Wesley was beside himself. He had been sitting in the library for hours waiting for Willow and Dawn to wake. He tried sleeping but with the events from the previous evening so fresh in his mind sleep was the last thing happening. He had all but exhausted his own ideas and was hoping they had something to add to his large pile of worked out scenarios. "How in bloody hell can they sleep when there is some much to be done." Wesley mumbled as he started to organize his papers. He was growing very impatient and was fighting the urge to run upstairs with a pot and spoon and wake the entire hotel.

This new day was to bring many changes in their lives. Faith had finally decided since things had calmed, and Willow was helping Wesley; she could go back to her post in Cleveland. She had spoken with Spike and Connor and they had agreed to stay and help with the slayers under Buffy's care. She knew the gang would be focusing on Illyria and less on training but Spike knew what had to be done.

Spike thought the more time he spent with the girls, the less time he would have to think about Buffy. He knew that he and Buffy had settled their relationship but he still felt a sting in his heart that she chose Angel over him.

It was almost noon before everyone was up and in the lobby to see Faith off. She packed her bags and said her goodbyes. She wasn't much for the mushy farewells and quickly headed out on her way. She left Buffy with a few numbers to call if she needed help although she knew it would be a cold day in hell before that actually happened. She stood at the door and turned to the group "well, it's been a hoot. If you need me, I'm a phone call away; otherwise I'm outie."

With Faith gone, everyone turned and faced Wesley. While they were saying goodbye, he was standing at the counter loudly taping a pen and driving everyone crazy. He didn't realize he was doing it until he looked up and noticed the icy stares in his direction. He smiled and shrugged his shoulders in defeat as he returned to the library awaiting his research partners.

"What was with……….. rude much?" Buffy said to Angel in agitated tone. "No, I'm sure he didn't mean it, he's just been working hard the past two weeks without much sleep. He just needs some good news for once." Angel knew how much Wesley cared for Fred and if Wes felt even a little of what Angel felt for Buffy, he would stop at nothing to help her.

"Ok, I'll let that one slide because hey, nothing could spoil my good mood. But if he doesn't get some rest soon and get rid of that bug up his bum, I might be forced to put his lights out for him." Buffy giggled as she spoke and Angel grabbed her around the waist to draw her closer. He knew Buffy was joking but she would follow thru with her threat if Wes did get out of line again.

"So, what are we going to do today?" Buffy asked her love, she didn't care what they did she just marveled at the fact she could be with him without consequence now. "I don't know, we could stay in bed all day if you like. I still have that sun allergy you know but I wouldn't mind some snuggle time." Angel whispered this into her ear which instantly sent shivers down her spine. She leaned in for a kiss stroking her hands down his spine to his ass and giving it a swift smack. His eyes darted open and he stood with a shocked look on his face then he briskly swooped her up in his arms and headed up the stairs to their room.

Willow followed Wesley into the library and sat down at the table. She started to read the spells and research he had compiled over the last few days. She didn't know what he had; she was too bust working on things for Buffy. Now that all that was finished, she wanted to do everything she could to help him. She knew it wasn't going to be an easy task, but after everything they have done and witnessed over the years anything was possible.

"Well I guess its time to get down to business." Willow said in her cheeriest voice and a gleaming smile for the ex-watcher.

"Thank you ever so much Willow. I know I have been dreadful these last few days, please forgive my rudeness. Should we wait for Dawn or would you like to get started now?" He was tired but he knew the witch had a fresh mind and he was eager to hear her opinion.

"Um, no, I told Dawn she could go with Connor. He invited her to lunch and I think she needs a break. Everything we did yesterday really wore her out, she was so stressed. When she asked if she could go I just couldn't say no. She said she would bring us some food later when they returned. You know, I think they kind of like each other. They do have some things in common; same school, growing up fast, faked memories, wow, and they have more in common than I thought." Willow giggled at that last statement and then turned to Wesley with a smile "Let's get to work. Xander said he would help he should be down soon."

Connor wasn't nervous at all when he asked Dawn to lunch. As a matter of fact he was feeling pretty confident until it was almost time to go and he hadn't found a place to take her yet. He began to pace the floor trying to rack his brain for some place that would be good. Gunn was watching him from the other side of the room. He was bored and decided to clean some of the weapons in the cabinet. That always soothed him when he was uptight. He couldn't help think that Connor really was Angel's son; watching him brood and pace the floor was defiantly a genetic trait.

"Man, what is you're problem? IF you do that much longer, you'll wear a whole in the floor." Connor suddenly stopped and looked at Gunn with a brow raised. "Huh, oh, sorry, it's just…… I asked Dawn out for lunch but I don't know were to take her. I was trying to think of a place close to here, but not a scanky one….. ya know. This neighborhood doesn't have that many decent restaurants, and I'm a little strapped for cash at the moment."

Gunn chuckled at little "Its ok bro, I know a great place that's near and they have pretty good food too. I use to take Fred there for breakfast all the time. Great pancakes, never really had lunch there but I'm sure it's all good." He remembered Gunn well but Gunn didn't remember 'the him' from before. He thought it was better that way, he and Gunn didn't get along that well before he was sent to live with the Reilly's. This way he could forge new friendships without the bad memories to get in the way. Gunn gave Connor the directions to the diner and he and Dawn left shortly after.

Dawn was so excited; she had not gone on a date since, well, since she went out with Janice and those guys who turned out to be vamps. She really liked Connor, he was sweet and cute and he treated her like she was important. They tried to be discreet though, not letting Angel and Buffy know that they were going on a date. They weren't sure how they would react but at the moment Dawn really didn't care. She was woman now and almost in college; so it was time for her to make her own choices, which right now seemed to be dating Angel's son.

When they reached the diner they got a booth in the back away from the other customers. There weren't many people in the cramped little place but they wanted to be alone. They ordered their food and sat there talking quietly. They talked about all they have lived through the past few years and then about the false memories they had been given. They felt somewhat closer now than they had before, and they were shocked that they had so much in common.

Connor started inching closer to her in the booth and with each pass Dawn felt her heart skip a beat. She was so attracted to this guy. How could he make her feel so scared and excited at the same time? If the butterflies that were dancing in her stomach right now were to escape they may fill the entire restaurant. She wanted to reach out and kiss him every time he smiled at her. As her thoughts wandered around wanting to kiss him more, she felt they should leave before she did something impulsive and scare him away. If she made the first move, maybe he would think she was easy or something. Then again maybe he didn't even feel the same. No way was she going to take that chance. She would just wait and see how things progressed. She was so lost in thought she didn't notice Connor waving his hand in front of her face.

"Hello, Dawn, you still with me?" Connor giggled and put his hand back down slightly brushing it against hers.

"What, huh…….oh, I'm sorry I just……zoned for a second there. What were you saying?" Dawn was so embarrassed she knew her face was red as a beet.

"I said, we have been gone for two hours. Maybe we should be getting back soon. You did promise Willow food and if I think I know Xander now, he will jonesing for a burger right about now." Connor was trying to put her at ease; he could tell she was embarrassed.

Dawn just smiled and nodded her head. "Ok, you order the food and I will settle the bill." He then motioned for the waitress; they got the food, paid the bill, and started back for the hotel.

They were a block from home when Connor stopped suddenly. "Dawn, can I ask you a question?" He turned to her and gazed deeply into her eyes. "Sure, what's up?"

"Well, I was just wondering. How do you feel about me? I mean do you like me…..like me? You know like I might be boyfriend material or do I seem like just…………a friend?" He couldn't stand the mixed signals he was getting from her. He thought she may like him but she seemed distant at lunch.

Dawn was utterly shocked, and for once in her life she was at a loss for words. The words were there just on the tip of her tongue but at the moment her mouth had ceased to function. In her mind she was screaming 'YES, I knew you felt them same' But her body didn't seem to be cooperating and all she could do was stare at him.

Connor couldn't take it anymore. She stood there in front of him with a look of sheer panic on her face and he thought she may take off screaming down the street at any moment. He needed to know if she felt the way he did and if she couldn't tell him than he would show her just what he meant. He set down the bags of food and walked up to her; grabbed her by the waist then looked deeply into her eyes once again. She gasped for air at his sudden touch, and before she could say anything he attacked her lips with his own.

She stiffened at first shocked at the sudden invasion of his lips upon hers but she finally relaxed and deepened the kiss. She parted her lips and invited his warm tongue in her mouth.

It was the sweetest thing he had ever tasted. She was so soft and smelled of fresh flowers, maybe it was the shampoo she used, but he loved it. They finally broke off the kiss both feeling the need to catch their breath. Dawn couldn't help but to let out a soft moan and Connor smiled at the sound.

"So, I guess good friends then?" Connor said in a whisper. Dawn opened her eyes to look at him. He was so gorgeous and the smile he was giving her now made her knees feel weak. The butterflies in her stomach felt like bats now and she could swear she heard ringing in her ears.

She smiled back at him and found that she had a large lump in her throat making it hard to even talk. She replied with a simple, "Ahum." They picked up the bags and walked back to the hotel hand in hand.