Thanks to my betas, Dawn and Marilyn and Xantix for her great suggestions.

Buffy awoke happy the next morning. She thought back to the rollercoaster ride of events the day before had brought and the wonderful way it had ended. She and Spike actually had a real conversation after all the tears and the ranting. They held each other as they talked, sharing intimate kisses every now and again. She felt she was getting a clearer picture of who he was. Buffy finally let herself see what she knew to be true all along. Spike was gentle, kind, funny and loyal to a fault. He wore his heart on his sleeve, his every emotion present in his beautiful blue eyes.

How could she have been blind for so long? It surprised her when she found a worn copy of E.E. Cummings Complete Poems 1913-1962 on the side table, next to his ratty recliner. She never expected someone who taped Passions to enjoy good poetry. Nosing through his music collection, she found not only Ella Fitzgerald, but Billie Holiday as well. She teased him a little about his unexpected taste in literature and music, and he responded with feigned surprise that she even knew who E.E. Cummings was. This teasing was so much softer than the usual banter and they both wound up smiling at the gentle ribbing they were giving each other. The conversation remained light, and they talked late into the night until Buffy thought the girls might be worried. Spike reluctantly let her go after she promised to let him take her out the next evening.

"Okay, where are we going, and what should I wear?" she'd asked, smiling at him expectantly.

"It's a surprise. Wear something that makes you feel beautiful. I'll pick you up at 7:00." He'd smiled secretively, swooping down for one last kiss.

When she'd arrived home, everyone was asleep. She moved quietly as she prepared for bed and once she finally settled in, she drifted off into the best night's sleep she'd had since coming back.

Lying in bed now, she could hear Dawn downstairs clomping around, so she decided to get up and see what her sister had concocted for breakfast. In the hall, she met a startled, somewhat embarrassed Tara.

"Um, good morning…Buffy." Tara had a sheepish grin on her face.

"Good morning to you too. Guess I'm not the only one who needs to share." Buffy smiled.

After finishing in the bathroom, Buffy headed to the kitchen for coffee and food. She knew Dawn would be there with lots of questions. As she entered the kitchen, Dawn was eating a bowl of cereal. She looked up at her with a grin.

"Good morning, sleepyhead. You weren't here when I went to bed at midnight, so I'm guessing things went well with Spike."

Buffy ducked her head, smiling shyly. "Things…were a bit heated for a while. I was angry and hurt, you know. The good news is I was able to move past that and tell him how I feel."

Dawn let out an ear-piercing squeal of delight. "Oh my God, Buffy, that's amazing! How did he react?"

"At first he just stood there. I think finally sharing my feelings with him was quite a shock to his system. When he moved past his state of shock, he told me he loved me and apologized for the Anya incident." Buffy's smile was brighter now.

"Was there kissing? Did you have sex?" Dawn was not bashful with her questioning.

Buffy feigned offence at these questions. "Dawn Summers, yes, there was kissing, but no sex, and if there had been, you're much too young to hear about it!
We're taking it slow -- starting fresh. I want to take the time to really see him for who he is and appreciate him. He deserves that, don't you think? I've spent all this time trying to convince myself he's one thing, and he's so clearly not that... I see that now and I want to immerse myself in him."

Dawn looked at her as if she'd grown a second head. "What have you done with my sister?"

"It's still me, just a more thoughtful me. Hey, do you want to help me shop, or better yet raid my closet?" Buffy winked conspiratorially.

"Sure. What's the occasion?" Dawn asked.

"Spike is picking me up at 7:00. I don't know where we're going. He says it's a surprise. He told me to wear something that made me feel beautiful."

"Wow, sounds like closet raiding time." The girls headed up the stairs giggling.



In the hall, a very happy Willow and Tara met them. "Hey, what's got you looking so chipper this morning?" Willow grinned.

"We could ask you the same question, missy," Buffy said.

"Well we decided, no more waiting," Willow said while gazing lovingly at Tara. "We're back together!"

Willow and Tara's smiles spoke volumes.

After a round of congratulatory hugs and well wishes, Willow's curiosity got the better of her.

"What's the what with you guys?"

Dawn didn't hesitate. "Buffy has a date with Spike."

Tara hugged her. "Buffy, I'm so happy for you! We want to hear all about it, sweetie."

"Follow us. We're about to raid Buffy's closet for the perfect outfit. She can fill you in on all the juicy details." Dawn invited everyone into Buffy's room.

Buffy retold her story to Willow and Tara as they began to search her closet. Both were very happy for the couple and generous with their praise for her courage in sharing her feelings with Spike and with them as well. They offered their support when the time came to share with Xander and Giles.

Everyone knew the two would not be won over as easily. However, they would deal with them when the time came. Buffy had made up her mind and nothing was going to change it.

After searching for a while and amassing a huge pile of rejects on the bed, Buffy found what she was looking for in the back of her closet. The black dress was simple, yet elegant…the perfect thing to make her feel beautiful. She chose some strappy silver heels and her mother's simple diamond earrings to complete the ensemble.

"What do you think, guys?" Buffy knew she'd made the right decision, but the looks on the girl's faces sealed the deal.

The search finished in the afternoon, so Buffy decided on a quick nap after putting her closet to rights. When she awoke, she grabbed a snack and headed for the bath. Buffy wanted to take her time and relax, wash her hair and still have time to do her nails. She wanted to take her time to make sure everything was perfect for Spike, and she had to admit she was very curious about this date of theirs. Buffy couldn't wait.



When 6:55 came around the doorbell rang. Buffy had butterflies in her stomach. "Dawn could you please answer the door?" she yelled from upstairs.

"Sure, not a problem. Looks like someone's a little anxious." Dawn grinned as she went to the door.

Taken aback upon opening the door, Dawn gasped.

"Evening, Bit." Spike glanced around nervously. "Is your sis here?"

"Yes, she's here, and she's gonna die when she sees you. You look awesome!"

"Thanks. I hope she agrees," Spike said, shifting his weight from one foot to another like a nervous schoolboy.

Just then, Buffy came down the stairs and saw him for the first time. He clutched a bouquet of Gerbera daisies in his hands, but that wasn't the big thing. Gone was his usual attire. Tonight he wore a black blazer with a cornflower blue button-down underneath, and faded blue jeans. The only thing familiar were the black boots. He looked amazing!

For a moment, they just stood and stared at one another; time stood still. Dawn broke the silence.

"Here, Spike, let me take those for you. I'll go find a vase."

"You're not too bad yourself, mister. I love the shirt." Buffy smiled warmly, moving closer. "It really complements your eyes." She glanced over her shoulder when she heard the water running in the kitchen before turning back to Spike. "Thanks for the beautiful daisies. They're my favorite. Did you know that, or are you just a good guesser?"

"Oh, Buffy, you look ravishing, luv." Spike couldn't believe he was standing there with her.



"Now, luv, I can't give away all my secrets, now can I?" Spike smiled mischievously. "Well, come on then, your chariot awaits. Soon all will be revealed."

After giving her a quick kiss, he put his arm around her, and they walked out into the night.