Buffy sneaked into Xander's hospital room while the nurses were
switching shifts. She knew visiting hours were over, but she
needed to be sure he was all right. She saw he was sleeping, and
sat next to him for a while, not wanting to disturb him. She laid
her head on the bed next to him, telling herself it was just for
a few minutes.

"Miss," Buffy awoke to the sound of a strange woman's voice. She
looked up into the face of one of Xander's nurses.

"Oh, I'm sorry," she apologized. "I didn't mean to fall asleep."

"That's okay," the woman smiled at Buffy. "I actually came in
here to bring you these," she handed her a blanket and pillow.
"We aren't supposed to, but are known to make exceptions to the
visiting hours for girlfriends."

"Oh, I'm....glad," Buffy smiled back, shrugging off the
misunderstanding. She accepted the items from the nurse. When the
woman had left, Buffy made herself as comfortable as possible on
the chair. She was asleep in a matter of minutes.

*****
She woke the next morning, and looked over to see Xander already
awake. "Why didn't you wake me up when you got back?" he asked.

"Probably the same reason you didn't wake me up when you woke,"
Buffy replied with a smile, "I thought it was more important for
you to get your rest. So how are you feeling?"

"Less out of it," he replied. "The pain killers must have worn
off."

"Do you need more?" she asked, worried.

"No, I'm okay," he replied. "So did you find Spike?"

"Unfortunately, he's too good at hiding," Buffy said with a
frown. "Sunnydale's a small town, though, if he stays here I'll
find him."

The day nurse walked in there, and glared at Buffy. "Apparently
the other nurse let you stay, and I can't do anything about that,
but you should leave now," she said. "Visiting hours are in a
couple of hours."

"Fine," Buffy rolled her eyes, "I'll be back, Xander."

"Bye, Buff," Xander said.

After Buffy had left, the woman commented, "You're lucky to have
such a dedicated girlfriend," while changing the bandages.

"She's not my girlfriend," Xander replied reluctantly.

"Really," the woman said with a look of surprise, "Could've
fooled me."