A Touch of Jealousy (COMPLETE)

Chapter 48

Xander sat cross-legged on the stage, picking at his sneaker’s laces as he let out another long sigh.

“Where is she?” Cordy asked in an annoyed tone as she paced around in front of the teen.

“My guess is she’s not showing up… Again.” Angel supplied.

“Do you think something happened to her?” Buffy inquired from her spot in the front row.

Everyone shrugged at the question. Two whole weeks had gone by and nothing, not one rehearsal. Miss Addams had managed to miss every single one. The group was growing weary by now. Only in Sunnydale could a teacher be missing for two and a half weeks without anyone even noticing.

“I guess we better go then.” Xander offered, trying to mask a satisfied grin.

“Not yet. We’ve still got ten more minutes.” The cheerleader insisted plopping down on a seat next to Buffy’s.

“I don’t think she’s coming.” Buffy spoke up again, her eyebrows coming together for a sad frown.

“She *is* coming.” Cordy growled crossing her arms over her chest.

“Come on Cordy we’ve been coming here everyday for-“ Xander trailed off when he saw the small man walking briskly down the aisle to reach them. “Principal Snyder?”

“Harris.” The bald man practically spat.

“How nice of you to join us.” Xander started with mocking reverence. “We are so happy that our great-“

“Don’t push me Mr. Harris.” Snyder grumbled then, turning to the rest of the group announced: “There will be no play.” And without another word he turned on his heels and prepared to leave when an inhuman screech made him come to a halt. He turned around to see an extremely pissed Cordelia standing, her hands fisted at her sides.

“What do you mean – ‘there with be no play’?” She demanded as Buffy still stood up behind her.

“Miss Addams will not be able to come back to school until next week which means there will be no time to get the play ready, hence the logical conclusion – no play.” Snyder explained with arrogance and a hint of diabolical satisfaction.

“Well, we’ll postpone then.” Cordelia quickly offered.

“Yes, we can postpone.” Buffy agreed.

“Miss Chase, Miss Summers…” The way he said her name made Buffy’s stomach turn. “…there is no way in hell I will let that happen. There is no time, no money and *personally* I have absolutely no desire to see this charade see the light of day. It’s pathetic enough as it is. No need to drag it out in public.” With an aggravating smirk he prepared to leave once more when, in a flash, the angry cheerleader stalked up to him and towered over him, blocking his passage.

“Listen you aggravating, little, hairless shell of a man, my *father* practically owns this entire school and that includes *your* sorry ass, so don’t you talk to us about money, cause all I have to do is say one word to my father and he will cut his generous founding of this sorry excuse for a school in a blink of an eye.” She paused before adding. “This play *will* happen.” She assured him.

Everyone froze, including the small, bald man. After a few seconds he spoke:

“Well… Miss Chase… I-if you put it that way… But we still have the issue of time.”

“We can have the play after Spring break, right before prom.” Xander found himself saying.

“Yeah.” Angel supported as Buffy nodded.

Snyder glared at him for a second and then spat:

“Fine. We’ll schedule the play for the week before prom. Is that ok with you?” The man asked glaring up at the towering beauty in front of him.

“That would be great.” She replied haughtily.

~+~

Buffy let her tired body plop onto the front seat of the old car as the door closed behind her.

“Hey.” She greeted, giving Spike a quick peck on the lips as she pulled the seatbelt around her.

“Hey.” He replied with a smile as he watched her run her hands through her hair before letting out a sigh.

“No rehearsal again?” He asked.

“Nope.”

“Whatever happened to Miss Addams?” He questioned as he turned the keys in the ignition and backed away from the parking lot.

“Apparently, she got a really bad case of mono or something. That’s the latest rumour anyway.” Buffy supplied, gazing out the window as they drove home.

“Mono, huh?”

“Yeah, but she’s fine now, I think. She’ll be coming back on Monday.” She explained.

“Oh.” Spike mumbled trying to hide the disappointment in his voice.

“We waited for an hour before Mr. Snyder came bursting in to announce there would be no more play.”

“No more play? Really?” Before he could help it, the excitement over the news spilled into his voice. To mask it he added: “Too bad. Why?”

“Don’t pretend you’re not thrilled with that news.” She half-scolded, narrowing her eyes at him and swatting him on the arm.

“That obvious, huh?” He asked tilting his head, his eyes leaving the rode to look at her.

“Blatantly so.” She sighed. “But you can wipe that smirk off your face. The show will go on. When Snyder wanted to cancel the play Cordy got off her butt and decided to play super-hero. God, you should have seen her. She called him a little, hairless shell of a man.” She giggled as she remembered.

“That bird’s got stones, gotta hand it to her.” Spike smirked turning the wheel.

“Anyway, she threatened to ask her dad to cut all the funding of the school and obviously the little weasel backed down. The play has been postponed for the week before the prom.” She explained.

“What? You mean you’re going to have to smooch around with Angel till the end of the year?”

“Don’t worry, I’ll ask Miss Addams to keep the smooching to a minimal. Plus, I don’t think we have to rehearse those scenes anymore. There are other ones we have to get around. You do remember there is more to Romeo and Juliet than smooching, right?” She asked.

He grumbled something incomprehensible, frowning.

“Spike…”

“I know, I know…. He mumbled.

After a few seconds he added:

“I’m coming to your rehearsals from now on.”

“Spike!”

“Just to make sure.”

“Spike…”

“Oh, alright.” He gave in just as he pulled into her driveway.

They stepped out of the car and walked into the house.

“You’re mom home?” He asked seemingly uninterested in the reply.

“No.”

The smirk on his face grew twice as large and he added a mischievous glance as he moved closer to her. His arms came to wrap themselves around her waist but she suddenly swatted his hands away.

“But she’ll be home any minute.” She quickly added letting her backpack fall to the floor next to the couch.

Spike’s leer crumbled at that and he let out a pitiful sigh as he watched her walk about the room in search of something.

A few seconds passed as she continued to scan the room, looking under magazines and old clothes.

“Where is that remote? It’s amazing. I seem to have a natural gift for losing that thing.” She grumbled as she lifted one of the cushions that lay on the couch. “A-ha!” She said triumphantly letting herself plop down on the sofa.

Spike joined her and the two stared at the TV for a few minutes. Soon he was sitting right next to her, one arm flung over the back of the couch, to rest on her shoulder and the other… Buffy’s stare left the screen to find his right hand resting on her bare knee. Her eyes alternated between him and his straying limb, but his gaze remained fixed on the TV set as if nothing was happening.

She sighed and returned her attentions to the show. It didn’t last long, soon the infamous hand was making its way up her inner thigh, dipping under the hem of her summer dress and before she could protest his fingers brushed against the soft fabric of her underwear.

“Spike… what are you d-“ She stopped in mid sentence when his finger pressed against her cotton-covered clit.

His eyes finally left the screen to look at her as his hand wandered deeper between her legs and started rubbing harder against the apex of her thighs.

Letting out a hard breath, she was able to reach for him, grabbing his wrist in a pathetic attempt to stop his ministrations.

“Spike, my mom will be home any minute.” She breathed harshly when his lips dove to find the crook of her neck.

His reply made her gasp out loud when she felt his finger find the edge of her panties and bunch them up to one side. Her grip on his wrist became tighter.

“Spike, no.” She said without conviction as he traced the contours of her outer labia.

She swallowed hard while he continued to touch her; his low voice in her ear:

“Please, Buffy just for a little while…”

By now she was laying on her back on the couch, Spike’s hard body draped over hers, his mouth buried in the nape of her neck, his hand...

“Oh, God!” She mewled as his finger finally slipped into her and started moving in a slow, mind-blowing rhythm. “O-Ok, st fst for a little while…”

By then, the hand which had been grasping his wrist was far from trying to halt his movements and was actually helping him to pump in and out of her.

She arched her neck, letting her head fall over the edge of the couch as his mouth drifted lower over her chest. His free hand gripped one of the strings that held her dress and pulled it over her right shoulder, successfully exposing her breast to his tongue.

Buffy held her breath and trust her hips against his hand when he added a second finger. The pressure inside her grew quickly as his teeth scratched against her nipple, his hand cupping the underside of her breast to guide the small pebble into his mouth. She clenched her jaw when she felt him start to move faster, his thumb flickering over her clit while his two fingers thrust hungrily into her.

Her hand abandoned his wrist and dove between his curls, fisting itself into his hair, pushing his face against her breast.

“Spike, I’m almost… Oh, God I’m gonna-“ Her eyes shot open when she heard the doorbell ring.

Spike froze on top of her causing her to immediately gasp:

“No, please don’t stop, please!” She begged him, reaching for his wrist again and urging him to go on.

“But, Buffy, it could be your mom, she-“ He tried to warn her as he started moving his hand again.

“Please!” She whispered as the doorbell rang again.

Spike paused for a second and glanced at her flushed face. A leer appeared on his lips as his hand began to move faster and faster, his fingers incessantly stabbing the secret spot inside of her. His hand gripped her breast tighter and his teeth attacked her hardened nipple once again but, this time, his eyes never left her.

He watched as her face contorted in pleasure while he sucked at her small nubbin, the ringing in the background becoming more constant and repetitive as she came closer to the edge.

Finally, the ringing stopped and was replaced by the distant jingling of keys.

The fear of knowing that her mother was on the other side of the door and could catch them at any moment made the adrenaline rush through her veins and when she felt a third finger being shoved into her she was gone. Her mouth fell over second before she clenched her jaw for a silent scream, her thighs trapping his hand in a deadly grip as she came.

After a few seconds she felt her entire body go numb and all she wanted was to lay there forever but the sound of a metallic rattling coming from the other side of the door made her aware of her situation.

“You better go upstairs. If your mom sees you like that it’ll take her about two seconds to figure out what just happened.” Spike whispered with a soft smile as he helped her to her feet and directed her to the stairs.

Buffy nodded numbly:

“Tell my mother I went upstairs to take a shower?”

It was Spike’s turn to nod as he watched her climb the stairs on wobbly legs. God, he loved seeing her come.

The blonde teen adjusted the evident bulge in his pants, pulling his t-shirt out of his jeans to help cover it before he walked over to the door and opened it. As the wood slid back it revealed a confused Mrs. Summers struggling with a bundle of keys while trying to balance three large paper bags in her arms. She looked up to see Spike.

“Spike? You two are home?” She wondered as she stepped into the house.

“Sorry, Joyce. I was downstairs in the basement and Buffy’s upstairs taking a shower.” Spike explained.

“Oh.” The older woman said nodding slightly as she walked into the kitchen then she came to a halt. “Spike?”

“Yeah?”

“What were you doing in the basement?”

“Err…” His mind raced for an excuse. “Um… Buffy!” He started. “She thought she’d heard a mouse. She asked me to check it out.”

“Mice?” Joyce questioned worried.

“Don’t worry. I didn’t find anything.”

“Oh, good.” Mrs Summers replied relieved as she took the groceries out of the bags. “Spike, are you staying for dinner?”

“I don’t know, my father-“

“I talked to Rupert. He’s coming over later. I told him to call you at home to invite you, but since you’re here…”

“Ok, in that case I’m staying.” He smiled coming closer to the isle. “So is there anything I can help you with?”

“Could you chop up a few onions?”

“Sure.”

~+~

“So…” Spike started, throwing a quick glance at the kitchen to check on their parents before turning his attention to the plates he was setting on the table. “…How was the shower, luv?”

Buffy looked up at him with a content smile on her lips.

“Wonderful.” She replied snuggling against his chest when she finished placing the glasses.

Her hands encircled his waist to meet and rested on his lower back as she nuzzled her face against his t-shirt.

“I’m glad you liked it.” He said, taking in her scent as he buried his nose in her hair. “Have you figured out what you want for your birthday next week?”

At that he heard her groan against his chest.

“Don’t remind me…”

Spike frowned and pulled away to look at her for a second.

“My birthdays have a tendency to… how shall I put it… suck intensely?”

His eyebrows furrowed further. Buffy sighed once more and walked away to sit on the couch.

“There seems to be this tradition. Something always goes wrong. First it was the hamster-“

“Hamster?”

“Present. Died the same day.”

“Oh, sorry.” Spike replied sympathetically as he took a seat next to her.

“Then there was the fire.”

“Fire?”

“When I was thirteen I accidentally set my hair on fire when I went to blow out my candles.”

“Ouch.”

“Yeah, ouch.” Buffy grumbled. “Then the divorce. My father decided the best day to leave my mom was on my birthday. So you see, not many good memories there.”

“Oh, baby, I’m sorry.” Spike said apologetically as he leaned in to place a kiss on her temple.

“It’s ok. I’ve gotten used to it.”

“Well, I promise you this will be the best birthday ever.” Spike assured her.

“Yeah, with my luck we are probably going to have a major fight and break up.” Buffy pouted, crossing her arms over her chest like a spoiled child.

“Oh, I promise, no fights. No matter how much you try.”

“I try?” She asked seemingly outraged.

“You gotta admit all of our fights start because of you.”

“What?!” She questioned, turning to stare angrily at him

“See, exhibit A right here.” Spike pointed out.

“You started it.”

“No I didn’t.”

“Yes, you did.” She insisted.

“Buffy.” He murmured, tilting his head to the side and looking up at her with puppy dog eyes.

“Don’t look at me like that.” She pouted again.

“Why not?”

“I can’t stay angry at you when you look at me like that.” She replied.

“That’s the point.” He smirked as she swatted him across the arm.

“Dinner’s ready.” Joyce announced as she walked into the room.

~+~

The week raced by and soon her birthday came. Buffy nervously looked at the oven, tapping her nails on the counter as she waited.

“Is it ready yet?” She asked for the one-hundredth time.

“No, it takes time, Buffy.” Joyce replied as she chopped the salad.

“Are you sure? I think it’s burning. I’m gonna have a carbonized birthday cake a.” S.” She pouted.

“It’s not going to burn. I promise.” Joyce assured her as the doorbell rang. “Now go open the door for your guests.”

“Just watch the cake, please.” Buffy begged, throwing one last glance at the oven before walking out of kitchen.

“Hey, Giles. Spike.” She greeted as she answered the door.

“Happy birthday.” Giles replied handing her a perfectly wrapped box before giving her a quick kiss on the forehead.

“Thanks.” She said letting the two men walk in.

The shopkeeper blushed and stuttered as the two teens exchanged a kiss:

“Well, I-I’ll go check on your mother.” And with that he quickly disappeared into the kitchen.

“Hey.” Buffy breathed, resting her forehead on his.

“Happy birthday, luv.” He whispered back, taking a small box from the pocket of his duster and handing it to her.

“Thank you.” She smiled widely as she stepped away from him to glance at her gifts.

She walked into the living room and left Giles’ present on the coffee table as she concentrated on Spike’s. She quickly unwrapped it to reveal white box. She glanced at him for a second before opening it. When she did, she found a thin metallic bracelet. Her fingers immediately when for the necklace she wore around her neck.

“They match.” She noted as she took the thin string from the box to place it around her wrist.

“Like it?” He asked. She could swear there was a hint of nervousness in his voice.

She looked up at him with a wide grin.

“I love it. It’s beautiful.” She breathed as she tried to put it on.

“Here, let me help.” He offered, taking the bracelet.

“Where did you find one exactly the same?” She wondered.

“They came together. I bought them at the same time.” He replied absentmindedly.

Her eyes went wide.

“You bought me my birthday present in November?” She questioned a bit surprised.

“Yeah.” He said when he finally finished putting on the bracelet.

“You bought me my birthday present in November?” She repeated.

“Yes. Why are you so shocked?” He asked with a frown.

“You brought me a present five months in advance?”

“Yes, Buffy.” He sighed.

She just stared at him wide-eyed.

A soft smile settled over his lips as his hand came to cup her cheek.

“When will you get it through that thick skull of yours that I’m not letting go? I’m not going anywhere.” He breathed before bringing her closer for a soft kiss.

The two were forced to pull apart when the doorbell rang again.

“This conversation isn’t over yet.” Buffy assured him with a smile as she stood up and walked over to answer the door.

“Happy birthday!” Willow and Xander shouted in unison and the two threw themselves on Buffy.

“Guys… huh… guys… choking here.” Buffy coughed.

“Oh, sorry, sorry.” Willow said overexcited as the two teens pulled way from her.

“Happy birthday.” Oz finally spoke as he walked in quickly followed by Cordelia.

“Hey, Buffy.” The cheerleader greeted unenthusiastically as she shoved a present in her direction. “From me and Xander.”

“Thanks, Cordy.” Buffy said leaning in to give her a kiss on the cheek, but the brunette quickly stepped away.

“Erg, no kissing.” She grumbled making a face.

Buffy shook her head and greeted Oz.

“It’s from me and Willow.” The short teen said when he handed her a gift.

“Thanks. Come in you guys. Spike’s in the living room.” Buffy invited them giddily as she floated after them. Maybe this birthday wasn’t going to be that bad.

Chapter 49

“Anyway…” Cordelia huffed. “I’m actually glad I got to play the Nurse. Juliet is just *so* dull and annoying. Such a spoiled brat, so not me. I just wouldn’t be able to bring realism to that character.” Cordy explained as she sipped from her glass.

“Thanks, Cordy.” Buffy replied sarcastically with a roll of her eyes.

“What?” The cheerleader questioned raising an eyebrow when everyone at the table seemed to be shaking their heads.

“So…” Giles, ever the diplomat, tried to change the subject: “The play seems to be back on track?”

“Yeah, Miss Addams was back last week and rehearsal started where we had left off.” Xander informed as he helped himself to another piece of cake when he suddenly received a sharp slap across his outstretched arm.

He frowned and glanced up at Cordy before quickly withdrawing his offending hand.

“Xander…” she scolded between clenched teeth. “You keep eating like that you’re not going to fit into your tuxedo for the prom.”

“Oh, come on Cordelia. Let the boy eat. He’s starving.” Joyce stepped in picking up the teen’s plate and serving him a large piece of the birthday cake.

The brunette didn’t reply simply gave her boyfriend a disgusted glance as she watched him shovelled the food into his mouth.

“It’s gonna be a bit complicated with Spring break in the middle but Miss Addams thinks it won’t be a problem as long as we come baefreefreshed and ready for some major practicing.” Buffy spoke up while she twirled the spoon in her hand.

She was leaning partially against Spike’s chest and she smiled inwardly when she felt him tighten his grip over her shoulder. A wave of peace washed over her. This was exactly how she wanted it - a perfect birthday with her friends and family and no impending disasters. She was just sorry to see it come to an end.

A comfortable silence filled the room; the only thing breaking it was the soft blues coming from the stereo until Joyce brought her hands together and stood up.

“I better get these dishes into the kitchen.” Turning to Giles she added: “Could you help me?”

“We’ll do it.” Willow quickly offered about to stand when Mrs. Summers’ hand on her shoulder halted her.

“No, don’t be silly. You kids stay here. The oldies are going to worry about the dish-washing.” The older woman assured her as she walked out of the room, hands filled with plates and glasses.

Giles quickly trailed after her taking with him the rest of the dishes.

“So…” Willow started: “What are you guys doing for the Spring break?” She asked overenthusiastically, her eyes sparkling.

“Oh, shut up already! We all know that you and shorty here are going on a road trip up to San Francisco.” Cordelia grumbled tilting her head towards Oz. She was tired of having to hear the redhead go on and on about the trip.

“I still can’t believe your mom let you.” Buffy said, a hint of envy slipping into her voice.

“Yeah, a whole week, just the two of you.” Spike joined in the melancholic tone.

“Arg!” Cordy exhaled sharply, letting her head drop in frustration. “The horror of being apart during one whole week.” She mocked and then added: “It’s just a stupid week, I’m sure you two aren’t going to die over it.

Buffy ignored the cheerleader’s mockery and nuzzled her face into Spike’s chest.

“Your father still set on having you visit the family in London, huh?” Oz spoke up.

Spike nodded with a painful look on his face.

“I don’t know why you guys can’t go during the summer.” Buffy grumbled. “My mom has some vacation time coming and we’d be able to go with you.” She ended her statement with a pout.

“It’s not my fault your mom has to work during Spring break. You could come.” He offered.

At that Buffy immediately pulled away shaking her head vehemently.

“Oh, no! I’m not going to face ‘the family’ alone.”

“You make us sound like the mafia.” Spike defended himself.

Willow giggled at that. The two blondes didn’t seem to be able to stop fighting… ever.

“Well, we better get going.” Cordelia suddenly said, but not before faking a long yawn.

Xander shook his head at his girlfriend’s lack of tact. ‘She’s definitely the world’s worst actress., he thought, glancing at his watch and realised that she was actually right.

“Yeah, we better go. It’s pretty late.”

“I think we’ll go too. You know, school and all tomorrow.” Willow said standing from the table.

Buffy pouted a bit but as she looked at the clock it read twelve thirty.

“Let’s just go say goodbye to your mom.” Xander offered.

The six teens walked over to the kitchen, Buffy and Spike leading the committee.

“Oh, God! Mom!”

“Da!”

The two blondes shouted in unison when they walked in to find the older couple in the middle of some major lip-locking action.

“That’s disgusting!” Buffy spat, twisting her facial muscles in revulsion.

“God, the image is burned in my retina. Great, I won’t be able to sleep tonight.” Spirumbrumbled as Joyce and Giles awkwardly pulled away from each other.

“Kids! What are you doing here?” Mrs. Summers blurted out before she had a chance to realise just how stupid the question was.

“We just came to say goodbye. We’re leaving.” Xander bravely spoke up.

“Oh, right, right.” Giles said nervously as he straightened his shirt. “We should be going too, William. After all it is a school night.”

A collective snicker came from the group of friends at the sound of Spike’s real name and Xander actually whispered mockingly:

“William…”

The Brit narrowed his eyes at his friend but ignored him as they walked into the hallway.

“Well, it was nice having you all here.” Joyce thanked, a flush still reddening her cheeks.

“Thanks, Mrs. Summers. Dinner was wonderful.” Turning to Buffy, Willow continued: “Happy birthday, Buffy.”

“Thanks, Wills.”

“Goodbye, Buffy. Hope you liked the present.” Oz uttered monotonically but with a small smile.

“It was great, thanks Oz.”

“Bye. See you tomorrow, Buffster.” Xander said giving her a bear-hug before crossing the threshold.

“Bye.” Cordy quickly waved and followed her boyfriend.

Buffy watched as the group disbanded. Out of the corner of her eyes she saw Giles giving Joyce a quick peck on the lips as they said goodbye.

“So, pet, was it everything you wanted?” Spike’s voice snapped her out of her daze.

“And more.” She smiled giving him a kiss.

“See you tomorrow.” He said as he turned to Joyce. “Thanks for dinner.”

“You’re welcome.” Mrs. Summers smiled.

Mother and daughter stood on the porch as they watched their guests leave. Joyce furrowed her brow when she heard Buffy sigh deeply.

“You ok, honey?”

“Yeah…” She whispered staring at the quickly disappearing pair as she hugged herself; a content smile on her lips. “I’m great.”

~+~

Buffy nervously tapped her fork on her tray as she scanned the room for the one-hundredth time. The cafeteria was packed, or maybe it just seemed that way. A week of Spring break makes a room filled with teenagers seem very crowded.

“What’s up with the Buffster?” Xander asked Willow when he failed to get an answer from the blonde girl.

“Looking for Spike.” The redhead replied shrugging.

His name seemed to snap her out of her search and she glanced back at her friends.

“Don’t you and Spike have English together on Mondays?” Xander asked raising a curious eyebrow.

“Spike’s plane only arrived about two hours ago.” Buffy replied glancing at her watch.

“So the Brit’s coming back from the Homeland, huh?”

Buffy was about to answer his question when a flash of white hair appeared from between the sea of teenagers blocking the entrance to the cafeteria. The petite blonde practically jumped in her seat as she strained to catch another glimpse of him. One week, one whole week without seeing him was just too much.

She held her breath when she saw him push through the crowd and scurry towards the familiar table.

Spike inhaled sharply when he finally saw her sitting there. She was more beautiful than ever. God, he’d missed her.

“Hey!” He gasped, a bit out of breath from the jog as he quickly took his seat next to Buffy.

He never gave her a chance to reply as his arm quickly wormed itself around her waist and pulled her in for a demanding kiss.

Buffy’s small fingers curled themselves into the lapels of his coat as they kissed.

The hard sound of people clearing their throats brought them back to reality and they were forced to break away.

“Two seconds in the same room and they’re already into the tonsil cleaning.” Cordy sighed as she dropped her tray next to Xander’s.

“Hey, guys.” Spike breathed, his eyes never leaving Buffy’s as his hand silently slipped under the hem of her shirt to caress her stomach.

“Spike. Man it’s nice to be acknowledged.” Xander said sarcastically as the two blondes continued to stare at each other.

There was an awkward silence as the tension between the two became evident.

“So…” Xander started. “How’s the Homeland? The Royal family? Prince Charles?”

“Still there and still snogging Camilla Parker-Bowles.” He replied uninterested. “You wanna…?” He asked Buffy as he tilted his head towards the door.

She immediately nodded and the two stood up, quickly making their way out of the cafeteria.

The remaining teens that sat around the table just looked at each other.

~+~

Buffy gasped for breath when she felt her back being slammed against the row of lockers. His mouth immediately assaulted hers; his eager hands quickly trailing down her lower back to cup her behind forcing her to press her pelvis against his.

“Mmm…” Buffy moaned into his mouth as she tried to speak while her fingers erratically gripped the back of his neck, worming themselves into his now dishevelled locks.

“Missed you…” moan “So… bloody much.” He growled abandoning her lips to nibble at the tender flesh of her neck, his hand hooking itself under her thigh and bringing it against his hip in a desperate attempt to feel her closer.

Buffy was about to jump up and wrap her legs around his waist when the sharp sound of high-heel footsteps broke their daze. Amazingly, they were able to pull apart just as Miss Addams turned the corner into the hall they were in.

“Ah, Mr. Giles! Just the person I was looking for.” The young counsellor said brightly, ignoring the evident flush that marred the two teenager’s faces.

Still a bit stunned from Buffy’s touch he blinked a couple of times and cleared his throat before speaking:

“Yeah?”

“I’d like to see you in my office, please.” She replied with her usual artificial grin.

“Now?” The desperation was evident as his glance alternated between his reddened girlfriend and the teacher.

“Yes, now.” She spoke briskly as she hocked her arm around Spike’s and dragged him away from Buffy. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you for some time now.” She stopped in mid-stride and turned to glance at Buffy over her shoulder. “Miss Summers I’ll be expecting you at the theatre after school for rehearsal.”

And with that she left, taking Spike with her and leaving a frowning Buffy in the deserted hall.

~+~

The front door swung open to let a hurried Buffy race up the stairs.

“Buffy? Is that you?” Mrs. Summers called from the kitchen.

“Yeah, mom. I’ll be in my room.” Buffy shouted back as she took the stairs two steps at a time.

She plopped down on her bed and immediately reached for the phone. Dialling the now familiar number, she waited.

“Hello?” A low voice answered from the other side of the line.

“Hey, it’s me.” She replied quickly.

“Hey, luv. You home from rehearsal?” Spike asked.

“Yeah.” Buffy paused a bit, catching her breath before asking: “What did Miss Addams want to talk to me about?”

“Hum… nothing.” He lied unconvincingly.

“Spike…” Buffy warned him.

“Let’s just say I’m the most recent victim of the ‘too little extra-curricular activities’ excuse to torture unsuspecting teenagers.” He grumbled.

He pressed his fingers against the bridge of his nose when he heard her suppress a giggle.

“What’d she have you do?” She finally enquired.

“Not saying.”

“Oh, come on. Can’t be that bad. Is it something to do with the play?” She asked eagerly as she pictured the various opportunities they’d have to spend time together if it were true.

“Wish. But no. It’s worse. A lot worse.” He mumbled.

It was clear that he didn’t want to talk about it but she pushed the subject.

“Come on, tell me.” She practically begged as she played with the cord of her phone.

There was a moment of pause before he blurted out:

“I’m on the bloody Prom Committee.”

“What?!” She asked chuckling a bit.

“Don’t laugh.”

“You’re on the Prom Committee. You’re going to organise the Prom?” She questioned surprised.

“Yeah.” He groaned almost imperceptibly.

“You’re joking, right?”

“Do I bloody well sound like I’m joking?” He growled.

“So you’re going to work on the decoration and the theme and all?”

“Yeah. Can we change the subject now?” He grumbled.

“No. This is just too funny.” She smiled into the phone.

“Funny, huh? Know what’s funny? Guess what weekdays the Committee gets together.”

“I dunno.” Buffy frowned, not know where he was going with it.

“Tuesdays and Thursdays aka the only weekdays you don’t have those stupid rehearsals.”

“Oh!” Buffy sighed. “Well, we still have weekends.”

“And that’s where the bonus comes in. We also meet on Saturdays.”

“What?!”

“And the only reason we’re not meeting on Sundays is cause I threatened to beat Jonathan to a bloody pulp if he even suggested that to Miss Addams.” Spike explained.

“Jonathan’s on the Committee again?”

“Yeah, guess who’s president.” He never gave her a chance to reply. “Andrew.”

Spike groaned again when he heard her giggle once again from the other side of the line.

~+~

The days raced by and contrary to what would have been expected with the quickly approaching summer they seemed to grow shorter and not longer. There was just too much work and too little time. Between school, rehearsal and Committee meetings Buffy and Spike barely saw each other, the only exceptions were when Mrs Summers would invite Giles and Spike over to dinner and even then they had little or no time alone.

Buffy pressed the tips of her fingers against her temples as she sat on the first row. She didn’t even bother to look up as Cordelia painfully delivered her lines to a struggling Xander, as he pulled and pushed at his clothes.

“I can’t do this. This dress is too tight.” Xander suddenly protested.

“That’s cause you’re eating like a pig.” Cordy shot.

“I’m not. These clothes shrunk.” The boy protested as he desperately tried to adjust the fabric around his stomach.

“You eat like a…“

The sharp sound of Cordelia’s voice seemed to drift into nothingness as Buffy slowly dozed off.

“Miss Summers!”

Buffy was snapped out of her haze as two fingers were snapped in front of her face.

“If you don’t mind, I would prefer it if you didn’t drift off into lala land during rehearsals.”

“Oh, sorry.” Buffy quickly sat up in her seat, pushing her hair be her her ears. “I was just-”

But she wasn’t able to finish her sentence as she was cut off by a loud clapping sound coming from Miss Addams, who had already made her way up on stage:

“People, people. At this rate we’ll never be ready on time. I mean, what do I have to do to get your full attention. Concentrate, concentrate.” She clapped her hands energetically once more. “I want stamina, stamina! Now! And you” She suddenly pointed at the boy who was working the lighting. “Those lights are too strong. Do you want my actors to faint from dehydration in the middle of their lines?” The boy shook his head vehemently. “No, I didn’t think so. Bring them down a notch.” She waited for the teen to oblige and then added: “That’s better. Good. Now, let’s start from the top.”

A collective groan echoed through the room.

“What?” Miss Addams asked angrily.

No one dared to speak up.

“Good. Oh and Xander. Lay off the chocolate. You get any chubbier we are going to get you into a corset.”

The brunette’s eye widened in fear.

“Now. Start over. Miss Summers, it’s your queue.”

Buffy groaned, pushing herself off the seat and hopped onto the stage.

~+~

He rested his elbows over his thighs and dropped his head to his hands. This was torture at its most painful. Why did they now have to meet on Fridays too?

Two hours had gone by and the group of nerds were still dwelling on what would be the official colour of banners that were to adorn the halls.

“Blue is so much better. Blue like the sea.” A shy, freckled girl offered as she adjusted her glasses.

“No, yellow is *so* much cooler.” Jonathan insisted. “Yellow, sun, summer. It’s perfect.”

Noting that Spike had been quiet all afternoon Andrew asked nervously:

“What do you think, Spike?”

The bleached teen pressed the heels of his hands against his closed eyelids before looking up and letting out a sigh.

“Wha’?”

“The colour for the banner.”

“I don’t know. Black?” He said shrugging.

His offer was met by a collective shaking of heads.

“Black? It’s not a funeral, it’s the prom.” Kathy spat arrogantly.

Spike glared at the girl. She was probably the most aggravating member of the Committee. Ever since she had made some snotty comment about Buffy he had instantly come to dislike her. And if that wasn’t enough, she seemed to be obsessed with cleanliness. She had this fixation with organising and labelling everything perfectly that just got on his nerves. She just tried too hard to be nice and pleasant. It was disconcerting. And plus, she was just *too* peppy.

“Ha, Spike is so funny.” Andrew said nervously as he tried to relieve the tension. “S-so we’ll just go for a vote between blue and yellow.”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake. You’ve voted on it already. It was tie remember?” Spike growled.

Everyone in the room froze.

“Fine. What was the choice?” He sighed.

After a moment of pause Jonathan piped up:

“Y-yellow or blue.”

“Fine. I vote blue. Done. Next.” Spike tried to speed up the process.

“Blue it is.” Andrew smiled anxiously as he scribbled something down on his pad. “Next order of business… the font colour on the banner. Any suggestions?” The blonde asked scanning the group.

Spike simply rolled his eyes and let his head drop once again. This was going to be one of the longer meetings.

~+~

Buffy dragged her feet as she arrived home.

“Hello, honey.” Mrs Summers greeted her from the kitchen. “How was rehearsal? You look tired.”

“Hey.” She mumbled back as she took a seat around the isle. “Miss Addams is intent on killing us. I’m sure. It’s all just an elaborate scheme.”

“Well, I left the gallery late and I didn’t have the chance to buy anything so you’ll be happy to know that we are going to have pizza for dinner.” Joyce smiled when she saw a small sparkle in her daughter’s eyes.

“That’s great mom.” Buffy replied weakly. “I’m gonna go take a shower.”

“Ok, sweetie.”

~+~

Hobbling her way into her room Buffy let her soaked, towel-wrapped body drop onto the soft mattress. She closed her eyes and sighed deeply when the phone rang. She refused to move and simply outstretched her arm, picking up the receiver and bringing it to her ear.

“Hello?” She mumbled.

“Hello, luv.”

A tired smile eased its way onto her lips at the sound of his voice. God, how she missed it. The only chances she got to see him were occasional encounters in the hall or during English class which left a lot to be desired.

“You’re home already?” Spike asked.

“Just got in and had a shower.” She replied.

“How was rehearsal?”

“Inhuman torture.” She said simply. “You?”

“Same. But there are good news. We have already decided on the colours for the banners. Background blue, letters yellow. We postponed the decision on which font to use for the next meeting.” He grumbled sarcastically.

“Poor baby.” Buffy offered sympathetically.

“You tired?”

“Dying.”

There was a moment of silence.

“I miss you.” He breathed.

‘God, his voice!’

“Miss you too.”

“I wish I was there. I wish I could touch you.” He paused and inhaled sharply. “I miss your scent, baby.”

Without noticing it, her hand secretly slipped under the towel, which was still wrapped around her, to caress her stomach.

“It’s just been too long since I’ve touched you.” Spike continued to speak, his breath starting to come in hard gasps.

“I want you so much.” Buffy breathed as her fingers slowly drifted lower and finally slipped between her legs.