College Girl (Book Four, BTVS)

chapter 12 - A New Man

I ran into the dorm room to see Riley and Buffy making out on Buffy's bed.

"Uh, apparently not," Buffy told him.

Riley and Buffy sat up.

"We got trouble," I told them.

"What is it?" Buffy asked.

"I was in the rec room," I told them. "They came through the window, and there's too many for me to take on on my own."

"Vampire?" Riley asked.

"Vampires don't breathe fire," I told them.

Buffy, Riley and I walked into the rec room.

Buffy was carrying a rifle size crossbow.

"I should call for backup," Riley told us.

"No time," I told them.

Buffy handed Riley the crossbow, gesturing him down the adjacent hall.

Riley walked toward the other door, into the rec room.

Buffy and I each took out stakes, walking toward the main door.

"We have to make this fast," Buffy told me. "I have better things to do tonight than kill."

We walked into the darkened rec room.

I put my stake away, turning on the lights to reveal it was decked out for a birthday party, taking Buffy's stake from her, hiding it.

Everyone jumped out. "Surprise!"

Buffy looked at the birthday sign that said:

Happy 19th Birthday, Buffy!

Everyone cheered and applauded.

Riley walked into the back door, hiding his crossbow when he realized what was happening.

I looked at Buffy, smiling. "Guess you won't be killing anything tonight after all."

"Don't be so sure," Buffy told me.

I smiled.

    ••••     

The table was lined with cake, snacks, punch, etc.

Buffy, Willow and I were getting cake.

Xander, Anya and Giles were standing by the Foosball table.

Giles had a paper plate with cake and a cup of punch. "Yeah, this is a lively space. It's like the activity room we had at public school." Two male students walked toward the Foosball table. Giles picked up his cup, stepping away. "Sorry." He chuckled. "I, uh, one time, I, uh, I was up to a little bit of a prank with the dart board--"

Anya looked at Xander. "I'm bored. Let's eat."

"Anya, we've talked about this," Xander told her.

Anya looked at Giles. "I'm sorry, that was rude. Please continue your story." She seemed proud of herself, looking at Xander. She whispered. "Hopefully it involves treacle and a headmaster."

Giles gave them an unamused look. "Go and eat."

Anya walked away.

Xander gave Giles an apologetic look, following.

    ••••     

Giles was sitting in a chair against the wall, alone, looking a bit uncomfortable as the party continued on.