Description: AU. Buffy as an army brat, imagine the possibilities. Anyway, she moves to Sunnydale and meets William "Spike" O'Connor. But Buffy has learned in the past not to get too close to people because she always ends up leaving. So what will happen when Buffy finally falls head over heels in love?

Rating: PG-13

Pairing: Buffy/Spike (again.)

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"Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Buffy, happy birthday to you!" Buffy sat at the end of the long, wooden table as her friends crowded around her and sang. Smiles were plastered on everyone's faces as they watched her.

"Blow out your candles," Willow ordered in a cheery voice. She was bouncing up and down with excitement. This whole party had been her idea, and everything had to be just perfect. Tara, Xander, and herself had decorated the house while Oz and Spike entertained Buffy. A few balloons and streamers later, it was party central.

"Don't forget to make a wish," Tara added quickly.

Buffy leaned forward and sucked in a big breath. She paused momentarily, thinking of what to wish for. Everything had been going so well, she had no complaints. Being at the beach, surrounded by her friends-what more could a girl want? Glancing up at Spike, Buffy knew. She made her wish and blew out every last candle in one breath. Everyone clapped and cheered.

"Present time!" Willow sang, hefting a small, flat sized box onto the table. "Open it!"

"Will, you didn't have to get me anything," Buffy smiled. The gift was beautifully wrapped in shiny, gold paper and topped with a silver bow. Peeling the paper back delicately, Buffy pulled the box out and opened the top. "Oh Will," she gasped. Inside was a silver picture frame lined with a multitude of daisies connected with vines, and a snapshot of all of them at the pier. "How did you get this picture so fast? I mean it was just taken last night."

"Well there was a 1 hour film place next to the grocery store," Willow explained, "So when Oz and I went for your cake I ran to the photo place while Oz waiting in line at the grocery store. Do you really like it? I wasn't sure you would like it."

"It's perfect," Buffy smiled. She reached up and hugged the red head quickly, "Thank you so much."

"It's from me and Oz," Will corrected her.

"Thanks Oz," Buffy amended. He nodded his head in acknowledgement.

By the end of 'Present Time', Buffy had accumulated, along with the picture, a sweater and book of Love Spells from Tara, and an odd looking necklace from Xander. He said it was a good luck charm that his grandmother had given him.

"Grandma Harris told me that whenever you need a little luck to always have this with you," he explained.

"Why are you giving it to me? I mean doesn't your grandmother still need it?" Buffy asked, eyeing the peculiar jewelry.

"Nah, she's dead." Xander put bluntly. "Got hit by a bus."

"Doesn't sound like much of a good luck charm," Spike said under his breath.

"Okay, cake time!" Willow interjected. She had returned from the kitchen carrying paper plates and silverware. "Who wants ice cream?"

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After cake and ice cream, the Birthday Girl stepped outside for a bit of fresh air. Buffy was busy surveying the ocean horizon when she felt a familiar presence behind her. "What's up Spike?" she called over her shoulder.

"Nothing much going on in there," he explained stepping up beside her and leaning against the railing, "the Whelp's trying to get everyone to play spin the bottle."

Buffy laughed, "Sounds like something Xander would do."

"Yeah." An awkward silence fell between the two as Spike stared out at the water and Buffy enjoyed the view of her shoes. Finally Spike spoke up, "I know I didn't get you a gift-"

"Oh, that's all right." Buffy interrupted, "I wasn't even expecting a party. It was a nice surprise." In truth, she had had a sneaking suspicion about the 'surprise' party from the beginning. Willow had been trying to get her out of the house all day.

"I wanted to get you something special but I couldn't find anything," Spike mumbled, "Everything was just-not what I was looking for."

"Spike it's okay." She'd never seen him like this. He was always so confident, most of the time coming off as arrogant and cocky, but now he looked nervous, almost scared.

'Just do it mate,' Spike ordered himself, 'Get it over with.' "Guess you'll just have to settle for this." Without warning he grabbed Buffy around the waist, pulled her body against his, and kissed her.

Buffy's mind immediately went into shock; she couldn't believe this was happening. Spike's lips felt so right against hers, his arms around her, fingers tracing tiny circles on her lower back. After a moment of surprise, Buffy began to relax into his touch. Slowly her lips parted granting his tongue entry, but it never came.

Pulling back, Spike sucked in air and stared at the girl in his arms. "Buffy are you sure you want this?" Though he really didn't want to know the answer, Spike waited anxiously.

She thought for a minute. Never had she felt such strong feelings for someone she'd known only a short time. It was obvious that there was an attraction between them, but Buffy wasn't certain she should act on impulse. Relationships had been broken before, leaving both parties heart- broken, and that was a feeling she was not ready to repeat. But for some reason, Buffy felt that it would happen with Spike; something about this was different. She felt safe and secure in his arms, letting the world melt away.

Without a word, Buffy pulled Spike's face to hers, meeting his lips yet again. The kiss was more passionate this time, sparks flying between the two. Spike's arms slid tighter around Buffy, pulling her closer to him; her arms circled his neck.

'Happy Birthday to me,' Buffy thought blissfully.