"Who was that?" asked Doris with a frown.
"That was Willow" answered Spike as he walked in the door carrying the cups of tea and coffee. Buffy jumped up, she hadn't heard Spike enter. He handed her the cup of coffee before handing one to Doris.
"Does she live here with you?" Doris asked Spike, who raised an eyebrow at Buffy but smiled at Doris as he answered.
"Yes, she's going through a hard time at the moment, just broke up with her partner. And since Buffy's such a caring friend she invited her to stay, you know, so she could keep her company. It's never easy to break up with the love of your life, and it's harder on your own" he smiled and sat down next to Buffy.
"I quite agree" nodded Doris. "So how long have you two been together?" Buffy looked down, she was certain that Spike was going to ruin it. It was alright when she was creating the perfect fantasy, but what will happen when Spike denies it…
"6 months" replied Spike grinning happily as he squeezed Buffy's knee. "Though it seems longer, doesn't it luv"
Buffy just looked at him and nodded and as the conversation continued, she didn't know why, but she suddenly felt so grateful that Spike was there. He was the one looking after Doris; she didn't trust herself to say too much. Granted, she added to the conversation every now and then, but it was nice to know that Spike had everything under control. Eventually, the conversation died down and Doris realised that she had to go.
"I've had a lovely time" she smiled. "Obviously I am required to come and check up on you from time to time. However, I look forward to it. You two seem like perfect examples for young Dawn. Similarly, I'm sure that with Spike moving in, it will be easier for you to look after Dawn, Buffy"
"Yes, it will be nice" smiled Buffy as she blushed. She swore she could actually hear Spike smirking. She was so glad that it had gone without a hitch. Though she mentally punched herself for thinking that as Doris bent down and picked something out of one of the boxes.
"What's this?" she asked, holding up a package of Willows magical herbs. Buffy's eyes widened and she panicked until she felt Spike take her hand.
"That's mine" he smiled. "It's some special herbs that I use when I'm cooking. You see I enjoy spicy food and I make these special spicy Burgers. They are extremely nice even if I do say so myself"
Doris laughed and even Buffy couldn't help grinning. She should have remembered that Spike had an answer for everything.
"They sound lovely. You'll have to let me try them some when" smiled Doris. "Anyway, I'm sure I've trespassed on your time long enough"
"Not at all" smiled Buffy quickly.
"Obviously I shall need to come back when Dawn is around some time; maybe Saturday?" continued Doris.
"Saturday will be fine" smiled Buffy.
"Great, I look forward to seeing you both again" smiled Doris. "Good luck with the moving. It was nice meeting you Spike" She shook his hand before shaking Buffy's then walked out of the door.
"Goodbye" she called from the pathway as Buffy waved.