Roomies
Chapter 39
Smiling at how their relationship had changed since Buffy had started college, Dawn slipped her feet into her strappy sandals, the only part of the outfit that wasn’t borrowed from her big sister.
“You look amazing pet.” Spike told her honestly. He had been ready for ages; half watching his girls get ready, half reading through his English literature essay.
“Thanks.” Dawn tucked a curl behind her ear, staring at the mirror. Her hair had been softly curled, a tousled and sophisticated look achieved, combined with the short black dress with plunging neckline she had snagged from Buffy’s wardrobe and clutch bag from Anya. She thought she looked at least Buffy’s age.
Buffy was dressed in a deep emerald green silk gown, thin diamante straps holding up the top bit which pulled in under her breasts and flared out into a full skirt with a gypsy hem ending half way down her thighs.
Spike was having a hard time concentrating on his essay, not being able to take his eyes off Buffy for even a minute. She was gorgeous, and her hair had been swept up, with spiralling wisps framing her petite features and gently accentuating the array of love bites that were rapidly fading along her collarbone.
Hanging up the phone and opening the door for her friends he was in awe of their radiance. The girls were all beautiful in their sophisticated evening dresses.
Harris was even wearing a shirt and tie like he had been coaxed into.
Slipping on his suit jacket he offered his ladies an arm each, escorting them out and to the waiting cab.
Opening the door to the restaurant, Xander pretended to be the busboy, cracking jokes until the snooty woman showing them to their table silenced him with a frosty glare.
Seating themselves around the table, Spike and Buffy opposite Xander and Anya with Dawn at the head of the table between Tara and Willow, they ordered a round of drinks, and as predicted, Spike and Xander were left trying to make conversation while the girls chattered and sipped delicately at their soft drinks.
Ordering their meals between conversations, the girls left to use the bathroom before their meals could arrive, leaving Xander and Spike discussing the difference between American and English football.
“Hey,” Spike dropped his voice, tilting his head towards the back of the restaurant, “Is that?” His question was answered by an uncontrollable burst of laughter.
Sitting at the very back, opposite each other were Riley and Angel, tucking into a plate of steak and ribs between them.
“Aww, that’s so sweet.” Spike joked, pretending to gag, turning it into a cough when the ladies returned to the table.
You okay honey?” Buffy asked, threading her fingers through his hair, teasing the gel into a riot of soft curls.
“Yeah. Great.” He grinned, “Starving.” Leering at her cleavage he licked his lips salaciously, chuckling when she turned away from him to talk to Tara.
She really liked the girl. Not only was she completely besotted with Willow which was a huge bonus in Buffy’s books, she was also interested in the same things, and the bonus of being placed together by the student housing officer was just too coincidental to overlook.
That short kid certainly knew what he was dong she mused. Matches made in dorms not once but twice in just a few short months. Her musing was cut short by a large plate being placed in front of each couple with a smaller plate for Dawn.
Digging into their platters, the only sounds coming from anyone was murmured appreciation for the food and idle comments about the restaurant.
Finishing first, Spike sat back, watching as the others interacted with one another. Everyone seemed to fit into this group, the new partners slipping into easy banter with the three best friends and everyone joining together in a subconscious effort to make Dawn feel welcome and part of their circle. Smiling at Buffy he kept his eyes away from the couple at the back, instead looking around at the snooty restaurant they were in.
Spike found himself reminiscing of the good old English traditions he was used to when Buffy and her friends began to toast ‘Merry Christmas’. Where were the crackers and hats with the little jokes and cheap plastic presents? Where were the tinsel decorations? The things that made it Christmas where all missing.
“Merry Christmas love.”
“Merry Christmas William.”
“Merry Christmas Everybody!” Xander cried, springing to his feet and sloshing his drink all over the tablecloth. Sitting down and being chastised by his girlfriend for his rowdy behaviour he grinned apologetically.
Listening to everyone’s plans for the holiday period, Buffy was just inviting everyone over for a day when something caught her eye shocking her into silence.
Following her shocked stare, Spike and Xander couldn’t help but snort with childish laughter at the sight of Riley and Angel holding hands across the table.
Her boyfriend’s immature laughter soon had her small frame shaking with laughter, the whole table quietly sniggering and giggling at the sight.
“We shouldn’t laugh.” Dawn said quietly, “Being gay isn’t a bad thing.”
“It’s not that we’re laughing at Bit.” Spike told her, wiping his eyes. “It’s the fact that your sister had such great taste that she dated both of them and she just figured out they both used her to cover up their secret.”
“Something you want to share?” Dawn whispered back, biting back a giggle.
“Yeah. If you see me wearing a pink shirt like them shoot me.” He told her seriously. Shoving his arm Dawn frowned at him, “Do you even own anything colourful?”
Nodding, Spike controlled his mirth as the couple in question walked past the table on their way out, hand in hand.
Scraping his chair back he smiled graciously at the waiter, “I think we’ve outstayed our welcome here.” He grinned, “Who’s up for the Bronze?”