Chapter 4

by Sanity Fair

"Honey, are you feeling alright?" Joyce asked as she and Buffy sat together inside the kitchen. Her mother had a way of looking at her for moments at a time before actually voicing her questions. Two minutes earlier Buffy had a feeling of what she would ask before she even asked it so the uttered phrase came at no surprise to her. Only slightly in annoyance.

"I'm fine mom," Buffy said rolling her eyes slightly.

She was fine, she knew that she was, and she wished her mother wouldn't ask her if she was or give her that look that she was giving her now. The look that clearly said she didn't trust her answer. Buffy was fine, she was better then fine even. And yesterday had been the happiest day in her life. She was still transfixed in her own afterglow and the only thought that skirted across her mind was being back there with him. Her Angel. Being back in his strong arms, gazing into his dark eyes as she gave all of herself to him. She shuddered just thinking about it.

"You don't look okay," Joyce observed as she continued to press the issue further.

"I'm fine mom," Buffy repeated.

She hated lying to her mother, though it's not like she was. Buffy was fine, she really was. But, there was now some part of her that would never be the same. A part of her was given to Angel, a part of her that she could never take back. Not that she would have it any other way.

"You look flustered," Joyce said reaching over to feel Buffy's forehead. After frowning a beat Joyce announced, "I think you're running a fever."

Buffy batted her hand away, "I'm fine..."

Broken record much? In truth, Buffy was sure she was probably coming down with a cold of some kind, but it was nothing for her mother to freak out about. Okay, maybe in this neighborhood there should be some concern she wasn't turning into a demon or hearing people's thoughts, but Buffy was sure it was just a cold. After all, when her main focus was roaming inside the cemetery in all kinds of weather she was sure she would pick up a bug or two. But, a little bit of chicken soup, some magazines, and Angel by her side she should be better in no time.

"I have to go," Buffy said brushing her mother off once more and heading toward the door.

LATER

"Buffy, are you feeling okay?" Willow asked peering into her friend's face, "You look all flustery and stuff..."

"I'm fine!" Buffy said, "God, what is with everyone today."

"Well, sorry Buff, but you have to admit, you look like crap," Xander said.

"I have a cold," Buffy said, narrowing her eyes slightly at his oh so polite observation, "You know I'm sure you've had one before. The flu is going around."

They all sat together in the library where they were doing, what else, but researching for the newest big bad. No matter how hard Buffy tried to melt her eyes into the worn pages of the spell book she kept thinking back to him. The moments spent with Angel seemed to be clouding her mind. She wondered what he was doing now. Okay, lame. He would probably be sleeping as most vampires would be in the mid afternoon. But, she still couldn't stop thinking about last night. Everyone time she closed her eyes she was back there staring up into his eyes as they put the world behind them.

"Buff, hey earth to Buffy," Xander said snapping his fingers in front of her face.

"I said it was just a cold," Buffy said snapping back to reality.

"Uh yeah we got that...about five minutes ago," Xander said raising an eyebrow.

"Oh..." Buffy managed.

Willow gave her a look, but said nothing. Buffy felt the back of her neck beginning to grow hot with embarrassment as it often did when she was nervous. Could Willow tell? Could her best friend see right through the facade and tell what she had done with Angel. Maybe she was just being paranoid, but everyone around seemed to be able to tell that something was up.

"Yes, well ah getting back to the sake of the world," Giles said removing his glasses for a quick clean.

Okay maybe not everyone. Giles seemed oblivious to everything except for demons, vampires, and saving the world. Buffy ran a steady hand through her blonde hair as she stared down into her book. She was beginning to have a headache and it wasn't something that felt good. Geez, why did flu season have to be now, especially when she and Angel had moved forward with their relationship. Maybe despite all her sniffles she would still be able to see him tonight. The thought of that let a slow smile creep to her lips as she fell back into the book and pretended to read again.