Buffy, Willow and Xander were walking home together after their usual night at the Bronze. Oz's band had been playing and Oz had stayed behind to pack up the equipment.

They were in a great mood and Buffy, for once, seemed to be out of her moping stage. Xander was being his usual silly self and had the girls in fits of laughter, which pleased him no end...making Buffy laugh was always worthwhile.

As Willow's house was on their way, they dropped Willow off first. They said their farewells and made arrangements to meet the next morning. Buffy and Xander continued on, their chatter eventually falling away to silence. When he notice Buffy hadn't spoken for about 10 minutes, he decided to question her.

"What'cha thinking Buff?"

"Nothing". She tore her gaze from where she had been looking and turned to him. She wasn't quick enough, however, and he noticed the object her eyes had been seeking.

"You want to go there?" he asked.

"NO" she said abruptly.

"Maybe you should Buffy"

"I said no, ok...just leave it"

"Buffy, you need closure...gazing wistfully at the mansion certainly isn't going to do anything".

"I wasn't gazing wistfully," she snapped.

"Whatever. It's the only way you can move on Buffy,
and I hate seeing you mope around".

"I don't mope"

"Yes, you do."

"No, I don't!"

"Buffy, you are in serious denial".

"I am not, I'm perfectly happy...see" she put a huge smile across her face, as if to emphasise her point.

"Whatever you say, Buffy."

"I am happy," she said defensively.

They continued the rest of the journey to Xander's house in silence. When they arrived there, Xander turned to her. "Think about what I said, ok Buff?"

"Xander, I told you before, I'm fine." she turned from him to leave. He turned her around to face him, keeping his hands on her shoulders.

"Then why don't you smile anymore, Buffy?"

"I smile. I smiled earlier for you."

"That wasn't a smile Buffy. Do you really think you can fool me."

Buffy hung her head. Xander put his hand under her chin and tilted her had back up. "Look at me, Buffy" her eyes met his. "Now smile."

She gave a half-hearted smile.

"No...I said smile"

She raised her eyebrows at him.

"Ok, don't smile then...don't you dare smile Buffy...there'll be none of that...no, I won't have it!"

Xander began ranting and raving, and soon Buffy was laughing just at the scene he was making. She playfully punched him on the arm and he went stumbling back until he hit the post on his verandah. He slumped to the ground.

She rushed over to him. "Xander, are you ok? Oh my gosh..I'm sooo sorry..."

He looked up from under his eyelashes and a grin spread across his face. "Got ya" he said.

Her worry turned to amusement and she hit him again. He pulled her to the ground beside him, and before either of them knew what was happening, their lips met. The kiss was gentle at first and as they became caught up in the moment it grew more passionate.

Xander suddenly realised what was happening and jerked his head away. "Buffy...oh god...I'm sorry." Xander spluttered.

Buffy jus looked at him in shock, the realisation of what had happened hitting her. She couldn't think of anything to say. She did the only thing that made sense at that moment...she ran.

"Buffy...Buffy."

She could hear Xander calling her as she kept running all the way to her house.

When she go there she went to her room and sunk down on her bed, putting her head in her hands. She was confused. What had just happened? Xander had kissed her. Or had she kissed him? She couldn't be sure, but she could feel the pressure of his lips on hers every time she closed her eyes.

She had enjoyed it...she couldn't lie to herself. But it was Xander...I don't think of him like that, do I? The more she thought about it, the more confused she felt. The only thing she knew for sure was that she dreaded having to face him the next morning at school.