Chapter Six – If Everything Has a Price Than How Can Something Be Priceless?
"Good morning, good morning." Said Xander as Buffy opened the door.
"I think that crosses the line from cheerful to insane." Replied a far-from-awake Buffy.
"Ahh…The thin yellow line."
"Why yellow?"
"Because yellow is the colour of cheer."
"And insanity?"
"Yes."
"Okay, you have not just crossed the line but have also climbed the mountain of madness."
"The mountain of madness?"
"Okay, I may also be climbing it."
"You're not climbing it. You've made camp at the summit."
"Just to change the subject from my growing insanity, why is it a good morning?"
"Because the birds are chirping, the sun is shining and the flowers have come out to bloom."
"That sounds like a number from a Disney musical."
"Is that a good thing or bad?"
"I don't know."
"Anyway, I have an announcement to make."
"Should I go get Dawn?"
"If you would."
*****
"Hey! I was watching that!" Said Dawn in response to Buffy coming into her room and turning off her television.
"Xander has an announcement."
"He does?"
"Yes and he wants you to hear it."
"What is it?"
"I don't know."
"He hasn't told you yet?"
"No, he is waiting for you, which will mean he will be waiting a very long time. What the hell are you doing?"
"Changing."
"Why?"
"No reason."
"Did you just get a sudden dislike of your clothes?"
"No."
"Did you just cross a line?"
"What?"
"Never mind. Oh, I've got it. You're changing for Xander, aren't you?"
"Am not!"
"You so are."
"So what if I am?"
"Dawn, I don't think Xander feels the same way about you as you feel about him."
"How do you know?"
"You're not his type."
"And you know what his type is?"
"Just trust me."
"Maybe Xander only goes for pretend blondes about this high." Dawn made an approximation of Buffy's height with her hand.
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing. All done." And with that Dawn left her room leaving Buffy standing there motionless.
*****
"Hey, Dawn." Said Xander to the figure walking down the stairs.
"So, what's the big announcement?" Asked Dawn.
"Where's Buffy?"
"Upstairs."
"What is up with you Summers' girls? Can only one of you appear at one time? Kind of like Superman."
"Do you want me to get her?"
"Please."
"Buffy!" Shouted Dawn.
"Thanks."
"No problem."
Buffy made her way down the stairs. "Sorry Xander."
"You two ready for the announcement?"
"Yep." Dawn replied quickly.
Xander looked at Buffy who was staring into space. "Buffy?"
"Oh, yeah. I'm ready."
"I have been prompted."
"Does that mean you will make more money?" Asked Dawn.
"Lots more."
"Well that is great Xander." Said Buffy as she moved forward to hug him.
"It's better than great." Said Xander after the hug. "It's…It's…"
"You can't think of a word which means more than great, can you?" Said Buffy.
"Nope."
"What about it's really great?" Asked Dawn.
"Thanks Dawn. It's better than great, it's really great." Said Xander looking straight at Buffy.
"Okay Xander, it's really great."
"Damn straight."