They were walking down the street.
"Mmm. Buffy likes ice cream." She smiled.
"I thought you might." He grinned "Hey, you want me to walk you home?"
"Do you really want to?" She beamed.
He took her hand and they intertwined fingers. "Yeah."
"Well, it's a block away. We have to dodge some mad traffic."
"I'm good with that."
They walked, basking in the wonderful silence.
"Here we are." She stood up against the door.
"Here we are."
Some barking arose and she sighed. "It's Ernie."
"Oh."
"Yeah."
He leaned down, and she came up slightly. She wanted to kiss him and she could tell that he wanted to kiss her. He stopped moving in. She blinked. "I probably shouldn't." He stepped back.
"Why?" She whispered with a weak smile.
"I don't know. Maybe next time." He stuck his hands uncomfortably into his pockets.
"Next time? There's a next time?"
"I'd like a next time." He confirmed.
"I'd like one, too."
"I'll talk to you tomorrow about it."
"Okay." She smiled.
He waved and walked away.
God, am I that disgusting? She bit her lip.
"So?"
"He leaned in and I leaned in and-"
"WHAT? You're killing me with the suspense." Willow sipped some tea.
"Notta. He said that he shouldn't kiss me, but that there would be another date."
"That's stinky. He's bribing you with smoochies!" Willow cried at the realization. "Can guys legally do that?"
"Yes." Buffy sighed.
"Aww, I'm sorry."
"He probably has a girlfriend." Buffy propped her head on the table, depressed.
"No. Don't say that. He doesn't."
"How do you know?" Buffy whispered. "He could even be married, have children…"
Willow snorted. "I highly doubt that."
"Giles, you wanted to see me?" Buffy sat down in his office.
"Yes." He sat down, his voice grave. "I have something very important to tell you."
He knows! The old codger knows! He's going to fire me and I'm going to have to live on the street and beg for spare change. "Yes, sir?" Her voice shook.
"There's no need to become squeamish, Miss Summers." He sighed.
"Sorry."
"I'd like to let you know that you have the rest of the day off." He paused, she smiled "As long as you obtain an autograph at Virgin Records."
She raised an eyebrow.
"Paul McCartney is releasing a book and I'd like a collectible. I'll reimburse you." He sighed.
"I'll take care of it." She smiled.