*Fish and Cricket*

They entered the kitchen and Isabel walked towards the actual kitchen while Thomas walked to the opposite end of the room and stood by the pot-bellied stove. Spike frowned and went towards Willow, who was watching an interesting adaptation of monopoly; he bent down and whispered in her ear.

"Have you noticed anything weird between Isabel and Thomas?"

"Not really, only the fact that they appear to be best friends and yet they cannot stand to be within a ten metre radius of each other." Spike's proximity was making Willow nervous and so she became a bit catty and sarcastic.

"Relax, luv, I've noticed the same I'm gonna go talk to Isabel,"

Spike left Willow and he was so caught up in his own thoughts that he didn't even feel Willow's eyes on his butt.

When he made it over to Isabel he found her filleting the fish, she was quite skilful with the knife and he found himself transfixed but her graceful and precise strokes.

"Hey Spike."

"Hi," he said shaking his head bringing himself back to life.

"What's up?"

"Nothing, you're pretty good with that for a lass," he said adding the mortal in his head.

"Practise, I've been filleting fish since I was old enough to know when mum would not be able to see me."

"Sneaky are you?"

"Somewhat, gotta be."

"Why?"

"No reason, just gotta be.mainly to keep one over those boys," she added the last bit quickly hoping that he would not notice the slight pause.

Spike however did notice and put it with the pile that was becoming large, all of these strange points led to one thing, Isabel was.

"Langer's out for 57, next up to bat, Gilchrist." The loud voice of the commentator stopped Spike's thought patterns mid-assumption.

Spike turned around to see the TV was on and the boys were suddenly glued to it.

"I forgot this was on," Ben said getting more comfortable.

"That's coz I hid everything that would tell you it was, excluding Thomas here." Jasmine sighed.

"Sorry, Jaz. But we are about to cream England, as per usual," Thomas threw the last comment over his shoulder to Spike, curious to see whether or not it would bait the Englishman.

"Mate, England's been playing the game longer than Australia's been a country so don't even try it."

"Sorry Spike, did I hit a nerve?"

"No."

"Okay," Thomas had had his bit of fun so he turned back around and watched the game.

"Can you give me a hand Spike?" Isabel hoped to get his mind away from it Thomas could be the most stupid bastard at times.

"Sure."

"Thanks, just keep an eye on the fish while I make a salad."

Spike watched the food as he noticed that she was again very good with a knife.

The fish were finished and the salad was made, Isabel called Dinner and everyone came over except the boys. Xander and Riley were now to hypnotised by the game.

Isabel walked over and stood in front of the TV.

"Okay you have two choices, one, go over and I leave the TV on, or, I turn it off and throw it out the bloody window." Isabel sounded annoyed, more than was usual for the situation.

The boys scurried over to the table faster than anyone thought, all except Thomas.

"What makes you think you can order us around?"

"Because it works," she said gesturing over to the table and the boys.

"Well it doesn't work with me."

"Just go eat," she said suddenly exasperated.

"No!"

"Fine."

She walked past him and straight out the door, he swore and followed her.

"Let's eat," Jasmine said as though the exchange had never taken place.

Spike thought it would be the best idea to just go with it so he reached for the fish and began to eat. Willow looked at the door for a moment before turning and joining the others eating.

"This is lovely," Xander said between mouthfuls. He successfully got everyone's mind off what had transpired and a conversation ensued. Willow however remained quiet; she thought she might have an idea what was going on.