Inell's Fanfiction Archive

"What do you two look so smug about?" Xander asked as he pushed a cheese fry into his mouth.

Anya and Buffy looked at him, both with identical guilty looks on their faces. Buffy laughed nervously, "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Why do I get the idea that she's lying?" Xander asked Riley with a knowing smile.

"Because they've been whispering over there for nearly twenty minutes while casting smug looks out at the dance floor?" Riley volunteered innocently.

"Oh you," Buffy tossed a chip at him. "Just hush."

"We were not looking smug," Anya said.

"Honey, you were looking smug," Xander said patiently. "What were you whispering about?"

"If you must know, we were watching Willow and Spike," Buffy said primly.

"Why?" Riley prompted, having assumed that the new couple had been the subject of the whispers. His eyes found the petite redhead where she was nestled in the possessive embrace of the blonde vampire and he had to smile. It had been nearly two weeks since Willow had haltingly told the group about her and Spike's latest turn in their relationship. She had seemed frightened of their reaction and surprised by their blessing. Spike hadn't really cared except for the effect it would have on Willow. Riley had to admit that he didn't like Spike, never had and probably never would. Just something about the arrogant and brash vampire rubbed him the wrong way. But, he could also say that Spike was head over heels for Willow. He knew that Willow would always be loved and protected with Spike in her life. For that, Riley could tolerate the blonde.

"They look so adorable together," Buffy said, making a face. "I so can't believe I just said that Spike looked adorable with anyone. I must be getting sick."

"That could be arranged," Anya said with a smirk.

"Anya," Buffy said, her eyes glaring. "Would you like some chips?"

"Wait a minute!" Xander spoke up, his eyes narrowing on his lover. "Could be arranged? What did you two do?"

"Helped a friend," Anya said, thinking how strange it was to be able to say friend and mean it. These people were her friends and she cared about them, despite her attempt not to. Even Spike had wormed his way into her heart. She looked at Willow and Spike and smiled, thinking that that spell had been her greatest action so far as a human. They were great together, obviously in love and there was so much passion.

"Xander, don't ask," Riley said suddenly, realizing that somehow Anya and Buffy had caused Spike to get sick. He didn't know how nor did he really care. "I don't think we want to know."

"They were matchmaking," Xander said finally, shaking his head as his eyes lit with amusement. "Since he makes her happy for some ungodly reason, I won't push. Just...no more, okay?"

Buffy and Anya smiled at each other then said in unison, "Yes, honey."

"Why does that scare me?" Xander asked, laughing as he reached for Anya's hand. "Come on, babe. Let's dance."

Buffy watched them move towards the dance floor and smiled at Riley, "What about it, Big Boy? Want to dance?"

"I think that could be arranged," Riley said, standing and taking her hand. He questioned in amusement, "Big Boy?"

Buffy laughed, "Don't question me, honey. It's a good night isn't it?" she asked as she moved into his arms.

"Yeah, a good night. A good life," he added.

"They do seem so happy," Buffy remarked, her head resting against his chest.

"You did well," Riley said as they moved to the music.

"Alls well that ends well, right?" she said with a smile as she leaned up and kissed him.

THE END