A/N: I don't own the characters, they are the property of Stephanie Meyers and Joss Whedon. I just like to ponder what would happen if the two worlds collided.

Chapter 18: Bathroom Bother

The scene in the living room was almost serene. Almost. The Scooby Gang was scattered in their usual spots, a testament to the comfort they found in each other's presence even after all these years. Giles was seated at his desk, surrounded by the familiar clutter of books and notes. Buffy sat comfortably intertwined on Spike's lap in the armchair, her fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns on his arm. Willow was tucked up on the couch, a spell book balanced on her knees, while Xander perched on the stools by the breakfast bar, sipping a soda.

Suddenly, a crash from upstairs shattered the calm, followed by a hissing noise that sent shivers down their spines. "What in blazes is going on in there?" Giles muttered, his brows knitting together in concern as he tilted his head, trying to decipher the sounds cutting through the calm.

Spike, with his characteristic lack of filter and a penchant for stirring the pot, couldn't resist a jab. "Maybe our dear Jasper's discovered he's allergic to water now," he quipped, a smirk playing at the edges of his lips.

Xander, never far behind with a comment, added, "Wouldn't that be a sight? The world's first hydrophobic vampire." His chuckle, though light-hearted, failed to mask the undercurrent of concern in his voice.

"Maybe it's the holy water in the Sunnydale water system," Spike added, chuckling. Buffy suppressed a giggle, her lips twitching as she tried to maintain composure. Willow, however, looked genuinely distressed.

Giles, however, was not in the mood for humour, shooting them both a scathing look that quickly wiped the smirks off their faces. "This is no time for jokes, you two. Jasper's clearly in distress," he said, his voice carrying a gravity that underscored his worry for the vampire down the hall.

Buffy, ever the voice of reason amidst the chaos, stepped in. "I'll take Spike out for patrol. Give Jasper some space," she suggested, her tone firm yet gentle, a reminder of her leadership within the group.

Spike's expression brightened at the prospect; his earlier jest forgotten as he draped an arm casually around Buffy's shoulders. "Sounds like a plan, love. Always up for a bit of quality time with you," he remarked, his demeanor shifting seamlessly from mischief to anticipation.

Willow bit her lip, her earlier amusement replaced with genuine concern. "But what about Jasper? He's still hissing in there," she pointed out, her worry for Jasper evident in her furrowed brow.

Giles sighed, the weight of responsibility settling on his shoulders as he decided. "I'll go check on him," he declared, his tone leaving no room for debate. "In the meantime, Xander, Willow, could you please start cleaning up here?"

With nods of agreement from the group, the plan was set in motion. Buffy and Spike made their way out the door for their patrol, leaving Giles to head up the stairs, the concern for Jasper heavy in his heart.

As Giles climbed the stairs, the hissing had ceased, replaced by a worrying silence. Nearing the door, he pressed his ear against it, listening for any sound from within. What he heard was not distress but the soft, uneven breathing of someone trying to regain composure.

"Good lord," Giles whispered to himself, his earlier frustration melting into empathy. "Teenage Slayers are easier to understand than Confederate vampires."

On the other side of the door, Jasper was having a rough time. Ever since he'd arrived in Sunnydale, his usually calm demeanor had been shattered. He felt like a newborn vampire all over again — volatile, overwhelmed by heightened senses, and emotions running amok. Only this time, instead of being consumed by an insatiable thirst and homicidal urges, he was dealing with hunger pains, slowed healing, body odor, and mood swings. It was like being a teenager all over again, and it was driving him insane.

He stood in the bathroom, staring at the offending shower faucet. The water temperature seemed impossible to regulate; it either scalded or froze him, and his heightened senses made the sensation unbearable. With a frustrated growl, he slammed his hand against the wall, causing the crash they'd all heard downstairs.

Giles knocked on the door gently before entering, finding Jasper in a state of disarray. The vampire looked up, embarrassment flashing across his features before he masked it with a scowl.

"Giles," Jasper acknowledged, his voice a mix of frustration and resignation.

"Jasper," Giles replied, his tone calm and measured. "It sounds like you're having a bit of trouble."

Jasper sighed, running a hand through his tousled hair. "You could say that. I can't even figure out the bloody water temperature. Everything hurts."

Giles stepped further into the room, offering a sympathetic smile. "I understand. Your body is going through significant changes, and it's bound to be disorienting. I remember when Buffy first became the Slayer, her senses were similarly heightened. It took time for her to adjust."

Jasper huffed, leaning against the counter. "It's more than that, Giles. I feel like I'm losing myself. I've always been in control, but now..."

"You're experiencing an identity crisis," Giles finished for him, nodding thoughtfully. "It's perfectly natural, given the circumstances."

Jasper remained silent, his thoughts swirling with self-doubt and embarrassment. Giles cleared his throat awkwardly, searching for something to lighten the mood.

"You know," Giles said with a forced chuckle, "this isn't the first time my bathroom has been the site of... unusual events. Spike, for instance, once managed to—"

But before Giles could finish, Jasper cut in, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "I'd rather not know about Spike's bathroom exploits, thank you."

Giles chuckled awkwardly, realizing his attempt at levity had fallen flat. "Right, my apologies. I just meant to say that... well, accidents happen. And there's no shame in needing a bit of help now and then."

Jasper took a deep breath, feeling a bit of the tension ease from his shoulders. "I appreciate that, Giles. Really."

Giles nodded, offering a reassuring pat on Jasper's shoulder. "Now, let's see if we can't figure out this water situation. It's the least we can do to make you feel more comfortable."

"Before, a hot shower never hurt," Jasper confessed. "My skin is cool to the touch, you see. But now... it's different. It hurts."

Giles couldn't help but stifle a chuckle at the irony of a vampire being sensitive to hot water. However, he quickly composed himself, realizing Jasper's distress.

"Ah, I see," Giles responded sympathetically. "It must be quite an adjustment for you, Jasper. But do you remember what I told you earlier about Carlisle's phone call? He suggested that your vampire physiology might be changing somehow in Sunnydale."

Jasper fell silent for a moment, considering Giles' words. "Yes, I remember you telling me." he finally replied. "But what does that mean for me?"

Giles hesitated, unsure of how to answer. "We're not entirely certain," he admitted. "But we'll figure it out together, Jasper. In the meantime, perhaps we can find a way to make your shower more bearable. For starters, try adjusting the temperature," Giles suggested gently. "Turn the knob to the left to make the water cooler."

Jasper grumbled in frustration. "I know how to use a shower, Giles," he muttered.

Giles sighed softly, understanding Jasper's irritation. "I apologize, Jasper. It's just that your experience might be different now, given your... unique circumstances."

Jasper reluctantly followed Giles' instructions, turning the knob to the left. After a moment, he felt the water grow cooler, alleviating some of the discomfort.

"Better?" Giles inquired.

Jasper nodded, albeit begrudgingly. "Yes, thank you," he admitted.