'Can I get you anything?' Xander asked, closing the front door behind them.

'Nah, I'll get it myself,' Buffy said, sitting on her makeshift bed on the roomy sofa. 'You head to bed, it's late and I know you have to work tomorrow.'

'Actually I don't,' Xander said. 'I called the site manager and told him I need a few vacation days.' Off her surprised look he shrugged, 'Not really in the mood for work, what with Anya and all...plus I thought you might need me around – you know, for support or...insight or...if anyone needs doughnuts,' he finished with a self-deprecating shrug.

'Xander,' Buffy said, a gentle reprimand in her tone as she patted the cushion beside her. 'Nobody thinks that way about you. You're not in high school any more.'

'Maybe not actually, but I sometimes wonder if my brain ever graduated,' Xander said honestly, sitting beside her. 'Is it just me, or do you ever feel as if you're just playing at being a grown up?'

'Only every second of every day,' Buffy sighed. 'When Mom was in the hospital, I was so scared that I would lose her. A big part of that was feeling like I don't know how to be an adult. I mean, I can kick the crap out of any pretty much anything, but show me a bank statement and I run screaming like a little girl.'

'Now that I can't imagine,' Xander smiled. 'You're Buffy, Buffy; you make the rest of us feel safe, show us how to be good and strong.'

'I do?' Buffy asked, eyes wide.

'You do,' Xander said, nudging her shoulder gently with his. 'Never known anyone stronger.'

'That's what Spike said,' Buffy half-whispered. Saying his name made her feel like crying.

'Did he,' Xander said flatly. 'I wanted to ask about your little heart-to-unbeating-heart with Freak On A Leash.'

'Don't call him that,' Buffy said, more harshly than she'd intended.

Xander gave her a long look, then nodded his head. 'Force of habit.'

'I know, I just...it doesn't seem right to mock him after what he did – what he offered to do,' Buffy said, ducking her head. 'I think he...he seems like he's trying, y'know? And if we want him to stop with the evil, we need to show him we'll help him to be good. Does that make sense?'

'More than it would've yesterday,' Xander nodded reluctantly.

'Anya really laid into you, huh?' Buffy asked, sympathetic.

'She did,' Xander agreed, 'but between you and me, it was nothing I didn't deserve. What she said...it hurt more than when Phil dropped bricks on my foot, but she was right. Damn it.'

Buffy smiled. 'What is it with these demon types and their unsettling and uncalled-for insight into our inner workings? Spike always calls my bluff, even when I don't know I'm bluffing.'

'So how are you dealing with what he said?' Xander asked carefully. 'You put him right, right? Told him you could never love him back?'

There was a long, trembling silence. Buffy just looked at him, her eyes saying everything she couldn't put into words.

'Oh, wow,' Xander said. 'You mean...Buff, are you...do you...'

'I don't know,' she said softly, 'I think maybe.'

'Wow...okay, brain overloading here,' Xander said, eyes wide.

'You and me both,' Buffy nodded.

For a long moment they just sat there, side by side, tension radiating between them. Then Xander chuckled, breaking the mood. 'We don't do anything the easy way, do we?'

'Where'd the fun be in that?' Buffy said with a twitch of a wry smile.

'You're one of my best friends, Buffy,' Xander said earnestly. 'And while I can't say I'll be breaking out my dancing shoes over this piece of news...I wanna be Supporto-Guy. If I can accept Anya's past and move beyond it, then it's only fair to try and do the same for Spike. So if you say he's for real, I'll buy it.' He raised a finger, gesturing emphatically. 'But he steps outta line, chip or no chip, and he's toast. Dusty, vamp-flavoured toast.'

Buffy smiled, eyes filling up as gratitude and relief rolled through her. 'Thank you,' she whispered, throwing her arms around his neck. Xander's arms went around her and for a long, healing minute they held onto each other. Then Buffy drew back, sniffling.

'It's probably mootsville anyway,' she said. 'After tonight he's most likely gone for good.'

'Are you kidding me?' Xander asked. 'That guy is the vamp equivalent of an elevator fart – just keeps hangin' around, however much you waft.'

Buffy laughed. 'Charming visual.'

'My specialty,' he smiled, standing. 'Okay, I'm turning in. Sleep tight.'

'Will do,' Buffy said, drawing Willow's blue-green pendant from her pocket and fastening it carefully around her neck.

Twenty minutes later, teeth brushed and pyjamas on, Buffy climbed into her temporary bed, switched off the lamp and snuggled under her blanket. A thrill of excitement ran through her as she wondered what her dreamworld would be like; lost in the happy musings, Buffy slowly drifted away…

The night air was warm, scented with floral notes and fresh-cut grass. The sky was a vivid black, speckled with stars like diamond dust. Restfield Cemetery was quiet, the moonlight painting everything with milky brightness.

Buffy strolled through the gravestones, a stake held loosely in her hand. Her hair was pinned up and she was wearing a pretty silky dress with a fashionable leather jacket - a gift from her father, who'd come into town for her birthday.

As she walked, Buffy relived in her mind the surprise birthday party her friends had thrown that evening. They'd hired out the Bronze and filled it with balloons and streamers, somehow getting her favourite band to take time out from their national tour to play a set for the occasion. She'd danced with Xander and Willow, spent some time chatting with Tara and Anya, eaten chocolate cake with her mom and teased Giles for his poor attempts to pretend he liked the music. And now she was doing a quick patrol before heading home for her mom's famous hot chocolate with marshmallows and a good night's sleep in her big, cosy bed.

A twig cracked behind her and Buffy whirled, settling into fighting stance. She knew a vampire was somewhere nearby and her eyes scanned the trees, looking for movement. She could sense someone moving closer and tensed; but then she realised that the presence was familiar, recognised who it was, and a smile spread over her face.

'Hey Buffy,' said a voice behind her, a voice she knew well.

'Hey to you,' she said, the smile bubbling over into a full-blown grin. 'What are you doing here?'

'I couldn't miss your birthday, now could I?'

'Guess not,' she said lightly. 'It's good to see you, Angel.'

Angel smiled and came towards her, enfolding her in a tight hug. 'Happy birthday, Buffy,' he murmured against her hair, pressing a kiss to her cheek.

Buffy smiled up at him as they parted. 'Thanks. So, what did you get me?'

Angel laughed and withdrew a small velvet-covered box from an inside pocket.

'Ooh, Tiffany's,' Buffy said, eyes wide. 'I like it already.'

With hands that trembled just a little, Buffy opened the box. Inside, glinting in the moonlight, was a beautiful princess-cut diamond.

'Oh, Angel,' she breathed. 'It's…wow…'

Angel smiled gently and took the necklace out of the box. He looped the fine chain over her head and fastened it carefully, fingers brushing against the nape of her neck.

'Beautiful,' he murmured as she turned to face him.

'Thanks,' Buffy smiled, flushing.

'So, uh, Buffy, there's something I have to tell you,' Angel said, that serious look settling over his face.

'I know,' Buffy interrupted. 'I know you've found someone else, that you're happy together.'

'How did you…?' Angel's brow furrowed in confusion.

'Cordelia called to wish me happy birthday,' Buffy said, 'and she kinda let the cat out of the bag.'

'Oh,' Angel nodded, nonplussed. 'I wanted to tell you myself, make sure you're okay.'

'I'm fine,' Buffy smiled. 'I'm more than fine. I'm happy for you, in fact.'

'You are?'

'Yup. Observe the mature new me,' Buffy said, holding out her hands as though modelling for him.

'Oh, I'm observing,' Angel said teasingly, an appreciative gleam in his eyes. 'So how're things with you – anyone on the horizon?'

'Actually, yeah,' Buffy said, her smile turning warm as she thought of him. 'There is someone. Which isn't to say it's been smooth sailing – as always, the Buffy Love Highway is one big mess of potholes – but I think we're finally in a good place.'

'That's good,' Angel said, squeezing her hand gently. 'I hope you'll be happy with him.'

'I will,' Buffy said simply, certainty in her tone.

'Well, I should go,' Angel said. 'Enjoy the rest of your birthday.'

'Okay. And thanks for coming.'

Angel took her into another hug, soft and lingering. Buffy breathed in his scent, aftershave and Angel, comforting and sweet. He drew back and ducked his dark head, placing a chaste kiss on her glossy lips before turning to vanish into the darkness.

'Now that guy knows how to make an exit,' said a voice behind her.

Buffy turned, smiling softly. 'Hey,' she said. 'I was wondering when you'd show up.'

'I can't stay long,' Riley said, walking towards her. 'I have to get back in a minute; I just wanted to see you again.'

'I'm glad,' Buffy said, stepping into his arms. Somewhere in the back of her mind a voice was telling her that she should be sad, but all she felt was relief and happiness. 'Riley,' she began, 'I'm sorry - '

'I know,' Riley interrupted, that familiar earnest look in his eyes. 'But you don't need to be. I want you to be happy - not just on your birthday, but always. So do what makes you happy, Buffy, whatever anyone else says.'

'I will,' Buffy promised him, tears prickling at the back of her eyes.

'I'm sorry I can't stay,' Riley said again, taking a step backwards. 'Just do me a favour? Remember how special you are, and how much you're loved.' Then, with a smile, he was gone.

Buffy took a deep breath, holding it in her lungs before breathing out in a long stream. A glance at her new watch told her that it was after two, so she turned east towards the cemetery's entrance.

'Hey there, cuteness,' said a drawling male voice behind her.

Buffy whirled around, senses screaming Vampire! Not far away was a lean figure in black, cowboy hat perched at a jaunty angle.

'Oh darn, did I miss the rodeo?' Buffy snipped.

'Ooh, witty,' sneered the vampire, slinking closer through the headstones. 'Think you'll still be makin' with the sarcasm when I'm tearing out yer milky-white throat?'

'I think the only thing stopping me from taking that hat as a trophy when I dust you, is the fact of its supreme ugliness,' Buffy sassed, leaping to the attack.

Her fist connected with a satisfying whap, causing blood to gush from his nose. The vampire yelled and scuttled back, growling in pain and anger. 'You're the Slayer!' he snarled.

'Zero points for observiness,' Buffy said, spinning on one designer heel to send her other foot smashing into his face. 'Might wanna do some homework next time, Slick.' She jammed the stake home in his heart, looking into his surprised eyes as they crumbled to dust. 'Not that there'll be a next time,' she finished, smiling in satisfaction.

'I do love to watch you work, Slayer,' said a voice behind her, the familiar rough drawl making her heart leap. 'The punning could do with some fine-tuning, though.'

Buffy turned to see Spike lounging against the wall of a mausoleum, lifting a cigarette to his full lips. His posture was easy and relaxed, though she knew he was ready to leap into action at the drop of a hat, and the thumb tucked into his belt loops drew her attention along his slender fingers and straight to his crotch.

'Spike,' she said, acting nonchalant. 'I might've known my night wouldn't be complete without a helping of pain-in-my-ass.'

'Nice to see you too,' Spike said, smoke coiling from his mouth as he flicked the cigarette end into the grass. 'Lookin' a bit dolled up for patrolling, pet,' he observed, falling into step beside her. 'Or did you put on that slinky little number for my benefit?'

'In your dreams,' Buffy shot back.

'Every day,' Spike agreed, causing her to stumble in shock. She looked up at him, expecting a sardonic grin, but saw instead a soft little smile. 'No, scratch that - in my dreams you're not usually wearing so much,' he said musingly, tilting his head.

'You're a pig, Spike,' Buffy said instinctively, but she couldn't hold back a smile.

'Hold up, luv,' Spike said, taking her arm to stop her in her tracks. 'Got something for you.'

'Yeah?' Buffy asked warily. 'What's that?'

'Birthday present,' Spike said, then grinned that Spike grin which always sent a bolt of electricity straight to her core. 'It's in my pocket, if you want to fish it out.'

Buffy smiled mischievously and thrust her hand into the pocket of his tight black jeans. Spike gasped, face dropping into a shocked expression that made it all worthwhile.

'Didn't think I'd actually do it, did you?' Buffy teased, splaying her fingers inside his pocket. 'Nope, think I picked the wrong one…unless this stake I feel in here is for me…'

'It is,' Spike said, eyes darkening like storm clouds.

Buffy gasped as his erection leapt against her fingertips through the lining of his pocket. 'Spike,' she breathed.

'Buffy,' Spike said, voice rough with desire. 'Happy birthday, luv.'

Spike's slender hands cupped her face and drew her to him, his cool lips capturing hers in a blazing kiss. She moved her hand from his pocket and clutched his lapels, crinkling the soft leather under her grasping fingers. His tongue slid past her lips, dizzying and electrifying all at once.

Spike's hands teased into her long hair, fanning it across her shoulders. 'So beautiful,' he murmured against her lips, sweeping her into another heady kiss.

'Spike,' she breathed into his mouth, 'I want you.' Then she opened her eyes and realised they were standing in his crypt, the lower level where he slept. Her leather jacket was gone, as was his duster, and the room was lit by a hundred flickering white candles.

'Like the décor?' Spike asked with a smile.

'Really a lot,' Buffy agreed, tingling at the thought of what was about to happen.

'I did it for you,' Spike murmured, running his hands down her arms to coil around her slender waist. 'Everything I do's for you. I love you, Buffy.'

'Oh, Spike, I love you too,' Buffy breathed, and then he was kissing her again and her head was spinning and it was all too much to take in.

'Buffy,' Spike whispered. Then again, louder, 'Buffy! Wake up!'

...

'Huh, whu?' Buffy murmured, sitting up and blinking against the light. She felt groggy and disoriented, and for some reason extremely turned on. She ran a hand through her cat-in-a-hurricane bed hair and her fingers brushed the chain around her neck.

Oh right, Will's spell...I was dreaming about my perfect world...wait a second, was I...I was about to have sex...with Spike!

Buffy's eyes widened and her heart gave an excited thump. The rush of adrenaline faded into disappointment as she realised that the dreamworld was gone, to be replaced by Xander and a steaming mug of coffee.

'It's almost nine, sleepyhead,' he said with a smile, handing her the mug. 'Giles has already called twice to see what's keeping us. I tried to wake you before but it was like trying to wake a statue.' His brow furrowed. 'You were making some pretty weird noises, Buff – remember what you were dreaming?'

'No,' Buffy said hastily. 'Just the usual, uh, vampire dreams...y'know, nothing worth talking about.'

'Okay,' Xander nodded. 'That makes sense, you did mutter something about getting a good pounding.'

Buffy's face flared crimson and she gulped down some still-too-hot coffee to hide the embarrassed whimper. Xander, oblivious, went on, 'You should probably get ready before Giles comes over here to, as he put it, drag us out by the scruff of our necks.' He paused and frowned. 'Which part is the scruff, exactly?'

'Don't know,' Buffy squeaked, scuttling past him to the bathroom. Once the door was safely locked she sat on the edge of the bath, head in her hands. If she'd wanted confirmation that she was in love with Spike, Willow's dream pendant had given it to her.

But wait, surely that dream could just mean I have the hots for him, right? I mean, it was just about the sex...there was no romance...no millions of candles and silk sheets and confessions of undying love...oh God...stupid brain!