Chapter 5. Ms. Claus.

Xander takes care of her shoe dilemma immediately and Buffy is happy to have his help. She is happy that he did not ask why so many shoes because Buffy can only tell him the truth and that would sound a little strange.

"Well, everything is set and you can get them on your way out," says Xander. "Here is your receipt." Xander hands it to her and Buffy quickly puts it in her purse.

"Thank you," says Buffy with a smile.

"Are you hungry?" Buffy looks at him.

"Yes."

"Because I'm starving. You wanna join me for lunch?"

"I have many things to do…"

"Come on. Just one hour." Xander puts his arm around her and leads her out of the department store.

"Okay, if you insist." The two walk over to the cafeteria and have some lunch. "So, have you been a good boy this year?"

"Wow, that is the most unlikely question that a woman has ever asked me."

"I'm sorry. Too personal."

"Not at all. I've been pretty good. I help people like yourself find what they are looking for and if they have problems, I help them solve it."

"Why do you assume I help people?"

"Well, the gifts. You must be buying them for some people who need them."

"True, but what if I'm buying them for the fact that it makes me happy giving them something?"

"I guess that sounds more appealing. I happen to have something that would make me very happy, besides winning the lotto." Buffy laughs a little. "I would like to know first what are you doing Christmas Eve, then I would like to invite you to my place for dinner."

"That's really kind of you, but I..." Buffy then gets lost in his deep brown eyes and is caught starring at him by Xander.

"Do I have something on my face?" Buffy realizes and looks away quickly and then blushes.

"No, it's just…" Buffy turns to face him. "You're…Um, I need to go." Buffy gets up and heads out of the cafeteria.

"Wait. Please." Xander follows her quickly. "I didn't mean to sound too up front."
"You weren't at all. You were kind and generous, but I can't. I'm very busy that night. Goodbye."

"Hold on a minute. The gifts."

"It's alright. I'll handle that. I really must get going." Buffy snaps her finger and then enters a crowd of people. Xander goes after her, but gets lost in the crowd and loses sight of her.

"Where did she go?"

Meanwhile at the North Pole, Connor is already taking care of the dilemma that they called him about. He is relieved that Giles decided to come down to check on things after the problem had been solved.

"Connor," says Giles.

"Yes, sir," says Connor.

"Where's my daughter?"

"Um, she's shopping."

"Again? Why isn't she here doing the work she needs to do?"

"The shopping she did yesterday took care of all the non-listers and the stragglers lists. I kind of thought it would be nice to give her the day off. She's really done great things for us and she really deserves it."

"Very well. When she comes in, tell her to come to my room. I need to speak with her."

"Yes, sir."

Buffy arrives at the North Pole, with her packages right behind her at the snap of her finger. She is in front of her house and thinks for a while.

"Hmmm," says Buffy to herself. "How I am going to get these wrapped without the elves knowing about them?"

"Buffy, you're back," says Connor as he walks over to her.

"Yes, did you handle the problem?"

"Yes. Look, your father wants to see you in his room." Buffy rolls her eyes.

"Alright. Could you help me with these gifts?"

"Sure." Connor starts to take a couple bags and begins to take them inside.

"Put them in here." Buffy opens a big closet near the doorway. They stow all the presents there and close the door when they finish. Buffy's mom walks over to them.

"Hi, mom." Buffy smiles. "Dad wants to see me?"

"Yes, he's in the study right now." Joyce leads Buffy over to the study. "Connor, would you like to join us for dinner?"

"I really appreciate it, but…"

"I won't take no for an answer." Joyce leaves the study and heads to the kitchen.

"Dad, what is it you want now? What am I doing wrong this time? Oh, wait a minute don't tell me it's…"

"Buffy," says Giles. "I'm overwhelmed by your incredible strength of taking this very demanding job at such short notice. I apologize for my rude behavior before and I've never been happier for you than I am now." Buffy's mouth falls open and then some tears start to come out.

"I thought you were going to…" Buffy tries to hold her tears in, but she couldn't. She runs over to her dad and hugs him. The tears fall down. "Thank you so much."

"This is such a Kodak moment," says Connor with a smile. Giles and Buffy turn to face Connor.

"Well, I never could have done anything without Connor's help. He's an angel." Buffy walks up to him and gives him a hug.

"That he is," says Giles. "He always seems to know everything before I do. Are you psychic?"

"No, I am not."

"Well, you're an incredible worker and I would choose you in a heartbeat to take the role of Santa Claus."

"Giles, that's an incredible honor."

"Why can't he?"

"He's an elf. All Santa's must be human beings."

"It's not like anybody is going to know. I agree with you, dad, he would make a good Santa."

"Don't get any ideas, Buffy. You're dad's right. I can only help Santa. I can't be Santa."

"Dinner is ready," says Joyce. They all head over to the dinner table. Connor gets the chair for Buffy and sits next to her. Giles and Joyce see that Connor has become very close to Buffy. They have always known that he has had a crush on her since she was five years old and everyone had hoped that some day they would get together. Miracles happen every day, but no miracle could put Buffy and Connor together. Buffy has always seen him as her brother since she is an only child, she really likes to have someone to play with and be with.

"So, Buffy, I see you have gotten ahead on many things," says Joyce.

"Yes, I'm very happy about it," replies Buffy.

"She's really great," says Connor as he puts his hand on hers. He didn't do it on purpose or to put a move on her, but that is what Buffy felt. He quickly removes it and continues to eat. "So, how's your leg Giles?"

"Much better," replies Giles.

Later, Giles shows Connor some things that he has been working on since he is unable to do his Santa duties. The two head to the study, while the girls are in the kitchen.

"I see you and Connor have become pretty close," says Joyce as she dries her hands.

"What are you talking about, mom?" asks Buffy.

"Buffy, it's so obvious. Connor has a major crush on you ever since you were children. I wouldn't have been surprised if he had asked for your hand and marriage at age ten."

"Did he?"

"No."

"Mom, we're friends, that's all. We work together and…oh no."

"What?"

"I am getting too close to him. I kissed him."

"You what? Why didn't you tell me this?"

"No! Not that kind of kiss. On the cheek. Maybe he thinks it's something more. I'm leading him on. I'm so stupid." Buffy flops down on a chair.

"Buffy, you're not stupid, blind, but not stupid."

"What am I going to do?"

"You're going to act normal and if he confronts you, then you tell him the truth."

"That would break his heart."

"Buffy, you have to tell him the truth. He needs to know and not have false hope."

"I know, but I don't want this to ruin our relationship."