Aidan and Buffy looked at each other, before they turned and started to walk down the street together.  They matched each other perfectly; anyone passing by would think they were a couple.  But that was far from what they were, at least, not any more.

"So Buffy, where'd you go?"

"You know, most people start with hello."

"We're way past hello, and you know that."

Buffy sighed.  "It's not very simple."

"Nothing ever is."

"When I met you, I was going through a hard time.  I had faked my own death, thought I would never see any of my friends again."

"You told me this.  I understood then, and I still do.  Buffy, that doesn't justify running out on me."

"Aidan, you told me you loved me, we…had sex, I got scared."

"You think I wasn't.  Buffy, you're the only person I've ever truly loved, the one thing that makes sense to me in the world."

"I'm sorry Aidan, I really am."  They stopped walking.  Aidan sighed and ran his hands through his hair, mussing it up.

"So what does that mean?"

"I don't know."

"That's not good enough Buffy.  I love you.  You know that.  What I want to know, is if there is a chance you might one day love me."

"Ialreadydo." 

"What?"  Taken by surprise, Aidan leaned down. He put his hands on her shoulders.  "What did you say?"

Buffy looked up at him, tears streaming down her face, but a smile marring it.  "I said, I already do."

Aidan's eyes lit up and he hugged Buffy hard.  He picked her up and swung her around.  "Buffy.  This is great."

"Yeah, perfect."  Buffy couldn't help but grin as Aidan finally put her down and looked at her.

"So, does this mean…"

"Aid…I left the spy business.  I'm clean now."

"What, you didn't think I knew?"  Aidan looked surprised.  "How do you think I found you?"

"But Aidan, this means I can't leave Sunnydale.  This is my home, my friends are here.  We just…"  Aidan put his hand over her mouth, stopping her from talking.

"Buffy, where ever you are, I am."  At this, Buffy grinned and hugged Aidan.  When she let go, Aidan put his arm around her shoulder, she put her small arm around his waist and they continued to walk together.

"You know you're stuck with me now, right?"  Buffy grinned up at Aidan.  He smiled gently down at her.

"I know." Aidan kissed her on the head and held her tighter.  "But you know, I'm gonna need a place to stay."

"I think I know just the place."  Buffy smiled, and she and Aidan headed towards their new apartment.