One week later

Buffy stopped by Xander's house after school. He'd been released
from the hospital for two days, but had not returned to school
yet. She went down to the basement and found him sitting on his
bed, in a t-shirt and jeans. She was happy to see that he was far
less pale than he'd been at the hospital.

"Hey," she greeted him.

"Hey yourself," he grinned at her. "So how's school?"

"It's school," Buffy shrugged. "How are you doing?"

"I can eat solid foods now," Xander replied. "I must say that's a
big improvement from soup. It doesn't hurt as much anymore
either."

"Did I mention thank you?" Buffy asked, sitting next to him. "You
know you probably saved my life, and it wasn't the first time
either."

"It's nothing you wouldn't do for me," Xander shrugged.

"Maybe," Buffy said, "but I'm still glad I have such a wonderful
friend looking out for me." She smiled as he blushed under the
compliment. "So the question I really came to ask, is when are
you going to feel well enough to leave the house?"

"The doctor said if I take it easy I can go out," Xander said.
"Why, did you have something in mind?"

"Well, yeah," Buffy replied. "Mom wants to cook you dinner,
actually. As a kind of thank you for saving her daughter's life.
So what do you think?"

"You know I love your mom's cooking," Xander said with a smile,
"When?"

"Tonight?" Buffy suggested.

"I can come tonight," Xander agreed. "You sure that's not too
short of notice?"

"Positive," Buffy replied. "The suggestion was right from mom.
So, around six, okay?"

"I'll be there," Xander agreed.

"Good," Buffy smiled. "I need to run some errands so I'll see you
tonight." She leaned over to hug him, and then left.

*********

"I can't believe you have to leave," Buffy said.

"Sorry, Buffy, but it can't be helped," Joyce packed up the last
of her clothes in her suitcase, and glanced over at her severely
peeved daughter. "Dinner's in the oven, all you have to do is
take it out in an hour."

"Yeah, but...." Buffy sighed melodramatically, and shrugged.
"Fine. Go."

"Why are you so nervous?" Joyce asked, suppressing a grin. "It's
just Xander. Shouldn't I trust him here without me as a
chaperone?"

"Yes!" Buffy yelled, giving her mom a panicked look. "Don't even
joke about not letting him come over!"

"Relax, I was just teasing," Joyce laughed. "Now," she closed up
the suitcase, and looked up at her daughter. "You look beautiful.
Have fun tonight." She hugged Buffy quickly and Buffy walked her
to the door. "You're the Slayer, but can I still ask you to lock
the door after me?" Joyce asked.

Buffy laughed, "Yes, mother," she rolled her eyes. "Don't worry.
Have a good trip."

"I'll call you when I get there," Joyce said.

"Uh-huh, I'll be fine," Buffy rolled her eyes for a second time.

"Okay, Bye, sweetie!" Buffy watched her mom get in the car and
drive down the street.

As requested, she made sure the door was locked. She then
returned to her bedroom to check her appearance once more in her
mirror. Her black leather pants had won out in her clothing
debate, and she'd topped it off with a red lacy blouse. She'd
pulled her hair up in a ponytail, and was suddenly unhappy with
it. She made a face at herself in the mirror, but the sound of
the doorbell made the decision for her. "This will just have to
do," she shrugged and went down to open the door."

*********