Willow greeted her, stifling a yawn. "Oh hey Buffy." Xander waved. "Heya Buffster."

"So did you two guys take the cure for the love potion? 'Cause I need it," she explained.

"You didn't tell her?" Xander asked.

"How could I?" Willow replied. "I've been here all night."

"What? Tell me what?" Buffy asked. "I'm not going to spontaneously combust or anything, am I?"

"Not exactly," said Willow.

They explained things to her, and while she didn't spontaneously combust, she did seem pretty shocked.

"So it was fake?" she asked blankly.

"As fake as Xander's 'experience,'" Willow replied.

"As fake as Willow's hair color," Xander replied.

"Hey, I only dyed it brown that one time," she protested. "I thought you liked brunettes."

"I like brunettes...and blondes -- and redheads! Ow!" Willow had punched him in the arm. "As I was about to say, I _like_ all sorts of women, but I only _love_ you."

She mumbled something about saving his life, then leaned over and kissed him.

"So did you dust Darla?" Willow asked. Xander, other than throwing a glance at her, looked unconcerned that Buffy knew about his embarassing near-death experience. Willow squeezed his hand just in case.

"Nope, Angel did," Buffy replied. "He's really not a bad guy,"  she continued, remembering their dance. < Although, > she paused to think, < if the potion is fake then -- don't go there! SO do not go there. Vampire and Slayer. Very bad! Even if he is...soulful. >

"I still don't know if I can trust him," Willow said, segueing into a speech. "Every time I think of him, I see him kneeling over Xander, with -- that face! It's, it's --"

"Shh," said Xander.

"But I don't want to 'shh,'" protested Willow. "I thought I was going to lose you forever, and --"

"Then I'll have to resort to magic," said Xander firmly.

"I thought you couldn't do