Since their meeting at the Bronze, Buffy and Riley had gone out on their scheduled date, this was their second and she was a wreak at what to wear. "How about this?" The blonde girl asked.

"Way too slutty…"

"Nuh ah…" She wined. "It’s not ‘that’ slutty, Will. I think it’s just…" Buffy continued as she looked at herself in the mirror. "Right."

"You are so not going out with that bloke in that outfit if I have anything to do with it." William responded.

"Fine! Then would you at least help me choose." It was only an hour away before Riley would pick her up. She asked William to help her pick out her outfit for the night. She actually had no idea why she would ask him, but she did. Willow was busy at the library, studying for an exam and she did not want to bother her. She figured that since William fixed her apartment up pretty nice, then he must know a thing or two about fashion.

"How ‘bout this one, pet" William asked as he held up an orange dress with a balloon skirt that her grandmother gave her when she was five.

"Spike!" Buffy shouted. "I’m not kidding here, Riley will show up in an hour, and I’m not yet even done with my make-up."

"Fine." William answered, he knew better than to kid around Buffy when she calls him by his given nickname in high school, it could only mean one thing. She was pissed. "Try this one then."

"Okay, I’ll try it on. Could you just wait for Riley downstairs in case he shows up." As Buffy went into the bathroom.

~~ After an hour ~~

"William! Can you come up here? I want to show you my outfit." Buffy called from the top of the steps.

"No! Passions is on! You come down here." William yelled back.

"Fine. I’m coming down now! Promise you won’t laugh!"

"Ok, pet. I promise." As he made his way at the bottom of the stairs.

Buffy made her way down, taking every step slowly and elegantly while staring into William’s eyes.

William couldn’t take his eyes off her. She was wearing a red halter dress, which had the skirt flowing down behind her with the slit up to expose her ‘perfect’ legs. He thought she was the most beautiful woman he had ever laid his eyes on. ‘Knock, knock’ a sound from the door came. Buffy was still caught in William’s gaze, but not like before. She was signaling him to open the door. William was so amazed at the sight before him that he did not even notice the knock at the door until Buffy spoke’ "Will! Open the door."

"Huh?" William was able to scramble. "…yes…" As he opened the front door to reveal Riley holding a bouquet of red roses.

"Hi Buffy, this is for you." As Riley handed the bouquet to blonde and gave William a small smile.

"Thank you. This is so thoughtful of you." Buffy replied as she inhaled the sweet scent of the flowers.

‘Yeah right.’ William recited in his head.

"Are you ready to go?" Riley asked as he closed the door behind him.

"Yeah, I’ll just place these in a vase" As Buffy made her way to the kitchen, leaving Riley and William in the living room together.

"So… where you taking her, mate?" William questioned, breaking the awkward silence.

"I was thinking of taking her to this new Italian restaurant down Crawford Street."

"Ah…" William was about to say something threatening to Riley but stopped as he heard Buffy walking back to them.

"I’m ready! Lets go." Buffy called. "Will, Lock yourself out, okay?"

"Yeah, luv. Take care."

"You too." As the couple made their way out the door and into the night.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Spike came into the door in his apartment, to be welcomed by his girlfriend. "Hey, Baby. Where you been all afternoon, I was waiting in here?"

"I was at Buffy’s, she needed a little help is all." As they situated themselves in the living room couch and William turned on the television. "How did you get in, Harm?"

"You gave me the spare keys, silly…" As Harmony rubbed Williams belly. Will turned the television off and started to get up from the couch when Harmony protested, "Where are you going? You just got here."

"I’m going to get some sleep, luv. I’m sort of tired from the hectic day today." As William made his way into the hallway.

"Want me to join you?" Harmony said in a seductive voice, as if implying something. "You know, we could um…"

"I’m really tired, luv. Need some bloody rest. You can stay here if you want, get dinner ready or something." As William placed a kiss in his girlfriends cheeks and proceeded into his bedroom. Truth of the matter is that he was not that tired, he was caught up in his thoughts. He wanted to know what Buffy and that wanker was up too. ‘He better not hurt her’ he thought, as he lied in bed and fell sound asleep.

Meanwhile, in the living room Harmony was flipping through the pages of William’s magazine. "Sports…sports… and sports. Oh, how surprising!" She sarcastically recited to herself. She was waiting for William to get up from his nap. Since the fight they had last Friday he had been different, he had been distant. He never comes over to her apartment anymore, except maybe to pick up a few things he had left there before or drives Harmony to work. Still on the car, he would hardly talk to her. Before he was very sweet and caring since he knew how she was not a morning person, sometimes he would even bring her some coffee or hot cocoa to relieve her from the stress of waking up early in the morning. But now they would just sit there in silence until they reached her building and he would kiss her goodbye. She had missed their sweet nothings, the things William would tell her when she got home from work. The time they spent together chatting and laughing were suddenly a mere shadow. But she did not put much thought into it, thinking that maybe William just had a bad week or something… But she knew better. ‘Ring, ring’ Harmony quickly picked up the phone, afraid to wake William up from his nap.

"Hello?" Harmony said through the receiver as she looked at the clock in front of her ‘Oh my God, it’s seven and I haven’t even started dinner’ she thought as the woman on the other line spoke, "Hello, Harmony? It’s Willow. Is William there?"

At that same time William got up from his bed, he had have a nice relaxing nap and decided to see if Harmony was still there and to see what she was cooking. Harmony was a great cook and he wanted to make up for what he had done to her this week. He knew he had been distant and treated her like nothing, it’s just that he was caught up in his other thoughts. That night at the Bronze, when Buffy had asked him why he was always very objective to her dating, he could not give her an answer and that just clouded his mind all week. But now seeing Buffy and Riley go out tonight and remembering the stories Buffy told him ‘bout there first date, he knew she was happy and he should be happy for her too.

Hearing the phone ring, he prepared himself to go into the living room and answer it. "Harm?" He called out.

"Hi Willow, well…" Harmony was about to say that William was fast asleep when he heard a voice call her name and turned her head to see who it was. "Wait. He’s here."

"Hey, your up! It’s Willow." As she handed the receiver to William.

"Thanks, luv" As he gave her his trademark grin and kissed her on the shoulder.

Harmony was shocked at the sudden change of attitude William was giving her and decided to thank who ever god made him take his nap. As she signaled him that she will be going into the kitchen to make dinner.

"Hey, Red." Red is the nickname William gave her because he felt weird calling her with the same nickname that his friends call him ‘Will’ " What’s up?" William answered the phone after giving a nod to Harmony, understanding that she will be going into the kitchen to get supper ready.

"Hey, William. Just wanted to invite you to a little get together we will be having at the Bronze next week Saturday, for Buffy’s birthday. Bring Harmony, the more the merrier right?"

"Yeah, sure. Expect us to be there, pet. Ready to meet and eat."

Willow chucked at the blonde’s last remark as they said their good-byes and put down the phone.

"What did she want?" Harmony asked, as she peeked her head out of the kitchen door.

"She just wanted to invite us to Buffy’s party next Saturday, luv. Hmm… Smells delicious… What’s for dinner?"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Riley and Buffy were at the back booth of the Silver Cuisine. "Then he says, bloody hell! Sometimes you know, I wonder why he keeps on saying that remark. You think it comes with being British and all?"

Riley gave Buffy a smile and proceeded with eating his pasta. "I don’t really know?" was all he replied. Buffy had been going on and on about William all night. He didn’t mind, thinking that she was just nervous and was just a little uncomfortable around him. She had told him that she had not gone out on a date for quite sometime now. "So… tell me something ‘bout yourself."

"Like what?" the blonde replied as she continues twirling her pasta with her fork.

"Anything? What’s your full name? What’s your hometown? Anything that concerns you."

At first Buffy was hesitant. She had no idea what to tell Riley. So she started by telling him about Sunnydale. "See, I was from Sunnydale a little town two hours away from here. I’m the eldest of two siblings… my little sister Dawn is a sophomore in Sunnydale High. My mother owns an art gallery and… that pretty much sums it up. Oh, and my full name is Buffy Anne Summers." The last information the blonde supplied earned a laugh from both of them. First Riley wondered why she never mentioned her father, but just dismissed it and related his story to her as well.

~~ Willow’s Apartment ~~

"So… I called everyone. William will bring Harmony, Xander will bring his ‘mystery’ girl and… You think we should call Mrs. Summers and invite her too? How ‘bout Buffy’s sister?" Willow was busy the whole week planning a surprise party for Buffy at the Bronze. She had called everyone, made sure they come at their best. She had also reserved a special booth at the Bronze for the upcoming celebration. She wanted everything to be perfect. This was the 1st birthday Buffy was going to spend with them so she wanted it to be memorable.

"Honey, would you relax. Whatever it is you are planning, I’m sure Buffy will love it." Oz said while slipping his arms around Willows waist.

"Wait!" As she dispatched herself from Oz’s embrace. "Who will reel her into the Bronze? Oh my…"

Oz slummed his shoulder and responded, "Don’t worry ‘bout it. I’m sure you’ll think of something" As Willow sat in the dinning room table thinking what she was going to do and how she was going to finish all the preparations in such a short amount of time.

~~ Silver Cuisine ~~

"Would you like some dessert?" The waiter asked as he finished taking the couple’s plate.

Riley looked at Buffy as if asking if she wanted anything. The blonde just stared right back at him. "I guess, we are just fine." Riley answered as he placed a couple of bills on the check holder and he and Buffy headed home.

"So… this is me. Me is this." Buffy said as she pointed to her apartment door.

"Yeah… so…"

"So…"

"I had a great time."

"Me too…" as Buffy leaned herself on the door, and fidgeted with her key.

"Goodnight." Riley said as he leaned in closer to her.

"Goodnight." As Buffy offered her cheek instead, to Riley’s closing in lips.

"Call you?"

"Yeah." Buffy said with a smile as she made her way inside her apartment.

Buffy was exhausted; she had a wonderful time tonight. She hadn’t had great food and company at the same time. As she sat herself on the couch, she wondered if she should go to Sunnydale to celebrate her upcoming birthday there. She did not even know if she has mentioned this special day to her newfound friends. As she was about to pick up the phone to call her mom, the telephone suddenly rang.

"Hello?"

"Hey, luv. It’s me, did not know you would be home so early. Thought I would just leave a message at you machine." William was alone in his apartment; it was only a quarter past ten. After Willow has called him about Buffy’s birthday party, he had been wracking his brain all night at what to give the blonde. Harmony suggested that maybe they should give Buffy one of those silver band bracelets. But to him it seemed not enough, he wanted to give Buffy something special, something she will always treasure. "So… How did the date go?"

"It was fine. The food was delicious! Yum…" Buffy said in a childlike tone. "So, why did you call? Can’t just be ‘bout how the food was..."

"Well… I was going to ask if you were doing anything this Saturday is all. Are you going anywhere, pet?" William asked. After dinner Willow had called him again to tell him that he was the one in charge to reel Buffy into the Bronze next Saturday. When he asked how he was going to do it, all she replied was "You’ll figure it out. Chao!" as the redhead hanged up. So he had another problem, not only does he have to think of something to give Buffy; he has to think of a way to bring her to the Bronze.

"Well… I was thinking of maybe going to Sunnydale." Buffy replied.

"To visit mum and little sis?" William questioned.

"Yeah, something like that… Why do you ask?"

"Nothing, luv. Would you be staying there the whole day?

Buffy wondered why William was bombarding her with questions. Did he know it was my birthday? What is he planning? ‘Why would you even think that Buffy? You’re only friends, only friends.’ "Maybe… but I doubt it. I do have a business to run."

"Do you want me to go with you, luv?" ‘Will, where did that come from’ he thought, ‘it’s just a plan to reel her in, to reel her in…’

‘Well… I guess. I know my sis will love to meet you…" ‘Great what have I gotten myself into.’

"Okay, pet. It’s settled then. Goodnight, Buffy. Call you tomorrow?"

"Yeah, Will. Goodnight." As Buffy put down the phone and got ready for bed, she would have to think about what she gotten herself into tomorrow.

It was Monday morning, as Buffy rose from her bed and got herself ready for a long day at work. Last night was indeed incredible; Riley was just the type of guy she should be with right now. He was sweet, sensitive and understanding, something that her former boyfriend Liam never possessed. In her history of dating, which is not that much, he was the most normal guy Buffy had ever gone out with.

"Hey, Buffy!" Willow called out from under the counter of the Match-made in Heaven Agency.

"Hey… Willow… Where are you?" Buffy questioned. Just then Willow popped out of her hiding position to greet Buffy with a smile.

"So… What’s up with you Buffy?" Willow asked as the two ladies sat themselves at their respective tables and started on their paperwork. "How was the date last night? Anything good happen…?"

Buffy just smiled as the redhead’s comment then answered, "No… Nothing like that… but I did have a great time. Riley is… different. In a good way."

"Hmm… So, you doing anything this Saturday?" Buffy just looked at her friend with questioning eyes. "It is your birthday, right?"

The blonde again smiled and nodded her head; she had no idea that any of them knew that it was her birthday. "Yeah, I was planning of going back to Sunnydale, to spend it with mom and Dawn. Oh, I have to call them…"

"Will you be spending the whole day there?" Remembering that William asked the same question last night, Buffy was beginning to have suspicions but shrugged it off. As she answered, "No, probably not. William is going with me…" ‘Where did that come from?’ the blonde asked herself.

"Oh! So you will be back by dinner then?" Willow asked again, dismissing the fact that William will be accompanying Buffy, she was worried that maybe all her planning last week would just go to waste.

"Yeah, Will, more or less…"

Willow, contented that her plans were not going to be sabotage, asked her friend to binge about what happened last night. "So… what happened will Riley last night? Details… please" As the two women chatted over last night’s happenings.

~~ Between 5th and Madison ~~

William was walking down Madison Avenue. It was lunchtime, so he thought it would be a good idea to walk around and look for a present for Buffy. He had absolutely no idea, why he said what he said last night. He was going to meet Buffy’s family this Saturday, how was he going to make Buffy go to the Bronze with him after that. ‘Ring, ring’ William’s cellphone rang as he continued his stroll down 5th street.

"Hello… William Bennedict."

"Hey, Will. It’s Buffy, I was just wondering if we are still on for Saturday. I was going to call my mom and tell her…" This was all William heard as he stopped in front of Uncle Bob’s precious pieces’ window to eye the beautiful display they had on. "…So… will you be coming?" was the last phrase that William had caught through the blonde’s long talk.

"Yeah, pet. I’ll be there. Pick you up at seven, Saturday?" as William made his way into the jewelry shop.

"Yeah… Bye."

"Bye, luv." As William sat himself in front of one of the glass counters Uncle Bob’s has to offer and stared at all the glittering pieces right in front of him.

"Something special for a lady?" A man with grayish hair came up to him and asked, which pulled William out of his thoughts.

"Yeah… Can I see that one?" William said, pointing to the outside display that caught his eye awhile ago.

"Very fine choice. Must be a very special girl." The man said, as he went and got the piece that William pointed at.

‘She is…’ Was William’s silent answer.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It was an early morning at the Summers Residence as Joyce Summers woke up to her Victorian home. Today, her eldest daughter will be coming and she had to get the house up and prepared as she went into her other daughter’s room and called her up to rise. "Dawn…" As Joyce shook the blonde. "Dawn, Buffy will be here any minute. She will have a friend with her so you might want to start getting ready, young lady."

"Yeah, yeah… I’m getting up…" as dawn struggled with the covers upon her. "Who is she bringing here anyway? Willow?"

"I don’t think so, honey. Unless Willow and William are the same person… Now, get up and get ready…" Joyce suggested as she went downstairs to prepare breakfast.

‘William?’ was the last thing that Dawn thought of as she made her way into the bathroom.

~~ In the highway ~~

"Luv, can you please stop changing the radio station, it’s causing me bloody headaches." William said to the blonde lady beside him. It was nearly seven in the morning, he had been driving on the highway for almost thirty minutes and Buffy just won’t quit on changing the radio stations, it was beginning to bug him.

"Well, it’s your fault I woke up so early in the morning. You said you would pick me up at seven, it’s hardly even seven now!" The blonde complained. William had been knocking on her door since six o’clock, forcing her that they should head out early so not to be caught in traffic.

"You did say, you hate long car rides, pet, if we did not get a bloody move on by the time we did, we would be stuck in the freeway now. And, what does that have anything to do with you not being able to stick to one bloody station."

"First, I so did not tell you to wake me up ‘that’ bloody early." Buffy said mocking William when she said the word bloody. "And I’m still tired, plus all these stations have such boring songs that I ‘would’ fall asleep." as Buffy yawned and leaned her head on the car’s door.

"Fine. I'm sorry I woke you up so early, pet. Here…" William said as he stretched his arm to that he could wrap his arms around her and Buffy could lean on him. Buffy just stared at him with questioning eyes. "Sleep, luv. You did say you were sleepy right?" Buffy nodded her head. "Well… Don’t keep me waiting. You can’t lean on the door, you might fall out and trust me that ain’t gonna be good." William said with a smirk.

Buffy did as she was told, and rested herself onto William’s arm. She could feel his biceps flexing at the weight of her body, it was hard yet comfortable as he pulled her closer and she snuggled in deeper. Before she fell asleep the last thing she whispered to William was, "Thank You."

At this, William just smiled as he continued their long drive to Sunnydale.

Back at the Summer’s home, Dawn was busy playing with her eggs as Joyce cleaned the house ‘again’. "Honey, stop playing with your eggs, eat them or they will get cold." Joyce scolded her younger daughter as she continued wiping the stainless counter.

"Okay mom. But would you please stop cleaning, the house is already sparkling as it is." Dawn replied as she stuffed some food inside her mouth. She can’t help but wonder who this William guy was. Was she Buffy’s boyfriend? Is he cute? If he is not her boyfriend, is she old enough for her? These were all the questions that were bugging her all morning. As she heard a car pull up at the driveway, she placed another spoonful of food into her mouth and went into the living room and peeked her head into the window. "They’re here! They’re here!"

"Okay… Revello Drive…" As William continued his search for the house. Buffy was still in his arms; she had slept the whole trip over. He almost had the urge to wake her up when he could not figure out which was the right exit to take. But seeing her sleeping soundly by his side, he did not have the guts to wake up such a lovely picture. So he just followed his instincts and hoped for the best. "Okay, here it is… Revello Drive." Just then he felt sudden movement in his right arm and looked at the figure beside him. "Hey, luv. Had a nice nap?" As he placed a soft kiss on her forehead.

"Hmm…" Buffy wined. "Nice nap." She said in a groggy voice. "Where are we?" as she looked up at the man holding her tight, she never wanted to let go of him, never.

"Revello Drive, luv. What number was it again?"

"1630, right there." as Buffy seated herself properly and looked out the road. "Here, park up here."

"Buffy!" A girl with long blonde hair burst out through the door and came to William’s car, William wondered if this could have been Buffy’s little sister, Dawn. "Happy Birthday Buffy!"

"Hey, Dawn. Thanks." As she hugged her younger sister, "This is William, William this is my little sister, Dawn." As Buffy pointed to a man taking their luggage out of the compartment of the black convertible.

"Hey, William. Such a cool car." Dawn gasp as she touched the side of the car. "I can see my reflection, Cool!"

William laughed at how the little blonde girl reacted upon seeing his vehicle, she did not even look little she seemed to be taller than Buffy. "Yeah, she is a beauty isn’t she?"

"Come’ on, let’s go inside. Mom is waiting for us." Dawn said as she helped Buffy and William carry the bags into the house.

"Mom… where are you? Buffy and William are here." Dawn called out to her mom.

"I’m here dear, don’t need to shout," as Joyce came out from the back kitchen holding a duster. "Welcome Buffy, Happy Birthday! Nice to see you." As she hugged her eldest daughter, "And you must be William." Joyce said as she shook the younger man’s hands. "Nice to finally meet you, I heard so much ‘bout you."

"Is that right?" William replied while looking at Buffy. She noticed the blonde blushed at his remark and couldn’t help but laugh on the inside. "It’s nice to finally meet you too Mrs. Summers."

"Will you guys be staying here for the night?" Joyce asked seeing the bags that William and Dawn were setting in the floor. "You seem to have brought a lot of stuff." Eyeing the luggage.

"No, Mrs. Summers, Buffy here just likes to be prepared." As William looked at the blonde, again she blushed five shades of crimson. "We will be out of here by the afternoon

"Okay, please William, call me Joyce." As the foursome sat themselves at the living room couch, seeing William nod she continued, "I’m sure you guys are exhausted from the trip, would you like something to drink."

"That would be nice mom." Buffy butted into the conversation for the first time. "Why don’t I give you hand."

"I’d have some apple juice, Buffy. How ‘bout you, Will?" Dawn asked the blonde across from her.

"I’d love to have some of those hot cocoa with those little marshmallows in them." William replied shyly.

Joyce and Buffy nodded at William’s request and made their way into the kitchen.

"So… William, that’s such an oldies name, do you have another name?" Dawn questioned. "William is just so… weird." as Dawn made a funny face.

William laughed at the younger blonde’s reaction as he answered, "My friends in high school used to call me Spike. I guess maybe you can call me that."

"Spike!" Dawn recited. "I like that, It suits you. Can I call you Spike?" the blonde asked through puppy dog eyes.

"Yeah, bit. Don’t see why not."

Meanwhile in the kitchen, Joyce and Buffy were getting everybody’s drink prepared. "So… Is that him?"

"What?" Buffy was confused from her mother’s question.

"William, is he the one you have been dating who you refuse to tell me the name of." Buffy always kept in touch with her mom, telling her mom what happens to her in Los Angeles. Everything from her failed jobs to her new dating status, and now she was thinking that maybe she should not have done that.

"No, mom. William is just a friend who was nice enough to drive me up here."

"He sure is one nice guy to drive you here for two hours. It’s a long drive, Buffy." Joyce said, she may not know William very well, but she does know her own daughter.

"Please… Lets just get this drinks in." Buffy pleaded. She still had a crush on William no matter how much she denies it in front of Willow. Dating Riley was suppose to help her get over this childish admiration, it is helping. But her mother bringing it up can’t be good.

Buffy, Dawn, Joyce and William had spent the whole day together. The foursome did a little bit of chatting while enjoying the refreshments the two ladies have brought in. Buffy mostly talked about her new life in Los Angeles, she and Dawn talked about the stores and shops that the LA community has to offer. Dawn told her sister about how hard high school was and how she so jealous of Buffy being able to go to LA while she was stuck here in good old Sunnydale.

After the glorious lunch that Joyce had prepared for their visitors, they decided to take William to a tour of Sunnydale. At first Buffy did not want to go out, she said that they should just spend their day inside the house. But with her mom and Dawn’s persistency, that they should not spend such a lovely day inside coup up between the walls, plus there was nothing to do, she agreed. The three ladies took William to the park where according to Mrs. Summers Buffy had spent a lot of her ‘unforgettable’ moments. Joyce told William all about Buffy’s bloopers when her two daughters were just toddlers, through the whole conversation the older pair just couldn’t stop laughing while the younger pair became flushed with how much their mother was making them look embarrassed in front of the blonde man. In turn to Joyce’s stories, William told her about what he does in Los Angeles and about the publishing company he ran. The two certainly got along real well, each sharing and talking about business tactics.

After the long walk at the park the foursome got tired and decided to have some snack, they went into the Double Meat Palace, where Buffy had once worked part-time as a cashier. Here they devoured the yummy yet greasy burgers again talking more and more and getting more aquatinted with each other, especially their newfound friend.

It was around four in the afternoon as the group made their way into the house, "So… Did you guys have fun today?" Joyce asked as she placed the car keys in the side table and went into the living room.

"Yeah, it was loads of fun. "Dawn chimed in cheerfully as she plopped herself down on the couch.

"Yeah, supper fun." Buffy answered as she also lied her tired body in the recliner beside Dawn.

"How about you William?" as Joyce directed the blonde to take a seat at the nearby chair.

"Of course, I had a blast." William said with a grin.

"How could you not have a blast, all you and mom talked about is how clumsy and stupid I was." Buffy said as she sat herself properly on the couch and stretched her arms.

William again had that feeling inside, he wanted to laugh so hard as he remembered the stories Joyce had told him, but he decided to keep it to himself and just gave out a small smile. "So… If that’s all, we got to get going, unless you want to be caught in traffic, luv."

"I don’t know. I’m kind of tired and…" Buffy was cut off when she saw William gave her the ‘just go with what I say’ look and continued, "Yeah, we better get going…"

"Are you sure you can’t stay here Buffy? You and Spike can leave early tomorrow." Dawn wined through a sleepy voice.

"I don’t think so, bit. Buffy does have responsibilities back in LA." William answered to the younger blonde.

"That’s right honey…" Joyce chimed in while looking at her younger daughter. "I’m sure they have a lot of things to finish." As she looked backed at the two blondes and escorted them out the door.

"Bye, mom. I’ll call you." as Buffy hugged her mother.

"I had a great time, Joyce. Thanks for welcoming me into your home." William said as he gave the older woman a small hug.

"You’re always welcome her William. Drive safe…" Joyce called after the two, as the car went its way.

After a brief silence, "What was that for, dragging me out of my house." Buffy abruptly stated.

"I did not drag you out of the house, luv." Was William’s only response.

Buffy just rolled her eyes and stared at the road, "Where are we going? This is not the way out of Sunnydale." Hearing no reply, "Where the hell are you taking me Spike!" Buffy was getting scared of the older blonde’s intentions.

"Just wait and see…"

"What! Tell me right now where we are going William James Bennedict before I…" Buffy was cut off as William put the car to a stop and opened up the hood. "What is this place?" Buffy asked in amazement. They were over looking the whole town of Sunnydale, the beautiful sunset shining upon them.

"I don’t really know how to do this Buffy, but…" William said as he pulled out a black velvet case. "Happy 21st Birthday." Seeing the blonde’s hesitation, "Open it, luv. I really don’t know what to get you so…" Just then Buffy opened the box to reveal a silver locket, the sides of it lined with diamonds. "I hope you like it."

"I like it? I love it Will, Thank you so much!" Buffy said through teary eyes as she gave William a bear like hug.

"Look at the inside, pet." Seeing Buffy did, "I really did not know whose picture to place on the other side. Because I don’t really know who has captured your heart, but maybe someday…"

Buffy interrupted William and gave out a big smile, "Yeah, someday…" as they both stared unto the view upon them until the sun had fully set.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The car ride from Sunnyvale to Los Angeles was silent for the two blondes. They have been on the freeway for about an hour, the roads were as clear as the water, no cars in sight. Buffy was wearing around her neck the locket she had just received as she was looking out the window taking in the beautiful view in front of her. She never liked car rides, whenever their family would take a trip out, she would either be too busy fighting with Dawn about the radio stations or sleeping. She was never able to take in how nice nature was; there were no buildings or residence in sight, nothing to disturb the natural growth of things. Then suddenly… "Bloody hell!" William shouted as he stepped on the brakes and the car suddenly pulled into a full stop.

Buffy was cut off from all her thoughts as she stared into the hood of the car that was blowing up smokes. "What’s wrong with the car, Will?" Buffy asked as she got out of the car and looked into the inside of the vehicle’s hood. Just then she was welcomed with more heat which cause her to cough.

"Stay away from the hood, luv." William said as he waved his hands away from the smoke that was suffocating both of them. "Have to call a repair shop…" He recited as he proceeded to get his cell from inside the car.

"There’s one there." Buffy announced as she pointed to the motel/car repair shop beside the freeway. Buffy thought it was sort of weird to have such a business in the freaking highway. But she guessed it was also to their luck that it was there.

"Uncle Bob’s Auto Repair Shop and Motel." William recited the establishment’s name. He can’t help but wonder where he saw something just like this, but just shrugged it off as he and Buffy walked up into the store to be welcomed with an old man with grayish hair. "How may I help you youngsters this afternoon?" The old man asked.

"Well… we were wondering if you would fix our car, or at least take a look at the damage." Buffy replied.

"Of course I will, why the hell do you suppose I build an auto repair shop, my dear." Buffy just blushed at how dumb her question was in the first place. "So where is this car of yours?"

Before William responded he had a sudden thought’ ‘I think I saw this man before, there’s something vaguely familiar about him.’ "It’s right there, mate." William answered as he pointed to the vehicle that was causing a whole lot of smoke in the middle of the freeway. "I was thinking maybe it just overheated or something… Maybe you can put water in it…"

"I don’t think so my boy, by the looks of it. I think that your baby may need a little more that just water." The old man replied. "Why don’t you and you lady here go inside and get yourself something to drink as me and my boys take a look at your car, okay?"

"Okay." Buffy said as she pulled William into the back room. "Do you think it will take long to fix the car?"

"Don’t know, luv. We just have to wait and see what the old bloke says." William responded as he and Buffy sat on the nearby bench. "So…pet the little bit was really cool…"

" Yeah… I guess, good thing you two get along so well…" Buffy answered. "If it was up to us we would have probably burned the house down with all our nonsense fighting."

With this William gave out a small laugh. " So…How’s it with you and Captain Cardboard?"

Before Buffy can give out an answer the old man came back. "There something wrong with you radiator."

"What? I just fixed that bloody thing two weeks ago…" William said almost shouting at the old man. "That’s impossible!"

"Calm down, Will." As Buffy soothingly rubbed the blonde’s arm, this caused him to relax a bit from all the tension.

"I think it might take a day or two to fix the car, so I suggest you lovers check into a room." The old man said.

"We’re not lovers!" Buffy abruptly responded. At this the old man just shrugged his shoulders and left the two blondes behind.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

William had called Willow on her cell to tell her that they could not make it back to Sunnydale in time for the party, at first the redhead was upset that all her hectic planning had just gone down the drain. But after hearing William’s explanation and telling herself about a hundred times that there is nothing she can do, she just gave up and just told William to tell Buffy that she wishes her a happy birthday.

"Who was that?" Buffy asked, as she walked back from the bathroom.

William had just gotten their keys from the receptionist, "It’s nothing, luv. Let’s go in." As they open the door they see nothing extraordinary. The room had teal colored walls with a single painting of the outside scenery, as you go in deeper you will see a door that leads into the bathroom. Just the same the bathroom had nothing special about it, white colored tiles surrounded the whole area, in one corner lies the shower and toilet. The main room itself had a small sitting area with a couch and a coffee table. In the middle of the room laid a bed slightly smaller that a queen-sized one. "Sorry, luv. This is all we have for the night, all the other rooms are booked." Thinking that Buffy was uncomfortable with the room.

"No, it’s okay. This should do…" Buffy answered.

"You take the bed, you had have a long day and I think that you should get some sleep."

"Where would you sleep then?" the younger blonde asked.

"I’ll just sleep on the couch, pet."

"Oh… You’re such a gentleman." Buffy said with sarcasm. "But really, we could always share. You can sleep beside me."

‘Yes, of course. I would love to.’ But that was just a thought as he answered, "No, it’s okay, luv. I’ll manage." Then he suddenly lied his back down on the couch.

‘I guess I can’t do anything…’ Buffy thought as she rested herself on the bed. After a brief silence, "We are doing great."

"What did you say, luv?" William asked surprised at what the blonde was telling him.

"Me and Riley. You asked ‘bout us right?"

"Oh yeah."

As the two blondes lied at their backs, they shared to each other their thoughts about Harmony and Riley. Each having a sudden pang of jealousy, whenever the other talks about their current relationship. Suddenly Buffy said, "You know, we ‘really’ can fit in this bed. You don’t have to punish yourself."

"No thanks, luv. Really I’m fine." At this Buffy got annoyed, she stood up and went over to William by the couch and lay with him saying, "If you won’t sleep on the bed with me, I’m going to stay here on the couch with you."

Moments pass, as Buffy stayed there beside William, they suddenly felt their eyes caught on to each other, the attraction they felt before coming back to them. Like the world was revolving yet they were stuck in that same time and place, no where to run, no where to hide. There was a sudden cold air that brushed through their bodies and from out of the blue their lips softly brushed upon each other. The taste of one another making them crave more and more, as William moved in to deepen the kiss, Buffy’s lips slowly parted, as they allowed the other to lavish on them. And here at this point in time they both knew that ‘nothing’ would ever be the same again.

Thanks so much again! I really appreciate it. I also added one new chapter.

---Erika