Buffy leaned back in Angel's arms, absently rubbing his arms and watching their friends.

Will and Tara were leaning together near the couch, constantly touching. Willow and Oz and Gunn and Faith were sprawled out on the couch, sharing a bowl of chips. Doyle was in a chiar with Cordelia on his lap. Anya and Xander were cuddled together on the floor.

"Oh, come on, my mum liked you!" Doyle cried in protest to some statement of Cordelia's

"Oh, she */so/* did not! I'm just a ho who's not good enough for her little boy!"

"That's Gunn's momma's opinion of me," Faith put in.

"Yeah, but his momma's */right/*" Cordy shot back. Fiath mock-growled.

Gunn wrapped a protective arm around Faith. "No, she ain't." He kissed her. "I like my girl."

Cordelia laughed and leaned into Doyle, nuzzling his cheek lightly. "I know his mom didn't like me, but I outright told her that she wasn't gonna get rid of me, so just give it up."

"Go Cordy!" Willow cheered.

Angel gently smoothed Buffy's hair back from her forehead. "Happy Birthday, love," he whispered. "I hope you like it."

She smiled. "I love it." She fingered the silver cross she wore around her neck - a gift from her loving boyfriend - and then looked down at her claddagh ring.the other gift. The heart pointed towards her.

She belonged to someone. Glancing at Cordy and Doyle, she realized they wore similar rings and had to smile.

Everything really would be ok.