A Touch of Jealousy (COMPLETE)

Chapter 30

“Is that the last one?” Giles asked hopeful as he stuffed the large suitcase into the backseat of the car.

“Yes, I think it is.” Joyce replied.

The vehicle was completely packed, its trunk half open with a strong rope tied around it to keep it shut, while the left side of the backseat was also crammed with two large suitcases.

“Hum…” Spike scratched his head as he looked at the car. “How are we supposed to fit in there?”

The four looked at each other for a few moments, pondering over the question.

“Well…” Giles started narrowing his eyes and frowning. “Can’t you two squeeze in there? You’re both very slim, it might do.”

“Squeeze in?” Buffy repeated in disbelief. “I’m not squeezing in anywhere with him.” She pointed at the bleached teen standing next to her.

“I guess we could take the jeep…” Joyce started a bit disappointed.

“Nonsense. They can fit in there.” Giles argued. Then, turning to face the two teens, added: “Isn’t that right?”

Buffy rolled her eyes and said nothing as she stomped her way to the back door of the car and entered. Spike soon followed, trying to squeeze in but finding it impossible.

“Ouch!” Buffy protested as he accidentally pushed her against the luggage.

“Sorry.” He piped up as he brought his other leg in.

After much turning and twisting they managed to settle in, sitting next to each other, their legs compressed in the tied space. Spike winced when Buffy moved in her stop, forcing him to bring his thighs together in a very painful manner.

“Do you mind?” He grumbled as he pushed her leg away from his and gave himself some much needed room.

“What? You have your legs all spread out!” Buffy protested.

“That’s cause I anatomically need them to be *spread out*!” Spike snapped back as Giles and Joyce got in the car.

“Are you kids alright back there?”

“We’re fine!” The two snarled in unison.

~+~

The trip up to the lake seemed to be lasting an eternity, even though it usually only took about thirty minutes. Spike flinched every time she moved by his side, forcing his legs together, but refused to say anything. He clutched his knees until his knuckles turned white but didn’t say a word.

Buffy on the other hand, sat with her arms crossed over her chest, doing the best to look completely oblivious to the boy’s continuous suffering.

As they drove on up the mountain, Giles was forced to make a very tight U-turn causing Buffy and the luggage at her side to slide on the seat, crushing Spike against the car door. That was it! The boy turned from red, to purple, to blue and eventually to a very terrifying shade of white that even caused Buffy to wince in sympathy.

“Here. Let’s try this.” She said, lifting her legs and swinging them over his thigh giving him room to move.

There seemed to be an immediate improvement of his pain, testified by the slight colour that seemed to brighten his pale cheeks.

“Thanks.” He breathed sincerely throwing a smile at her, but she turned away, suddenly finding the pattern of her suitcases extremely interesting.

He rolled his eyes and looked out the window. ‘What did I do to deserve this?’ He thought to himself, when he felt her legs idly move over his thigh, sliding downwards. He froze looking at her out of the corner of his eyes. Was she doing it on purpose? She certainly didn’t seem to be, as she still had the same bored/annoyed look plastered all over her face.

He clenched his teeth as Giles stepped on the gas, causing them to back up a bit in their seats, her leg now pressing against his crotch. He swallowed hard, trying to focus on anything other then feel of her brushing against him. Her scent suddenly seemed to come to life, surrounding him and only serving to heighten his emotions. He didn’t know what was worse, having his legs bunched together, or having her press against him like that. Buffy moved a bit, trying to get comfortable, apparently oblivious to the way her knee now rubbed against him and he couldn’t help but moan. ‘Cor… Bloody hell.’ He cursed to himself, closing his eyes and rolling them in their sockets as he clenched and unclenched his teeth. He didn’t know how much he could take of this before… He glanced down at his pants and: ‘Ok, so much for not knowing how much I can take.´ He thought as he saw the evident bulge there.

“We’re here!” Joyce’s perky tone broke through his hazed mind.

“Thank God!” He breathed, immediately opening the door before the car had come to a complete stop and stepping out.

“William! Watch out!” Giles warned as he saw his son stumble out of the car. “Are you insane?” He asked when he finally pulled the hand break.

“Sorry! My legs were kinda numb. Needed to get out of there.” He excused himself bringing his leather duster closer to his form to hide the effects of having Buffy so close to him.

“Just be careful next time.” Giles warned him stepping out of the car the same time Joyce and Buffy did.

“Oh, Rupert this place is beautiful!” Joyce exclaimed alternating between looking at the small cabin and the lake that spread out before them.

“I’m glad you like it.” The older man said with a hint of pride as he started to untie the rope that was wound up around the trunk.

~+~

He turned the key and pushed the door open allowing Joyce and her daughter to walk into the wooden cabin.

“How do you like it?” Giles asked, setting the keys on a shelf next to the door.

“It’s wonderful, Rupert.” Joyce breathed bringing her hands to cover her mouth as she entered the small living room to her right. “Isn’t it, Buffy?”

The teen simply shrugged even though her eyes immediately fell on the fireplace in far the corner of the room. Maybe that one actually worked. She was tired of not being able to use the one at home because of their stupid chimney that insisted on clogging up.

She glanced around to find a small kitchenette on her left, near a flight of stairs which stood directly opposite of the front door and lead to the top floor. The kitchen area was separated from the living room only by a small wooden counter and three or four stools.

“You want to see the rest of the house?” Giles asked as he walked over to the stairs.

“Oh, yes! Of course!” Joyce answered enthusiastically.

Reluctantly, Buffy climbed after the two, quickly followed by Spike. The bleached teen swallowed hard as he watched her walk up the stairs, her denim-clad behind swinging teasingly on its way up.

When they reached the top they were met by a narrow corridor with four doors, two on each side and a small window at the end. Giles opened the first door on the left, stepping inside.

The others soon followed to find a small bedroom, with a large double bed put up against the right wall and with two nightstands on each side. On the left wall there was a wardrobe and on the wall opposite the door they stood in there was a window.

“This is one of the bedrooms.”

“Oh, it’s very nice.” Joyce exclaimed walking in and examining it.

Buffy watched, with a disgusted look, as Giles stepped closer to her mother and whispered something in her ear, which made the older woman giggle a little before she walked out of the room and they were in the hall once again.

Reaching for the first door on the right, Giles opened it to reveal a smaller room which was arranged in a similar way as the previous one except, this time, there was a single bed and it was put up against the right wall, the wardrobe opposite it, on the left wall, near a door.

“This is one of the twin rooms.”

“Twin rooms?” Joyce asked with a frown.

“We call them that because…” Giles walked over to the door near the wardrobe, opening it to reveal a room exactly symmetrical to the one they were in. “…It’s exactly the same as this one.” He finished with a witty grin, as he took down his glasses and began cleaning them with a handkerchief.

Buffy looked from left to right and realised the two rooms were definitely *twin* rooms. Everything was identical, down to the covers on the bed.

“I-I was thinking the kids could stay in these rooms.” Giles offered, putting his glasses back on as he headed back into the hall and opened the last door. “And this is the bathroom. Only one I’m afraid.”

Buffy frowned. ‘Three rooms. One for me. One for *him*.’ She rationalized in her mind, narrowing her eyes at Spike in disgust. ‘One for… THEY ARE GONNA SHARE A BEDROOM? A ONE BED BEDROOM?!’ She realised in shock, her mouth wide as well as her eyes. She should have guessed it. The little whispered secret, the ridiculous grin. ‘God! I think I’m gonna be sick…’ She thought, swallowing hard as she followed the three back downstairs.

~+~

Buffy violently unpacked her things into the various drawers of the closet. She had ended up with the second twin bedroom.

“This has got to be the Christmas holiday from *hell*!” She muttered between clenched teeth. “I’m stuck in a stupid cabin, sleeping next door to stupid-bleach-boy and my mom is shacking up with stupid-bleach-boy senior. And there is *no* TV!” She finished waving her hands in the air.

She heard a door opening and stood up straight to see Spike leaning on the doorframe that lead to his room.

“You called?” He asked.

“No!” She spat straightening her hair and walking over to him with an outstretched hand. “And I want the keys to the door. It’s gonna be permanently *locked*, at least while I’m sleeping here.”

She waited for an answer, but he simply shoved his hands into the front pockets of his black jeans and shrugged.

“Never had one. When da bought this place the owner didn’t give us a key for it.” He finally replied.

“You’re lying.” She accused him, narrowing her eyes.

“Ask da if you want.” He shrugged again as he watched her furiously pound her way back to her suitcases and wardrobe as she continued to unpack.

“So… What do you think of the place?” He began walking in, but was immediately stopped as she looked up and outstretched a hand in his direction.

“You stop it right there, mister. You’re not coming into this room.” She warned, as she stalked towards him, forcing him to back up. “You just stay away from me while I’m here. You get that? I may be forced to live in the same miniscule house with you for a week, but that doesn’t mean I have to interact with you in any shape or form.”

“Oh, come on Buff-“

“Goodbye, *William*.” She growled between clenched teeth as she closed the door in his face and went back to her unpacking.

She sighed in frustration when she heard the doorknob turn and the door being flung open.

“What?!”

“I like the door open.” He answered her with a forced grin as he walked back into his room and lay on the bed.

Seconds later the door was being slammed shut and he heard her shout from the other side:

“I like it better closed!”

“Open!” He growled back at her when he swung the door and this time remained on the threshold, waiting for her to storm back to him, but she never did.

“Fine! Play your stupid childish game.” She mumbled as she finished unpacking and kicked the suitcase to the corner of the room, near the window. “I have to stand you for one week, and one week only. I’ll just ignore you.” She decided, crossing her arms over her chest.

“You are one stubborn little girl. You know that?” He said walking towards her, not caring about her ‘no entering my room’ policy as he backed her up against the foot of the bed. “Why are you acting like this? I didn’t *do* anything. I-”

“Spike! Buffy!” Mrs. Summers voice carried through the hall. “Dinner is ready.”

She had never been so relieved to hear her mother’s voice as she was in that instant. Her eyes dropped to the floor as she squeezed past the pissed teen towering in front of her and walked out of the room.

~+~

After dinner, the four sat around the fireplace; Giles occupied the couch while Spike laid on the white carpet spread in front it. Buffy on the other hand, reluctantly sat on a nearby armchair, pouting furiously as she stared into the fire.

“This is nice.” Giles began taking a sip from his brandy.

Joyce nodded as she took her place on the couch next to the older man.

“When are we gonna put the tree up?” Joyce asked, glancing out of the corner of her eyes at the pissed blonde on the armchair.

“First thing in the morning.” Giles answered.

There was silence between the four of them once more. It was still awkward, but not as desperate as it had been during their first dinner.

“Dinner was delicious.” Giles decided to break the stillness and Buffy rolled her eyes.

“Thank you, Rupert.” Joyce nodded once more, giving him a blushed smile.

“Erg!” Buffy growled in disgust earning a scowl from her mother.

The teen immediately sat up straight and dropped her gaze to the floor. She really didn’t like her mother’s glares.

Another excruciating ten minutes passed by, with a few occasional comments from Joyce and Giles, both teenagers remaining perfectly quiet during the entire time. Buffy looked at her watch for the tenth time that evening and grumbled inwardly when she realised it was only nine o’clock. Even so, she decided to follow through with her plan. Bringing her hand to her mouth she forced a yawn and outstretched her arms in a pathetic attempt to look sleepy.

“God! What time is it?” She started, looking at her watch again. “Just nine? It feels like midnight. I must be really worn out from… the trip and all. Well, I’m going to bed. Goodnight.”

“But-“

Before Mrs. Summers could finish her sentence, Buffy was already bolting up the stairs. She sighed audibly, looking at Rupert for support when Spike stood up.

“I’m kinda knackered myself. I’m off.”

And he was out of the living room in a flash.

“Don’t worry. They’ll adjust.” Giles reassured Joyce, bringing his arm around her as she rested her head on his shoulder. “Eventually.”

~+~

“Worn out from the trip? What? All thirty minutes of it?”

Buffy rolled her eyes as she turned around to look at the teen standing on the doorway.

“What do you want?” She growled.

“Nothing.” He said nonchalantly as he strolled into her room.

“Which part of my not wanting you in my room did you not understand?” She grumbled leaning against the wardrobe.

“What do you think about it?” He asked, ignoring her question.

“Think about what?”

“The two love birds downstairs.” Spike explained.

“Trying very hard not to think about that, thank you.” She retorted moving towards her bed, pulling at the covers and slipping between them to sit up against the metallic headboard. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to bed.” She said crossing her arms over her chest as she waited for him to leave.

“I don’t mind.” He answered her, tilting his head and leaning on the wall next to the bed, looking down on her.

“Well, I do! Leave. Now!” She ordered, pointing at the door.

“You look so cute when you’re angry, you know that?”

Buffy frowned at that.

“Leave. Now.” She repeated between clenched teeth.

“You don’t really want me to, pet.” He smiled down on her.

“Yes, I do.” Buffy retorted, raising both her eyebrows.

“Sure about that?” He asked pushing himself off the wall and coming to sit on her bed.

“Positive.” She insisted.

“Fine, if that’s what you want.” He agreed, but didn’t move.

“That’s what I want.” She assured him.

The two remained still, looking at each other. Spike stared blindly at her as if entranced.

“This is the part where you leave?” Buffy piped up.

“Buffy… I didn’t do anything.” He said in that low voice which made her stomach turn.

“I never said you did.”

“Then, why are you doing this?” He asked, a hint of hurt slipping into his voice.

She looked at him, a mixture of anger and pain building inside of her as she swallowed hard and replied:

“Goodnight, Spike.”

She let her tired body slip under the covers, her hands reaching for the light on her nightstand and switching it off as she snuggled between the sheets, her back turned to him. She felt her heart sink as the weight shifted on the mattress and then it was gone. The sound of slow footsteps leading away from the bed filled her ears, followed by the crack of the door being carefully shut.

~+~

She tossed and turned in her bed before deciding to turn on the lights to check her watch. She groaned when she realised it was only eleven o’clock. She wasn’t tired at all. It was too early plus, the knowledge that *he* was sleeping just on the other side of *that* door made her stomach do a couple of nervous flip-flops. She sat on the mattress, wondering if he was already asleep, or if he was up, thinking…

After much pondering, she let her legs fall to the floor as she swung them over the covers and stood up. Barefoot, she walked on the cold wooden floor towards the door that separated the two rooms and rested her ear on the surface, straining to listen.

There was complete silence. ‘Figures he would be sleeping like a baby.’ She grumbled in her thoughts.

“Pig.” She spat between clenched teeth as she began to move away but suddenly changed her mind.

She dropped to her knees so her face was lined up with the keyhole and squinted as she tried to see what was happening on the other side of the door. She felt her heart skip a beat when she realised the lights were on. ‘Not sleeping...’ She thought as she tried to make something out, but all she could see was a surreal painting of light and shadows. She let her weight slip to the floor as she dropped her head, gluing it to the floor as she tried to see something from under the door.

“Yes.” She whispered triumphantly as she identified a pair of feet walking about the room in circles. She giggled a little at the sight of them, but quickly covered her mouth when she saw him freeze. She remained perfectly still for a second, waiting to see what he would do and then he moved. He disappeared from her sight only to suddenly reappear right in front of her at the foot of the door, but when she realised it, it was too late. The crack of the door swinging open was the last thing she heard before the wood smashed her across the face and she fell backwards, sprawled on the floor.

“Buffy, are you ok?” A shirtless Spike cried out, realising what he had done as he entered the room.

“I-I’m fine.” She stuttered bravely as she stumbled to her feet, squinting wildly.

“Are you sure?” He asked as he saw her wobble backwards toward the bed.

“Yeah. Just having a little trouble focussing on any available object.” She explained as she continued to open and close her eyes. “Hum… Spike? Why won’t things stop moving?” She wondered as she suddenly lost all balance and dropped. Thankfully she had reached the bed and was now sprawled on it.

“Oh, God! I’m sorry!” Spike apologized as he came to lay next to her. “Just lay down.”

“I thought I was laying down.” Buffy frowned as a splitting headache began to spread, starting from the bump on her forehead all the way to the back of her neck.

“You are, pet. Just stay put. I’ll be right back.”

He left the room, but it only took about a minute for him to be back to sit on the bed, next to her, holding a pack of ice to her wound.

“That feel better?” he asked clearly concerned about her.

She nodded with a pout when her head started pounding. She finally opened her eyes and forced herself to sit up.

“What were you doing down there?” He managed to ask.

“Looking for, hum… my earrings.” She lied badly as the sight of his naked torso seemed to interfere with her ability to come up with a better excuse.

“They’re on your nightstand, luv.” Spike stated, tilting his head and frowning.

“That’s why I couldn’t find them.” Buffy gave him a weak smile and her gaze dropped to the floor.

He paused for a second before a wide grin spread over his lips.

“Were you spying on me?”

“NO!” She answered immediately; widening her eyes and standing up to nervously walk about the room.

“You were.” He insisted when her reaction clearly confirmed his suspicions.

“You are so conceited.” Buffy growled wobbling awkwardly around in circles, still a bit dizzy.

“You were trying to catch a glimpse of old-“

“Oh, please Spike. I’ve seen…” She struggled with a word and finally stuttered: “*it*. It’s not new anymore, remember.”

“Doesn’t have to be new for you to want to take a look.” He replied with a smug grin which made her blood boil.

“I wasn’t trying to take a look at anything, alright?” She spat raising her tone as she stopped moving and turned to face him.

“No need to get upset, pet.” He started, getting off the bed and closing the distance between them. “If you want…” He stood right in front of her, invading her personal space, but she refused to back away. “All you gotta do is ask, luv.”

“Erg, you’re a pig.” She replied pushing him away to put some much needed space between them.

“You never tire of saying that, do you?” He questioned turning around to see her getting into bed.

“Go to bed Spike.” She snarled as she let the covers drape around her after she turned off the lights. “Ah!” She screamed when she felt the mattress shift under her and the sheets being pulled away as someone snuggled into bed with her. She struggled, slapping his arms away as she stretched to reach for the light switch, fumbling with it for a few seconds, but eventually being able to turn it on. “What are you doing?! Are you out-“ Her shouting was cut short by one hand clamping around her mouth as two blue eyes stared down at her.

“You wanna wake them?” He asked.

Buffy’s heart raced as she took in the naked chest pressing against her, the strong hand resting on her increasingly dry mouth, the feel of his denim covered legs brushing against her bare ones.

“Plus, you told me to go to bed, remember?” He began with a smirk, but it soon crumbled when he became aware of her galloping heartbeat.

The two remained frozen for a few moments. Slowly, coherent thought filtered back into their minds as Spike moved his hand away from her mouth to lightly rest on the crook of her neck, his thumb running over her jaw line for a sweet caress. His head moved at its own accord bringing his lips closer to hers until they brushed together. The moment they touched, Buffy felt a string of electricity run through her body as she willingly opened her mouth, inviting him in.

He moved his chest to cover hers as his tongue dove into her mouth, exploring, battling with hers. Buffy moaned into the kiss as his leg pushed between hers and rubbed between her thighs in a slow, even rhythm.

She seemed to lose all ability to think. Her hands roamed madly over his back, leaving small red tracks everywhere they passed. She arched off the bed, deepening the kiss, pressing against him, needing to be as close to him as possible.

His lips abandoned hers to drift to her neck, pulling at her nightgown in a frustrated attempt to expose her to him. Realising it was impossible without tearing the fabric, his hand came to cup her breast as he kissed it through the soft material, leaving it soaked in the process. She moaned as his lips teased her mercilessly, causing her to dig her nails deeper into his back.

Suddenly, for no apparent reason, she seemed to have a single moment of clarity when she heard him call her muffled name.

She was pushing him off her bed and covering herself with the sheets in a flash.

Spike remained tumbled on the floor for a few second trying to understand what had just happened.

“Get. Out.” She said the words between clenched teeth.

“Buf-“

“I will start screaming if you are not out of here in three seconds.” She glared at the confused teen.

“Buffy, we need to-“

“One.

“-talk. You can’t just-“

“Two.”

“Buffy, please-“

“Aaaaaah!!!” She began screaming off the top lungs.

Spike wobbled nervously between her and the door. Realising her cries only became louder every time he came closer to her he opted for the door, slamming it shut just as the other one opened to reveal a very worried Joyce.

“Honey! Are you ok?” She asked coming to sit next to her daughter who had shut up the moment Spike had closed his door. “What happened? Are you ok?”

Buffy watched as a sleepy Mr. Giles walked into the room, a large book in one hand served as a weapon, while he tried to clumsily adjust his glasses with the other.

“What is it? What happened?” He asked as he scanned the room.

“I-I’m ok.” Buffy said in a low voice. “It was just a bad dream.”

“Are you sure honey?” Joyce questioned running her hand over Buffy’s flushed cheek as the door to the twin room opened, revealing an equally reddened Spike.

“Yeah. I’m sure. Just a dream.” Buffy answered staring straight at the bleached teen. “It won’t happen again.”

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 31

She stumbled out of bed, inhaling sharply as her bare feet came into contact with the ice-cold floor. With eyes still narrowed from sleep she searched for her beloved slippers, smiling when she finally found them.

She dragged her feet and scratched her head as she walked down the hall, pausing for a second in front of *his* door. She felt a pang in her heart at the memory of what had happened that night. The look on his face as he came back to her room, watching her as she lied to her mother... She shook the thought away and continued down the stairs to find her mother behind the counter, in the small kitchenette.

“Something smells good.” Buffy said with a hoarse voice.

“Hey, you’re up early.” Joyce noted giving her daughter a sweet smile before returning her attention to her cooking.

“Pancakes, huh?” The teen leaned on the counter, reaching for a large plate that contained the newly fried goodies.

She jumped back when her mother swatted her hand with a wooden spoon.

“You’ll have to wait for breakfast. Giles and Spike should be back any minute.

“Back?”

“Yes. They went to get the Christmas tree.” Joyce explained gleefully. “Now go get dressed, young lady, you know I don’t like you coming downstairs in your pj’s.”

Buffy hopped off the stool and was about to leave, when the door directly under the stairs flung open, revealing a flushed Giles. The blonde frowned, she had never realised there was a door there.

“We’ve got the tree.” He announced gingerly, setting his hand triumphantly on his hips.

“Da! Do you mind?” A grumbled protest came from behind Giles as the large box was pushed towards the older man.

“Oh! So sorry!” Giles awkwardly excused himself, turning his attention to the assignment.

“A tree in a box?” Buffy wondered out loud as the two men hurled the carton into the living room and Spike finally came into view.

With an annoyed look on his face he stood up straight and ran a hand trough his dishevelled mass of curls which refused to stay in place.

“It’s an artificial one.” Giles explained.

“We’re having an artificial Christmas tree in a cabin? In the middle of the woods?” Buffy frowned.

“I-I could never bring myself to cut down a tree.” Giles stuttered, taking off his glasses and running his handkerchief over his perspired forehead. “Plus, if we miss the smell, we can just pick a few loose branches and bring them in the house.”

“How do you get firewood?”

“We buy it…” Giles looked down and proceeded with unpacking the box.

Buffy simply shook her head, glancing at the bleached blond, who was yet to say a word to her or even looked at her for that matter. She watched as he strolled towards his father, sighing loudly as he offered to open the carton for him.

“Well… I’ll go and take a shower.” She announced as she headed up the stairs, her eyes fixed on Spike.

~+~

She let her newly blow-dried hair flow freely down her back as she set the brush on the nightstand and walked over to the window. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw him standing outside, on the small dock, his hands safely tucked into the front pockets of his jeans as he stared out at the foggy lake. She let the curtains fall into place and headed downstairs.

“Hey!” She greeted. “Oh, wow!”

Her eyes went wide at the sight of the newly decorated living room. Four red Christmas stockings hung over the fireplace while, inside, flames grew, filling the cabin with warmth and the familiar scent of burnt wood. To the left, between the fire and the kitchenette, stood the tree, still half decorated in shades of red and white. The room seemed completely transformed and Buffy felt her body relax as, for the first time, she thought that, maybe, this Christmas wouldn’t be so bad after all.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Joyce asked as she finished setting the pancakes on the table near the window.

Buffy nodded as she entered the living room with her arms crossed over her chest and a soft smile on her lips as she watched Giles clumsily try to put a small angel on one of the branches. She shook her head and reached for the piece placing in properly.

“Thank you.” Giles smiled at the short teen.

“You’re welcome.”

“Breakfast is ready.” Joyce announced looking out the window. “Buffy, could you go out and call Spike?”

“Sure.” Buffy nodded, heading out the door.

~+~

She walked slowly down to the dock. He seemed oblivious to her presence, remaining perfectly still, immersed in his thoughts. Buffy cleared her throat when she stood just a couple of feet away from him. He immediately spun around to look at her but didn’t say anything as his glance quickly returned to the crystal water that surrounded them. Buffy swallowed dryly at the cold reaction and uttered:

“Breakfast is ready.”

He nodded and turned around, heading for the cabin, leaving her alone on the dock in the cold.

~+~

The moment breakfast was over he jumped out of his seat and headed up stairs without saying a word. Buffy felt her heart sink at that and continued to pick at her pancakes with her fork.

“Are you alright honey?” Joyce questioned as she started clearing the table.

“I’m fine.” She shook herself out of her daze and stood up, gathering a few plates on her way to the kitchenette.

“You seem kind of quiet.” Her mother noted.

“Just a bit sleepy, I guess.” She tried to explain as she began washing the plates.

~+~

Buffy tapped her nails on the counter, bored out of her mind. After washing and drying the dishes she had sat down on the stool and had remained there for the last ten minutes with absolutely nothing to do. Joyce and Giles sat cosily on the couch reading through the newspaper and a few magazines. ‘A few very dull magazines.’ Buffy corrected as she slid off the stool and started pacing.

Neither adult on the sofa looked up, too absorbed in their reading to notice her boredom. She sighed and headed up the stairs.

She entered her room and resumed pacing. Her mind drifted over the events of that day. Spike hadn’t said a word to her all day, barely even glanced at her and, for some reason that caused her stomach to turn and an uncomfortable knot settle on her throat. She plopped down on the bed only to scramble quickly to her feet when she felt something cold and wet under her. She sighed and picked up the wet towel feeling the covers and realising they were soaked too.

“Great.” She mumbled between her teeth as she exited her room and entered the bathroom.

She froze. It was only when she was half into the room that she heard the familiar sound of running water. She knew that the right thing to do was to turn on her heels and just leave, but she found herself glancing over to the shower. For a moment she cursed the thick curtains that draped around it, but as her eyes adjusted to the blurred effect, she was able to see the outlines of a wide, masculine back turned to her, one hand was put up against the wall, the other… She frowned when she saw the quick, erratic movements his arm was making. After a couple of seconds her eyes went wide as soft moaning sounds finally seemed to reach her ears. Oh, God, was he? She strained to hear the rapid breathing, the occasional repressed gasp. He was! Buffy turned bright red. One part of her yelled at her to leave the room at once, the other compelled her to stay and watch. The latter seemed to be strongest as she remained perfectly still watching in awe as he continued to move his hand between his thighs in a fast, eager pace until, suddenly, he stopped and his body began to convulse in short jerks that propelled him against the wall.

“Cor… Buffy.”

She felt her stomach flip-flop at the hoarse sound of her name being called out as he slumped against the wall, letting the warm water fall on him. As her brain slowly processed the information it had just been fed, she stumbled back a bit causing her elbow to brush against something. She turned to see the plastic bottle wobble a bit, but before she could reach it, it fell to the floor with a loud thud. She seemed to be frozen in place, her eyes still glued to the shampoo on the floor as she refused to look up at… him. Spike jolted to attention at the sound, immediately turning and pushing the curtain aside. His eyes widened when he saw her semi-bent over, her hand reaching for a bottle now on the floor.

Buffy swallowed hard as her heart slammed against her chest at a frightening pace, she could feel her skin growing redder and redder by the second. Finally she gathered enough strength to look up at him.

“I was-“ She immediately looked away from the completely nude and soaked man standing in the shower, the water still running behind him.

Spike jumped, nervously looking around for a towel. His eyes fell on the white fabric draped over the toilet seat, right next to Buffy. He was about to step out of the shower, when she reached out and handed him her own towel.

“I-I was just… um… Just… um…” She stuttered panicky. ‘Stupid words…’ she grumbled inwardly as she watched from the corner of her eyes that he had already turned the water off and covered himself with the towel she had handed him.

“Buffy, I-“

Looking at him, she piped up: “I was just leaving.”

And she was out the door and into her room in record time.

“Bloody hell!” He growled as he stepped out of the shower, nearly stumbling over the shampoo bottle on the floor on his way out.

~+~

‘Please don’t come after me, please don’t come after me, please don’t come-‘ Buffy stopped her mental mantra when the door to her bedroom was flung open and a soaking Spike stepped in. She let her eyebrows drop for a frustrated sigh as she turned around to face the music.

“I-I didn’t see anything.” She immediately announced before correcting herself: “I mean I did, but it was just when you pulled the curtain and were… well, naked. B-but other than that – nothing! Not a thing. I was just there for like a second before the bottle fell. A-and even if I had been there before the bottle thing – which I wasn’t! – there wouldn’t be anything to see“ At his frown she rephrased: “N-not that you don’t have anything to see, I mean you do, but the curtain was thick and-and it doesn’t really matter cause I wasn’t there and I didn’t see anything or hear –“ She stopped herself when she realised she was babbling. “Sorry. Babbling.”

“I’ve noticed.” The Brit forced a smile as he closed the door behind him and stepped in.

“I-I’m sorry, next time I’ll knock.” Buffy reassured him as her gaze bounced off the walls at anything but his bare chest.

“Knocking is good.” He agreed taking a step towards her.

“Well,” She brought her hands together. “I guess that’s settled. I’ll knock. Let the records show that the knocking proposal was approved.” She joked with a forced smile as she squeezed her fingers together.

He tilted his head and watched her nervously pressing her palms into one another.

“Buffy, about before-“

“Don’t know what you’re talking about.” She immediately jumped in, blushing even more.

“Yesterday? Last night?” Spike elaborated.

“Oh, that.” She realised. ‘Not a good topic either, but at least it’s better than *Why I was moaning your name while masturbating*’

“Yeah, that. What did you think I was talking about?” Spike frowned a bit.

“Nothing!” She answered a little too eagerly and it seemed to confirm Spike’s suspicions.

“Bloody hell!” He mumbled.

“What?” She asked a bit afraid of the answer.

“Nothing.” He replied turning around to leave, but stopped in mid-stride to turn around, resolve fixed on his face. “You know what? I do.”

“Do what?” she questioned backing away when he walked over to her, invading her personal space.

“Think about you when I wank off.” He stated without any kind of shame.

Buffy froze, her eyes wide, her cheeks turning to a furious shade of red.

“I-I” She stuttered as she was finally backed up against the wall and Spike towered in front of her.

“You’re all I bloody think about. I can’t get you out of my head. No matter how much of a bitch you’ve been lately.”

“E-excuse me?” She tried to sound outraged, but it came out as a meek attempt at a protest.

“You heard me Summers.” He retorted, letting his hand rest on the wall just over her right shoulder.

“I-I don’t have to stay here and listen to-“ She started and she tried to move but a strong grip on her arm stopped her and forced her to back up against the wall again.

“You *will* listen. For once in your life.” He growled. “For the one thousandth time: I. Didn’t. Do. A. Bloody. Thing. Wrong.” He pulled the words out, one by one as he stared down at her. He paused waiting for a reaction. When he realised she wasn’t going to oppose, he pushed himself off the wall and started pacing in front of her. “You really wanna know why I got into a fight with Angel?” He never gave her a chance to answer: “It’s none of you sodding business but I’ll tell you anyway. It had absolutely *nothing* to do with you or Dru. It was for the same reason I suddenly stopped hanging out with Angel. Remember? Angel and I used to hang out together quite a lot when I first came here. I wasn’t too keen on him. Knew from the start he was pretty much an idiot, but I decided: ‘What the hell, let’s give him a chance.’ Eventually, my first instinct was right. He’s a complete idiot and a wanker!” He rambled while Buffy remained frozen up against the wall, watching him furiously walk around in circles until he came to a halt and looked at her. “It was because of Andrew.”

Buffy frowned: “Andrew? What does Andrew have to do with anything?”

“Well, one day I walk into the locker rooms to find Angel beating the scrawny thing into a bloody pulp. The poor kid was in the hospital for two whole weeks. Wouldn’t tell anyone who had done it, scared shitless that the ponce would do something.” Seeing the confused look on her face he tilted his head. “You didn’t even realise he was gone, did you? Sure, it’s not like you know Andrew even exists, let alone notice he was gone for two weeks.”

Buffy swallowed dryly, noting that it was true.

“Anyway, I pulled Angel off the kid and socked him back, telling him if he ever laid a finger on Andrew again… Well, you know, told him something nasty and extremely cliché to give him the right idea.” He watched as Buffy took in the information. “Everything was fine after that. No problems. Until the other day when Andrew smashed into us in the hall. The look on his face. I just knew that Angel was up to something. I talked to Andrew, he denied it at first but eventually he admitted it. So I did what I had promised and beat the crap out of Angel. And that’s it. It was nothing over you, or Dru or anything of the sort. Happy?” He finally asked after his long dissertation.

Buffy just stared at him with her mouth half open. All that information. It was a little too much to process, especially with naked-Spike in front of her.

“Why?” She finally managed to ask. “Why would Angel beat up Andrew?”

Spike paused. This was the question he didn’t want to answer, but he sighed and reluctantly uttered:

“Andrew plays for the other team, luv.”

“Huh?” Buffy frowned.

“He’s gay, pet.”

“So?”

“You knew?” Spike asked in disbelief.

“I didn’t know-know. But, I mean, I always just kinda figured...” Buffy rolled her eyes.

“Oh. Right.” He said a bit taken offguard by her reaction at the revelation. “So that’s the big secret. Andrew’s gay and Angel found out he had a secret crush on him and being extremely insecure in his masculinity the wanker pummelled the kid.” Spike said succinctly.

Buffy stood there, staring at Spike.

“Why didn’t you tell me this before?” She finally asked a bit outraged.

“Because it wasn’t something I could tell you. It wasn’t my secret to tell. I’m not gonna go outing the poor fellow just because my girlfriend has absolutely no trust in me. Plus you were really pissing me off. How could you think I beat up Angel because of Dru?” It was Spike’s turn to question.

“Well… I… um… I sort of bumped into Angel. And he hinted that-“

“And you believed him?” Spike questioned in disbelief.

“I didn’t at first!” Buffy defended herself. “But then I asked you and you just avoided the subject and I thought – Busted!”

They stared at each other for a while in silence until Buffy took a step closer, looking up at him from under hooded eyes as she reached for him. He immediately stepped back, bringing his hands up as if someone was holding him at gunpoint. Buffy stopped dead in her tracks, her heart slamming against her chest as the realisation of what was happening dawned on her.

“Spike, I-“

“You should have trusted me. You should have believed in me.” He said in a low voice. “I can’t be with you like this.”

Buffy let her gaze fall to the floor as he walked over to the door that lead to the room. Suddenly, he turned around and made his way back to her with ground-eating steps.

“God, who am I kidding?” He breathed before crushing her mouth with his as his naked arms wrapped around her small form to bring her closer to him.

Buffy’s response was immediate as her hands erratically reached for his shoulder. Her fingers swiftly gliding over the soft skin seeking the back of his neck and then moved up to dive in between his wet curls as she responded to his kiss with the intensity and hunger as he did.

His own hands ran wildly over her clothed body, down her back to cup her behind and bring her up against him. He moved, instinctively guiding them towards the bed, causing Buffy to topple onto the mattress when she reached its edge; Spike following her, never breaking the famished kiss.

The Brit fought with the hem of her sweater pulling it upwards over her head to reveal the simple white bra that covered her breasts. His fingers reached for the small mound cupping it lightly as his mouth crushed hers for another demanding battle.

Spike gasped, breaking the kiss when her tiny hand sneaked between their bodies and found its way through the white towel to wrap itself around his cock.

“Cor, I missed you.” He breathed into her ear as he began trailing his way down her neck with hungry open-mouth kisses until he reached one of her cotton-clad breast.

It was Buffy’s turn to exhale sharply when he pushed the white fabric away and his lips brushed over her erect nipple. She arched into his touch as she slowly began to pump him in a slow, steady rhythm. She felt a wave of feminine pride wash over her as she watched and listened to him helplessly moan her name under her ministrations.

Suddenly, he seemed to partially wake from his daze as his hands began working on the buttons of her jeans. Buffy relaxed into his touch, slowly drifting deeper into her daze, when a giggling sound reached her ear. She frowned at first, but suddenly it hit her: ‘My mom’s downstairs. Oh, god, oh, God, oh God!.’

“No.” She said, jumping up and reluctantly pushing him to crawl away from him.

“What? What now?” He asked desperately trying to move over her again but she squirmed off the bed leaving him on the mattress alone.

“Your dad and my mom, downstairs. That’s what.” She explained reaching for her sweater, but before she could grab it she was trapped between his arms and his mouth was on her neck.

“I’ll be quiet. I promise.” His voice was muffled by the kisses he placed on her collarbone.

“I bet you…” She gasped. “will, but I can’t promise I’ll be... quiet.” She managed to push him away again. “Now, get your clothes on.”

“I’ll be really quick. You won’t even feel a thing, so you don’t have to worry about making any noises.” He joked walking over to her.

Buffy narrowed her eyes at him and he dropped his shoulders in defeat.

“Buffy, I don’t think I can go a whole week without touching you or…” he tilted his head towards the bed.

“You’ll have to.” She insisted as he came closer to her and his hand grazed over her hips and down to the valley between her thighs to slowly press against the stop where her clit was. “Spike…” She tried to sound serious and determined but the way he was touching her… it was impossible!

“Buffy, please.” He begged into her ear as his nuzzled against her hair, his finger still moving over her.

“Ok.” She finally agreed and he lashed out for her neck. “No! Not now!” she pushed him away once more and put on her sweater. “Tonight. When they’re asleep.”

“But…”

“Tonight.” She repeated throwing the towel at him and he reluctantly grabbed it, draping it around his waist.