Doublemeat Quartet
by Colleen Hillerup

Sophie and Clme stood awkwardly at the picnic site, but Buffy and Spike were oblivious. They were caught up in their kisses, and each other. Sophie sat on the corner of the blanket, picked up the remains of her sandwich, and nibbled at the corner. Clem took a soda, and pulled on the tab. With the hiss of the opening can, Spike paused, and realized that they were being watched. He pulled away, and Buffy turned around.

Spike waited for the rejection and denial he had come to expect. It was one thing for Buffy to tell him how she felt, quite another to admit it to anyone else. Buffy blushed with embarrassment, and wiped her lower lip with her thumb. She smiled.

"Sophie, Clem," she said, "I'd like you to meet my boyfriend Spike."

Clem looked confused, but Sophie took the vampire's hand. "Nice to meet you, Buffy's boyfriend Spike."

Spike grinned as he replied, "Nice to be known."

"But, we already know Spike," Clem interjected.

Sophie pulled him down beside her and whispered, "I'll explain later."

Buffy snuggled next to Spike. "Thanks, guys."

"For what?" Clem asked.

"For being together. For being our friends."

Spike wrapped his arms around Buffy. "I'll second that. Now, are we goin' to finish this picnic, or what?"