and I played Candy land, and I won. She also made me a super secret sundae, and I'm not suppose to tell you what's in it," Dawn lowered her voice, "Because, it's a secret."
"Great, thanks Will. I'm going to have a hyperactive six year old to deal with tonight," Buffy deadpanned.
"Hi, you must be Willow," Parker said while extending his hand.
"Yeah, and you have to be Parker," Willow said shaking Parker's hand.
"Nice to meet you."
"You too."
"Oh, Buffy how's Hank?" Willow stated full of concern.
"He's okay, right now he's in surgery. But we will know more later," Buffy said giving Willow a look meaning that she would tell her more later.
"You guys had fun?"
"Oh yeah, oodles of fun!"
"Mommy, where's grandma?"
"She's still with grandpa. She'll be back soon."
"Oh," Dawn said seemingly satisfied with her response, "What's for dinner? I'm hungry," Dawn whined.
"How about going out to Dinner with me and Parker? Sound's better then me trying to cook you something…"
"Yeah Mommy, your not a very good cook. Grandma, is way better."
"Yeah, Buffy in the kitchen is very non-mixy."
"Oh yeah," Willow said adding her too sense, "She burns everything, even toast."
"Gee, thanks Will for the best friend support…"
"Hey," Willow said placing a hand on Buffy's shoulder, "I still would eat your bad toast without any complaints. But, I actually got to go. I will call you later?"
Buffy nodded, "Thanks again for watching Dawn, I owe you one."
"No problem. Anytime," and with that Willow shut the door behind her.
"Mommy, where are we going to dinner?" Dawn asked as soon as Willow had left.
"You know," Parker interjected, "I can cook if you're not up to going out…"
"Dawn," Buffy said shrugging her shoulders, "It's really up to you."
"Well, can you cook grilled cheeses? Cause grandma cooks them for me the best."
"That's actually one of my specialties."
"What does speshialies mean?" Dawn inquired.
"It means, that I can actually make a really good grilled cheese," Parker said smiling.
"Okay," Dawn said, "that sounds good."
"I actually need an assistant. Do you know anyone who could help me make the best grilled cheese ever?" Parker asked Dawn.
"Oh I can!" Dawn said jumping up and down and raising her hand.
"Can you?" Parker asked teasingly.
"I'm a better cook then mommy," Dawn said with pride.
"Well then, how about you show me the ropes and help me get everything we need…"
"Okay, I can do that," Dawn said while running in the kitchen.
"See you're already wrapped around her little finger," Buffy said seriously.
"She's a really great kid," Parker said putting his arm around Buffy, "You're the one who did all the hard work… She's great."
"Your not too bad yourself mister," Buffy said while leaning in for a kiss.
The clattering sounds of pots and pans interrupted the couple's moment.
"Are you okay Dawnie?" Buffy asked in a voice laden with concern, while rushing into the kitchen, with Parker close behind her.
Once she got in the kitchen, she visibly relaxed, and started giggling.
Dawn was covered in flour from head to toe, and the pans were all over the floor.
"Mom," Dawn whined, "This is no funny."
"It is funny, actually."
