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A Touch of Jealousy (COMPLETE)	By : Echidna Category: > Buffy/Spike(William) > Buffy/Spike(William) Views: 5574 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Buffy the Vampire Slayer (BtVS), nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 1-A Touch of Jealousy
- 2-7-10
- 3-11-13
- 4-14-15
- 5-16-17
- 6-18-19
- 7-20-21
- 8-24-25
- 9-26-27
- 10-28-29
- 11-30-31
- 12-32-33
- 13-34-35
- 14-36-37
- 15-38-39
- 16-40-41
- 17-42-43
- 18-44-45
- 19-46-47
- 20-chapters 48-49
- 21-chapters 50-51
- 22-Epilogue
- 9
- 10
- 11
*~*A Touch of Jealousy*~* By Echidna

Author's Note: Thanks to Ali for betaing this fic and for supporting it! ;)
Chapter 28

�There you guys are. I thought you�d lost your way or something.� Xander called out; walking up to the blonde duo who had just entered the household.

�We got kinda� stuck in traffic.� Spike made up on the stop.

�At eleven at night? Traffic?� Xander questioned, raising an eyebrow. �Alright kiddies, have fun and don�t make too much damage or Cordy is so gonna kick your asses. I�m off.�

With a goofy grin he walked away quickly being swallowed by the crowd of bouncing teenagers.

Buffy simply cowered behind Spike. The thought of finding the drunken groups of kids that had caught them just ten minutes ago in an extremely compromising position made her stomach turn.

�Oh, God! They�re here!� She squeaked when she saw the short brown-haired boy who had shouted at them. �I�m gonna die. Just kill me now.� She mumbled.

�Calm down, luv. Maybe they didn�t recognize us.� Spike offered.

The moment they fully entered the party, all heads turned to observe them. The wave of hushes and unintelligible whispers that soon followed was barely masked by the loud music.

�Oh, right� they didn�t recognize us at all.� Buffy spat sarcastically.

�I�m sorry, pet.� The Brit apologized.

�You better be.� She narrowed her eyes at him.

�Well, it was your bright idea to sit on my lap.�

�So what?�

�So what?� He repeated. �I�m a guy! You don�t wiggle around on a guy�s lap; especially not an eighteen-year-old-hormone-driven guy!�

Buffy simply rolled her eyes and leaned on a nearby wall, wishing for all the gossiping to cease. Unfortunately, ten minutes into the party the buzzing still hovered around them.

�God! Where�s Willow when you need her?� She mumbled, pouting.

�If they came in Oz�s van it�ll probably be a while.� Spike breathed scanning the crowd and throwing deadly glares at all the gossiping teens, but it was no use. There were just too many of them. He turned to face Buffy: �Wanna shut them up?�

�Yes, please.� Buffy begged. �What�s your-�

She wasn�t able to finish the sentence as, suddenly, he was on her, his mouth smashed against hers in a bruising and demanding kiss, while his body crushed hers against the wall she had been leaning on. His tongue pushed past her lips, greedily exploring her mouth while his hands gripped her thighs and crawled up the sides of her chest. Buffy eyed shot wide open in shock, but soon she relaxed in his arms and her heavy eyelids closed as she responded with a fervour that matched his.

Her mind swirled as her fingers gripped the lapels of his tuxedo, desperately trying to bring him closer, but he pulled away and turning to face the gawking and astonished heard of teens shouted:

�Liked the show?�

Everyone blushed, awkwardly squirming in their places as their gazes bounced off the wall in a pathetic attempt to appear oblivious to the blonde duo. Turning to face a panting Buffy, he grinned at her:

�Worked.�

She tried to answer him, but she was still a bit stunned by the intensity of the kiss and so she opted to simply nod.

�What something to drink, luv?� He asked as he swallowed hard, attempting to hide his lack of breath and his racing heartbeat.

Another wide-eyed nod was the girl�s response.

�Be back in a sec.� He said before turning on his heels and heading for the bar on the other side of the room.

Buffy stood there, still leaning on the wall and practically jumped up straight when she felt someone tap her on the shoulder.

�Buffy!�

She heard Willow�s perky voice.

�Oh, it�s you guys.� She let out a deep breath turning to face Oz and Willow.

�Buffy, are you alright? You�re kinda jumpy.� The redhead worried.

�I�m ok, Will.� Buffy assured her as she watched Spike return with one soda in each hand.

�Hey.� He greeted.

Oz gave him a slight nod while pushing his lips together.

�Where are Cordelia and Xander?� Willow questioned.

�Probably upstairs doing the old nasty.� Buffy offered.

�Yeah, the whelp did have a ridiculous �I�m-gonna-get-laid-tonight� grin plastered all over his face.� Spike confirmed her suspicions.

�Ok, that�s so not the imagery I need right now.� Willow grimaced.

�Same here.� Buffy agreed.

~+~

The song ended and the couples began dispersing, but the blonde duo remained with there arms wrapped around each other as a more fast paced, energetic tune came on. They moved slowly, while the crowd around them jumped up and down in a strange, almost tribal, dance.

�I don�t think this is the way you dance to �It Smells like Teen Spirit�.� Buffy finally said with a smirk, looking up at him.

�Says who?� Spiked asked cocking up a scarred eyebrow.

�Everyone in this room.� She replied promptly.

�Pff. What do they know?�

They continued locked in an intimate embrace, swaying to a beat of their own, oblivious to the world around them.

After what seemed like an eternity, they let each other go and moved to join Willow and Oz on the couch.

�You guys not going to dance?� Buffy asked with a smile that spread from one ear to the other.

�Not really in a headbanger's ball mood.� Willow said crunching up her nose.

�You can always ignore the music and slow dance.� The blonde countered.

�Not very imaginative tonight. Plus�� She pointed at her bare feet. �Sore.�

�Oh! I told you should wear high-heel shoes more often.�

�Can�t.� Willow said simply.

�Why not?� Buffy frowned.

�Height issues.� Willow whispered, looking from the corner of her eyes to make sure Oz was fully entertained talking to Spike.

�Oh�� Buffy nodded as realisation hit her.

�So, why were you all jumpy back there?�

�The rumours haven�t reached you yet?�

�No. I�m rumour free. You know how it is, I�m always out of the gossip loop. I�m loopless.� Willow brought her eyebrows together for a painful frown.

�Well, you won�t be loopless anymore.� Buffy assured, causing her to smile. �On the way over here Spike and I kinda got into a fight.�

�Again?�

�Don�t worry, we�re over it. Anyway, we fought and one thing lead to the another and, long story short, we ended up in a serious make-out session.�

�Oh!� Willow piped up with a grin.

�Yeah, well that was what the guys who drove past us said too. Well, sort of. It was more of a �woo-hoo� thing.�

�Ouch.� Willow winced.

�It gets worse. It turns out they�re from our high school and they�re here as we speak. Hence the rumours and the constant glances at me and Spike.�

Willow smiled as Buffy continued, telling her about the Brit�s strategy to defeat the evil glares.

�What are you two giggling about?� Spike called out coming closer to Buffy and throwing a possessive arm over her.

�Nothing.� Buffy lied. �Girl stuff.�

Spike tilted his head and narrowed his eyes in a clear sign of disbelieve.

�What?� Buffy gave him an innocent look, leaning in for a quick peck before standing up.

�Where�re you going?� He questioned taking a hold of her hand.

�Lady�s room.� She answered before moving to leave.

�Want me to come with?� he asked as he scanned the crowd. There were already too many pissed teens at the party, he really didn�t want her getting into any kind of trouble.

�I think I can manage going to the bathroom on my own. I�ve been able to do it since I was two. I�m pretty sure I�ve got it under control.� Buffy joked.

�Just be careful.� He said letting go of her hand and watching her as she moved into the crowd.

�She�ll be fine.� Oz said, knowing perfectly well the fears going through the bleached teen�s head since he pretty much felt the same way about letting Willow wander around the party alone. Especially the upstairs.

~+~

Buffy climbed up the stairs, trying to avoid the various semi-naked couples that seemed to cling to every available surface. She had tried the two bathrooms downstairs but had found one occupied and the other was� well, not in the most sanitary condition. She reached the corridor where an even more degrading spectacle waited to greet her.

�Get a room.� She whispered, frowning as she tried to remember the drunken girl�s directions.

�What did she say? Was it second door on the left or right? Or was it third? Damn that stupid loud music.� She grumbled in her thoughts as she approached the first option. She didn�t need to go near the door to hear the series of �Oh my God�s� that came from behind it. �Ok, so it�s not option number one.� She decided to move to the other side of the hall, but once more loud moans and ungodly screams carried through that door. �I guess that leaves doors number three and four. Now, left or right.�

�I think I�d choose right.� She heard someone say.

She turned on her heels to see Angel slouching against the wall, beer bottle in hand.

�You�re looking for the bathroom, right?�

Buffy simply nodded, crossing her arms over her chest in a feeble attempt to cover herself. Damn! Why had she left her scarf downstairs? She really wasn�t liking the lascivious glances he was throwing at her breasts.

�It�s the third on the right.�

�Thank you.� She said quickly reaching to turn the knob.

It was locked. �Damn it!� She cursed in her mind. She smiled nervously as she lightly tapped on the door.

�Hello? Anybody in there?� She asked realising Angel was still staring at her.

�It�s-�

Whoever was trying to answer never got a chance as a gag sound was heard followed by the unmistakable one of someone vomiting.

�Ew.� Buffy winced pressing her legs together. She really needed to go.

�There�s another bathroom in the pool area.� Angel suggested.

�Oh�� Buffy said, having no idea how to reach it.

�I can take you if you want.�

�I thought Cordy said the pool was off limits. She locked all the doors that lead to it.� Buffy explained.

�You forget I�ve been coming to this party for the last three years. I know this house inside out.� Angel smirked.

She didn�t like that. And it wasn�t in a �not-liking-Spike�s-gorgeous-smirk� kind of way; it was in a �really-creepy-get-the-hell-away-from-me� kind of way. Plus, he looked like he was kinda drunk. But what was she supposed to do? Hold it in?

�Ok.� She finally agreed as she followed him downstairs.

Instead of turning left and heading where most of the party was concentrated, they turned right, into the kitchen where a few drunken kids lay sprawled on the floor while others sat on the counter telling anecdotes. They crossed the tiled room and entered a small corridor with a door on each side, one of which lead to one of the bathrooms she had tried earlier. At the end of the hall was a window. Angel reached for it and opened it.

�You�re gonna have to go through here.� He explained.

Buffy waited for a few seconds, contemplating how she would be able to climb out. Tugging at her dress, she pulled just enough so she was able to swing one leg over and then quickly jumped out. She stumbled a bit but was able to keep her balance as her feet hit the grass outside. She watched as Angel easily made his way through the window.

�This way.� He pointed as they went around the corner and were met by the sight of a giant pool spread out in the middle of a garden.

�Wow.� Buffy could help uttering.

�I know. It�s great, isn�t it? Had pretty much the same reaction the first time I saw it.� Angel said sticking his hands into the pockets of his trousers.

Buffy eyed him waiting for him to point out the bathroom.

�Oh! Sorry! It�s over there.� He indicated the small house near the pool.

�Thanks.� She smiled and walked over to the white structure.

~+~

�Where is she? What�s taking her so long?� Spike asked for the fourth time as he nervously scanned the party.

�There�s probably a line. She�ll be down any second now.� Willow tried to calm him down.

�I don�t like this. I�ll go check on her.� He mumbled standing up and walking away.

~+~

Buffy ran her hands over her stomach, flattening the black fabric there as she watched herself in the mirror one last time before opening the door and exiting the bathroom. She looked around and frowned when she failed to find the quarterback.

�Angel?� She called out squinting as she searched the thick garden that surround the pool area.

�Gotcha!� He exclaimed as he grabbed her by the waist, causing Buffy to scream.

He immediately set her down.

�Sorry! Didn�t mean to scare you.� He apologized.

�I-It�s ok.� She stammered.

�So� You enjoying the party?� He tried to make small-talk.

�It�s nice. Leave it to Cordy to plan a party that can make up for the lousy school dance.� She let a soft smile spread over her lips as her eyes stared into the crystal water that mirrored the sky.

�Yeah! She throws the best parties every year. � He agreed.

They remained in silence for a few seconds.

�Well, we better�� She pointed towards the main house. ��go.�

�Right.� He said nodding and following her.

Buffy wobbled over the grass as they made their way back to the window but, suddenly, her ankle twisted under her and she stumbled to the ground. Instinctively, Angel reached out; one strong arm encircling her waist was enough to stop her from failing.

�Oh� Thanks!� She breathed looking up at him.

Her eyes widened when Angel�s lips were suddenly on hers. She was shocked at first, but immediately pressed her hands against his shoulders and pushed him away.

�What the *hell* are you doing?� She spat angrily wiping her mouth with the back of her hand, not worrying about smudging her lipstick.

�Oh, come on Buffy. I know you want to.� He took a step closer to her, with his hands stretched out.

�Stay away from me!� She warned him and he stopped dead in his tracks.

�Is this about him?�

She frowned.

�Bleach-boy?� Angel explained tilting his head back towards the house.

�This-� She started but was interrupted by the tall boy�s grotesque laughter.

�You�re all worried about what he�s going to think isn�t it? Good old Buffy! You would never think of cheating on your boyfriend.� He mocked; a hint of anger hiding behind his arrogant tone. �Well guess what? You should check if you�re *boyfriend* is on the same page as you are, darling, cause I�m not really sure if he would agree that yours is a monogamous relationship.�

Buffy glared at him as he paused and took in a deep breath.

�You�re drunk.� She spat tugging at the edges of her dress and preparing to storm away when she heard him call out.

�He didn�t tell you, did he? About why we fought?�

She froze in mid-stride.

�Didn�t think so. I mean, the way you were all over him, I figured he didn�t.�

Slowly, she turned to face him.

�Is this the scene in the movie where you make up some big lie to try and break me and Spike up? Cause that is just so clich�.� She sighed, apparently bored, but inside her heart raced against her chest.

�Just tell your boy to stay the hell away from her. She�s mine now!� He growled.

�Dru?�

�Yeah, Dru. Caught him trying to grab her.� He explained.

�You�re lying.�

�Why would I lie?� He stood up straight. �Why else would we fight? Because of you?� He let out a powerful chuckle. �Come on, honey. Do you really think I still want you? Do you really think I�m as pathetic as you are?� He asked rhetorically. �Not really. You�re�� He took his time, running his tongue over his bottom lip. ��used up.�

A smacking sound echoed in the empty garden as Buffy�s hand came out of nowhere to slap him across the face.

His reaction was a creepy grin and a chuckle as he fingered his now sore cheek.

�Ouch, Buffy. That really hurt.� He said sarcastically. Suddenly, his smile crumbled and he glared at her. �Go. Ask him. Let�s see what he tells you.�

And with that he stormed towards the window, slipping inside.

~+~

�She�s gone. I can�t find her anywhere.� Spike said worriedly as he came back down the stairs to find Oz and Willow still on the couch.

�Are you sure? I-I mean did you check everywhere?� Willow stuttered.

�I checked, believe me.� He grumbled scanning the crowd. His heart immediately settled when he saw the petite blonde entering the living room.

�Thank God, Buffy! Where have you been? I�ve been looking all over for you.� He breathed in relief, bringing his arms to wrap around her small form.

She never moved, remaining perfectly still in his embrace.

�Are you ok?� He frowned.

�I-I�m fine. I�m just a bit tired.� She answered calmly, but he could tell something was wrong.

�What happened?� His eyes went wide at the idea of� �Did something happen? Buffy are you ok?�

�I�m fine.� She repeated. �I just wanna go home, please.�

�But it�s only one o�clock.� Willow noted.

�I wanna go home.� Buffy replied.

The redhead was about to protest, when she felt Oz�s light grip on her forearm telling her to just let it go.

�Ok, I�ll take you home.� Spike agreed putting his arms around her shoulders and leading her towards the door.

~+~

They drove the entire way home in silence. Even though Spike had miserably tried to make conversation, Buffy would simply answer him with either a nod or a monosyllabic reply. He let the car come to a full stop in front of her house before pulling on the hand break. The moment the vehicle stopped, Buffy opened the door and was on her way to her house.

�Hey, wait up.� He called out running after her, not bothering to lock the car.

When she didn�t answer, he wormed his fingers around her arm and forced her to turn and face him.

�What�s wrong?� He questioned with a serious tone.

�Why did you and Angel fight?� She asked simply.

�What? Where did that come from?� He frowned at her.

�It�s a simple question Spike. Why did you guys fight?�

He paused to a second, letting go of her arm and sighing.

�Buffy� I� I can�t tell you.� He finally managed to say.

She pressed her lips together and nodded once before she turned on her heels and climbed the steps to her front porch.

�Buffy?�

He went after her, leaning on the front door as she fidgeted with the keys.

�Why are you acting like this?�

She continued to try and fit the key into the lock. Angrily, he reached for her hand, pulling it away from the door.

�Buffy, what�s going on?�

�Was it about me?� A hint of hope shone in her eyes as she asked.

He paused for a second.

�No.�

�They why did you fight?� This time she wasn�t able to control the conflicting emotions inside of her, raising her voice.

�I can�t tell you!� He insisted.

�Why not?� She yelled.

�Shh� You�re gonna wake up your mom.� Spike warned her.

She breathed in deeply turning to face him.

�Spike� either you tell me why you and Angel fought or it�s all over.�

�What?!� he exclaimed with a hint of despair.

�You heard me.� She stood her ground firmly waiting for his response.

He narrowed his eyes, frowning at the same time.

�What is this about? Who have you been talking to?�

She ignored his questions.

�Choose.� She demanded.

�I-I can�t tell you.�

She swallowed hard, turning the key in the lock and pushing the door open.

�Goodbye, Spike.� Was the last thing she said as she closed the door in his face.

~+~

Buffy raced her way upstairs, storming into her bedroom and slamming the door behind her before throwing herself on the bed. Moments later a light knock was heard.

�Buffy�� Mrs. Summer�s voice carried through the wood.

Buffy scrambled to the sitting position, biting back the tears as she watched the door of her room opening slightly and her mother�s head popping from behind it.

�Are you alright? You�re home so early.� She noted stepping into the room.

�I�m fine mom.� The teen answered with a forced smile, squinting a bit when her mother turned on the lights.

�Are you sure?� Joyce insisted still not convinced.

�Yes. I�m fine. The party was just a bit dull and I got tired.�

�Alright then, goodnight honey.� Mrs. Summers whispered kissing her daughter on the forehead before leaving the room.

~+~
Chapter 29

Buffy hugged her pillow, the tears finally spilling from her eyes as she lay on the bed still wearing the black gown. Her arm reached out for the phone as it rang.

�Hello?�

There was no answer.

�Hello?�

�Buffy?� The familiar voice was heard.

Without a second thought she slammed the phone down and returned to the pillowcase.

RING! RING!

She sighed and picked up the receiver.

�Buffy, we need to t-�

He wasn�t able to finish the sentence as a busy signal came on. He grumbled something unintelligible and dialled the memorized number again.

�Buffy, stop shutting the ph-�

Beep, beep, beep.

�God! I�m gonna kill that girl.� He growled, but was soon pressing the small plastic keys once again. He frowned when he got a busy signal. He tried once, twice and even a third time before he realised she had probably unhooked the phone.

~+~

�So we�re back to hating Spike�s guts?� Willow asked with a low voice.

Buffy simply nodded as she played around with her food.

�You better suit up for hating mode then.� The redhead warned her as she saw the approaching teen.

Buffy looked up as he set his tray on the table opposite her. The moment he made a move to sit down, she stood up and was out the door without a word.

�Bloody hell!� He grumbled as he scurried after her. �Buffy!� He called out.

But she continued to quickly make her way down the hall. He sprinted towards her, eventually falling into stride with her.

�Buffy, we need to talk.� He said looking at her as she stopped by her locker opening it.

She didn�t answer, simply opened her backpack and took out a few books.

�Buffy��

�There is nothing to talk about, Spike.� She said never looking at him.

�What do you mean?�

She turned to face him with a plastic smile which crumbled in seconds.

�I mean, there is nothing to talk about. It�s over.�

�What? Because I wouldn�t tell you why Angel and I got into a fight?� He asked in disbelief.

�No.� She lied. �Because� this thing� between us�� Her index finger travelled from him to her and then back again. �Whatever it was, it was just� wrong.�

�What?!�

�We don�t really like each other. I mean, Spike, come on. Be serious. We always have and will always hate each other.� She tried to rationalize. She just wanted to hurt him so much. As much as he had hurt her.

�What are you talking about, Summers?�

She winced inwardly at the use of her surname.

�What we had was just� too many pent-up hormones, I guess.�

Spike ly sly stared wide-eyed at her. She was reducing what they had to hormones?

�You missed Dru, I missed Angel and one thing lead to another and�� She shrugged, speaking so nonchalantly, though inside she felt a sting at the sight of utter disbelief on his face. �Goodbye, Spike.�

She tried to walk away but he seemed to suddenly snap out of his initial shock and grabbed her by her arm pulling her against the lockers, setting both hands on either side of her.

�Why are you acting like this?� He said in a low voice.

�I�m not acting like this. I�m just tired of playing pretend with you.� She looked up at him.

�Playing pretend?�

�Yes, Spike. That�s all we�ve ever done. Just pretend. Cause the truth is�� She paused, swallowing hard before adding: �I don�t feel anything for you.� She managed to say before slipping under his outstretched arm and walking away.

~+~

�So� How was it?� Willow asked as she walked side-by-side with the Buffy.

�I told him.�

�Told him what?�

�That I didn�t want anything to do with him. That what we had wasn�t real.� Buffy explained kicking a pebble on the pavement.

�Are you sure that�s what you want to do?�

�What was I supposed to do? Just yell at him and act like the jealous girlfriend? No! I�m not gonna be that pathetic. If he�s still not over Dru, that�s his problem, but he�s so not gonna use me to get her back.� She said with resolve in her tone.

�It just doesn�t make any sense.� Willow started. �She was all over him, that day at the cafeteria. You know, the lunch-shower day?�

Buffy frowned as she remembered the scene.

�It was pretty clear that if he wanted Dru he could have her. There was no need for him to pretend that you and he were an item anymore. He could�ve just gone back to her.� Willow rationalized.

Buffy continued in silence wrapping her coat tighter around her waist as the wind blew harder.

�I don�t know, Willow. And I really don�t care. This is just too� difficult. I just don�t want to deal with it now. All I want is to go to the mall, do some Christmas shopping and just forget all about him.�

�But maybe you�re just blowing this all out of proportion.� Willow insisted.

�Then why didn�t he tell me, Will? What else do Angel and Spike have in common besides me and Dru?�

The redhead simply shrugged. She really didn�t have an answer. They continued in silence all the way to the mall until Willow spoke up.

�I just think I preferred the angry Buffy.�

The blonde frowned.

�You know. The way you act towards him. Like nothing has happened and you�re not angry� as if you just don�t care.�

�I don�t Willow. Not anymore.�

~+~

Buffy dropped her bags on the floor as she entered her room, plopping down on the bed. God, she was tired!

�Hey, Buffy!� Her mother greeted. �How was shopping?�

�Mom? You�re home early.� Buffy noted propping herself up on her elbows.

�Giles and Spike are coming for dinner.� Her mother announced.

Buffy swallowed hard.

�I already have plans.� She made-up on the spot.

�Plans?�

�Yeah. Willow and I. We were going out for pizza.�

�Well, you didn�t tell me anything about that?�

�That�s cause we just decided that this afternoon.�

�You better postpone it, then.� Joyce said.

�I can�t!� Buffy immediately piped up.

�Why not?�

�Because of� hum� Willow! She�s kinda down. She�s been having problems with Oz and she really needs someone to talk to. I can�t just leave her.� The teen lied.

�Well� why don�t you invite her to dine with us, then?�

�Mom. She�s having guy problems. She wants to talk, which she won�t be able to do with you guys around.� Buffy quickly excused herself.

Mrs. Summers paused for a second as she seemed to be trying to figure another alternative.

�Alright then.� She finally agreed. �But don�t stay out too late.� She warned her before closing the door.

Buffy immediately reached for the phone.

�Hello? Willow? Are you free for diner tonight? Yeah, something�s came up. Ok, I�ll come by your house in about half an hour.

~+~

�You can�t keep avoiding him forever.� Willow noted taking a large bite from her slice of pizza.

�I�m not planning forever. Just till the end of senior year. Just six and a half months and I�ll be home free.� Buffy forced a smile on her face. �Now, can we please change the subject?�

�Sure.�

�Where are you guys gonna spend Christ- Sorry, Hanukah?� Buffy corrected herself in time.

�At home, as usual. You?�

�Probably home, with my mom. It�s just the two of us.�

�At least you�ll be Spike-free for the Christmas holidays.� Willow reminded her.

�Thankfully!� She breathed. �Just two more weeks of extremely awkward situations and I�m off the hook.� She said with fake perkiness.

�I still think you should�� Willow caught her friend�s glare and quickly added: �Right! Changing the subject. Sorry!�

~+~

The door creaked as she pushed it open and slipped inside. The only light came from the kitchen.

�Hey, mom.� Buffy greeted letting the keys drop on the counter as she opened the refrigerator and explored its contents.

�Hey. How was your dinner?�

�It was ok.� She replied taking out the orange juice and pouring some for herself.

�Is Willow ok?� Joyce inquired.

�She�s fine now.� Buffy paused for a second, pondering whether or not to ask her mother about her evening. �And how was your dinner?�

�It was very nice. I made pot roast.�

�Yippy.� Buffy exclaimed with little enthusiasm as she sipped from her glass.

�Watch it young lady.� Joyce warned her.

�Sorry.� She said with a light smile.

�Spike seemed kinda down though.�

She felt a pang in her chest at the mention of his name, but her reply showed no sign of it:

�Oh, really?�

�Yeah. He was very quiet and he didn�t eat much. Has he had problems at school?� Mrs. Summers wondered.

�Not that I know of.�

�Well, he asked about you.�

Buffy simply nodded in acknowledgment.

�He didn�t know that Willow and Oz had had a fight.�

�Yeah, it happened after school.� Buffy quickly lied.

�Buffy�� Joyce started with a more serious tone. �I�m very worried about him. I think he�s probably having a really hard time in school. I mean, you should have seen his face. I don�t think I�ve ever seen anyone that depressed. You two seem to be very good friends right?�

�Hum�� Buffy wondered what to say. �Well� sort of� yeah.�

�Well, could you talk to him? His father is really worried, but you know how the English are about these things. He doesn�t really know how to talk to Spike. He�s afraid he�ll say the wrong thing.�

�I� Hum� I don�t think I can�� Seeing her mother�s pleading expression, Buffy sighed and lied: �I�ll see what I can do.�

�Thank you, honey.�

~+~

The days went by, growing shorter and colder by the minute. Buffy sat by the bleachers watching a group of kids having gym class as she waited for Willow. They had agreed to meet there during lunch. �What could be taking her so long?�

She jumped up as the sharp sound of a whistle nearly pierced her eardrums. She watched as the teacher herded the teens to the door pointing at the locker rooms. She looked skywards. Maybe he was right; maybe it was going to rain.

She hugged her legs and rested her chin on her knees, staring out at the now empty field.

�Hey.� She heard a familiar voice call her.

Her heart skipped a beat as she recognized it. Without turning to face him she breathed: �Hey.� As he sat down beside her.

They remained in silence for a long time before he spoke again:

�We�re gonna have to talk to each other eventually. It�s useless trying to avoid me.�

�I�m not avoiding you.� She quipped.

�You�re not? You ask Mrs. Kennedy to change seats; you leave the cafeteria every time I enter the room; you refuse to let me give you a ride home even though it�s been raining everyday and you still say you�re not avoiding me?�

�What do you want, Spike?� She questioned with a hint of annoyance.

�Just to talk.�

�About?�

�Us.�

She sighed and immediately stood up, walking away.

�Buffy!� He called out as the first drops of rain started to fall.

She continued to walk, jumping off the bleachers, completely oblivious to him.

�Buffy!� This time he practically shouted.

�What?!� She yelled back, turning on her heels to face him and jumping back a little when she realised he was right behind her.

�Stop running away from me.�

�I�m not running, Spike. I just don�t want to be anywhere near you.� She argued as the rain began to pour and she turned to race back to the main building.

�Well, what are you gonna do about Christmas? Just ignore me?� He cried out.

She stopped dead in her tracks.

�What are you talking about?�

�Christmas?� He repeated as he came to stand before her again.

�What about Christmas?�

He frowned as he realised she didn�t know. Tilting his head sideways he stared at her for a while from under narrowed eyes as the drops of water marred his face.

�Spike! What about Christmas?� She insisted.

�Oh, nothing.� He lied. A wicked grin spread across his face as he started to sprint back to school.

�Spike!� She called out racing after him.

Buffy ran her hands through her sopping wet threads when she entered the building to see Spike standing there beside her. Equally soaked.

�What about Christmas?�

�It really should be your mom telling you.� He continued to with false worry.

�Spike!� She scolded him, swatting him across the arm.

�Well, since Christmas is a time of cheering and loving and all that crap��

�Yes!�

�Our parents��

�Spike will you just come out and say it already?�

�Decided we should all spend the holidays together.� He finally answered her.

�What? We? Who�s *we*?� She frowned wide-eyed as realisation slowly dawned on her. �Us we?!� She pointed at both of them.

�You, me, your mom and my da. One big happy family.� Spike grinned wildly at the growing rage in the petite blonde�s face. �It gets better, pet.�

�What?� She asked afraid of the answer.

�Guess where we are spending the holidays.�

She didn�t reply, simply stared up at him with a frightened look.

�At my da�s cabin up on the lake.� He answered for her. �One whole week. The four of us together. It�s gonna be wonderful.� He mocked sarcastically.

She stood there in shock as the bleached teen threw her a grin and walked away.

~+~

�MOM!� She yelled the moment she entered the house. �MOM!�

There was no answer. She wasn�t home yet. Buffy stomped her way upstairs, quickly changed her soaked clothes and came back down to sit on the coach. Two hours went by before she heard the jingling of keys at the door. She jumped off the sofa and was standing in the hall in a flash.

�Mom!�

�Hey, Buffy.� Joyce managed to breathe from under the pile of paper bags. �Honey, could you please help me with this?� Before she could answer, Buffy was holding two large stacks in both arms and watching her mother gingerly make her way to the kitchen.

�Mom!� She called after her, storming her way into the tiled room and dropping the bags on the counter.

�Thanks, honey.�

�Mom, when where you planning on telling me about your Christmas plans?� A fuming Buffy demanded.

Joyce stopped, turning to face her daughter.

�How did you find out?�

�Spike told me.�

�Oh! I wanted to surprise you last night, but you were already in bed by the time I got home. So aren�t you excited?� Mrs. Summers questioned with a huge smile and sparkling eyes.

�Excited is not the word for it. I think completely pissed off is closer to it.�

Joyce frowned.

�Mom, how could you do this? We always spend Christmas together. Just the two of us.�

�Yes, and you always complain about how we never go anywhere and how it�s always dull. I thought you�d be excited about spending Christmas with Spike. At least you�ll have someone your age to talk to.�

�I don�t want to spend Christmas with anyone else. I want to spend Christmas like we always do. Just the two of us.� Buffy argued stomping her foot and raising her voice.

�Well, I�m sorry Buffy. We�re going to spend the holidays at Giles� place up on the lake and that�s that.�

Buffy stared wide-eyed at her mother before snapping:

�I�m not going anywhere.� She stormed up the stairs and slammed her bedroom door.

�Young lady, you come back down here this instant!� Joyce demanded, but it was already too late.

Buffy furiously looked through her dresser, picking her clothes as she prepared to take a shower when the door to her room swung open:

�Don�t you ever walk away from me again! You hear that?� Joyce scolded, her index finger pointing dangerously at her daughter.

Buffy stood her ground. Her arms folded over her chest, her chin raised up high.

�Don�t you look at me like that! You are going and that�s final.� Joyce snapped before turning on her heels, leaving a steaming-mad Buffy behind.

~+~

�I can�t believe my mom is forcing me to go!� Buffy growled stomping her feet as she stuffed a couple of sweaters into her luggage.

�M-maybe it�s not gonna be so bad.� Willow stuttered leaning on the desk.

�Not so bad!� The blonde repeated. �I�m going to have to spend an entire week in a lousy cabin in the middle on nowhere, with *Spike*!�

Willow�s eyebrows came together for a sympathetic frown as her mouth tugged to the left.

�I�m gonna have a miserable Christmas and all because my mom had the *excellent* idea to spend it with� them.� She spat the last word as she let her body fall to the bed.

�At least you�re gonna have more presents.� Willow tried to show her the brighter side of the issue.

�Oh, great! Presents. I didn�t get them anything. Was I supposed to, you know, get them something?� She wondered.

�Your mom probably took care of that.� The redhead suggested, knowing Mrs. Summers well enough.

�I hope so, cause I don�t have time to worry about that. We�re leaving in half an hour.�

�Mr. Giles and Spike are picking you guys up?�

�Yeah. My mom doesn�t wanna take the jeep.� Buffy said as she stood up and restarted packing.

�Well, I-I better go. Oz�s waiting.�

�Ok, Willow. See you in a week.� Buffy grumbled as she watched her best friend head for the door.

�Call me when you get there?�

�I don�t even know if there is a phone there.� She stood up straight when it dawned on her: �Oh, God! They probably don�t have a TV either. I�m gonna die!� She mumbled stuffing her jeans into her baggage.

Willow gave her another compassionate glance and was about to walk back into the room when Buffy brought her arm up:

�No, go! Go have quality Oz time!�

�You sure?�

�Go. Get out of here.� Buffy insisted.

�Ok, bye.� Willow agreed reluctantly.

�Bye.� Buffy mumbled closing her luggage and plopping down on the bed.

~+~

�Buffy, can you get that?� Mrs. Summers asked from the upstairs.

�Sure. Why not?� Buffy said sarcastically, pushing herself off the couch and slouched all the way to the front door.

�Hello!� An over enthusiastic Giles greeted her on the other side.

�Hey.� Buffy forced a smile on her face as she turned on her heels and went back to her place on the couch as the two men awkwardly followed her into the living room.

�Where�s your mother?� Giles asked a bit nervous.

�Upstairs.� Buffy retorted; her eyes never leaving the flickering TV screen.

�I�ll be right back.� The older man said heading up the stairs and leaving the two teens alone.

There was silence between them as Spike moved to sit on the couch next to her. Immediately, she squirmed to the left, away from him.

�I�m not gonna bite, luv.�

She didn�t answer.

�Are you gonna ignore me for a whole week?�

�That�s the plan.� Buffy mumbled between clenched teeth.

�Apparently you�re not too happy about spending Christmas up at the lake.�

�Whatever gave you that idea?� She asked sarcastically.

Stomping footsteps were heard coming down the stairs and soon, Mrs. Summers stood in the living room.

�You kids ready?� She asked with a huge grin.

�Dear God, what are you two taking with you?� Giles breathed as he rested the three large bags on the floor.

�Presents.� Joyce smiled.

�Are you sure those are gonna fit in the car?� Spike questioned, standing up and walking over to help his father.

�We�re just gonna have to try and fit it.�

�If there is no room left you can use my space. I don�t mind staying here.� Buffy offered with a hint of hope.

�You�re not getting off the hook that easily. Now, get up and let�s go.� Joyce demanded.

�Mom�� Buffy moaned.

�Buffy!�

The blonde teen stood up, dragging her feet towards the front door as she grumbled something unintelligible under her breath.

�I heard that.� Mrs. Summers called out as she locked the front door of the house.

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A Touch of Jealousy (COMPLETE)