***

"How’s your chicken?" Riley asked.

Buffy smiled, "Delicious. How about your salmon?"

"It’s great, I’ll have to thank Tom for telling me about this place."

He had taken her to a hotel in Santa Barbara that was reputed to have one of the finest restaurants in all of the U.S. It also had a great view of the beach and had a *very* romantic atmosphere. Riley was even considering returning with Buffy to stay in the hotel for a romantic weekend sometime in the future, but he figured it was much too soon to even broach the subject at this point.

"Yes, thank Tom for me too. This is *exactly* what I needed."

"Good, you deserve it. Especially considering how stressful your life is."

"You’re not kidding about the stress! I swear, one of these days I am going to decapitate Larry with a butter knife," Buffy groaned.

"Damn, I never should have said that. The point of tonight was to make you *forget* your troubles for a while."

She smiled, "That’s right, I’m sorry."

"Just close your eyes and think about the fact that you and I are in a great restaurant with good food and no responsibilities for the evening."

Buffy did as he said, "That’s better. Much better."

"Good," he grinned. "After we eat, I was thinking maybe we could have a walk on the beach?"

"I like that idea," she told him, honestly excited, "God, Riley, do you realize that I have never had a night like this? I always dreamed of a super romantic date, but it just never happened."

"Well, that’s a shame. But then again, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t glad to be the one on the date with you. We’ll have to work on doing all the stuff you wanted to do but never did," he said, before realizing the implications of his statement. "Um, well, I didn’t mean…"

Buffy laughed, "Don’t worry, Riley, I know what you meant. And it’s very sweet."

"Good," he said, relieved.

"Let’s see… I believe at one time, you promised to take me driving someday."

"On our first date," he recalled.

"Yup. And you started making with the naughty talk then, too. Why, Mr. Finn, you are *constantly* referring to sex around me?" she teased.

It was Riley’s turn to blush. "You’re an evil woman."

They enjoyed a comfortable silence and Buffy tried to shake the feeling that this wasn’t quite right. This was *Riley*, who she cared so much about and had wanted a second chance with so badly. She loved Riley, when she had chased after his helicopter, she had been sure of it, and she still had feelings for him.

So why did she keep thinking about Graham? Why did it matter that she loved him too when Riley was the one who wanted to be with her?

***

After they finished their meals and enjoyed a cup of coffee as they talked and digested, the twosome made their way out to the beach. Sitting down on a bench, Buffy pulled off her sandals as Riley removed his shoes and socks.

"Oh, did you want to use my phone to check in with Dawn?" he offered.

Buffy shook her head, "I’m sure she’s fine. If not, she would have called. I must learn to trust her."

"Very good," he grinned.

"Well, I’ve left her alone before, so that’s not new."

"No, but it’s the first time you left her with a friend. It wasn’t *that* long ago that I was her age. It’s a lot easier to get into trouble when you’re with a friend."

"Are you *trying* to make me nuts?" she joked.

"Sorry," Riley smiled.

"I’m sticking to my guns and trusting her. Besides, Lisa’s a good kid too."

"You’re absolutely right," he nodded. "Ready to walk?"

"Sure," she agreed, taking his hand as they walked closer to the shore. "It’s such a beautiful night. It couldn’t be more perfect."

"You’ll get no argument from me. I want to pinch myself, make sure I’m not really stuck in the middle of a jungle having a really great dream. I have to tell you, waking up to find out that I haven’t bathed in days and have nothing but bugs to eat would be more than a little disappointing."

"Bugs?!"

"Well, not *bugs*, but a lot of the stuff I had to eat didn’t taste much better."

"I don’t care, as long as it’s not bugs. I don’t know if I could kiss you, knowing there had been bugs in your mouth."

Deciding to take a chance, Riley paused, smiling at her flirtatiously, "Does that mean you want to kiss me?"

"Maybe…" she teased.

He slowly dipped his head down until their lips made contact. Buffy’s mouth opened and bid entrance to Riley’s tongue. Her hands moved to his upper back, clinging to him tightly while he gently stroked her lower back.

When oxygen became an issue, they both pulled back and smiled.

"That was very nice," Buffy commented, getting a nod from Riley.

Content to just be together without saying anything, they continued their walk down the beach. She found herself filled with unease yet again. She’d had high hopes for their first kiss after getting back together. Not that it was a bad kiss – Riley had always been a great kisser. She had just thought perhaps once they had kissed, things would get easier. She wouldn’t have feelings for Graham, or at least her feelings for Riley would be reinforced and she would be more confident about their relationship.

But everything just felt wrong.

***

"Did you want to come in for some coffee?"

"Uh, I’d better not. I have an early day tomorrow," Riley said.

"Okay, well, I’ll see you tomorrow night. Don’t forget, the party starts a seven," Buffy told him.

He nodded, "Want me to walk you to the door?"

"Actually, no. The way Lisa and Dawn have their faces pressed against the glass like those little Garfield dolls people hang in their back window makes me think it might be uncomfortable."

Riley laughed when he saw that the two teens were indeed staring at them through the large bay window in the living room. "What is up with that?"

"I have no idea," Buffy shrugged, also amused, "Maybe they get a vicarious thrill? I have to be honest, if I have the choice between my sister spying on us or dating herself, I’m going with her being a big weirdo. It’s easier."

"God, you’ve changed so much," he smiled.

"Hopefully I am not *too* boring and mature," she joked.

"No, you’re just right," he promised, leaning over to kiss her.

She returned the kiss, gently massaging the nape of his neck before the two broke apart breathlessly. After another kiss, she grabbed her purse and opened the door.

"Thanks again for a wonderful evening."

"Thank *you* for your company," he smiled, "I’ll see you tomorrow."

"Okay," Buffy nodded, climbing out of the car, "Bye."

As she walked up to the front door, Riley waited in his car in front of the house to make sure she got in. Opening the door, she turned and gave him a small wave before he drove away.

***

"Is kissing a very big deal when you are, say, twenty, and have a few boyfriends under your belt?" Dawn attempted to casually ask Spike as they sat in the living room. Buffy was busy in the kitchen finishing up with the snacks, leaving the two of them alone until the rest of the guests arrived.

"Did Buffy kiss Soldier Boy?"

"Yeah," she sighed. "Lisa and I saw them last night in Riley’s car when he brought her home."

"They went at it right there?" Spike asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Not exactly ‘went at it.’ More like a goodnight kiss. But when Buffy came in she was all giddy so I have a feeling that wasn’t the only kiss."

"Don’t worry, Niblet, Buffy’s not quite shackled to the living Ken doll quite yet. She kissed me once, you know."

"She kissed you? When?"

"After Glory kicked my ass. Big Sis was full of gratitude," he smirked.

"Really?" Dawn replied, honestly shocked.

Spike was slightly offended. "I’ll have you know that I am a bloody great catch!"

"Sorry Spike, I didn’t mean it like that," she apologized.

"I know," he nodded, "Point is, just because Buffy’s snogging the bloke doesn’t mean you have to lose hope. And you invited this Graham fellow here tonight too, right?"

"Yup, and he promised to come!"

Just then, the doorbell rang and Dawn jumped up, eager to see which of her guests had arrived, praying it was the man in question. Then he and Buffy could have some time alone together.

Opening the door, she was disappointed to find Xander and Anya on the other side of the threshold. "Oh, hi guys."

Xander frowned, "Gee, don’t be so excited to see us, Dawnster."

"Sorry, I was just expecting someone else."

"Hello Dawn! Happy birthday! You’re fifteen now, which is actually nothing special. When you are sixteen, you can drive a car, but it’s not until you are eighteen that you can do fun things, like vote and legally have sex," Anya nattered. ‘However, Xander has informed me that many times, young people have sex *before* it’s legal."

"Anya," Xander warned.

"Oh, but that is wrong," Anya pointed out, trying to appease her boyfriend. "Buffy most certainly would like you to wait, although from what I understand, she had sex with Angel when she was only seventeen and that was illegal so if you choose to do so, what can she really say?"

"Do you guys want to come in?"

***

"So your dad sent Dawn a card?" Willow asked as she helped Buffy fix some snacks for the party that was getting started in the living room. Some of Dawn’s friends from school had arrived and pop music was now blaring. "I mean, I guess it’s not weird of him to send her something since it’s her birthday, but considering the fact that he hasn’t even acknowledged your mom’s death…"

"He doesn’t know yet. I’ve left a ton of messages at his office, saying it’s imperative he calls me, but they either don’t give him the messages or he doesn’t call. Maybe I should quit trying to be sensitive and just leave a message that his ex-wife is dead," Buffy sighed. "I’m just happy he remembered Dawn’s birthday. Or maybe his secretary-slash-midlife-crisis did."

"How’s Dawn handling it?"

Buffy shrugged, "I’m sure that she wishes he would be her father and come be here to help us in some way besides sending his child support check every month. And he doesn’t even do that, his accountant does. She didn’t really say anything when she saw the card in the mail… she knows what’s going on."

"Well it sucks, for both of you. I know he’s your dad and no matter what he does, you love him, but I would really like to put a nasty spell on him," Willow griped.

Her friend smiled, "Thank you. Now, we’d better get this stuff out there. I don’t think Spike will be able to handle the Backstreet Boys for too long before he goes on a killing spree, chip be damned."

Giggling, Willow grabbed a couple platters and followed Buffy out of the kitchen.

***

Graham walked with his best friend up to the front door of the Summers’ home, filled with dread and excitement as the same time. He was seeing Buffy. Good, yes, because he very much liked Buffy and enjoyed spending time with her, but he had to be around her and adore her but act like she was nothing more than his best friend’s girlfriend that he got along with very well. And he had to see her with Riley, who had not shut up about how happy he was with their date the previous night. He’d even told Graham about how they had kissed, thus giving him endless images that made him feel extremely jealous. Which then made him feel extremely guilty. Riley was a great guy who deserved happiness. Buffy was a great girl who deserved the same. She deserved Riley, a guy with a solid background, a great family, the perfect all-American guy… unlike him.

Fortunately, Dawn was the one who opened the door. If he’d had to witness Buffy and Riley kiss each other hello, he might have just turned tail and run.

"Hey, happy birthday!" Riley greeted, offering her a brightly wrapped present.

Dawn found that when he came bearing gifts, it was a lot easier to be genuinely happy to see him. "Thank you!"

She stepped aside to bid the men entrance, taking their gifts as they walked through the door.

"Wow, quite a party," Riley found was the nicest thing he could say as he heard what he assumed Dawn thought was good music.

"Thanks," she grinned, "And thanks for coming, you guys."

"Wouldn’t have missed it for the world," Graham smiled at the girl.

"Graham, Riley… you wouldn’t believe how great it is to see two other men who were alive when ‘1984’ came out," Xander said as he approached them in the foyer and Dawn scurried off with her gifts.

"Actually, ‘1984’ came out in the 1940’s," Riley pointed out.

"Whatever," Xander said, "The point is I finally have someone to talk to."

Riley grinned and patted his back, "Sure, just let me say hi to Buffy first. Where is she?"

"In the dining room with the food. Enter at your own risk," Xander warned him.

As Riley walked away and unbidden images of him greeting Buffy entered Graham’s mind, he decided he needed a drink, "I don’t suppose we could get our hands on some beer?"

***

"Hey there," Riley greeted Buffy warmly as he came upon her picking up several empty plates and bowls that had been set out on the dining room table for partygoers to snack upon.

Buffy looked up at him and smiled, "Hi! When did you get here?"

"Just now, want some help?"

"Sure," she replied, handing him a couple plates.

The two of them carried the dishes into the kitchen and set them on the counter before Riley wrapped his arms around Buffy and gave her a tender kiss.

"Finally, I’ve been dying to do that," he grinned, "I figured it wasn’t a good idea in front of all Dawn’s friends."

"You’re probably right. For one thing, she would have killed us, and another, I really don’t want to give them ideas."

"Oh come on, wouldn’t a make-out party with a bunch of fifteen-year-olds be fun?"

Buffy laughed, "That’s disgusting!"

Riley’s response was to kiss her again…

***

Hearing Buffy laugh, Graham turned his head in time to see her kissing Riley through the window in the kitchen door. Turning away from the painful sight, he tried to focus on Xander rambling as they stood on the porch with Spike, drinking and avoiding the rest of the party.

"This is pathetic," Spike announced. "We need to get back in there and take over, put on some Sex Pistols and have a *real* party! Come on, we can kick their asses! Okay, not Buffy and Riley’s, but they won’t care!"

"What about your chip?" Xander pointed out.

Spike frowned, then glared at Graham, "Thanks so *bloody* much. I can’t even beat the hell out of some brats!"

"Yeah, sorry about that," Graham replied, giving him a curious look.

"Here you are," Buffy said, opening the kitchen door and smiling at them, "Hiding?"

Anya peered at them over her shoulder, "Were you having ‘guy talk’? Did you discuss sex? Xander, did you tell them about some of the positions we tried, or the time we played ‘Master and Slave Girl’?"

Buffy turned and gave the girl a disgusted look, "Anya, why don’t you go get them to turn off the music and sit down?"

"What did you need, Luv?" Spike asked, half-hoping she’d decided to kill the teens and wanted their help.

"It’s time to open presents. Think you guys can come in and join the rest of us, or is that just too frightening a fate?"

"I suppose we can brave it," Xander grinned, walking past her into the house, followed by Spike.

As Graham trailed behind them, she gave him a bright smile. "I’m so glad you made it. It was very important to Dawn. And to me too."

"I wouldn’t have missed it for anything," he replied honestly, feeling his heart flutter against his will. Try as he might, he just couldn’t stop her mere presence from affecting him.

***

"Buffy!"

Buffy stopped wiping down tables and walked over to the counter where JoAnne was standing with the phone in her hand.

"What is it?"

JoAnne shrugged, "Someone’s on the phone for you."

Buffy frowned, wondering whom it could be. Nobody ever called her at work. Everyone she knew was either at school or work. "Hello?"

"Yes, is this Buffy Summers?"

"Speaking."

"Hello Miss Summers, my name is Dean Mathis, I am head of security over here at Dillard’s department store in the Sunnydale Pavillion shopping mall. I am calling you because we have a situation with your sister, Dawn. I understand that you are her legal guardian?"

"Yes, that’s correct," she replied, her mouth suddenly dry.

"Well, I am afraid that we caught her in possession of some of our merchandise. We’re going to need you to come down here as soon as possible."

"I’ll be right there," she replied, "Um, thank you."

Hanging up the phone, she found herself face to face with Larry.

"Personal calls aren’t allowed, Buffy."

"It was an emergency," she replied, pulling off her apron. "I have to go."

"Well, that’s nice, but your shift doesn’t end for three more hours," he retorted.

Buffy sighed, "Look, I have an emergency with my sister. I’m sorry, but I *have* to go."

"That’s unacceptable. I want you to stay here and complete your shift. If you refuse, I’m going to have to fire you."

She rubbed her eyes, trying to figure out what she should do. She hated this job, but she needed it. Both she and Dawn had this nasty habit where they liked to eat and have electricity and all that. Plus, she had car payments. But on the other hand, she *had* to get down to the store. Who knew what they might do with Dawn.

Buffy looked Larry straight in the eye. "Then I guess I quit."

***

By the time she reached the mall, Buffy was seething with anger. She couldn’t believe her sister would do something like this! Not only was she stealing, but also it was only her second week back at school. She had no business being anywhere besides Sunnydale High, as Buffy had given her explicit instructions that morning that she was to go straight to school and straight home. This was even worse than the previous spring when she had been ditching. Now she was ditching *and* stealing.

After finding a parking space in the garage, Buffy climbed out and nervously walked over to the mall entrance. She was nervous as hell. There were a million fears and questions going through her head… and this was pretty embarrassing.

So lost in her thoughts, Buffy completely didn’t see Graham until she smacked into him and almost fell on her butt.

"Buffy, oh God, I’m sorry!" he exclaimed, grabbing her waist to help steady her.

"No, it was my fault," she replied, "*I’m* sorry."

Noticing that she was still in her uniform from the diner, Graham frowned, "What’s up?"

She flung her hands up in the air, "I got a call when I was at work from the security at Dillard’s. You won’t believe what Dawn has done now."

Cringing, Graham replied, "Store security? I could guess."

"She’s stealing now. She’s also ditching school and disobeying orders. And now I have to go and face these people and just pray that they won’t press charges because that is the *last* thing we need right now."

"Oh man, Buffy, I’m so sorry."

She shook her head, "It’s not your fault. I’m screwing up."

"What? No you aren’t. You’re the best you can, which really isn’t all that bad. You’ve got a stable home for Dawn, you make sure she doesn’t want for anything, you’ve got a job-"

"Not anymore."

"What?"

"I was fired… quit... whatever. The gist is that I am unemployed," she smiled sadly. "Larry wasn’t going to let me leave and I *had* to go."

"Jeez, Buffy, when you have a bad day, you really have a bad day."

She couldn’t help but laugh, as she nodded, "I don’t do anything halfway."

"Well, I’m still sorry. You know that if there is anything I can do, you just have to tell me, right?"

"Yeah, thank you. Unfortunately, I don’t know what anybody can do right now. I’d better get going and meet our fate," Buffy said.

"Okay," Graham nodded, "Hey, how about I come over later? You can call me when you get home. Something tells me that you will probably need to have someone to talk to over a cup of coffee."

She gave him a small smile, "That would be nice."

"Good. Call me, okay?"

"I will," she promised.

"All right. Good luck."

"Thanks, I need it," Buffy replied, before reluctantly continuing to make her way to Dillard’s.

***

"We have decided not to press any charges," Dean Mathis told the two sisters seated on the other side of the desk from him after talking to them both for a few moments, "None of the girls have any previous offences and in your case, Dawn, we know that you have had a lot of disruption in your life as of late. We understand how hard that can be. In the interest of fairness, we are willing to let this slide this time. However, we ask that you not return to our store. Do you understand?"

Buffy nodded her head quickly, greatly relieved, "Thank you so much, Sir. I apologize for this whole situation. Dawn does too, don’t you?"

At her sister’s stern look, the younger girl nodded, "I’m really sorry."

"Just please stay out of trouble from now on. You have a very concerned sister here who really cares what happens to you," the man told her.

She forced herself to give him a small smile and nodded, "I will, I promise."

The two girls exited the office and found themselves confronted be one Christine Walters, mother of Melanie, one of Dawn’s accomplices.

"I hope you’re happy!"

"Excuse me?" Buffy asked.

"You’re hardly more than a child yourself, raising a teenager! And obviously doing a bad job of it. Clearly Dawn was the one who dragged Kansas and my Melanie into this! They never would have been *truant*, much less thieves!"

"Hey! Don’t you dare talk to her like that," Dawn argued, surprising both Buffy and the older woman. "This is *so* not Buffy’s fault. I did something really stupid today; I admit it. But I am in no way responsible for Kansas and Melanie’s actions. Get with it, Mrs. Walker. Your little angel’s already been caught stealing at how many stores? Do you really think it’s a coincidence that she keeps getting ‘falsely accused’? And we all know she ditches as much as she can. Even in eighth grade, she would go off with the junior and senior guys in the high school! Plus, let’s not forget the little plagiarism incident last year in Mr. Rodham’s class."

"You’re a little liar!"

"No I’m not. You know I’m not, but you like to live in denial where Melanie isn’t a little rotten brat that does whatever she wants whenever she wants. Well she does and while I am not perfect, I’m not going to let you blame me for this one and I’m *definitely* not going to let you blame my sister!"

As Mrs. Walters and Melanie stood there with stunned looks on their faces – and Kansas smirked – Dawn grabbed Buffy’s hand and tugged her out of the store.

Once they were alone, Buffy grinned, "I’m proud of you."

"She pisses me off! Melanie’s the one who came up with this stupid idea. I know she didn’t force me, but I absolutely didn’t force her and I’m not putting up with Mrs. Walters being mean to you," Dawn ranted, then paused and looked up at her sister hopefully. "Does this mean I’m not grounded?"

"Oh, you’re still in a world of trouble, but I *am* proud of you for standing up for us."

Dawn groaned as they walked out into the parking garage. At least Buffy didn’t hate her.

***

"I have to punish her," Buffy said quietly, before giving Graham a questioning look. "Right?"

He nodded quickly, "You definitely have to punish her."

"I know," she sighed, "It’s just hard. I feel like a hypocrite. How can I honestly tell her that stealing and ditching school is wrong when I have done them myself? Granted, I just stole lipstick and not two hundred dollars worth of clothes, and most of the time when I ditched school, it was apocalypse stuff, but still… do you know what I mean?"

"I do; I see where you are coming from. But the fact of the matter is, you know that stealing and ditching is wrong, don’t you?"

"Of course."

"Well, that’s your job. You’re supposed to help guide Dawn – teach her morals and the difference between right and wrong and all that. Obviously, she had a clue before now that when you send her to school, she is supposed to go, and when you go to the store, paying for merchandise isn’t optional, but we all do things that we know are wrong and when we do them we are punished to teach us a lesson."

"I know, I feel like a jerk, though. Nobody ever found out about the lipstick and I was hardly punished for the ditching. My mom grounded me a couple times, but compared to how many times I *did* it…"

"Buffy, do you think your mother was perfect? Do you think she *never* did anything wrong? You can’t sit there and try to be ‘fair’ by only punishing Dawn for things if you were punished for them or never did. This is for her own good – remember that. I know it’s a lot easier for me to sit here and tell you what you should do, but I know I am right about this."

"Yeah, you are," she admitted. "But this really isn’t easy."

"I wish that there was something I could do to make things easier," he told her honestly.

"Go upstairs and lecture Dawn?" she asked jokingly.

"Face the emotional teenage girl? Sounds like a job for the Slayer."

She grinned, "I see how it is."

"But seriously, I want to help. Promise to let me know if there is anything I can do for you?"

Buffy bit her lip, "I like to do things on my own, but it has come to my attention that I do try to do everything on my own and it’s not always a good thing, so I promise."

"Everyone needs help once in a while, it’s okay," he smiled, reaching across over and squeezing her shoulder without thinking about it.

She placed her hand over his and returned the smile, "Thank you for being here for me. I don’t know how I could have gotten through the past few months without you."

"I like being here for you," Graham said honestly. He tried to remain cool, but on the inside he felt a bit thrilled at the though that *he* was the one there for Buffy instead of Riley. Granted, Riley was at work, but Buffy hadn’t even mentioned her boyfriend. He was probably grasping, but it still made him feel really good.

Which in turn made him feel really guilty. What kind of best friend was he, happy that Buffy had him around instead of Riley?

***

"Oh, come on Buffy! I didn’t complain about no TV for a week, I didn’t complain about being grounded for *three* weeks, but I really don’t want to do this!" Dawn whined, following her older sister around the house.

Buffy stopped and gave her a firm look, "You *can’t* complain, because it’s your punishment. You ditched, you stole, it was wrong and you deserve to lose TV privileges and be grounded. And you have to write the letter."

"But it’s embarrassing!"

"Oh, you mean it’s not a fun punishment? Well, I must have gone wrong somewhere," Buffy retorted sarcastically.

Dawn cocked her head to the side and frowned. "Make me clean the bathrooms. Make me wash your car for a year. Anything but this! I’ll even make you breakfast in bed every day for a month!"

"Oh, that’s a great idea. I can just imagine the mess *I* will have to clean up every day."

The doorbell rang and the blonde smiled and rushed to open it, her sister at her heels.

"Hi," Buffy grinned, finding her boyfriend standing on the porch.

"Hey," Riley returned the smile, stepping inside the house and planting a kiss on her lips, missing Dawn rolling her eyes. "Hi Dawn."

"Hi," she replied, before she turned her attention back to her sister. "This is cruel and unusual punishment, you know!"

Buffy and Riley exchanged smiles as the teen stomped up the stairs. Buffy shut the front door and grabbed Riley’s hand, tugging him to the couch in the living room.

"What was that all about?" he questioned.

"Oh, she’s just upset because I am making her write a letter of apology to the manager of the store she stole from."

"Wow, I am impressed. Very good punishment!"

"Thank you," she smiled, leaning over and giving him a deeper kiss. "So, the popcorn’s in the microwave, what movie did you bring?"

***

"Mmm, this is very nice," commented Buffy as she and Riley relaxed on the couch, cuddling together.

"Good. I must admit I have ulterior motives," Riley replied.

"Yeah?" she asked, growing a little nervous that he might be implying that he wanted to take their relationship to the next level – sex. It was probably silly, considering all the times they had made love before, but it was something she was very worried about. Just kissing him wasn’t the same as before. She always thought about Graham. So how could she sleep with Riley if she really wanted his best friend?

‘Yeah. I actually wanted to give you a pleasant, relaxing evening. I know that things aren’t very easy for you right now and I guess I worry about you."

A bit relieved, she smiled, "You don’t have to worry about me."

"I know I don’t *have* to, but I’m your boyfriend and I care about you," Riley told her, purposely not mentioning the l-word. He’d decided to give them some time before he said that again, especially considering what a problem it had been the last time. Riley didn’t want Buffy to feel pressured to reply in kind and he was afraid to be the one to say it and *not* get the same in response again.

She reached up and caressed the side of his face. "Thank you."

"You’re welcome," he said before kissing the palm of her hand.

"Um, about Graham talking to me this afternoon… are you mad?"

"Mad? Of course not, why would I be mad?" Riley questioned.

She shrugged, "I know that one of our big problems before was my difficulties accepting support and not letting you be there for me. I just don’t want you to think I am doing it again. You were-"

"At work," he said, "Don’t worry, I understand. I’m not going to lie and say I didn’t wish I could have been the one here with you, but it would be completely selfish and immature of me to be mad that Graham was. You needed someone and I am happy you had him. I know that the way I was before. I might not have been able to accept it. But that was my problem and I recognized that and have tried to change that about myself."

Buffy felt a pang of guilt; she had this wonderful boyfriend and all she could do was yearn for another man. There was something seriously wrong with her. Resolving to just try harder, she kissed him again.

"You’re wonderful."

Riley grinned, "So are you."

"Oh gross," Dawn complained from the doorway.

Sharing an amused look with her boyfriend, Buffy looked at her sister, "Did you need something?"

"I wrote the letter," she answered, walking over and handing it to Buffy.

"Oh, good, I’ll read it later."

"Hey Dawn, maybe since you can’t go out, we could rent movies that all three of us can watch a few times a week," Riley offered.

"You *told* him?" Dawn exclaimed.

Buffy sighed, "Yes, I did, Dawn. I didn’t know it was supposed to be a secret. Besides, Riley was bound to be curious why I am no longer employed."

"Oh, it’s *all* my fault, isn’t it?"

"I didn’t say that!"

"Whatever! I know that you blame me because now you can’t go to school and hang out with your friends and your *boyfriend* because you have to take care of me and now you lost your stupid job *because* *of* *me*!" The teen shouted before running up the stairs.

"I’m sorry," Buffy apologized to Riley, "Don’t take it personal, she’s just in a bad mood."

"I understand," he said, gently stroking a hand up and down her back.

"I should probably go talk to her."

Riley nodded, "Yeah, I need to get going anyway."

The two stood up and walked to the door before hugging and kissing again.

Riley opened the door. "I’ll call you tomorrow."

Buffy smiled. "Okay… drive careful."

"I will," Riley promised, stepping outside. "Bye."

"Goodbye," Buffy called, watching him walk to his car before shutting the door and leaning against it. With a deep breath, she walked up the stairs and knocked softly on her sister’s door.

"What do you want?" Dawn crossly asked inside.

"To talk to you."

"Fine."

Accepting the mediocre invitation, Buffy opened the door and stepped inside, finding her sister lying on her stomach on the bed. Gingerly, she sat down on the edge of the bed and ran her fingers through Dawn’s silky long hair.

"I’m sorry I embarrassed you by telling Riley. I honestly didn’t mean to divulge any secrets. You knew I told Graham."

Dawn nodded, knowing she couldn’t tell her sister that she didn’t mind Graham knowing because he was almost a brother to her but didn’t feel that way about Riley. "I was embarrassed, but it’s not your fault. I’m the one who did something so stupid."

"Do you really think I blame you because I take care of you?"

The younger girl paused for a moment, trying to figure out how she felt before explaining it to her sister. "I don’t know if you blame me, but it is because of me that you can’t have fun."

"I have fun."

"Yeah, but not as much as other people your age. Not as much as Willow."

"So," Buffy shrugged. "Willow doesn’t get to have a sister."

Dawn laughed, "Oh please! I have heard you complain a million times about what a burden I am. And that was before Mom died and you had to take care of me all the time."

"I know. You are, on occasion, a huge pain in the ass and you know it. But then there are times like when I was fourteen and had the flu and had to miss my first high school dance, so you sat with me in my room that night and watched ‘Pump Up the Volume’ and brought me Sprite. Or the time when you were three and you fell down and hurt your knee and wouldn’t stop crying until *I* kissed it. Or when I couldn’t find Mr. Gordo and you gave me your favorite doll to sleep with. Willow will never get to have times like that and she’s really missing out."

"Those things didn’t really happen," Dawn pointed out, tears welling in her eyes.

Buffy put her hand over her heart. "Yes they do. They are real here and that’s what matters."

Dawn sat up and hugged her sister. "I’m sorry I yelled at you and I’m sorry you got fired because of me."

"Hey, I didn’t get fired, I quit."

"Because of me."

Buffy shrugged, "It was a stupid job. I can do better and now I have extra incentive to go find something else."

"I’m also sorry I was rude to Riley."

The older girl nodded, "I think you owe him an apology the next time you see him."

"I guess," Dawn reluctantly agreed.

"We have some popcorn left over. Want some?"

"Sure!" She grinned, jumping off the bed and heading out of the room before pausing and turning to look at her sister. "Buffy?"

"Yeah?"

"Am I still grounded?"

"Oh, absolutely," Buffy chuckled.

"It was worth a shot," Dawn replied, leaving her sister alone as she went downstairs.

Feeling better knowing that at least she had resolved one of her many problems, Buffy trailed behind. For the first time in a while, she felt like she could handle this. She may be unemployed and have an incredibly screwed up romantic life, but she was going to make it.

***

"Hey Matt, do you have any connections to get someone a job?" Riley asked his friend and co-worker.

The other man smirked at him. "Why, you need some extra cash?"

"Taco Bell is hiring," another man piped in, causing several people to laugh.

Riley rolled his eyes, "Buffy – my girlfriend – needs a job."

"I can think of one job she’s be really great at. Zane and I patronize a very fine establishment every Saturday night, we could ask if they are hiring next time we go," Tom joked.

"*Not* funny," Riley glared at him.

"Seriously, though, I don’t know anybody. I’ll ask around, though," Matt promised.

"Thanks man," Riley said, going back to his paperwork until Graham came in and sat down at the desk opposite him. "Morning."

"Good morning," Graham replied as he sat down, "What’s up?"

"Not much," his friend responded, then added, "Oh, Buffy told me about how you talked with her yesterday after the whole incident with Dawn."

Graham froze, suddenly afraid of what Riley might say. After all, he wasn’t sure he would have liked his friend performing what could be boyfriend duties with *his* girlfriend.

"I just wanted to say thanks. It’s nice to know that you’re there to look out for my girl when I can’t."

Pasting a smile on his face, Graham nodded. "Anytime. Buffy’s my friend too."

"I know, and I’m very glad for it. Buffy’s life isn’t easy and she needs all the friends she can get. It’s good that she can count you as one of them."

Feeling even guiltier, not only for sleeping with Buffy, but for the jealous thoughts he had been having ever since Riley’s return, Graham sat down at his desk and attempted to immerse himself with work.

***

"Buffy?"

Buffy looked up and was surprised to find a familiar face peering down at her. She quickly placed him as Brian, the man her mother had gone on a date with the night before she had died. He’d come to Joyce’s funeral, just to offer his condolences, and Buffy had found him to be very nice. She would have liked it if her mother had continued to date him.

"Hi Brian," she smiled, standing up from her seat at the table in the restaurant.

"Hi there. How are you doing?"

"Oh, I’m good. How about you?"

"I’m doing just fine," he replied. "How’s Dawn?"

"She’s great. She just started high school a few weeks ago so now she feels she is very old and mature."

"That must be fun for you," he smiled.

She nodded and sarcastically replied, "It’s a blast."

Gesturing to the paper on the table, Brian asked, "Are you applying for a job here?"

"Yeah, I’m the breadwinner now and I didn’t get to finish school so… I’m good at waitressing."

He nodded, "Oh, that’s good. Uh, you know, I work at a publishing house."

"Yeah, I think my mother mentioned it."

"Well, we have job openings pretty regularly and I know a colleague of mine is looking for a new secretary. I’m not sure how much more money you would make than here, after tips, but you would have paid vacation, sick days, medical benefits and 401K, the whole deal. And you wouldn’t have to spend your days running around and carrying trays of food around. Do you think you might be interested?"

"Yeah," Buffy replied, "But I’ve never been a secretary. I have no experience besides waitressing."

"Do you have any experience with computers?"

"Sure, but not extensively or anything. I had to take some computer classes in school so I can type and do some other basic things."

"That’s all you need," he grinned, "Of course, you will have to have a professional appearance and be clean cut but I can already tell you have that covered. You’ll have to come in for an interview, but I am sure Alicia will hire you. I’ll talk to her, set up a time, and give you a call, okay?"

"Sure, that would be great," Buffy grinned. "Thank you very much."

"It’s nothing," he assured her. It felt good to be able to help out Joyce’s girls. They may have only had one date, but he had known she was special.

After making a few more arrangements, the two said goodbye and Buffy finished filling out the application and submitted it – just in case. With an extra bounce in her step, she headed home.

:: Next Part ::