The Gypsy 6: Gifts
"So did they have it posted?" Joyce was placing candles on Dawn's cake when Buffy and the others came in the back door. "Yep" Buffy skipped across the floor and swiped a little of the frosting off the bottom of the cake.
"Buffy and I are in the same homeroom and Xander and William are together in another." Willow sat at the counter.
Spike sat at the kitchen table and Rupert came over and put a hand on Spike's shoulder. "Oh that will be good, won't it William." Rupert encouraged
"Yeah, sure, great." Spike worked very has not to roll his eyes.
Xander and Buffy worked on lighting the candles as Joyce called Dawn and her friend to come down stairs for cake. It was no time at all before Dawn and her friend raced down the stairs like a tornado and had everyone singing "Happy Birthday" as Dawn blew out her candles and made a wish.
Everyone except Spike crowned around the counter to get their cake and ice cream. Joyce guided Dawn as she was allowed to cut the cake for the first time. Buffy got the ice cream out of the freezer and Willow got a scoop.
"Serve our quests first guys." Joyce reminded her children who were ready to walk away with their own plates before any one else got theirs.
"What would you like Mr. Giles?" Buffy asked scoop at the ready.
"Just a piece of cake if you please." Rupert accepted the slightly skewed piece of cake Dawn handed him and a fork from Joyce.
"Thank you ladies." Dawn's friend was then given hers and then Spike was asked what he would like.
"Nothing thanks." Spike declined the offer, sat back, and looked bored. Then something he didn't expect happened.
"You don't want any cake?" Dawn wined "But I decorated this piece just for you." Dawn handed Spike a plate with his special piece of cake that was decorated in all red M & Ms. Spike looked at the cake and took a fork and napkin from Joyce.
Spike thanked Dawn for the cake and then contemplated what he should do with it. He didn't want to hurt Dawn's feelings. He took a bite hoping that would be enough for the teeny bopper's feelings. Spike chewed the cake and felt very self conscience. Looking up he became aware that everyone was watching him. Uncomfortable he put hand in front mouth, put his plate down, excused himself, and left the room.
"Do you think he didn't like it?" Dawn whispered to Joyce who shook her head.
"I think he liked it very much."
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Spike went and sat on the couch in the living room. He laid his head back and shut his eyes. He heard Dawn in the other room ask to open presents. Inwardly he had been touched by her gesture for what ever reason she had made it, it had been a kind one.
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Dawn opened her gifts from her friend, Willow, and Xander, and thanked them.
"Here Dawn this is from me and William." Rupert pulled a small rapped box out of his pocket and handed it to the excited girl.
"Oh you didn't have to do that. What do you say Dawn?" Joyce put her hand on Rupert's arm.
"Thank you Mr. Giles, Spike." Dawn said politely before tearing into the small package. Inside she found a long braided necklace with a pretty pale purple piece of quarts dangling from it.
"Oh, thank you it's so pretty!" Dawn showed it off to everyone and then put it around her neck.
"It's William you should thank, he made it." Rupert nodded his head the direction of the living room.
"He made it?" Dawn asked her heart fluttering.
"Oh yes. It's like the one The Gypsy princess Leannin wore. My wives family made them to sell in the towns they visited."
"Wow, neat." Dawn squeaked. All the other girls in the room even Buffy were envious of Dawn's present and wondering how they could get one for themselves. It was also new insight into the mysterious William Giles, who was becoming more interesting.
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Spike drifted back into the kitchen and Dawn opened the rest of her gifts. It got late. Rupert helped Joyce straighten up, then thank her for a lovely evening and decided it was time to head home. They made plans to get together the following week and then Rupert ushered Spike to the door. Before Spike could completely escape he found Dawn's skinny arms wrapped around him. It was an awkward and quick hug thanking him for her gift. Dawn let go and Spike quickly fled the house, leaving Rupert alone standing in the doorway to finish saying their goodnights.
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Once they had gone, Dawn asked Buffy if she had done the wrong thing by hugging Spike.
"No, I don't think you were wrong. He's just... a guy."
To be continued....